This meal came about because we didn't have a lot of components on hand, it was late so we needed something fast, and I didn't feel up to a lot of chopping or manipulating of ingredients. It turned out so well that I know I will be making this again!
Chicken in Mushroom Sauce
2 Tbsp butter
1 shallot, chopped
1 cup brown rice
2 cups water (or broth)
1 tsp salt
Heat a sauce pan, melt the butter, saute the shallots briefly. Add the rice, stir to coat and toast, then add the salt and water. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cover, cooking until the rice is tender.
Meanwhile...
4 Tbsp butter
1 red onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms (baby bellas)
2 chicken breasts, chunked
Aleppo pepper flakes, to taste
salt, pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 generous cup of milk (I use fat free)
Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute the onion. Add the mushrooms and chicken, cooking the chicken through. Add salt, pepper and Aleppo flakes - simmer a few minutes. Mix the cornstarch into the cold milk, then add to the pan. Bring to a boil to allow the cornstarch to thicken, then cook until the sauce takes the flavor of the mushrooms. Check and re-season if necessary. Serve over rice.
There are so many ways to take this dish. I want to try adding peas, poblano peppers, use wild rice, the list is never-ending!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Snappy Noodles
Frozen cod... Rice noodles... Snap peas... Carrots...
See the end result yet? I was at the grocer yesterday, and picked up some GF Teriyaki sauce, Soy sauce and Garlic Red Chili sauce. We had cod in the freezer. The grocer had beautiful sugar snap peas, ginger, and carrots. This is what I did:
Snappy Noodles
Put water on to boil and add rice noodles (medium or linguini width) - cook according to package directions, drain.
Meanwhile
1 cup of carrots, julienned
1 cup of sugar snap peas, de-stringed and cut on bias
1 small red onion, diced
1 inch ginger, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Heat 2-3 Tbsp peanut (or any high-smoking point oil) over medium high heat. Add all vegetables and stir fry until tender crisp. Add cooked, drained noodles, and
2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce (I use La Choy brand because it's gluten free)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
(adjust any of these to your taste)
Toss gently to coat all the noodles and veggies with the seasonings. This was a delicious meal that took little time to prepare. I can see all sorts of adaptations to this recipe just by changing the veggies, adding a protein, etc. This makes a terrific side dish, but certainly can stand alone.
As for the cod - season with Old Bay or teriyaki sauce, place gently in an oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook both sides 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of you steaks. Serve along side snappy noodles, and a wedge of lemon.
Ciao! ~ky
See the end result yet? I was at the grocer yesterday, and picked up some GF Teriyaki sauce, Soy sauce and Garlic Red Chili sauce. We had cod in the freezer. The grocer had beautiful sugar snap peas, ginger, and carrots. This is what I did:
Snappy Noodles
Put water on to boil and add rice noodles (medium or linguini width) - cook according to package directions, drain.
Meanwhile
1 cup of carrots, julienned
1 cup of sugar snap peas, de-stringed and cut on bias
1 small red onion, diced
1 inch ginger, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Heat 2-3 Tbsp peanut (or any high-smoking point oil) over medium high heat. Add all vegetables and stir fry until tender crisp. Add cooked, drained noodles, and
2 Tbsp teriyaki sauce (I use La Choy brand because it's gluten free)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
(adjust any of these to your taste)
Toss gently to coat all the noodles and veggies with the seasonings. This was a delicious meal that took little time to prepare. I can see all sorts of adaptations to this recipe just by changing the veggies, adding a protein, etc. This makes a terrific side dish, but certainly can stand alone.
As for the cod - season with Old Bay or teriyaki sauce, place gently in an oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook both sides 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of you steaks. Serve along side snappy noodles, and a wedge of lemon.
Ciao! ~ky
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sassy Pans
I love breakfast, I just rarely eat it in the right portion of the day. Getting the diabetes diagnosis was hard to hear, but really reinforced the need to eat regularly. So, I'm dusting off one of the classic things I used to make.
Not-Yo-Average Hashbrowns
(single serving - double, triple, etc. to suit your situation)
1 zucchini squash OR 1 crookneck/ summer/ yellow squash
1 shallot
1 potato
salt & pepper
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 eggs
Grate the squash, shallot and potato, or julienne chop them, as you prefer, add salt and pepper, and toss them together to mix. Heat a skillet, and add just enough oil to keep your veggies from sticking. I prefer extra virgin olive oil. Add the veggies in clumps so that most of the surface touches the pan - mash it down a little more if you prefer your hashbrowns crispy. Turn the hashbrowns only once. When golden brown (to your liking), remove from the skillet.
Turn the heat down on the skillet, and make your eggs your favorite way. An option I enjoy is scrambling in a couple of eggs just before the hashbrowns are done for a pseudo omelette. Add peppers, cheese, and other things as you like. Enjoy!
Ciao!
~ky
Not-Yo-Average Hashbrowns
(single serving - double, triple, etc. to suit your situation)
1 zucchini squash OR 1 crookneck/ summer/ yellow squash
1 shallot
1 potato
salt & pepper
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 eggs
Grate the squash, shallot and potato, or julienne chop them, as you prefer, add salt and pepper, and toss them together to mix. Heat a skillet, and add just enough oil to keep your veggies from sticking. I prefer extra virgin olive oil. Add the veggies in clumps so that most of the surface touches the pan - mash it down a little more if you prefer your hashbrowns crispy. Turn the hashbrowns only once. When golden brown (to your liking), remove from the skillet.
Turn the heat down on the skillet, and make your eggs your favorite way. An option I enjoy is scrambling in a couple of eggs just before the hashbrowns are done for a pseudo omelette. Add peppers, cheese, and other things as you like. Enjoy!
Ciao!
~ky
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tandoori Chicken Pasta
I love Tandoori chicken, but I don't have a traditional tandoori oven, or the time it takes to make it authentic. Here's my tip and nod to the authentic while providing lots of veg to suit my need for freshness!
Begin with a moderately hot pan, and add:
4 Tbsp butter (don't use margarine)
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
Saute then add:
1-3 chopped chicken tenders (depending on how many you want to feed)
1 zucchini, chopped
1 summer squash, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp chipotle powder
1 Tbsp tandoori seasoning (I use Penzey's)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook an appropriate amount of your favorite pasta. Since Cabana Boy prefers wheat pasta, and I'm gluten free, we cook ours separately. {Hint, we often cook wild rice while the rest is being prepared, and add it rather than pasta.} Drain well and add to the pan. It will absorb some of the flavors, so reseason before serving. Toss it with more fresh Parmesan and serve. Delish!
Begin with a moderately hot pan, and add:
4 Tbsp butter (don't use margarine)
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
Saute then add:
1-3 chopped chicken tenders (depending on how many you want to feed)
1 zucchini, chopped
1 summer squash, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp chipotle powder
1 Tbsp tandoori seasoning (I use Penzey's)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook an appropriate amount of your favorite pasta. Since Cabana Boy prefers wheat pasta, and I'm gluten free, we cook ours separately. {Hint, we often cook wild rice while the rest is being prepared, and add it rather than pasta.} Drain well and add to the pan. It will absorb some of the flavors, so reseason before serving. Toss it with more fresh Parmesan and serve. Delish!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Cheesy Beef Bake with a Twist
I love my cheesy beef bake - you know, the one with browned beef covered with sliced potatoes. It's perfect if you're in a rush, but it's a bit pedantic on the "wow" factor. Here's the stepped up version!
Heat the oven to 350*F, and in a deep-sided oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 poblano or mild pepper of your choice, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
Cook on medium heat until the onion sweetens and the pepper softens. Need to sneak in more veggies? Add finely chopped kale, carrots or spinach and let it melt in.
Add:
4-6 sundried tomatoes (to your taste - don't have? Use tomato paste)
1-3 anchovies (paste or stored in oil - not the tinned kind!)
Chop these, add them to the onions and pepper - give them a little time on medium heat to make friends.
***STOP*** If you stop reading this recipe because of the anchovies, shame on you. Try them! Try just one filet for now. I promise - they do not taste fishy at all! They actually melt into the oil and add a very mild nutty flavor to the dish. Can't do it - then don't! Though someday I hope you will...
Add:
1/4 pound (or more) fresh ground Italian sausage (we use mild - you can use chicken, turkey, whatever)
1/2 pound ground beef
Get in there and get some stress relief - use your potato masher to break the meat into fine bits so the beef and sausage mix well. Sprinkle on your favorite chili powder (Penzey's 3000 for us), smoked paprika, adobo powder, a little salt, some Aleppo or red pepper flakes, and black pepper to your liking.
While this mixture spends some time getting happy, slice up 5-7 medium potatoes. Add a layer of potato slices over the meat, sprinkle with salt and Parmesan or cheddar cheese. Continue to layer the potato, salt, cheese until the pan is full or you're out of potatoes.
Pour 1 can of evaporated (NOT sweeten condensed) milk, or an equal amount of half-and-half, over the whole shootin' match, then slide into that nice warm oven for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Serve with a side salad, and voila! Enjoy!
Heat the oven to 350*F, and in a deep-sided oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 poblano or mild pepper of your choice, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
Cook on medium heat until the onion sweetens and the pepper softens. Need to sneak in more veggies? Add finely chopped kale, carrots or spinach and let it melt in.
Add:
4-6 sundried tomatoes (to your taste - don't have? Use tomato paste)
1-3 anchovies (paste or stored in oil - not the tinned kind!)
Chop these, add them to the onions and pepper - give them a little time on medium heat to make friends.
***STOP*** If you stop reading this recipe because of the anchovies, shame on you. Try them! Try just one filet for now. I promise - they do not taste fishy at all! They actually melt into the oil and add a very mild nutty flavor to the dish. Can't do it - then don't! Though someday I hope you will...
Add:
1/4 pound (or more) fresh ground Italian sausage (we use mild - you can use chicken, turkey, whatever)
1/2 pound ground beef
Get in there and get some stress relief - use your potato masher to break the meat into fine bits so the beef and sausage mix well. Sprinkle on your favorite chili powder (Penzey's 3000 for us), smoked paprika, adobo powder, a little salt, some Aleppo or red pepper flakes, and black pepper to your liking.
While this mixture spends some time getting happy, slice up 5-7 medium potatoes. Add a layer of potato slices over the meat, sprinkle with salt and Parmesan or cheddar cheese. Continue to layer the potato, salt, cheese until the pan is full or you're out of potatoes.
Pour 1 can of evaporated (NOT sweeten condensed) milk, or an equal amount of half-and-half, over the whole shootin' match, then slide into that nice warm oven for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Serve with a side salad, and voila! Enjoy!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bullseye Rice
Dancing Wild Rice
1 cup (dry) Lundberg Rice Mix (or similar), cooked to package directions
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp olive oil (I use extra virgin)
1 shallot, chopped
1 poblano pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes in olive oil
1 package baby portabella mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp garam masala spice blend
salt to taste
Heat oil and butter just to bubbling, add shallot and pepper and saute until tender. Add sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and spice blend. Stir occasionally and let cook until the mushrooms have wilted. Add rice mix and salt to taste.
Bullseye Ribeye
2 aged, thick cut (1.5 inches), ribeye steaks
Olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
salt and pepper
Heat a grill pan on medium high - you want it hot and ready for you. Drizzle olive oil over the steaks, add salt and pepper. Place seasoned side down on your hot grill or grill pan. Leave alone for 6 minutes. Drizzle unseasoned side with oil, salt and pepper. Turn steaks over, and leave for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Tent with foil if desired. Your steaks will be a perfect medium rare. Serve with a pat of butter on each steak, and a generous portion of rice mix on the side.
Day After Breakfast
Tortillas
1/2 cup Masa Harina tortilla mix
add splash of V8 and water for wet portion of instructions
Knead by hand until mixture pulls together. Roll golf-ball-sized dough balls and flatten in tortilla press. Toast for one minute on each side until tender and warm.
Filling
Heat leftover rice mix in a pan, add 2 whole eggs and cheese of your choice. Scoop into fresh tortillas and enjoy! Top with avocado, sour cream, salsa or other condiments of your choice.
1 cup (dry) Lundberg Rice Mix (or similar), cooked to package directions
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp olive oil (I use extra virgin)
1 shallot, chopped
1 poblano pepper, chopped
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes in olive oil
1 package baby portabella mushrooms, chopped
1 tsp garam masala spice blend
salt to taste
Heat oil and butter just to bubbling, add shallot and pepper and saute until tender. Add sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and spice blend. Stir occasionally and let cook until the mushrooms have wilted. Add rice mix and salt to taste.
Bullseye Ribeye
2 aged, thick cut (1.5 inches), ribeye steaks
Olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
salt and pepper
Heat a grill pan on medium high - you want it hot and ready for you. Drizzle olive oil over the steaks, add salt and pepper. Place seasoned side down on your hot grill or grill pan. Leave alone for 6 minutes. Drizzle unseasoned side with oil, salt and pepper. Turn steaks over, and leave for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Tent with foil if desired. Your steaks will be a perfect medium rare. Serve with a pat of butter on each steak, and a generous portion of rice mix on the side.
Day After Breakfast
Tortillas
1/2 cup Masa Harina tortilla mix
add splash of V8 and water for wet portion of instructions
Knead by hand until mixture pulls together. Roll golf-ball-sized dough balls and flatten in tortilla press. Toast for one minute on each side until tender and warm.
Filling
Heat leftover rice mix in a pan, add 2 whole eggs and cheese of your choice. Scoop into fresh tortillas and enjoy! Top with avocado, sour cream, salsa or other condiments of your choice.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Fagioli Ensalada
I love salads. I've created a special recipe to appeal precisely to those with a meatier appetite. On the upside? It's darn tasty! Fagioli is Italian for beans, and ensalada, just like it sounds - salad. Bean Salad. Dress it up or down, it's a great, go-to meal when you're short on time.
Fagioli Ensalada
In a skillet over medium heat, sautee:
1 softball sized onion, chopped
1 red (yellow, orange) bell pepper, chopped (poblano, any mild pepper works)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1-3 tomatillos chopped (these are gooseberries, omit if you can't find them)
Add:
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef (include some chorizo sausage if you like)
break up and brown with the sauteed veggies.
Add a tablespoon of your favorite chili seasoning blend (mine is Penzey's 3000) and some powdered Adobo or smoked paprika and crushed red pepper to taste. Then add:
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed kidney beans
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed black beans
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 12-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/3 cup of your favorite Italian dressing
Stir together and simmer for 10 mins. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded Romaine lettuce or Napa cabbage, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole or avocado, diced fresh tomatoes, and any other suitable condiments. Use the leftovers to make Taco Stew!
Enjoy! ~ky
Fagioli Ensalada
In a skillet over medium heat, sautee:
1 softball sized onion, chopped
1 red (yellow, orange) bell pepper, chopped (poblano, any mild pepper works)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1-3 tomatillos chopped (these are gooseberries, omit if you can't find them)
Add:
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef (include some chorizo sausage if you like)
break up and brown with the sauteed veggies.
Add a tablespoon of your favorite chili seasoning blend (mine is Penzey's 3000) and some powdered Adobo or smoked paprika and crushed red pepper to taste. Then add:
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed kidney beans
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed black beans
1 15-oz can drained and rinsed garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 12-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/3 cup of your favorite Italian dressing
Stir together and simmer for 10 mins. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded Romaine lettuce or Napa cabbage, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole or avocado, diced fresh tomatoes, and any other suitable condiments. Use the leftovers to make Taco Stew!
Enjoy! ~ky
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