Here's to Friday (yay) and another weekend. We've got Easter, Passover, and Ramadam over the weekend. While forty days of Lent lead up to Easter, Easter itself is one day (Sunday), Passover lasts eight days, and Ramadam lasts for 30 days. In case you're wondering (like I did), the three (Easter, Passover, and Ramadam) coincide once every thirty years. Wow!
Okay, now that we've learned a little something, it's time to get on with the food.
Here are six yummy recipes to help you through the weekend, including Best Ever Beef Stew and Mini Skillet Meatloaves. Enjoy!
WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP
This interesting soup comes from Drumnwrite in Allrecipes. The recipe begins, "Tomatoes and peanut butter? YES! The first time I tried this at a health food restaurant, I was hooked. About 5 years of tweaking the recipe to my personal taste has created a spicy, sweet favorite amongst my friends and family. Luckily there is always enough for everyone!"
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings:10
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/68530/west-african-peanut-soup/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, very finely diced
2 large bell peppers, (any color) finely chopped
6 large cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
8 cups vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Add rice to soup and stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
When rice is cooked, whisk in peanut butter and return to a simmer, and serve. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, if desired.
CLASSIC SHEPHERD'S PIE
This is from Alex Guarnashelli on the Today's site. She wrote, "This is a classic that makes me feel like I am in a pub enjoying myself. It's so comforting, especially with the cold weather. This is traditionally made with ground lamb but the American in me likes to make it with a somewhat lean beef and creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes instead. You can actually make this entirely in advance and bake when ready to serve. You can also shortcut by using premade mashed potatoes. This is a great freezer dish, which you can defrost and bake off any time.
"Technique tip: Cut your carrots, onions and celery all about the same size so they cook evenly and retain some of their texture.
"Swap option: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef for a leaner option. Swap mashed sweet potatoes or Butternut squash puree for the mashed potatoes for a sweeter, lighter version."
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
Mashed potatoes
4 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
kosher salt
1/2 cup whole milk
9 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced, divided
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Meat
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground beef
4 sprigs fresh thyme
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 large red onion, diced small
1 large carrot, diced small
2 ribs celery, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup hearty beef broth
Directions
For the mashed potatoes:
In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover amply with cold water. Bring the water up to a boil and reduce the heat so that it simmers. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and allow the potatoes to cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer.
Return the empty pot to the heat and add the milk. Bring the milk to a simmer and gingerly add the potatoes back into the pot. Season with salt and whisk in 8 tablespoons of the sliced butter and sour cream. Taste for seasoning. Remove from the heat.
For the meat:
In a medium-size skillet, heat the olive oil. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the ground beef in small pieces with the thyme and brown over high heat until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the onions, carrot and celery to the skillet and cook with the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off any excess grease. Discard the thyme.
Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the meat. Stir in the peas, vinegar and broth. Taste for seasoning.
To assemble:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Use the remaining tablespoon butter to grease the sides and bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.
Spoon a layer of the mashed potatoes on the bottom so it hugs the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Top the potatoes with all of the meat mixture. Top with all of the remaining mashed potatoes and all of the remaining cheese.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until the center is hot when poked with the tip of a knife and the top browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
MINI SKILLET MEATLOAVES
This yumminess is from the Food Network.
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Level: Easy; Makes 4 servings
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, finely minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
1 1/2 pounds meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork and/or veal)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup ketchup
1 to 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
Mix the breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion, chili powder and garlic in a large bowl. Add the meat, season with salt and pepper and mix with your hands until combined. Shape into six 3-to-4-inch oval loaves.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the loaves and brown about 3 minutes per side.
Whisk the ketchup, sugar and vinegar in a bowl and brush a few tablespoonfuls over the meat. Add 1/2 cup water to the skillet, cover and simmer over low heat until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Transfer the loaves to a plate. Add the remaining ketchup mixture to the skillet and cook over high heat, stirring, until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve 4 meatloaves with the hot glaze, reserving 2 for quesadillas.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
This recipe is from the Food Network, and begins, "Marinating chicken, peppers and onions in a highly flavored marinade imparts big Tex-Mex flavors onto these mouthwatering grilled fajitas. Spiced yogurt and avocado sauce served alongside fresh cilantro keeps the fajitas healthy and fresh tasting."
Prep Time: 25 minutes; Inactive Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fajitas-recipe-2040619.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup lime juice, about 2 limes
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
1 tablespoon honey
Kosher salt
1 1/2-pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 orange and/or yellow bell peppers, quartered, seeds removed
1 ripe avocado, halved, seeded and peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 cup fat-free Greek Yogurt
12 corn tortillas
Directions
Put the cilantro, lime juice, broth, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, honey, and salt in a blender, puree until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons; do not wash out the blender.
Put chicken breasts in a medium bowl and the peppers and onions in another. Divide the remaining cilantro puree evenly between the chicken and the peppers and onions. Toss well to coat the chicken and vegetables and let stand, at room temperature, for 30 minutes.
Add the avocado, 1/2 cup water, and the reserved 2 tablespoons cilantro sauce to the blender. Puree until smooth and season with salt. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a small skillet set over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin and coriander and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour the spices over the yogurt and set aside for the flavors to blend. Stir before serving.
Preheat a grill for medium-high/direct heat cooking. Oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken and vegetables, turning, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 5 to 8 minutes for the vegetables and 12 to 15 minutes for the chicken. Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Place the tortillas on the grill until just warmed through, about 30 seconds.
To assemble the fajitas: slice the onions and peppers into thin strips and then slice the chicken. Place some peppers, onions, chicken and cilantro in a tortilla topped with the spiced yogurt and the avocado sauce.
SMOKY WHITE BEAN AND BEEF SLOPPY JOES
This is from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. She wrote, "This update on the kid-friendly classic uses half the meat as a traditional sloppy Joe recipe, but retains the qualities that everyone loves: a tart-sweet savoriness and a quick cooking time. You can substitute ground pork, turkey, lamb or plant-based ground meat for the beef; the key is to use a protein that’s not too lean. A little fat helps carry the flavor of the meat through the entire dish. (If you use plant-based meat or you only have lean meat on hand, add another tablespoon of olive oil or your preferred fat.) The addition of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles imparts smoke, with just a hint of heat. (If you’d like a spicier version, by all means, chop up one or two of the chipotles and add them.) The leftover chipotles keep for at least two weeks in the fridge or indefinitely in the freezer, and they are a welcome addition to many dishes, like chicken tacos or chili."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 20 minutes
to view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022280-smoky-white-bean-and-beef-sloppy-joes.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 pound ground beef, preferably 85 percent lean
1 packed tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup canned or jarred tomato purée
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or pinto beans, drained
4 hamburger buns, preferably potato buns
Tomato slices and pickle chips, for topping
Preparation
Warm the oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over high heat. Add the onion, season with 1 teaspoon salt, and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the bell pepper, then spread out the vegetable mixture and let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute. Stir well and repeat, letting the vegetables cook undisturbed for another minute or so at a time. You want the onions and peppers to get softened, seared and browned in spots, about 5 minutes total.
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan, making an empty spot in the middle of the pan, and add the ground beef. Season the beef with a pinch of salt, and smash it flat with a spatula, letting it cook undisturbed for 1 minute until brown underneath. Break up the beef with the spatula and cook 1 to 2 more minutes, until completely browned with no visible pink spots.
Combine the vegetables and beef, then add the sugar and tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute to toast the tomato paste. Add the garlic powder and cumin, then the tomato purée, adobo sauce and vinegar. Stir in the beans. Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer to thicken slightly, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the buns.
With a fork, roughly smash some of the beans to thicken the mixture. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Serve on toasted buns, topped with tomatoes and pickles.
BEST EVER BEEF STEW
This comes from Chungah at Damn Delicious. She wrote, "A cozy, classic beef stew with tender beef, carrots, mushrooms + potatoes. Everyone will love this, especially on those chilly nights!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
You can view this recipe on Chungah's website at https://damndelicious.net/2020/02/29/best-ever-beef-stew/. While you're there, you can sign up for her newsletter.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups beef stock
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 large russet potato, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch chunks
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Working in batches, add steak to the stockpot and cook, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 6-8 minutes; set aside.
Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic and mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Whisk in flour and tomato paste until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the stockpot.
Stir in beef stock, thyme, bay leaves and steak. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until beef is very tender, about 30 minutes.
Stir in potato; simmer until potatoes are just tender and stew has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.*
Serve immediately.
Notes:
*TO FREEZE: Let cool completely; portion into plastic freezer bags in individual servings, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Lay the bags flat in a single layer in the freezer (this will help them freeze quickly). To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheating over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Friday, April 7, 2023
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Breakfast
When I was growing up (more years ago than seems possible), two of my friends - a brother and sister - lived next door. They were the oldest of four kids, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging around with them. Frequently, when my mother was fixing dinner, I'd wander over to Robbie and Audrey's place to see what they were doing.
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Parisian-Style Sweet Crepes and Pirate Eggs. Enjoy!
EGG AND POTATO BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Quick and easy to assemble, it makes sense why tacos are enjoyed during any time of the day in Mexico. Roast potatoes with poblano peppers and onions until golden brown, then enjoy on warm tortillas with buttery scrambled eggs."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/egg-and-potato-breakfast-tacos-3363842.
Ingredients
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon chili powder
Kosher salt
2 Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 pound), diced
1 onion, diced
1 poblano chile pepper, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
3 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons jalapeno hot sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 white corn tortillas
Directions
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F. Separate 1 egg; set the yolk aside. Whisk the egg white, chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until frothy. Add the potatoes, onion and poblano; toss. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray; spread out the vegetables, then coat with more cooking spray. Bake, flipping once, until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons cilantro and 1 tablespoon hot sauce in a bowl; season with salt and set aside.
Whisk the reserved egg yolk and 7 eggs with 1/4 cup cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until frothy. Melt the butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat; swirl to coat. Add the egg mixture and cook, stirring, until just set, about 5 minutes.
Toast the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in a damp paper towel and warm in the microwave. Toss the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro and 1 tablespoon hot sauce with the vegetable mixture. Divide the vegetables and scrambled eggs among the tortillas. Serve with the tomato salsa.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Breakfast burritos are worth waking up for, and this one brings a mix of Mexican flavors in a hearty and portable package. These are wrapped individually in foil so they’re warm and ready to go, no matter the size of your crowd. The scrambled eggs get a flavor boost thanks to cumin and cayenne. You can make these burritos ahead and refrigerate them to have them ready to go for breakfast for the next couple of days. Just unwrap them and reheat them in the microwave or in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Replace the sour cream with diced avocado tossed in lime juice, if you like."
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 34 minutes; Total Time: 49 minutes; Serves: 6; Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
6 Tbsp Reduced-fat sour cream
6 Tbsp Fat free salsa
2 sprays Cooking spray
1/2 medium Uncooked onion, chopped
1 medium Poblano chile, chopped
8 eggs
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
6 medium Whole-wheat tortillas
3/4 cup Weight Watchers Reduced fat Mexican style shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and salsa; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper to skillet and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, salt, cumin, and cayenne; pour into skillet after vegetables are softened. Scramble mixture until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a tortilla on a square of aluminum foil big enough to wrap tortilla in when rolled up; spoon about 1/2 cup egg mixture down center of tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons each salsa mixture and cheese; fold up burrito-style and wrap tightly with foil. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Yields 1 burrito per serving.
YOGURT PARFAIT BREAKFAST POPSICLES
This one comes from one of my favorite emailing sites, thekitchn. If you haven't already signed up for the great emails from thekitchn or its sibling site, Apartment Therapy, you're missing some really cool stuff.
You can view this recipe online here, along with photos of these incredible breakfast popsicles and everything that Faith Durand has to say about these. Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pints strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (around 3 cups chopped)
1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
3/4 cups granola
Directions
Combine the strawberries and sugar (or honey) in a small saucepan and stir gently to combine. Let the berries macerate on the counter for at least 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and syrupy.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a r. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries are thick and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. You should have about 1 cup of jammy fruit. (At this point, the strawberries can be refrigerated for up to a week.)
When ready to assemble the popsicles, whisk together the yogurt, 1/4 cup of the milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey. The yogurt should be thick, but pourable (roughly the consistency of regular yogurt). If needed, whisk in a little more milk. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Scoop out 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture and stir it into the granola. This will help the granola freeze into the popsicles.
Arrange 6 popsicle molds (1/2 cup capacity) on your work surface. Pour a generous spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of each mold. Add a scoop of granola and then a spoonful or two of strawberries. Continue layering yogurt, granola, and strawberries until the molds are filled. Tap the molds lightly agains the counter or use a popsicle stick to work out any air bubbles between the layers.
Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and place the popsicles in the freezer. Freeze until solid, at least 6 hours.
To unmold, run the popsicle molds under hot running water for a few seconds and gently easy the popsicles out of the molds. Popsicles will keep in the freezer for several weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute 1-1/4 cups of regular yogurt for the Greek yogurt. As long as it's pourable, there's no need to thin the yogurt any further.
The strawberries can be replaced with an equal amount of any other fruit.
You can also substitute 1 cup any flavor of jam or fruit preserves for the berries. Skip the jam-making step and proceed with assembling the popsicles.
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This comes from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37. It begins, "Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience iseasy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack."
Makes 8 crêpes
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes/.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)
Nutella
Jam
Butter
Chestnut Purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
PIRATE EGGS
When my sister and I were kids, my mother used to fix this for us on a regular basis, except that she called them Gypsy Eggs. Once my brother came along, though, they became Pirate Eggs. The name stuck. Most people from the Northeastern U.S. tend to call them Eggs-in-a-Hole or some variation of that. But whatever you call them, they're good.
The instructions are for one person. Adjust for the number of people you're feeding.
Ingredients
1-2 eggs
1-2 pieces of bread
margarine for the pan
Directions
Melt the margarine in the pan over medium heat. Take the bread and cut a round hole in the middle. Place bread in pan, then crack the egg and dump onto the bread so that the yolk is in the hold. If you prefer non-runny yolks (my preference), crack the yolk with the corner of a spatula. Cook on the first side for several minutes, then flip over and cook the other side. You can flip it several times until the egg looks cooked. Enjoy!
At one point, I noticed that on Thursday evenings (the last night before pay-day for most families in our neighborhood), their mother would have the four kids at the table, wolfing down cereal, pancakes, French toast, or other breakfast foods for dinner. If it was a cereal night, all the remaining cereal boxes from the previous shopping trip would be on the table, along with a gallon of milk, happy slurping noises coming from the table.
"Eat up!" their mother would admonish. "We'll get more cereal tomorrow, so you guys can finish those boxes up."
I so envied them. "Why can't we have cereal (or pancakes or French toast) for dinner?" I'd ask my mom. This, of course, was especially true whenever she was making that dreaded of meals, liver and onions.
"Those are breakfast things," Mom would explain, as though to a slow child.
Mom, with my younger brother, circa early 1960s
No matter. Since moving out on my own, and starting my own family (who are now grown), I occasionally made breakfast for dinner. There's nothing wrong with that, opinions to the contrary.
And so, here are six breakfast recipes that you can make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, including Parisian-Style Sweet Crepes and Pirate Eggs. Enjoy!
EGG AND POTATO BREAKFAST TACOS
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Quick and easy to assemble, it makes sense why tacos are enjoyed during any time of the day in Mexico. Roast potatoes with poblano peppers and onions until golden brown, then enjoy on warm tortillas with buttery scrambled eggs."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Makes 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/egg-and-potato-breakfast-tacos-3363842.
Ingredients
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon chili powder
Kosher salt
2 Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 pound), diced
1 onion, diced
1 poblano chile pepper, thinly sliced
Cooking spray
3 plum tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons jalapeno hot sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 white corn tortillas
Directions
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 475 degrees F. Separate 1 egg; set the yolk aside. Whisk the egg white, chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until frothy. Add the potatoes, onion and poblano; toss. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray; spread out the vegetables, then coat with more cooking spray. Bake, flipping once, until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons cilantro and 1 tablespoon hot sauce in a bowl; season with salt and set aside.
Whisk the reserved egg yolk and 7 eggs with 1/4 cup cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until frothy. Melt the butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat; swirl to coat. Add the egg mixture and cook, stirring, until just set, about 5 minutes.
Toast the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in a damp paper towel and warm in the microwave. Toss the remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro and 1 tablespoon hot sauce with the vegetable mixture. Divide the vegetables and scrambled eggs among the tortillas. Serve with the tomato salsa.
MEXICAN BREAKFAST BURRITOS
This is from Weight Watchers, and begins, "Breakfast burritos are worth waking up for, and this one brings a mix of Mexican flavors in a hearty and portable package. These are wrapped individually in foil so they’re warm and ready to go, no matter the size of your crowd. The scrambled eggs get a flavor boost thanks to cumin and cayenne. You can make these burritos ahead and refrigerate them to have them ready to go for breakfast for the next couple of days. Just unwrap them and reheat them in the microwave or in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Replace the sour cream with diced avocado tossed in lime juice, if you like."
Prep Time: 14 minutes; Cook Time: 34 minutes; Total Time: 49 minutes; Serves: 6; Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
6 Tbsp Reduced-fat sour cream
6 Tbsp Fat free salsa
2 sprays Cooking spray
1/2 medium Uncooked onion, chopped
1 medium Poblano chile, chopped
8 eggs
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp Ground cumin
1 pinch Cayenne pepper
6 medium Whole-wheat tortillas
3/4 cup Weight Watchers Reduced fat Mexican style shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream and salsa; set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; set over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper to skillet and sauté until slightly softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, salt, cumin, and cayenne; pour into skillet after vegetables are softened. Scramble mixture until cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Place a tortilla on a square of aluminum foil big enough to wrap tortilla in when rolled up; spoon about 1/2 cup egg mixture down center of tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons each salsa mixture and cheese; fold up burrito-style and wrap tightly with foil. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Yields 1 burrito per serving.
YOGURT PARFAIT BREAKFAST POPSICLES
This one comes from one of my favorite emailing sites, thekitchn. If you haven't already signed up for the great emails from thekitchn or its sibling site, Apartment Therapy, you're missing some really cool stuff.
You can view this recipe online here, along with photos of these incredible breakfast popsicles and everything that Faith Durand has to say about these. Serves 6.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pints strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (around 3 cups chopped)
1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
3/4 cups granola
Directions
Combine the strawberries and sugar (or honey) in a small saucepan and stir gently to combine. Let the berries macerate on the counter for at least 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and syrupy.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a r. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the strawberries are thick and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. You should have about 1 cup of jammy fruit. (At this point, the strawberries can be refrigerated for up to a week.)
When ready to assemble the popsicles, whisk together the yogurt, 1/4 cup of the milk, and 2 tablespoons of honey. The yogurt should be thick, but pourable (roughly the consistency of regular yogurt). If needed, whisk in a little more milk. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Scoop out 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture and stir it into the granola. This will help the granola freeze into the popsicles.
Arrange 6 popsicle molds (1/2 cup capacity) on your work surface. Pour a generous spoonful of yogurt into the bottom of each mold. Add a scoop of granola and then a spoonful or two of strawberries. Continue layering yogurt, granola, and strawberries until the molds are filled. Tap the molds lightly agains the counter or use a popsicle stick to work out any air bubbles between the layers.
Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and place the popsicles in the freezer. Freeze until solid, at least 6 hours.
To unmold, run the popsicle molds under hot running water for a few seconds and gently easy the popsicles out of the molds. Popsicles will keep in the freezer for several weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute 1-1/4 cups of regular yogurt for the Greek yogurt. As long as it's pourable, there's no need to thin the yogurt any further.
The strawberries can be replaced with an equal amount of any other fruit.
You can also substitute 1 cup any flavor of jam or fruit preserves for the berries. Skip the jam-making step and proceed with assembling the popsicles.
HAM AND PEPPER FRITTATA
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings, Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Title: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/ham-and-pepper-frittata.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced, lean, reduced-sodium ham
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups fat-free egg substitute
1 cup shredded, reduced-fat, white Cheddar or Swiss cheese
Directions
Coat a large ovenproof skillet with the olive oil and preheat over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, ham, parsley, and black pepper and saute for several minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the ham is beginning to brown. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Pour the egg substitute over the skillet mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook without stirring for about 6 minutes, until the eggs are almost set (the edges will be cooked but the top will still be runny).
Remove the lid from the skillet and wrap the handle in aluminum foil (to prevent it from becoming damaged under the broiler). Place the skillet under a preheated broiler and broil for a couple of minutes, until the eggs are set but not dry. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and broil for another minute to melt the cheese. Cut the frittata into 4 wedges and serve hot.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 222; Fat: 8.3 g; Sodium: 690 mg; Cholesterol: 32 mg; Protein: 28 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1/2 Fat
PARISIAN-STYLE SWEET CREPES
This comes from the September 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 37. It begins, "Cafés and brasseries in the French capital sell passersby sweet crêpes slathered in butter, jam, chestnut purée, and (VT favorite) Nutella. The experience iseasy to re-create at home for breakfast, Sunday supper, or a snack."
Makes 8 crêpes
To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/parisian-style-sweet-crepes/.
Ingredients
Crêpes
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup low-fat milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fillings (optional)
Nutella
Jam
Butter
Chestnut Purée
Preparation
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in bowl. Whisk in egg; mixture will be shaggy. Whisk in milk 1/4 cup at a time. Whisk in vanilla. Cover, and chill 30 minutes, or overnight.
Whisk 1/4 to 1/2 cup water into batter to thin. Lightly grease 9-inch nonstick skillet with canola oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour 1/4 cup batter into hot skillet, tilting pan to swirl batter so it coats bottom of pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges begin to brown and center is dry. Flip; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute more.
Transfer crêpe to plate, and repeat with remaining batter. To serve crêpes: Reheat 1 minute in lightly greased skillet. Spread with desired fillings, fold into quarters, and serve.
PIRATE EGGS
When my sister and I were kids, my mother used to fix this for us on a regular basis, except that she called them Gypsy Eggs. Once my brother came along, though, they became Pirate Eggs. The name stuck. Most people from the Northeastern U.S. tend to call them Eggs-in-a-Hole or some variation of that. But whatever you call them, they're good.
The instructions are for one person. Adjust for the number of people you're feeding.
Ingredients
1-2 eggs
1-2 pieces of bread
margarine for the pan
Directions
Melt the margarine in the pan over medium heat. Take the bread and cut a round hole in the middle. Place bread in pan, then crack the egg and dump onto the bread so that the yolk is in the hold. If you prefer non-runny yolks (my preference), crack the yolk with the corner of a spatula. Cook on the first side for several minutes, then flip over and cook the other side. You can flip it several times until the egg looks cooked. Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Turkey
Many of us in the U.S. tend to think of Turkey as the centerpiece of a holiday meal. But it can be so much more. Check out today's six turkey recipes, including Baked Turkey Enchiladas and Turkey Breast Roulade with Garlic and Rosemary. Enjoy!
CALIFORNIA TURKEY CHILI
This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Inactive Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/california-turkey-chili-recipe-2014996.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and chopped
2 large poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
One 15 to 16-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf, recipe follows
Assorted garnishes, such as chopped onion, shredded white Cheddar, chopped tomatoes and/or sour cream
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
1-1/4 cups whole grain quinoa (about 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy, large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, poblanos, celery and onions. Saute until the vegetables soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the turkey and saute until no longer pink, breaking up the turkey with the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and stir to blend. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to blend. Add the broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the flavors blend and the chili thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.
To serve, spoon Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf into deep bowls. Ladle chili over. Serve with garnishes.
Cook's Note: Other garnishes that you could offer: chopped radishes, pickled jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla chips and/or pico de gallo.
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
Place the quinoa in a fine sieve. Rinse under cold running water 1 full minute. Set aside to drain.
Bring the broth, salt and pepper to a boil in heavy, medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the quinoa stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scatter pine nuts on a small rimmed baking sheet. Toast the nuts until golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.
Mix the cilantro and pine nuts into the quinoa.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
TURKEY CHILI VERDE
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: Honeysuckle White
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-chili-verde.
Ingredients
1 package (about 1 pound) Honeysuckle White Turkey Breast Tenderloins
1 pound tomatillos
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: Corn or flour tortillas (not included in nutritional information)
Directions
Cut turkey into 1/2-inch cubes.
Remove papery husks from tomatillos; rinse tomatillos in hot water and cut into quarters.
In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey; cook about 5 minutes or until it turns white.
With slotted spoon, transfer turkey to large saucepan.
Add bell pepper, onion, jalapeno and garlic to same skillet; season with salt and pepper.
Cook about 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
Add vegetables and tomatillos to saucepan with turkey; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat about 30 minutes or until turkey is tender. If there is too much liquid, uncover and simmer until liquid has cooked down.
Add cilantro; serve with rice, corn or flour tortillas, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 240; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 60 mg; Cholesterol: 70 mg; Protein: 30 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Sugars: 6 g
TURKEY BREAST ROULADE WITH GARLIC AND ROSMARY
This recipe is by Ina Garten and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Ina Garten has been known as the Barefoot Contessa since she opened a gourmet store by that name in East Hampton, N.Y., in 1985. She shared this recipe from her book “Modern Comfort Food” with The Times for Thanksgiving in 2020, when many cooks were looking for alternatives to whole turkey. If you don’t like fennel seeds, leave them out: Garlic, sage and rosemary give this roast the flavors of Italian porchetta, and it will still be fragrant, juicy and delicious without them."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This yummy recipe (and aren't most of Ina's recipes yummy?) was featured in "How Does Ina Do It?", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021643-turkey-breast-roulade-with-garlic-and-rosemary.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 whole sage leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 whole butterflied boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 cup dry white wine, such as Chablis
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel seeds and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the chopped sage and the rosemary; set aside to cool.
Set the turkey breast on a cutting board and open it up, skin side down. If necessary, pound the turkey to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Sprinkle the turkey with 4 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Once the onion mixture has cooled, spread it evenly on the meat. Grate the butter and sprinkle it on top. Arrange the prosciutto on top to totally cover the filling and meat.
Starting at one long end of the turkey breast, roll the meat up jelly-roll style to make a compact cylindrical roulade, ending with the seam side down. Tie the roulade tightly with kitchen twine at 2 to 2 1/2-inch intervals to ensure that it will roast evenly. Slip the whole sage leaves under the twine down the center of the roulade.
Place the roulade, seam side down, in a roasting pan and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Brush the skin with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour the wine and 1 cup water into the roasting pan, surrounding the turkey with the liquids without pouring them directly over the roulade. Roast for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature is 150 degrees.
Remove from the oven, cover the turkey with foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the string, slice the roulade crosswise in 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve warm with the pan juices.
BAKED TURKEY ENCHILADAS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a contributor at The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " Turkey enchiladas are made with leftover turkey, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. Serve these flavorful turkey enchiladas with rice and refried beans.
"Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, but you can use corn or flour in these turkey enchiladas. The easy sauce is made with mild chile peppers, but if you like a little heat, add some finely chopped jalapeno rings."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 62 minutes; Total: 82 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-turkey-enchiladas-recipe-3061803.
Ingredients
3 cups turkey (shredded)
2 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded or a Mexican blend of cheeses, divided)
1 teaspoon salt
12 (10-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
1/3 cup corn oil
For the Sauce
2 cans mild green chile peppers (4 ounces each)
Ingredients
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 pounds stewed tomatoes
2 cups onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup water
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
Combine the shredded turkey with sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt. Stir to blend thoroughly.
Heat the oil and dip tortillas in until soft and drain. Or, follow package directions for heating tortillas in the microwave oven or conventional oven.
Stuff the warm tortillas with turkey mixture and roll up. Arrange the filled rolls seam side down, side-by-side in the prepared baking pan.
Gather the sauce ingredients.
In a skillet, saute the chile peppers with garlic in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stewed tomatoes, onions, salt, oregano, and water. Simmer uncovered until the sauce is reduced and thickened, or about 1/2 hour.
Pour the chile sauce over enchiladas and bake them for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and return them to the oven for a few minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Make the enchiladas with cooked shredded chicken instead of turkey. Chicken thighs make a good filling.
Replace the cheddar or cheddar jack cheese with pepper jack or a taco seasoned blend.
Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro to the filling.
Garnish the enchiladas with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or some sliced green onion tops when they come out of the oven.
Add 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans or pinto beans to the turkey filling or replace some of the turkey with the beans. It's a good, budget-friendly way to stretch the turkey.
ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP
Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings (about 2 cups each)
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Book Title: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/italian-meatball-soup.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
2 egg whites
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
3 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
Olive oil cooking spray
4 cans (15 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
2 cups green beans, diagonally cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
8 ounces thin spaghetti, uncooked, broken into 2-to 3-inch pieces
2 medium plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Mix ground turkey, egg whites, bread crumbs, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning until well blended; shape mixture into 32 meatballs. Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add chicken broth, water, green beans, carrots, onions, remaining 2 cloves garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered until vegetables are almost tender, about 8 minutes.
Heat soup to boiling; add pasta and tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 270; Fat: 8.7 g; Sodium: 174 mg; Cholesterol: 31.7 mg; Protein: 19 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Bread, 2 Meat, 1/2 Fat
CALIFORNIA TURKEY CHILI
This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. Prep Time: 1 hour; Inactive Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/california-turkey-chili-recipe-2014996.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and chopped
2 large poblano chiles, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey (dark meat)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons (packed) dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crushed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
One 15 to 16-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf, recipe follows
Assorted garnishes, such as chopped onion, shredded white Cheddar, chopped tomatoes and/or sour cream
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
1-1/4 cups whole grain quinoa (about 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups low-salt chicken broth (preferably organic)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
1/3 cup pine nuts
Directions
Heat the oil in a heavy, large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, poblanos, celery and onions. Saute until the vegetables soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the turkey and saute until no longer pink, breaking up the turkey with the back of a spoon, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and stir to blend. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, sugar, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to blend. Add the broth and beans. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the flavors blend and the chili thickens to desired consistency, stirring often, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.
To serve, spoon Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf into deep bowls. Ladle chili over. Serve with garnishes.
Cook's Note: Other garnishes that you could offer: chopped radishes, pickled jalapenos, crumbled cotija cheese, tortilla chips and/or pico de gallo.
Simplest Quinoa and Pine Nut Pilaf:
Place the quinoa in a fine sieve. Rinse under cold running water 1 full minute. Set aside to drain.
Bring the broth, salt and pepper to a boil in heavy, medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the quinoa. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the quinoa is tender and all the broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the quinoa stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scatter pine nuts on a small rimmed baking sheet. Toast the nuts until golden, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet.
Mix the cilantro and pine nuts into the quinoa.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
TURKEY CHILI VERDE
Recipe Yield: Yield: 4 servings
Source: Honeysuckle White
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/turkey-chili-verde.
Ingredients
1 package (about 1 pound) Honeysuckle White Turkey Breast Tenderloins
1 pound tomatillos
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: Corn or flour tortillas (not included in nutritional information)
Directions
Cut turkey into 1/2-inch cubes.
Remove papery husks from tomatillos; rinse tomatillos in hot water and cut into quarters.
In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey; cook about 5 minutes or until it turns white.
With slotted spoon, transfer turkey to large saucepan.
Add bell pepper, onion, jalapeno and garlic to same skillet; season with salt and pepper.
Cook about 5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften.
Add vegetables and tomatillos to saucepan with turkey; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat about 30 minutes or until turkey is tender. If there is too much liquid, uncover and simmer until liquid has cooked down.
Add cilantro; serve with rice, corn or flour tortillas, if desired.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 240; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 3 g; Sodium: 60 mg; Cholesterol: 70 mg; Protein: 30 g; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Sugars: 6 g
TURKEY BREAST ROULADE WITH GARLIC AND ROSMARY
This recipe is by Ina Garten and adapted by Julia Moskin in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Julia wrote, "Ina Garten has been known as the Barefoot Contessa since she opened a gourmet store by that name in East Hampton, N.Y., in 1985. She shared this recipe from her book “Modern Comfort Food” with The Times for Thanksgiving in 2020, when many cooks were looking for alternatives to whole turkey. If you don’t like fennel seeds, leave them out: Garlic, sage and rosemary give this roast the flavors of Italian porchetta, and it will still be fragrant, juicy and delicious without them."
Time: 3 hours; Yield: 8 to 10 servings
This yummy recipe (and aren't most of Ina's recipes yummy?) was featured in "How Does Ina Do It?", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021643-turkey-breast-roulade-with-garlic-and-rosemary.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 whole sage leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 whole butterflied boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 4 to 5 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
1 cup dry white wine, such as Chablis
Preparation
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel seeds and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Off the heat, stir in the chopped sage and the rosemary; set aside to cool.
Set the turkey breast on a cutting board and open it up, skin side down. If necessary, pound the turkey to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Sprinkle the turkey with 4 teaspoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Once the onion mixture has cooled, spread it evenly on the meat. Grate the butter and sprinkle it on top. Arrange the prosciutto on top to totally cover the filling and meat.
Starting at one long end of the turkey breast, roll the meat up jelly-roll style to make a compact cylindrical roulade, ending with the seam side down. Tie the roulade tightly with kitchen twine at 2 to 2 1/2-inch intervals to ensure that it will roast evenly. Slip the whole sage leaves under the twine down the center of the roulade.
Place the roulade, seam side down, in a roasting pan and pat the skin dry with paper towels. Brush the skin with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour the wine and 1 cup water into the roasting pan, surrounding the turkey with the liquids without pouring them directly over the roulade. Roast for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature is 150 degrees.
Remove from the oven, cover the turkey with foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the string, slice the roulade crosswise in 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve warm with the pan juices.
BAKED TURKEY ENCHILADAS
This comes from Diana Rattray, a contributor at The Spruce Eats. She wrote, " Turkey enchiladas are made with leftover turkey, cheese, sour cream, and tortillas. Serve these flavorful turkey enchiladas with rice and refried beans.
"Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, but you can use corn or flour in these turkey enchiladas. The easy sauce is made with mild chile peppers, but if you like a little heat, add some finely chopped jalapeno rings."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 62 minutes; Total: 82 minutes; Makes 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/baked-turkey-enchiladas-recipe-3061803.
Ingredients
3 cups turkey (shredded)
2 cups sour cream
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded or a Mexican blend of cheeses, divided)
1 teaspoon salt
12 (10-inch) tortillas (corn or flour)
1/3 cup corn oil
For the Sauce
2 cans mild green chile peppers (4 ounces each)
Ingredients
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 pounds stewed tomatoes
2 cups onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup water
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
Lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
Combine the shredded turkey with sour cream, 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and salt. Stir to blend thoroughly.
Heat the oil and dip tortillas in until soft and drain. Or, follow package directions for heating tortillas in the microwave oven or conventional oven.
Stuff the warm tortillas with turkey mixture and roll up. Arrange the filled rolls seam side down, side-by-side in the prepared baking pan.
Gather the sauce ingredients.
In a skillet, saute the chile peppers with garlic in the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stewed tomatoes, onions, salt, oregano, and water. Simmer uncovered until the sauce is reduced and thickened, or about 1/2 hour.
Pour the chile sauce over enchiladas and bake them for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and return them to the oven for a few minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Make the enchiladas with cooked shredded chicken instead of turkey. Chicken thighs make a good filling.
Replace the cheddar or cheddar jack cheese with pepper jack or a taco seasoned blend.
Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro to the filling.
Garnish the enchiladas with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or some sliced green onion tops when they come out of the oven.
Add 1 cup of cooked or canned black beans or pinto beans to the turkey filling or replace some of the turkey with the beans. It's a good, budget-friendly way to stretch the turkey.
ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP
Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings (about 2 cups each)
Source: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
Book Title: 1,001 Recipes For People with Diabetes
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/italian-meatball-soup.
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
2 egg whites
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
3 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
Olive oil cooking spray
4 cans (15 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
2 cups green beans, diagonally cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
8 ounces thin spaghetti, uncooked, broken into 2-to 3-inch pieces
2 medium plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Mix ground turkey, egg whites, bread crumbs, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning until well blended; shape mixture into 32 meatballs. Spray large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add chicken broth, water, green beans, carrots, onions, remaining 2 cloves garlic, and remaining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered until vegetables are almost tender, about 8 minutes.
Heat soup to boiling; add pasta and tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 270; Fat: 8.7 g; Sodium: 174 mg; Cholesterol: 31.7 mg; Protein: 19 g; Carbohydrates: 30 g
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 Bread, 2 Meat, 1/2 Fat
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday. Today's offerings include a little of this, a little of that, and a lot of yum. Check out the Southwest Meatloaf, the Sweet Potato Casserole, or any of the other recipes in today's post. Enjoy!
PERFECT ROAST CHICKEN
This is from Ina Garten on the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
4 carrots cut into 2-inch chunks
1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, and cut into wedges
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.
Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.
SOUTHWEST MEATLOAF
Recipe Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwest-meatloaf.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (95% lean)
1 cup soft bread crumbs
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup thick and chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 350F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl except salsa, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160F.
Let stand 10 minutes. Top with salsa; cut into slices.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 1.8 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)
1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Water
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup Chopped pecans
Directions
Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.
Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.
Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This yummy soup is from Chungah, on her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. I've mentioned her site once or twice. But if you haven't visited it yet, I highly recommend it. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)
Okay, hopefully you checked it out. Now, this recipe begins, "So warm, so cozy, so soothing. A must for those busy cold weeknights, using up that leftover rotisserie chicken!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes
You can view this online at https://damndelicious.net/2022/04/29/creamy-chicken-noodle-soup/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken and pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas and parsley until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
STUFFED PEPPERS
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. The recipe begins, "These classic stuffed peppers are as flexible as they are delicious: The filling combines lean ground beef with sautéed vegetables and cooked white rice (the perfect use for leftover takeout rice!), but ground turkey, chicken or pork can be substituted in its place. Topped with melty mozzarella, these peppers will feed a hungry crowd. For a speedy weeknight dinner, make the filling, stuff the peppers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking."
Time: 1-1/4 hours; Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021007-stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 large red, orange or yellow bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped fennel bulb (about 1/2 a small bulb) or celery
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 pound ground beef (at least 15 percent fat), turkey, chicken or pork
3/4 cup dry white wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella, provolone or other semifirm cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove core, seeds and ribs using a paring knife. Arrange the peppers, cut-sides up, in a 9-by-13-inch pan or other baking dish in which they fit snugly.
In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the fennel and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, for 3 to 5 minutes, until no longer pink.
Add 1/2 cup wine, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid in the pan is reduced by about half.
Add the tomatoes and their juices, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, Parmesan and parsley, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Divide the mixture among the peppers. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup wine into the bottom of the dish, wrap tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a paring knife easily pierces the peppers. Remove the foil and spoon any juices that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan onto the peppers. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly onto the peppers and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and beginning to brown.
Allow the peppers to cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve hot.
PERFECT ROAST CHICKEN
This is from Ina Garten on the Food Network. Prep Time: 20 minutes; Inactive Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
4 carrots cut into 2-inch chunks
1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, and cut into wedges
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.
Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.
SOUTHWEST MEATLOAF
Recipe Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwest-meatloaf.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (95% lean)
1 cup soft bread crumbs
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup thick and chunky salsa
Directions
Heat oven to 350F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl except salsa, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160F.
Let stand 10 minutes. Top with salsa; cut into slices.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 1.8 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Ingredients
4 medium Sweet potatoes or yams (about 2 lb)
1/4 cup Packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Butter
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
1 tablespoon Packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Water
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups Miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup Chopped pecans
Directions
Wash sweet potatoes. Prick each 2 or 3 times with fork to allow steam to escape. Arrange in oven at least 1 inch apart. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until fork-tender, 8 to 10 mins. Cover & let stand 5 minutes.
Peel and slice potatoes. Place in 2-quart casserole. Add 1/4 cup butter and the salt. Mash until no lumps remain. Mix in pineapple. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 2 minutes. Stir and set aside.
Place 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, the water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) until butter is melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after half the time. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Top sweet potato mixture with marshmallows. Microwave at HIGH (100 % until the marshmallows are melted and potatoes are heated through, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans.
CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
This yummy soup is from Chungah, on her wonderful site, Damn Delicious. I've mentioned her site once or twice. But if you haven't visited it yet, I highly recommend it. Go ahead, I'll wait. (Tap, tap, tap...)
Okay, hopefully you checked it out. Now, this recipe begins, "So warm, so cozy, so soothing. A must for those busy cold weeknights, using up that leftover rotisserie chicken!"
Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes
You can view this online at https://damndelicious.net/2022/04/29/creamy-chicken-noodle-soup/.
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups wide egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Directions
Melt butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in chicken stock and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chicken and pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream, peas and parsley until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
STUFFED PEPPERS
This is from Lidey Heuck in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. The recipe begins, "These classic stuffed peppers are as flexible as they are delicious: The filling combines lean ground beef with sautéed vegetables and cooked white rice (the perfect use for leftover takeout rice!), but ground turkey, chicken or pork can be substituted in its place. Topped with melty mozzarella, these peppers will feed a hungry crowd. For a speedy weeknight dinner, make the filling, stuff the peppers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking."
Time: 1-1/4 hours; Makes 6 to 8 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021007-stuffed-peppers.
Ingredients
4 large red, orange or yellow bell peppers
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped fennel bulb (about 1/2 a small bulb) or celery
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1 pound ground beef (at least 15 percent fat), turkey, chicken or pork
3/4 cup dry white wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella, provolone or other semifirm cheese
Preparation
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove core, seeds and ribs using a paring knife. Arrange the peppers, cut-sides up, in a 9-by-13-inch pan or other baking dish in which they fit snugly.
In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the fennel and onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, for 3 to 5 minutes, until no longer pink.
Add 1/2 cup wine, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid in the pan is reduced by about half.
Add the tomatoes and their juices, salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, Parmesan and parsley, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Divide the mixture among the peppers. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup wine into the bottom of the dish, wrap tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a paring knife easily pierces the peppers. Remove the foil and spoon any juices that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan onto the peppers. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly onto the peppers and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and beginning to brown.
Allow the peppers to cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, if using, and serve hot.
Taco Tuesday
If it's Tuesday, and it seems that it is, then it's time for another Taco Tuesday. This week's offerings include Chicken Chili Tacos, Middle School Tacos, and Mushroom, Corn & Poblano Soft Tacos with Avocado Cream. Enjoy!
GLUTEN-FREE EGG AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD at VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “Did you know that corn tortillas are actually considered a whole grain? They are also low in sodium, so they make a great base for healthy breakfast tacos.
“Fried potatoes, meats like bacon and sausage, and cheese can quickly add up when it comes to sodium and saturated fat. These tacos have none of that. Instead, try adding sauteed vegetables, beans, and creamy avocado to your eggs for healthy and flavorful tacos that will have you feeling good all morning long.
“These breakfast tacos are gluten-free and vegetarian, and can be made dairy-free if you leave out the milk or use a milk substitute. If you have other vegetables that need to be used up, feel free to add them in with the onions and jalapeno. Top with your favorite salsa for a flavorful and delicious breakfast.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 2 (1 taco each).
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
olive oil spray
2 tablespoons onion, diced
1 tablespoon jalapeno, diced
1/4 cup low sodium black beans
1 large egg
1 tablespoon skim milk
2 corn tortillas
1/4 small avocado, sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro
Directions
Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with oil. Add onions and jalapeno and cook, stirring, until softened, about three minutes. Add black beans and continue cooking until heated through. Remove from skillet and wipe clean.
Turn heat to low and spray skillet with oil again. Whisk together egg and milk. Pour into pan and cook, stirring, until eggs are set.
In a separate pan, heat tortillas over low heat. Divide eggs and bean mixture between the tortillas. Top with avocado and cilantro. Serve.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You can use egg whites or egg substitute in place of the egg for a lower-fat version.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from the TODAY Show Recipes e-newsletter. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
TEMPEH TACOS
I originally saw this on Oh My Veggies on the Vegetarian Tacos part of the site. You can read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/recipe-tempeh-tacos-from-betty-goes-vegan/.
This recipe begins, “Spicy tacos made with crumbled tempeh from Betty Goes Vegan by Anne & Dan Shannon.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 6-8 tacos
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. Mexican-spiced diced tomatoes (I used the tomatoes with green chilies)
1 fresh jalapeño, diced
2 – 4 tsp. chili powder (2 was plenty for us!)
3 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. lime juice
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. minced chipotle pepper
1/4 c. Bragg's liquid aminos (coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce work too)
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp. water
salt + pepper to taste
olive oil mister or cooking spray
dash of liquid smoke (I omitted this)
6-8 hard taco shells
vegan cheese, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, black olives, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Crumble your tempeh into a large mixing bowl. Then, using a large spoon, mix in the garlic, tomatoes, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chipotle pepper, and Bragg's. Once your tempeh is completely mixed into the spices, mix in the onion and pepper. Then drizzle the water 1 tablespoon at a time into your mix while stirring your ingredients continuously. Taste a little bit of your tempeh and add salt and pepper to taste.
Spray your favorite cast-iron skillet or frying pan with a heavy coating of olive oil cooking spray, and then heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the tempeh mixture and liquid smoke. Flip your tempeh-vegetable mixture a few times so that it browns evenly. You'll know it's ready when your vegetables are tender and your tempeh has crispy edges. It should take about 10 minutes.
While your tempeh is cooking, heat your taco shells slightly in the oven following the directions on the package.
Once your taco shells are warm, fill them with the tempeh and vegetable mixture. Top with vegan cheese and set aside so it can melt slightly.
Serve with guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, black olives, lime wedges and anything else you like on your tacos!
LIME CILANTRO PORTOBELLO TACOS
I first found this at Nosh On.It, along with several other vegetarian taco recipes (you can check out all nine here). This one is from Sarah Yates Mora, who has a cool blog called A House in the Hills, where she posted this recipe.
Sarah started off this recipe by writing, “I don’t want to come across all braggy braggerson, but i made those tortillas. with my BARE HANDS! ok, my bare hands and a tortilla press.” She continued on by writing that “making tortillas is mind blowingly simple. like, really really really simple. i had NO IDEA.” (I love her enthusiasm!)
Anywho, the link to this recipe on her blog is https://ahouseinthehills.com/2013/7/10/lime-cilantro-portobello-tacos/. I seriously suggest checking it out!
Ingredients
2 large portobello mushrooms
3/4 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado
1 bunch cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced and de-seeded (unless you want some extra kick in which case leave the seeds be!)
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup masa
grapeseed oil
Directions
Rinse and thoroughly clean two large portobello mushrooms.
Prepare mushroom marinade by combining olive oil, fresh squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
You’ll want to marinate the mushrooms for as long as possible, preferably 8 or more hours. I started mine in the early evening and made them for an early lunch the next day. To marinate, place mushrooms and marinade in a large plastic ziplock, give them a few shakes and refrigerate.
When mushrooms are marinated you’ll grill them (I used a grill pan) over medium heat until cooked through (a couple of minutes on each side)
To make tortillas:
Combine 3/4 cup masa with 1/2 cup of hot water and knead with hands. Add more water if needed, or add more masa if mixture seems too wet. You’re looking to achieve the consistency of brand new play-doh. You’ll know you’re spot on when you’re able to pull a full tortilla out of the press. I played around for a bit to get it just right, but it only took fussing with the mixture a little bit at a time to get there!
Lightly coat a cast iron pan in grapeseed oil and heat on medium low.
Cover the top and bottom of the tortilla press* with large ziplock bags or saran wrap. Roll a ball of masa dough about 1 1/2″ big in the palm of your hands in place in the center of the press.
Gently use the top press to flatten the tortilla, then peel away and add to the pan.
Cook for 30 seconds or so on each side.
Continue with the rest of the dough (this amount of masa makes roughly 7 tortillas) until all are dough is used. Keep cooked tortillas warm by wrapping in a damp tea towel and placing in a dutch oven over LOW heat.
* if you do not have a tortilla press, use your hand or a rolling pin to flatten tortillas!
To make tacos:
Assemble tacos by laying tortillas with slices of the grilled portobellos, slices of avocado, cilantro, cabbage and jalapeno. Squeeze with lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!
MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.
From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)
Kosher salt
10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 cup sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.
Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.
GLUTEN-FREE EGG AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST TACOS
This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD at VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “Did you know that corn tortillas are actually considered a whole grain? They are also low in sodium, so they make a great base for healthy breakfast tacos.
“Fried potatoes, meats like bacon and sausage, and cheese can quickly add up when it comes to sodium and saturated fat. These tacos have none of that. Instead, try adding sauteed vegetables, beans, and creamy avocado to your eggs for healthy and flavorful tacos that will have you feeling good all morning long.
“These breakfast tacos are gluten-free and vegetarian, and can be made dairy-free if you leave out the milk or use a milk substitute. If you have other vegetables that need to be used up, feel free to add them in with the onions and jalapeno. Top with your favorite salsa for a flavorful and delicious breakfast.”
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 2 (1 taco each).
To view this recipe online, click here.
Ingredients
olive oil spray
2 tablespoons onion, diced
1 tablespoon jalapeno, diced
1/4 cup low sodium black beans
1 large egg
1 tablespoon skim milk
2 corn tortillas
1/4 small avocado, sliced
1 tablespoon cilantro
Directions
Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with oil. Add onions and jalapeno and cook, stirring, until softened, about three minutes. Add black beans and continue cooking until heated through. Remove from skillet and wipe clean.
Turn heat to low and spray skillet with oil again. Whisk together egg and milk. Pour into pan and cook, stirring, until eggs are set.
In a separate pan, heat tortillas over low heat. Divide eggs and bean mixture between the tortillas. Top with avocado and cilantro. Serve.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You can use egg whites or egg substitute in place of the egg for a lower-fat version.
Cooking and Serving Tips
Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
CHICKEN CHILI TACOS
This is from the TODAY Show Recipes e-newsletter. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted
2 cloves garlic. minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)
Preparation
Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)
Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.
Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.
MIDDLE-SCHOOL TACOS
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Here is a taste of a time when Mexican food was not as widely available in the United States as it is today, when parents and sports bars looked for food to serve children and those who eat like them, when the combination of crunch and fat and silk was divine. It still can be, if you avoid the taco kits of yore and make your own picadillo, then put it in hard-shell tacos and top how you like. For those who want to avoid prefabricated taco shells, make a form out of aluminum foil, fry fresh corn tortillas in shimmering neutral oil and then allow them to cool into shape on their aluminum saddle. Taco night. You can’t eat just two.”
Serves 6; Time: 30 minutes.
This was featured in “The Case for Hard-Shell Tacos” and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons neutral oil, like canola, peanut or grapeseed
1 medium-size yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or substitute hot or sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, or to taste
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth, low-sodium if store-bought
12-18 hard taco shells
Toppings: grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.
Preparation
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the onion, and cook until softened and starting to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the garlic, and cook for a minute or so to soften, and then the ground beef. Cook until the beef is starting to brown, stirring and chopping with a spoon to break up the meat, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off excess fat, leaving only a tablespoon or two in the pan.
Heat oven to 325. Add the chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika and red-pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add the broth, stir, bring to a simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
As sauce cooks, place taco shells on a sheet pan, and toast in oven until they are crisp and smell nutty. Serve a few tablespoons of meat in each taco, along with whatever toppings you like.
TEMPEH TACOS
I originally saw this on Oh My Veggies on the Vegetarian Tacos part of the site. You can read more at http://ohmyveggies.com/recipe-tempeh-tacos-from-betty-goes-vegan/.
This recipe begins, “Spicy tacos made with crumbled tempeh from Betty Goes Vegan by Anne & Dan Shannon.”
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 6-8 tacos
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 c. Mexican-spiced diced tomatoes (I used the tomatoes with green chilies)
1 fresh jalapeño, diced
2 – 4 tsp. chili powder (2 was plenty for us!)
3 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. lime juice
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. minced chipotle pepper
1/4 c. Bragg's liquid aminos (coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce work too)
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp. water
salt + pepper to taste
olive oil mister or cooking spray
dash of liquid smoke (I omitted this)
6-8 hard taco shells
vegan cheese, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, black olives, and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Crumble your tempeh into a large mixing bowl. Then, using a large spoon, mix in the garlic, tomatoes, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chipotle pepper, and Bragg's. Once your tempeh is completely mixed into the spices, mix in the onion and pepper. Then drizzle the water 1 tablespoon at a time into your mix while stirring your ingredients continuously. Taste a little bit of your tempeh and add salt and pepper to taste.
Spray your favorite cast-iron skillet or frying pan with a heavy coating of olive oil cooking spray, and then heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the tempeh mixture and liquid smoke. Flip your tempeh-vegetable mixture a few times so that it browns evenly. You'll know it's ready when your vegetables are tender and your tempeh has crispy edges. It should take about 10 minutes.
While your tempeh is cooking, heat your taco shells slightly in the oven following the directions on the package.
Once your taco shells are warm, fill them with the tempeh and vegetable mixture. Top with vegan cheese and set aside so it can melt slightly.
Serve with guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, black olives, lime wedges and anything else you like on your tacos!
LIME CILANTRO PORTOBELLO TACOS
I first found this at Nosh On.It, along with several other vegetarian taco recipes (you can check out all nine here). This one is from Sarah Yates Mora, who has a cool blog called A House in the Hills, where she posted this recipe.
Sarah started off this recipe by writing, “I don’t want to come across all braggy braggerson, but i made those tortillas. with my BARE HANDS! ok, my bare hands and a tortilla press.” She continued on by writing that “making tortillas is mind blowingly simple. like, really really really simple. i had NO IDEA.” (I love her enthusiasm!)
Anywho, the link to this recipe on her blog is https://ahouseinthehills.com/2013/7/10/lime-cilantro-portobello-tacos/. I seriously suggest checking it out!
Ingredients
2 large portobello mushrooms
3/4 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado
1 bunch cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced and de-seeded (unless you want some extra kick in which case leave the seeds be!)
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup masa
grapeseed oil
Directions
Rinse and thoroughly clean two large portobello mushrooms.
Prepare mushroom marinade by combining olive oil, fresh squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
You’ll want to marinate the mushrooms for as long as possible, preferably 8 or more hours. I started mine in the early evening and made them for an early lunch the next day. To marinate, place mushrooms and marinade in a large plastic ziplock, give them a few shakes and refrigerate.
When mushrooms are marinated you’ll grill them (I used a grill pan) over medium heat until cooked through (a couple of minutes on each side)
To make tortillas:
Combine 3/4 cup masa with 1/2 cup of hot water and knead with hands. Add more water if needed, or add more masa if mixture seems too wet. You’re looking to achieve the consistency of brand new play-doh. You’ll know you’re spot on when you’re able to pull a full tortilla out of the press. I played around for a bit to get it just right, but it only took fussing with the mixture a little bit at a time to get there!
Lightly coat a cast iron pan in grapeseed oil and heat on medium low.
Cover the top and bottom of the tortilla press* with large ziplock bags or saran wrap. Roll a ball of masa dough about 1 1/2″ big in the palm of your hands in place in the center of the press.
Gently use the top press to flatten the tortilla, then peel away and add to the pan.
Cook for 30 seconds or so on each side.
Continue with the rest of the dough (this amount of masa makes roughly 7 tortillas) until all are dough is used. Keep cooked tortillas warm by wrapping in a damp tea towel and placing in a dutch oven over LOW heat.
* if you do not have a tortilla press, use your hand or a rolling pin to flatten tortillas!
To make tacos:
Assemble tacos by laying tortillas with slices of the grilled portobellos, slices of avocado, cilantro, cabbage and jalapeno. Squeeze with lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!
MUSHROOM, CORN AND POBLANO SOFT TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREAM
I originally found this at Oh My Veggies. The site has a mess of taco recipes from different places, which can be found here.
From Garnish with Lemon. View this online at http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/mushroom-corn-and-poblano-soft-tacos-with-avocado-cream/ Yields 5.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (8-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large poblano pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, depending on your preference)
Kosher salt
10 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 cup sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in onions, oregano, garlic, chili powder, cumin and poblano pepper and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add corn and beans to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat and stir in salsa, 1 tablespoon lime juice and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt.
Place avocado, sour cream and remaining lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth. If avocado cream is too thick, add additional lime juice to reach desired consistency. Season to taste with salt.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Spoon mushroom mixture into tortillas, garnish with avocado cream and chopped cilantro. Serve.
Monday, April 3, 2023
Beef - Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's double post deals with beef, and includes Picadillo, Balsamic Marinated Steak & Asparagus, and Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Skillet. Enjoy!
PEPPER BEEF STEAK WITH GARLIC-CILANTRO BUTTER
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/pepper-beef-steak-with-garlic-cilantro-butter.
Ingredients
4 beef round tip center steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick
1/3 cup country Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons coarsely ground mixed peppercorns
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 fresh mild green chili peppers such as Anaheim peppers
Directions
Combine mustard, peppercorns and cumin in small bowl. Remove and reserve 1/2 for brushing. Spread remaining mustard mixture on both sides of steaks. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.
Combine butter, cilantro and garlic in small bowl. Set aside.
Place steaks and peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 8 to 11 minutes) until steaks are medium rare (145F) doneness and peppers are blackened, turning occasionally and brushing steaks with reserved mustard mixture during the last 4 minutes. (Do not overcook.)
Remove blackened peppers; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Remove skin, stems and seeds. Chop peppers and stir 1/2 into butter mixture. Top each steak with 1 teaspoon butter mixture. Sprinkle with remaining chopped peppers. Serve with remaining butter.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 278; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 581 mg; Cholesterol: 108 mg; Protein: 37 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g
BALSAMIC MARINATED STEAK & ASPARAGUS
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/balsamic-marinated-steak-asparagus.
Ingredients
4 beef round (sirloin) tip side steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
1 pound fresh asparagus
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Marinade:
2/3 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
Directions
Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons. Place beef steaks and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Place asparagus in shallow microwave-safe dish; add 1/2 cup water. Cover and microwave on HIGH 3 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain asparagus. Add reserved 2 tablespoons marinade to asparagus; turn to coat. Set aside.
Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 12 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 13 to 14 minutes) for medium rare (145F) doneness, turning once. (Do not overcook.)
During last 3 minutes of grilling, arrange asparagus on grid around steaks; grill 2 to 3 minutes, turning once. Season steaks and asparagus with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 366; Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sodium: 591 mg; Cholesterol: 149 mg; Protein: 52 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
BULGOGI SLOPPY JOES WITH SCALLION SALSA
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, “The dish is the Korean barbecue standard known as bulgogi — ‘fire meat,’ is the literal translation — transformed into a sandwich filling, a sloppy Joe for a more perfect union. (File under ‘Blessings of Liberty.’) Fed to children with a tall glass of milk, the sandwiches may inspire smiles and licked plates, rapt attention and the request that the meal be served at least monthly — they are not at all too spicy for younger palates. Given to adults accompanied by cold lager, cucumber kimchi and a pot of the fermented Korean hot-pepper paste known as gochujang, they can rise to higher planes.
“Bulgogi sandwiches are a taste of the sort of home cooking that can lead to more home cooking. They serve as fragrant hamburger crushers, elegant vanquishers of pizza. They are an enemy of takeout.
“To cook them, you can follow the instructions slavishly, as if working for Hooni Kim, the chef and owner of Danji, on the edge of the theater district in Manhattan. Bulgogi ‘sliders’ are a hallmark of his menu and by far the restaurant’s most popular dish. This recipe is his.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration.
This recipe was featured in “The Bulgogi Slider Is a Delicious Curveball”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014203-bulgogi-sloppy-joes-with-scallion-salsa.
Ingredients
For the Bulgogi
1 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon peeled and grated garlic
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons mirin
1 Asian pear, peeled, cored and puréed in a food processor
1 small carrot peeled and sliced into julienne
1 medium white onion peeled and sliced into julienne
1 cup apple juice
2 pounds beef brisket, chilled slightly and sliced thin
For the Spicy Mayonnaise
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons hot chili sauce, ideally Sriracha
For the Scallion Salsa
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 bunches scallions, cleaned, dried and sliced on the bias
Unsalted butter
6 soft hamburger buns
Preparation
For the Bulgogi
In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, sake, mirin, pear, carrot, onion and apple juice. Add the sliced brisket, stir to combine, cover tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least six hours.
Meanwhile, in a small, nonreactive bowl, combine the mayonnaise, soy sauce and hot chili sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavors, then cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When you are ready to make the sandwiches, set one very large sauté pan (or two large ones) over high heat. Using tongs, lift meat from marinade in batches, allow to drain well, then cook, turning occasionally until the excess liquid has evaporated and the edges of the beef have started to crisp.
Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the salsa except for the scallions, then stir to combine.
Toast and butter the hamburger buns. Spread spicy mayonnaise on the buns, and using tongs, cover one side of each set of buns with bulgogi. Add a large pinch of scallions on top of each burger and drizzle with the dressing. Serve with cucumber kimchi (see recipe).
SLOPPY JOES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: East
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/sloppy-joes-2120434.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
5 cloves garlic, minced
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 kaiser rolls
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder, or more as needed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more as needed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Chips or salad, for serving, if desired
Ingredients
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
Add in the green peppers and onions. Stir, and then add 1 cup water, the ketchup and garlic. Stir it around to combine, and then add the brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and then cover and simmer over medium-low heat, about 20 minutes.
To serve, spread the rolls with the butter and brown them on a griddle or in a skillet. Spoon a good amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom roll, and then top with the other half. Serve with chips, salad or just enjoy it by itself.
TEX-MEX BEEF AND RICE SKILLET
This is from tbsp., and begins, “Wherein we turn a humble pound of ground beef into a supremely satisfying and totally doable meal in a matter of minutes. Now you never have to wonder what’s for dinner. You’re welcome.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain, and wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and corn. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in beef, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning mix. Heat to simmering; stir in rice. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is heated through.
Top with cheese and cilantro.
PICADILLO
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Picadillo is one of the great dishes of the Cuban diaspora: a soft, fragrant stew of ground beef and tomatoes, with raisins added for sweetness and olives for salt. Versions of it exist across the Caribbean and into Latin America. This one combines ground beef with intensely seasoned dried Spanish chorizo in a sofrito of onions, garlic and tomatoes, and scents it with red-wine vinegar, cinnamon and cumin, along with bay leaves and pinches of ground cloves and nutmeg. For the olives you may experiment with fancy and plain, but rigorous testing here suggests the use of pimento-stuffed green olives is the best practice. A scattering of capers would be welcome as well.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in “The Ultimate Cuban Comfort Food: Picadillo”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium-size yellow onions, peeled and chopped
2 ounces dried chorizo, diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped, or one 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and crushed
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 bay leaves
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg
2/3 cup raisins
2/3 cup pitted stuffed olives
Preparation
Put the olive oil in a large, heavy pan set over a medium-high flame, and heat until it begins to shimmer. Add onions, chorizo and garlic, stir to combine and cook until the onions have started to soften, approximately 10 minutes.
Add the ground beef, and allow it to brown, crumbling the meat with a fork as it does. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Add tomatoes, vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, bay leaves, cloves and nutmeg and stir to combine. Lower the heat, and let the stew simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.
Uncover the pan, and add the raisins and the olives. Allow the stew to cook for another 15 minutes or so, then serve, accompanied by white rice.
PEPPER BEEF STEAK WITH GARLIC-CILANTRO BUTTER
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/pepper-beef-steak-with-garlic-cilantro-butter.
Ingredients
4 beef round tip center steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick
1/3 cup country Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons coarsely ground mixed peppercorns
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 fresh mild green chili peppers such as Anaheim peppers
Directions
Combine mustard, peppercorns and cumin in small bowl. Remove and reserve 1/2 for brushing. Spread remaining mustard mixture on both sides of steaks. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.
Combine butter, cilantro and garlic in small bowl. Set aside.
Place steaks and peppers on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 8 to 11 minutes) until steaks are medium rare (145F) doneness and peppers are blackened, turning occasionally and brushing steaks with reserved mustard mixture during the last 4 minutes. (Do not overcook.)
Remove blackened peppers; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Remove skin, stems and seeds. Chop peppers and stir 1/2 into butter mixture. Top each steak with 1 teaspoon butter mixture. Sprinkle with remaining chopped peppers. Serve with remaining butter.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 278; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 581 mg; Cholesterol: 108 mg; Protein: 37 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g
BALSAMIC MARINATED STEAK & ASPARAGUS
Recipe Yield: Makes 4 servings
Source: TBC
Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.
View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/balsamic-marinated-steak-asparagus.
Ingredients
4 beef round (sirloin) tip side steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
1 pound fresh asparagus
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Marinade:
2/3 cup prepared balsamic vinaigrette
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
Directions
Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons. Place beef steaks and remaining marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Place asparagus in shallow microwave-safe dish; add 1/2 cup water. Cover and microwave on HIGH 3 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain asparagus. Add reserved 2 tablespoons marinade to asparagus; turn to coat. Set aside.
Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 12 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 13 to 14 minutes) for medium rare (145F) doneness, turning once. (Do not overcook.)
During last 3 minutes of grilling, arrange asparagus on grid around steaks; grill 2 to 3 minutes, turning once. Season steaks and asparagus with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 366; Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 2.5 g; Sodium: 591 mg; Cholesterol: 149 mg; Protein: 52 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g
BULGOGI SLOPPY JOES WITH SCALLION SALSA
This is from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. Sam wrote, “The dish is the Korean barbecue standard known as bulgogi — ‘fire meat,’ is the literal translation — transformed into a sandwich filling, a sloppy Joe for a more perfect union. (File under ‘Blessings of Liberty.’) Fed to children with a tall glass of milk, the sandwiches may inspire smiles and licked plates, rapt attention and the request that the meal be served at least monthly — they are not at all too spicy for younger palates. Given to adults accompanied by cold lager, cucumber kimchi and a pot of the fermented Korean hot-pepper paste known as gochujang, they can rise to higher planes.
“Bulgogi sandwiches are a taste of the sort of home cooking that can lead to more home cooking. They serve as fragrant hamburger crushers, elegant vanquishers of pizza. They are an enemy of takeout.
“To cook them, you can follow the instructions slavishly, as if working for Hooni Kim, the chef and owner of Danji, on the edge of the theater district in Manhattan. Bulgogi ‘sliders’ are a hallmark of his menu and by far the restaurant’s most popular dish. This recipe is his.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration.
This recipe was featured in “The Bulgogi Slider Is a Delicious Curveball”, and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014203-bulgogi-sloppy-joes-with-scallion-salsa.
Ingredients
For the Bulgogi
1 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon peeled and grated garlic
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons mirin
1 Asian pear, peeled, cored and puréed in a food processor
1 small carrot peeled and sliced into julienne
1 medium white onion peeled and sliced into julienne
1 cup apple juice
2 pounds beef brisket, chilled slightly and sliced thin
For the Spicy Mayonnaise
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons hot chili sauce, ideally Sriracha
For the Scallion Salsa
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red-pepper flakes)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 bunches scallions, cleaned, dried and sliced on the bias
Unsalted butter
6 soft hamburger buns
Preparation
For the Bulgogi
In a large, nonreactive bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, sake, mirin, pear, carrot, onion and apple juice. Add the sliced brisket, stir to combine, cover tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least six hours.
Meanwhile, in a small, nonreactive bowl, combine the mayonnaise, soy sauce and hot chili sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust flavors, then cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When you are ready to make the sandwiches, set one very large sauté pan (or two large ones) over high heat. Using tongs, lift meat from marinade in batches, allow to drain well, then cook, turning occasionally until the excess liquid has evaporated and the edges of the beef have started to crisp.
Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients for the salsa except for the scallions, then stir to combine.
Toast and butter the hamburger buns. Spread spicy mayonnaise on the buns, and using tongs, cover one side of each set of buns with bulgogi. Add a large pinch of scallions on top of each burger and drizzle with the dressing. Serve with cucumber kimchi (see recipe).
SLOPPY JOES
This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.
Active Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: East
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/sloppy-joes-2120434.
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 cups ketchup
5 cloves garlic, minced
Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 kaiser rolls
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder, or more as needed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more as needed
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Chips or salad, for serving, if desired
Ingredients
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
Add in the green peppers and onions. Stir, and then add 1 cup water, the ketchup and garlic. Stir it around to combine, and then add the brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, and then cover and simmer over medium-low heat, about 20 minutes.
To serve, spread the rolls with the butter and brown them on a griddle or in a skillet. Spoon a good amount of the meat mixture onto the bottom roll, and then top with the other half. Serve with chips, salad or just enjoy it by itself.
TEX-MEX BEEF AND RICE SKILLET
This is from tbsp., and begins, “Wherein we turn a humble pound of ground beef into a supremely satisfying and totally doable meal in a matter of minutes. Now you never have to wonder what’s for dinner. You’re welcome.”
Prep Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ enchilada sauce
1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
3 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until brown. Drain, and wipe out skillet.
Add oil to skillet, and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and corn. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in beef, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning mix. Heat to simmering; stir in rice. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is heated through.
Top with cheese and cilantro.
PICADILLO
This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sam wrote, “Picadillo is one of the great dishes of the Cuban diaspora: a soft, fragrant stew of ground beef and tomatoes, with raisins added for sweetness and olives for salt. Versions of it exist across the Caribbean and into Latin America. This one combines ground beef with intensely seasoned dried Spanish chorizo in a sofrito of onions, garlic and tomatoes, and scents it with red-wine vinegar, cinnamon and cumin, along with bay leaves and pinches of ground cloves and nutmeg. For the olives you may experiment with fancy and plain, but rigorous testing here suggests the use of pimento-stuffed green olives is the best practice. A scattering of capers would be welcome as well.”
Yield: 6 servings; Time: 1 hour
This was featured in “The Ultimate Cuban Comfort Food: Picadillo”, and can be viewed online here.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium-size yellow onions, peeled and chopped
2 ounces dried chorizo, diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped, or one 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and crushed
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 bay leaves
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg
2/3 cup raisins
2/3 cup pitted stuffed olives
Preparation
Put the olive oil in a large, heavy pan set over a medium-high flame, and heat until it begins to shimmer. Add onions, chorizo and garlic, stir to combine and cook until the onions have started to soften, approximately 10 minutes.
Add the ground beef, and allow it to brown, crumbling the meat with a fork as it does. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Add tomatoes, vinegar, cinnamon, cumin, bay leaves, cloves and nutmeg and stir to combine. Lower the heat, and let the stew simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes.
Uncover the pan, and add the raisins and the olives. Allow the stew to cook for another 15 minutes or so, then serve, accompanied by white rice.
Meatless Monday
It's Monday, time to get the work week started (unless you have to work Sundays, too). I don't know about you, but weekends just don't seem long enough to get everything done. Thank goodness, there's always next weekend.
Since it is Monday, we'll start off with Meatless Monday. Here are six vegetarian recipes to help get your week started just right, including Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash, Al Roker's Vegetable Lasagna, and Buttermilk Cornbread with Corn Kernels. Enjoy!
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD WITH CORN KERNELS
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it states that it's from The Working Family's Cookbook.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup fresh, or frozen and defrosted corn kernels
1 cup buttermilk
2 medium-size eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch cast iron or ovenproof frying pan or a square baking pan and heat in the oven until it is hot and the butter is melted.
Meanwhile, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and corn kernels in a bowl and mix to blend. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just to combine (do not overmix).
Swirl the butter in the frying pan to coat the sides and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top of the batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
VEGAN QUINOA-CRANBERRY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
This yummy recipe, from the Food Network, begins, "This stuffed squash isn't trying to trick you into thinking it's stuffed with meat. And it doesn't have tothe quinoa filling is satisfying enough on its own, full of spiced warmth (thanks to the curry powder) and salty sweetness (from the pistachios and cranberries)."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup. Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.
Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Note
The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated. To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This is from Chloe Coscarelli on The Today Show site. She wrote, "Hearty lentils and meaty mushroom take the place of animal protein in this rich chili. This healthy swap makes the dish so much better for you without leaving out any of the satisfying flavor or comforting texture from this cold weather classic."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/vegan-lentil-chili-recipe-t172426.
Technique Tip: Sacue will thicken as it sits; add a little water as needed.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2-1/2 cups (8 ounces) mushrooms, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15-ounce can lentils, drained and rinsed, or 1-1/2 cups cooked lentils
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, until almost soft.
Add the garlic, salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Stir in the lentils, tomato sauce and brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with black pepper and reduce the heat to medium.
Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
SILKEN TOFU WITH SPICY SOY DRESSING
This is from Hetty McKinnon in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Hetty wrote, "This recipe is inspired by the many cold silken tofu dishes from East Asia, like Japanese hiyayakko and Chinese liangban tofu. This no-cook dish is a handy one to have up your sleeve, especially for warm evenings when the desire to cook is nonexistent. Silky soft tofu is draped in a punchy soy dressing, creating a lively dish with little effort. The tofu is ideally served cold, but 10 minutes at room temperature can take the edge off. Make it your own with other fresh herbs such as Thai basil, mint or shiso leaves, or add crunch with fried shallots or roasted peanuts. A salty, fermented element like kimchi, pickled radish or ja choi, also known as zha cai, a Sichuan pickled mustard root, would work well, too. One block of silken tofu is usually enough to feed two people, but for a more substantial meal, serve it with hot rice or noodles to create a pleasing contrast of temperatures."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022562-silken-tofu-with-spicy-soy-dressing.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Soy Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chile oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
1 scallion, green and white parts, finely sliced
For the Tofu:
2 (14-ounce) blocks silken tofu, cold
1 scallion, green and white parts, thinly sliced
Handful of cilantro leaves
Preparation
Make the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chile oil, sugar, sesame seeds and scallion in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Carefully drain the liquid from the package of tofu, and gently tip the block onto a kitchen towel. (Try to keep the block in one piece, if possible, but don’t worry if it falls apart; it will still taste great.) Pat with another clean kitchen towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Transfer the blocks to one large plate or two smaller plates, and spoon the soy dressing over the top until the tofu is completely covered. Top with scallions and cilantro leaves, and eat on its own or with rice or noodles on the side.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Since it is Monday, we'll start off with Meatless Monday. Here are six vegetarian recipes to help get your week started just right, including Vegan Quinoa-Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash, Al Roker's Vegetable Lasagna, and Buttermilk Cornbread with Corn Kernels. Enjoy!
"STROKE OF MIDNIGHT" PUMPKIN BREAD
This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list.
Preparation time: About 1 hr; Serves: 8 - 10
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups, sugar
1/3 cup, shortening (I use Smart Balance *Vegan*)
1/2 cup, applesauce
1 cup, pumpkin
1 2/3 cups, flour (I use a combo of wheat and soy)
1/4 teaspoon, baking powder
1 teaspoon, baking soda
1/3 cup, water
dash of salt
dash of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Whatever you like)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the sugar, shortening and applesauce until 'light and fluffy' or well mixed. Stir in the pumpkin.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add the batter and water, alternatively.
Spoon into a greased and floured bread pan. Bake about 45 minutes – 1 hour or until done
BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD WITH CORN KERNELS
This also comes from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it states that it's from The Working Family's Cookbook.
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 30 minutes; Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup fresh, or frozen and defrosted corn kernels
1 cup buttermilk
2 medium-size eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put 1 tablespoon of butter in a 9-inch cast iron or ovenproof frying pan or a square baking pan and heat in the oven until it is hot and the butter is melted.
Meanwhile, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and corn kernels in a bowl and mix to blend. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and combine with the buttermilk and eggs in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just to combine (do not overmix).
Swirl the butter in the frying pan to coat the sides and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top of the batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean.
VEGAN QUINOA-CRANBERRY STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
This yummy recipe, from the Food Network, begins, "This stuffed squash isn't trying to trick you into thinking it's stuffed with meat. And it doesn't have tothe quinoa filling is satisfying enough on its own, full of spiced warmth (thanks to the curry powder) and salty sweetness (from the pistachios and cranberries)."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Intermediate
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
2 medium acorn squash (2 to 2 1/4 pounds each)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup red quinoa, rinsed well
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup roasted, salted and shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Directions
Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven; preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard the seeds. Arrange the halves in a large baking dish, flesh-side up.
Whisk together the vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the maple syrup in a cup. Brush the flesh side of the squash halves with some of the maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the squash flesh-side down in the baking dish, then brush the skin side with maple mixture and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast until the squash is fork-tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Poke the inside of the squash halves with a fork and brush generously with more of the maple mixture.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 6 minutes. Add the quinoa, curry powder, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 20 to 24 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and stir in the cranberries, remaining maple mixture, half of the parsley and half of the pistachios.
Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa and sprinkle with the remaining parsley and pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Note
The squash may be baked and stuffed the day before and refrigerated. To reheat, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and reheat in a 350-degree F oven, checking the squash every 5 minutes until it is hot.
VEGAN LENTIL CHILI
This is from Chloe Coscarelli on The Today Show site. She wrote, "Hearty lentils and meaty mushroom take the place of animal protein in this rich chili. This healthy swap makes the dish so much better for you without leaving out any of the satisfying flavor or comforting texture from this cold weather classic."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Serves 6
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/vegan-lentil-chili-recipe-t172426.
Technique Tip: Sacue will thicken as it sits; add a little water as needed.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2-1/2 cups (8 ounces) mushrooms, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
One 15-ounce can lentils, drained and rinsed, or 1-1/2 cups cooked lentils
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes, until almost soft.
Add the garlic, salt, chili powder and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Stir in the lentils, tomato sauce and brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with black pepper and reduce the heat to medium.
Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the flavors come together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
SILKEN TOFU WITH SPICY SOY DRESSING
This is from Hetty McKinnon in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Hetty wrote, "This recipe is inspired by the many cold silken tofu dishes from East Asia, like Japanese hiyayakko and Chinese liangban tofu. This no-cook dish is a handy one to have up your sleeve, especially for warm evenings when the desire to cook is nonexistent. Silky soft tofu is draped in a punchy soy dressing, creating a lively dish with little effort. The tofu is ideally served cold, but 10 minutes at room temperature can take the edge off. Make it your own with other fresh herbs such as Thai basil, mint or shiso leaves, or add crunch with fried shallots or roasted peanuts. A salty, fermented element like kimchi, pickled radish or ja choi, also known as zha cai, a Sichuan pickled mustard root, would work well, too. One block of silken tofu is usually enough to feed two people, but for a more substantial meal, serve it with hot rice or noodles to create a pleasing contrast of temperatures."
Yield: 4 servings; Time: 5 minutes
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022562-silken-tofu-with-spicy-soy-dressing.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Soy Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chile oil
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
1 scallion, green and white parts, finely sliced
For the Tofu:
2 (14-ounce) blocks silken tofu, cold
1 scallion, green and white parts, thinly sliced
Handful of cilantro leaves
Preparation
Make the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chile oil, sugar, sesame seeds and scallion in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved.
Carefully drain the liquid from the package of tofu, and gently tip the block onto a kitchen towel. (Try to keep the block in one piece, if possible, but don’t worry if it falls apart; it will still taste great.) Pat with another clean kitchen towel, removing as much liquid as possible. Transfer the blocks to one large plate or two smaller plates, and spoon the soy dressing over the top until the tofu is completely covered. Top with scallions and cilantro leaves, and eat on its own or with rice or noodles on the side.
AL ROKER'S VEGETABLE LASAGNA
This yumminess is from Al Roker on the Today Show site. It begins, "This vegetarian lasagna, which is bubbling with gooey cheese, is a delicious way to sneak lots of vegetable servings into dinner."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
To view this online, go to https://www.today.com/recipes/al-roker-s-vegetable-lasagna-t108791.
Ingredients
Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 zucchini, medium dice
1 small yellow squash, medium dice
1 medium yellow onion, medium dice
1 medium red bell pepper, medium dice
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped basil
1 pinch red pepper flakes
Lasagna
32 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1 pound dry lasagna noodles, cooked according to packaging
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Preparation
For the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add zucchini, squash, onion and red peppers. Season with salt and sauté vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and chopped basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
For the lasagna:
While sauce is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese and egg until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, assemble the lasagna: Spoon vegetable sauce on bottom, cover with noodles in a single layer, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some Parmesan. Repeat until the lasagna is fully built, finishing by covering the top with the shredded mozzarella.
Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake in a 400°F oven, covered, for 40 minutes, then remove foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown.
Once cooked, let lasagna sit for 8-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
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