Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also time for another Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Chapli Burgers and 30-Minute Chili with Ground Beef and Beans. Enjoy!

CRANBERRY-PECAN BAKED PEACHES

This also comes from the November 2014 issue of Heart Insight Magazine. It begins, “Fresh peaches are halved and baked with a tantalizing blend of dried cranberries and finely chopped pecans.” Serves 4; 2 peach halves and 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture per serving.

To view this online, go to http://heartinsight.heart.org/November-2014/Cranberry-Pecan-Baked-Peaches/.

Ingredients

Cooking spray

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries

3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans

4 medium unpeeled peaches, nectarines, or pears, halved, pitted, and skin pierced in several places with a fork

2 teaspoons light tub margarine

1/2 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray. Pour the honey into the pan. Heat the pan in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the honey is slightly runny. Remove from the oven, tilting the pan and swirling so the honey lightly coats the bottom.

Sprinkle the cranberries and pecans in the pan. Place the peaches with the cut side down over the cranberry mixture. (Some of the mixture may not be covered.) Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the peaches are tender.

Arrange the peaches with the cut side up on a serving plate. Stir the margarine and gingerroot into the pan juices. Spoon the cranberry mixture into the cavities in the peaches. Spoon the pan juices over all. Serve warm or at room temperature.

EASY BREADED TOFU NUGGETS

This is from Jolinda Hackett, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. For this recipe, Jolinda wrote, “Fool your kids with a meat-free tofu chicken nugget dinner, reminiscent of the favorite finger food they love to dip in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

“In this recipe, extra-firm tofu is coated with a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Then, just like chicken, it's baked or fried to a crispy, addicting perfection.

“If you're squeamish about cooking with tofu, try this nugget recipe before you shun it, as the flavors mimic the taste of real chicken. Just make sure to follow the directions carefully, taking care to press the tofu before cooking for better consistency and taste. Then, decide on a cooking medium—for all-out flavor, go fried or for a low-fat preparation, go baked. Whatever way you choose, tofu (not) chicken nuggets make a perfect snack or dinner for picky kids and vegan eaters alike.

“Like most tofu recipes, this one will taste best if you press the tofu first. This allows the tofu to expel additional moisture so that it can absorb the seasonings for better flavor. It also helps the tofu retain its shape during the cooking process.”

Total: 70 mins; Prep: 45 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 block tofu (firm or extra-firm, well pressed)

1/3 cup soy milk (or another non-dairy milk substitute)

2 tablespoons mustard

1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons high-heat vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

Directions

Note: while there are multiple steps to this recipe, these vegan nuggets are broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for preparation and baking.

Press the Tofu

Gather the ingredients.

Remove the tofu from its package.

Pat the block of tofu dry and place it in between two layers of paper towels.

Place a small cutting board (or flat-surfaced item) and a weight— like a pot or a brick—on top of the tofu.

Let the tofu sit for 30 minutes, replacing the paper towels when they become saturated.

Prep the Tofu

Once your tofu is pressed, slice it into 1-inch cubes or nuggets (about the size of a frozen chicken nugget).

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the soy milk, mustard, nutritional yeast, and spices until smooth.

Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.

Pan-Fry the Tofu

Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.

Take one piece of tofu and dip it in the liquid mixture. Then carefully dip it in the breadcrumbs until well coated.

Add it to the pan and repeat the process.

Fry the pieces of tofu, turning them often, until golden brown on all sides.

Serve and enjoy!

Bake the Tofu

For a low-fat alternative cooking method, bake your tofu nuggets on a prepared baking sheet.

Preheat your oven to 350 F and then bake the tofu for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

Serve your vegetarian tofu nuggets with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or Sriracha hot sauce and enjoy.

CHAPLI BURGERS

This comes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “This recipe is inspired by the thin, heavily spiced Pakistani patties known as chapli kebabs, which are typically drizzled with green chutney and served wrapped in warm naan. This version replaces naan with buns and welcomes the classic crunch of iceberg lettuce. But what really sets these burgers apart are the other flavorful toppings and condiments: thinly sliced onions, tomatoes and cucumbers, a creamy herbed yogurt, and tomato ketchup spiked with tamarind paste. Take a few extra minutes to put together the sauces — the mouthwatering tang, sweetness, creaminess and spice they'll add will make all the difference.”

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes.

You can view this online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019435-chapli-burgers.

Ingredients

For Burgers:

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

Sea salt

2 tablespoons fresh or dried pomegranate seeds

1 pound ground beef

1/2 small yellow onion, minced

1/2 medium tomato, finely chopped and drained of juice

1 clove garlic, finely grated or pounded

1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger

1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced

1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems

1 egg

Neutral oil for cooking

To Serve:

Burger buns

Iceberg lettuce

Tamarind ketchup (see recipe)

Herbed yogurt (see recipe)

Sliced Persian cucumbers, red onions and tomatoes

Preparation

Place coriander seeds in a small saucepan, and set over medium heat. Swirling pan, lightly toast seeds for 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, and finely pound in a mortar and pestle with a pinch of salt (alternatively, use a spice grinder or small food processor). Add pomegranate seeds, and coarsely pound (it’s fine if the inner seed does not break down). Scrape paste into a large mixing bowl.

Add beef, onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, 1/2 jalapeño, pepper flakes, garam masala, cumin, 1/4 cup cilantro, egg and 2 teaspoons salt. Use hands to knead mixture until combined.

Fry a quarter-size piece of the mixture, and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and spices.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide meat mixture onto parchment into 6 balls, and flatten into thin, 4-inch-round patties.

Set a large cast-iron pan over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When it shimmers, lay three patties into the pan, and cook for 2 minutes on each side until browned, then set aside on a plate. Drain grease from pan, and wipe with a paper towel, then cook remaining patties. (Alternatively, grill burgers over high heat for 2 minutes per side until browned.)

Serve immediately on toasted buns with tamarind ketchup, herbed yogurt and other garnishes.

Tip

Patties can be formed, covered and refrigerated up to one day in advance. Bring to room temperature before cooking. The burgers won’t be complete without the tamarind ketchup and herbed yogurt, which take only a few minutes to make and add welcome creaminess, sweetness and tang.

HERBED YOGURT

This comes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “This simple sauce comes together quickly to provide a welcome creaminess and tang to Chapli burgers, kebabs, stewed chickpeas and fried potatoes alike.”

Yield: About 1/2 cup; Time: 15 minutes.

This was featured in “A Burger, But Better”, and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon finely chopped mint

1 teaspoon minced jalapeño

Sea salt

Preparation

In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, cilantro, mint, jalapeño and a pinch of salt. Taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

TAMARIND KETCHUP

The final of today's recipes from Samin Nosrat on The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Samin wrote, “A touch of tamarind paste lends tomato ketchup an edgy pucker. Spread this sauce all over Chapli burgers, kebabs, fried potatoes or anywhere else you'd think to use the plain stuff.”

Yield: About 1/3 cup; Time: 5 minutes

This was featured in “A Burger, But Better”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019439-tamarind-ketchup.

Ingredients

1/3 cup ketchup

4 teaspoons tamarind paste

Preparation

In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and tamarind paste.

30-MINUTE CHILI WITH GROUND BEEF AND BEANS

This comes from Diana Rattray, a southern food cook on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “This ground beef chili is hearty and delicious, and it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish! Don't feel overwhelmed by the list of ingredients, many are suggested toppings.

“The ground beef is quickly browned, then it is combined with a spice mixture, beans, and tomatoes for a quick and easy meal for a busy day. It's also easy on the budget.

“Make a pan of cornbread to go with the chili, along with a salad or slaw, or serve it with hot cooked rice and warm tortillas.

“If you're making this for a party game day gathering, offer several toppings with the chili and add a bowl of tortilla chips to the menu. The recipe is easily doubled.”

Total Time: 30 mins; PrepTime: 5 mins; Cook: 25 mins; Yield: 6 Servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

For the Seasoning Mix:

3 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons onion (dried minced)

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Chili:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 85% lean)

1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes

1 can/14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with mild green chile peppers*

1 can/8 ounces tomato sauce

1 can/15 to 16 ounces black beans (undrained)

salt to taste

Optional: shredded cheddar, cheddar-jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses

For Toppings (optional):

sour cream

green onion (chopped)

red onion (chopped)

lettuce (shredded)

cilantro

guacamole

tomatoes (diced)

Directions

In a small bowl or cup, combine the chili powder with the dried minced onion, cumin, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, and the black and cayenne peppers. Blend well and set aside.

In a Dutch oven or large sauté pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, turning and breaking up with a spatula as it cooks.

Drain the ground beef well. Return the beef to the pan over medium heat. Add the chili seasoning mix and stir to blend.

Add the 2 cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and undrained black beans. Stir to blend ingredients.

Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Taste and add salt, as needed.

Serve with a Tex-Mex cornbread or classic Southern cornbread, biscuits, crackers, or tortilla chips, along with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings.

Tip

If you don't have diced tomatoes with chile peppers, use regular diced tomatoes and add mild green chile peppers. Or, use about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of chunky mild to medium salsa in place of the second can of tomatoes.