As I previously posted, I bought an instant pot a few months ago, and it has been used quite regularly in my kitchen since then. I was trying to use up a bunch of kale before it went bad and kind of thought this up as I went along….the way much of my cooking happens. It actually started out as a maple flavored idea, then I thought, “oh! … [Read more…]
Beef and Green Bean Curry
This is a curry made up of beef and some flat Italian green beans that I froze at the end of summer. I had been feeling too unwell to go to the supermarket, so this had to be a pantry meal day. You could use regular frozen green beans, or fresh, blanched green beans for this.Peas would also work well. 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 pound beef … [Read more…]
Ropa Vieja in the Slow Cooker
This is a lovely dish of shredded beef, with a delicious sauce. It is really easy to put together, since you prepare everything, set it in the slow cooker, and go about your day. Ropa Vieja is a Cuban dish. It translates to “old clothes” , because it looks like shredded old fabric. It tastes a heck of a lot better than old clothes, though. … [Read more…]
Italian Flat Beans with Fresh Tomatoes
We went to the local farmer’s market, a favorite activity for the kids, because they love the fresh peaches and the grape tomatoes. I spied some broad bean pods and thought they were fava beans for a second, but on closer inspection, found them to be Italian flat beans. If you haven’t tried them yet, you should. They have a delicate sweetness … [Read more…]
Chicken Mushroom Alfredo
This is a simple weeknight dish to put together. Instead of first cooking, then removing the chicken, I left the chicken in as I added all the ingredients, making this a one-pot meal. I lightened the standard Alfredo sauce up a bit by using only 1 tablespoon of butter, and using 1 – 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Plus, I really do like … [Read more…]
Chicken Freekeh Soup
NPR predicts that freekeh is one of the new foods to watch in 2014. Freekeh is a very nutritious and filling ancient grain. It has a low glycemic index, according to Eatright.org , and is higher in protein and fiber than other grains. Freekeh is a really rustic food that has been around in the Middle East forever. It is roasted green … [Read more…]
Liver with Onions, Garlic, and Parsley – Kibdeh
This recipe, Liver with Onions, Garlic, Parsley, and lots of spices (Kibdeh), is for those who appreciate the rich goodness that is liver when it is prepared right. Now, I know there are some who say that liver must be cooked rare to retain its health benefits, but those nutrients do not benefit me if I will not swallow it unless it is fully … [Read more…]
Super Quick Tuna Curry
This is one of those pantry recipes that are good to have on hand for those super busy midweek evenings. The whole thing comes together in less than 20 minutes. It is even better if you already have leftover rice, because it almost takes longer to make rice than to make this. You could leave out the cilantro, but I really like the flavor and color … [Read more…]
Meatless Split Pea Soup
It has most definitely been sweater weather the past few weeks….and if you hate being cold as much as I do, that means you want nothing more than to hole up in a warm house, with some steaming hot soup. This is a very simple green split pea soup, using vegetable or chicken stock as the base, and no meat. I prefer my soups chunky, so I do not … [Read more…]
Chicken Fricassee
Chicken Fricassee, Puerto Rican or Cuban style, is one of my favorite chicken stews. I like it with rice, red or black beans, and salad. If I have unripe plantains, I also love tostones to complete the meal. You don’t have to allow the extra time to marinate, but I prefer the flavor of the chicken when I have time for that step. When I am making a … [Read more…]