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One Pan Gingery Coconut Noodles with Shrimp and Greens

One Pan Gingery Coconut Noodles with Shrimp and Greens

One Pan Gingery Coconut Noodles with Shrimp and Greens

 

6 ounces wide rice noodles (aka rice linguine or rice sticks)

2 T. coconut oil or neutral oil, such as grapeseed, sunflower, or safflower

6 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

2 jalapenos, seeded if you like: 1 minced, 1 thinly sliced

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed

4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced, divided

2 T. finely grated or minced fresh ginger, divided

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 (13.5-ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk

2 T. fish sauce, plus more to taste

1 lime

5 ounces (about 5 cups) baby spinach

1 C. chopped fresh cilantro or basil leaves (or a combination), plus more for garnish

 

Put the rice noodles in a large bowl and add enough hot tap water to cover. Set aside while prepping the other ingredients. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the scallion whites and minced jalapeno (save the scallion greens and jalapeno slices for garnish). Add a large pinch of salt and cook until everything is starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir half the garlic and half the ginger into the pan (save the remaining garlic and ginger for the coconut milk). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp to the pan along with 1/4 tsp. of the salt and saute until the shrimp turns pink and is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm (leave any solids not clinging to the shrimp in the pan). Stir the coconut milk and fish sauce into the pan and add the remaining garlic and ginger. Grate the zest from the lime into the pan. (Cut the zested lime into wedges to save for serving.) Bring the coconut milk to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Add the noodles to the skillet and toss well. Stir in the spinach and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt and cook, covered, until the noodles are al dente, and the spinach is wilted, 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

 

12 oz Italian sausage casings removed (I used 3 sausage links)

1 T. olive oil

10 oz potato gnocchi

1 C. heavy cream

½ C. chicken broth

1 C. butternut squash puree

3 cloves garlic minced

2 T. fresh sage chopped

2 T. fresh thyme

salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

 

Remove sausage from casings and slice it. Heat 1 T. of olive oil on medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet. Add sliced sausage and cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes on one side, without turning, to get the sausage slices browned. Flip over to the other side and cook for 2 more minutes. To the same skillet with sausage, add uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil on medium heat and stir everything well. Cover with lid, and allow the gnocchi to cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, while the sauce boils. To the same pan with gnocchi and sausage, add butternut squash puree, and minced garlic. Bring the sauce to a boil on medium heat, reduce to low-medium heat, stir everything well. Cook for about 3 or more minutes. Make sure the gnocchi are cooked through, the garlic is cooked to your liking, and the sauce thickens. Cook longer if you would like a thicker sauce. Remove from heat. Stir in half of the fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground coarse black pepper. Tip: use your best judgment about the salt. If the sausage is salty enough, you might not need to add any extra salt. When serving, top with the remaining half of the fresh sage and the remaining half of the fresh thyme.

 

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

One Pot Chicken and Orzo Skillet

 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips

2 tsp. salt-free garlic seasoning blend

1 small onion, chopped

1 T. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 C. reduced-sodium chicken broth

3/4 C. uncooked orzo pasta

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese, optional

 

Sprinkle chicken with garlic seasoning blend. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, spinach, broth, orzo, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Skillet Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Tomatoes

Skillet Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Tomatoes

Skillet Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Tomatoes

 

2 T. unsalted butter

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

4 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

12 C. dry white wine or stock

1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving

1 pound large or extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 C. orzo

1 C. halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves and tender stems

1 lemon, halved

Flaky sea salt, for serving

 

In a large sauté pan or skillet, melt the butter with the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine, 1/2 tsp. of the kosher salt, the black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and bring to a simmer. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and sauté until they just turn pink, 2 to 4 minutes, depending upon their size. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent with foil to keep it warm. Add 2 C. of water to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo and 1 tsp. of the kosher salt. Cover the pan and let the orzo simmer over medium-low heat until it is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the pan dries out toward the end, add a little more water.  Return the shrimp to the pan, along with the tomatoes and the remaining 3/4 tsp. kosher salt and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley and then squeeze in the juice from half the lemon, gently tossing to combine. Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges for serving. Serve the orzo sprinkled with flaky sea salt and more red pepper flakes, if you like, and drizzled with a little oil, with the lemon wedges on the side

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

One Pot Bacon & Egg Spaghetti with Greens and Herbs

 

2 large eggs

3 large egg yolks

1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 C. grated pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving

1 T. freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

6 ounces bacon, diced

1 medium onion, diced

12 ounces spaghetti

8 ounces (about 8 cups) baby spinach, chopped

1 C. torn fresh basil leaves

1 C. torn fresh parsley leaves and tender stems

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan, pecorino, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the edges crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the onion to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown and soft, 5 to 7 minutes. If the spaghetti won’t lie flat in the skillet, break it in half. Add it to the pan along with 41 2 3 4 5/4 C. of water and 1 tsp. of the salt. Cook, uncovered, stirring and tossing the pasta frequently, until it is cooked through but still al dente, 12 to 14 minutes. If the skillet dries out before the pasta is cooked through, add a little water. The pan should stay moist; having a bit of extra pasta water in the pan will make for a creamier, silkier carbonara sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the egg-cheese mixture, tossing well. Add the spinach, in batches as it begins to wilt, the basil, parsley, and remaining ¥2 tsp. salt and energetically toss until everything is well incorporated. Cover the pan for 2 minutes to allow the spinach to fully cook. Uncover and toss again.  Serve immediately, sprinkled with pecorino and pepper.

Sheet Pan Crispy Lemon Chicken with Potatoes, Oregano, and Capers

Sheet Pan Crispy Lemon Chicken with Potatoes, Oregano, and Capers

 

1 lemon

1 3/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

2 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, divided

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks **

3 fat garlic cloves, minced or finely grated

Crushed red pepper flakes

Torn parsley, basil, or mint leaves, for serving

1 T. drained capers, for serving

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

 

Heat oven to 425°F and, if you like, line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner (not essential but helpful for cleaning up). Grate the zest from the lemon into a large bowl and cut the naked lemon in half. Set aside. Put the potatoes, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. salt, and ¼ tsp. black pepper onto the prepared sheet pan, tossing well to coat. Spread potatoes out into a single layer. Squeeze one lemon half all over potatoes and drizzle with 1 T. of the oil. Roast potatoes for 15 minutes. While the potatoes are roasting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with the remaining 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. black pepper. To the bowl with the lemon zest, stir in the garlic, remaining 2 tsp. oregano, and a large pinch of red pepper flakes. Add chicken and toss well, making sure it gets well coated with all the seasonings. After the potatoes are roasted for 15 minutes, add chicken to the pan, placing the pieces skin side up on top of potatoes. Drizzle chicken and potatoes with remaining 2 T. olive oil. Continue to roast until chicken and potatoes are cooked through and everything is golden and crisped, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Transfer chicken and potatoes to a platter or serving plates and sprinkle with torn herbs. Scrape the pan juices into a bowl, squeeze in the remaining lemon half and stir in the capers. Drizzle a little of the sauce over the chicken and potatoes and serve remaining sauce on the side.  ** If you’d rather use bone-in breasts, let the potatoes roast for 25 minutes, then add the chicken and roast for 20 to 25 minutes longer.

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

Sheet Pan Sumac Spiced Chicken with Plums

 

1 lemon zested

½ tsp brown sugar (optional for caramelization)

1 T. ground sumac

2 tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. allspice

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

6-8 chickens thighs skin on bone in

1 small bunch thyme, more for garnish

 

8-10 small-Med size plums, halved or quartered if large (any variety)

2 shallots, sliced into ¼-inch-thick rounds

1 T. honey

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. allspice

1 bay leaf, torn in half

 

Place the lemon zest in a small bowl (Set aside the zested lemon) Stir in the sumac, salt, pepper, sugar if using, cinnamon,and allspice into the lemon zest. Stir in the olive oil and the garlic. Rub it all over the chicken and allow to marinate for 1 hour to overnight / remove from fridge and allow to come to room temp while oven is preheating Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss together plums, shallots, honey, oil, salt, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaf and 2 T. water. Spread out ½ the plum mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Then scatter the thyme over them and Place chicken over the plums in the pan. Roast for 30 minutes. Then remove and REDUCE oven temp to 350 degrees F baste the chicken with pan juices and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken and scatter remaining plums onto the pan then continue to roast until the chicken is golden-skinned and cooked through, 10-15 minutes. Once done serve with the plums and more thyme and lemon wedges for garnish. Serve with rice, couscous or some crusty bread to enjoy the pan juices with.

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and Ricotta

 

1 (17- to 18-ounce) package or 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated gnocchi

2 (4-ounce) packages sliced wild mushroom mix

1 bunch scallions, white and light green parts chopped, dark green parts thinly sliced, divided

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 C. full-fat ricotta cheese

1 lemon

 

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is heating, combine the gnocchi, mushrooms and scallion whites and light green parts with 1/4 C. oil on the sheet pan. Season with salt and pepper and toss well. Transfer to the oven and roast, stirring halfway through, until the mushrooms and gnocchi are browned and beginning to crisp, about 20 minutes. While the gnocchi cooks, combine the ricotta with the remaining 1 T. oil in a small bowl. Zest the lemon over the top, season to taste with salt and pepper, and stir well. Slice the zested lemon in half. Once the gnocchi are finished, dollop the ricotta mixture on top of and between the gnocchi. Sprinkle with some of the dark green scallion slices to taste (you likely won’t need them all). Squeeze the lemon over the top to taste and drizzle with a bit more olive oil. Serve.

 

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Brown Butter Corn

 

4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1¼ pounds)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2garlic cloves, finely grated or minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears)

½ cup torn basil leaves

Lime wedges, for serving

2 scallions, thinly sliced, for serving

 

Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Rub garlic and thyme on chicken and set aside while preparing the rest of the ingredients. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter, letting butter melt. Add chicken and sear, undisturbed, until browned on both sides, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate. Over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides and it smells nutty and toasty, 2 to 3 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn’t burn.) Add corn and a big pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté until tender and golden brown, 2 minutes. Add chicken back to the skillet. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and corn is caramelized, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and taste corn, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in basil and squeeze 2 lime wedges over the top. Serve garnished with sliced scallions and more lime wedges.

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

 

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

1 T. unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic

1 T. brown sugar

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 lb green beans

 

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt 1 T. butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown. (The skin side will take much longer, in order to properly render the fat and crisp up the skin.) Remove chicken thighs and set aside. Pour out any excess fat, but leave some in for the sauce. Add garlic, stir until fragrant, then add brown sugar, honey, thyme, and oregano, and stir. Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the sauce. Add green beans to skillet. Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy!

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables & Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

1 1/2 – 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh

 

1 lb asparagus, ends broken off, then cut into half

3 oz baby bella sliced mushrooms

1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved

2-3 T. extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

 

2 T. butter

2 T. flour

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

1 cup fat free Half & Half

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 T. dried basil

zest + juice of one medium lemon

salt and pepper

 

Begin by combining all the seasonings for the chicken spice rub. Set aside, then trim the chicken thighs into similar sizes, removing any fat if needed. Brush each piece of chicken with olive oil, then rub each side thoroughly with the spice rub. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully place all of the chicken on one half of the paper, then toss the asparagus in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and place those on the other side of the sheet. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. While the chicken and asparagus are baking toss the mushroom and tomatoes in a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. Once the chicken and asparagus are almost done, add the mushrooms and tomatoes to the pan on top of the asparagus and bake uncovered for another 12-15 minutes. While the chicken is baking, melt the butter for the sauce in a medium saucepan. Once melted, slowly whisk in the flour. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, whisking together, then slowly stir in the chicken broth. Add the half and half, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest and lemon juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to simmer until sauce thickens and reduces just a bit. Remove from heat. Serve as is, or over some brown and wild rice mixed with a bit of the creamy garlic lemon sauce for a full, flavorful meal. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken (and rice), it perfectly balances the heat of the spice rub on the chicken thighs with smooth and creamy taste of the sauce.

Sheet Pan Sausage with Cabbage and Pickled Onions

Sheet Pan Sausage with Cabbage and Pickled Onions

Sheet Pan Sausage with Cabbage and Pickled Onions

1 head green or red cabbage, halved, cored, and cut into 1-inch wedges (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 red or yellow onion, halved and cut into 1/2-inch wedges

6 T. olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

4 sweet or spicy Italian sausages

Quickled onions or 1 T. cider vinegar

Dijon mustard, for serving

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Toss together the cabbage, onion, and oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with the salt and several grinds of black pepper and nestle the sausages among the vegetables. Roast, shaking the baking sheet halfway through, until the cabbage is brown on the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil until the onions and sausages are browned, about 3 minutes more. Scatter the pickled onions over everything and serve with Dijon mustard.

One Pan Spanish Rice with Meat or Poultry

One Pan Spanish Rice with Meat or Poultry

One Pan Spanish Rice with Meat or Poultry

 

One 15-ounce can tomato sauce

One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, not drained

One 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained

1 T. onion powder

½ tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ tsp. dried oregano

¼ tsp. salt

1 pound cooked ground beef or one 12-ounce can roast beef, rinsed, drained, and pulled into smaller bites, or one 10-ounce can chicken or turkey, drained and pulled into smaller bites

Cayenne pepper (optional)

¼ cup sliced black or green Spanish olives (optional)

1 cup uncooked mediumto long-grain rice

 

In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients but the rice. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture just begins to boil. Stir in the rice and cover. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

One-Pot Smoky Pork Chops and Rice

One-Pot Smoky Pork Chops and Rice

One-Pot Smoky Pork Chops and Rice

 

6 (8-oz) bone-in pork chops

1 T. smoked paprika

1 tsp. salt, divided

2 T. olive oil

2 (8-oz) pkg diced tricolor bell pepper mix (such as Incredible Fresh)

2 pints grape tomatoes

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 T. chopped fresh thyme

2 (8.8-oz) pouches microwavable brown rice

 

Sprinkle pork with paprika and ½ tsp. salt. Cook pork, in batches, in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes per side or until browned. Remove from skillet. Add bell pepper mix, and cook 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in tomatoes, broth, thyme, and ½ tsp. salt. Reduce heat to medium; nestle pork chops into vegetable mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and chicken is done. Meanwhile, microwave rice according to package directions. Stir rice into pork mixture until blended.

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

One Pan Penne with Shrimp and Sundried Tomatoes

 

4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 C. sweet onion, diced

1 pound raw, peeled shrimp

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 C. dry white wine

2 T. garlic, minced

1/2 C. sundried tomatoes, drained

2 C. fresh baby spinach leaves

A small handful of julienned basil leaves

1 lb. penne pasta, cooked and drained

cayenne pepper, to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

 

In a large sauté pan, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve 2 T. of bacon grease in the pan. Add the onion to the pan and sauté over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Season the shrimp with cayenne, salt and pepper. Increase the heat to high and add the olive oil to the sautéed onion mixture. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp and sauté until they are partially cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and then add the garlic, sundried tomatoes, spinach leaves and basil and cook 1 minute more, stirring often. Add the pasta and toss to coat.

Sheet Pan Halloumi with Burst Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Preserved Lemon, and Mint

Sheet Pan Halloumi with Burst Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Preserved Lemon, and Mint

Sheet Pan Halloumi with Burst Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Preserved Lemon, and Mint

 

1 (about 8.8-ounce) package halloumi

1 pound summer squash (about 2 medium)

1/2 medium red onion

4 cloves garlic

1 preserved lemon

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (about 11 ounces)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

8 sprigs fresh mint

 

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425ºF.  Prepare the following, adding each to the same rimmed baking sheet as it is completed: Pat 1 (about 8.8-ounce) package halloumi dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Trim 1 pound summer squash, halve lengthwise, and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut 1/2 medium red onion into 1-inch chunks. Smash and peel 4 garlic cloves. Pull away the flesh from 1 preserved lemon and discard. Rinse the skin well and thinly slice.

Add 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and spread out in a single layer.  Roast, tossing halfway through, until the halloumi is softened and browned in spots and the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, pick the leaves from 8 fresh mint sprigs and finely chop (about 2 tablespoons).  Let the halloumi and vegetables cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with the mint and gently toss to combine.

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

Orange Teriyaki Beef Noodle Bowl

 

1 lb. thin cut round steak, thinly sliced

16 oz pkg frozen vegetables, stir-fry mix

2.5 cups beef broth

1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

2 T orange marmalade

1 T soy sauce

3 cups uncooked angel hair pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces

 

Spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, remove from pan. Add stir-fry mix, broth, teriyaki sauce, marmalade and soy sauce to pan. Bring to a boil; add pasta, reduce heat and cook 4 minutes or until pasta is tender. Return beef to mixture; cook until thoroughly heated.

10-Minute Sausage Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

10-Minute Sausage Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

10-Minute Sausage Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini

 

1 T. olive oil

12 ounces fully cooked Italian sausage (about 4 links), sliced into 1/4″-thick coins

2 pints cherry tomatoes

2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped

4 sprigs thyme

2 bunches broccolini (about 1 pound), trimmed, halved lengthwise

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 T. unsalted butter, cubed

Crusty bread (for serving; optional)

 

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, and thyme, stir to combine, and cook, pressing down on some of the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to encourage bursting, 2 minutes. Add broccolini; season with salt and pepper. Cook, covered, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Divide sausage mixture among plates. Serve with bread alongside, if desired.

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

Ratatouille Sheet Pan Chicken

4 T. (½ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1½ tsp. fine sea salt, plus more as needed

1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary leaves

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme leaves

½ tsp. tomato paste

1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

1 whole (3½- to 4-pound) chicken, patted dry with paper towels

2 medium eggplants (1½ pounds), cut into 1¼-inch chunks

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

6 sprigs fresh thyme

3 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 bay leaves, torn into pieces

3 medium zucchini (1¼ pounds), cut into ¼-inch-thick slices

1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch-wide strips

1 tomato, cut into 1-inch chunks

2 T. chopped fresh basil leaves, for serving

Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

 

In a small bowl, mash together the butter, salt, rosemary, thyme, tomato paste and garlic. Using kitchen shears, cut down the sides of the chicken’s backbone to remove it. Keep it for roasting later. Flip the chicken over and cut the chicken in half between the breasts. Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken halves, getting it underneath the skin. Place the chicken halves on a rimmed baking sheet and let them marinate for at least 2 hours, and up to overnight, in the fridge (leave it uncovered, which will help the skin dry out and then crisp up when it roasts). Arrange the racks in the top third, middle and bottom third of the oven. Heat the oven to 450°F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss together the eggplant, onion, 5 T. olive oil and a big pinch of fine sea salt. Top the mixture with 2 thyme sprigs, 1 rosemary sprig and a third of the bay leaf pieces. Place the reserved chicken backbone in the middle of the baking sheet next to the vegetables and roast on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes, tossing the vegetables after 10 minutes. (The pan will be very full and that’s okay; the onion will reduce as it cooks.) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the zucchini, bell pepper and tomato with just enough oil to coat and add a big pinch of fine sea salt. Divide the vegetables between two rimmed baking sheets and spread them out into one layer. Top each pan of vegetables with half of the remaining thyme, rosemary and bay leaf. Nestle half a chicken in among the vegetables on each pan. Make sure the chicken is resting on the pan, not the vegetables. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Place these baking sheets on the top and bottom oven racks (the eggplant is on the middle rack). Roast for 15 minutes. Toss all the vegetables (including the eggplant and onion) and drizzle the chicken with a little more oil. Switch the top and bottom baking sheets (to help evenly brown the chicken) and roast for another 15 to 25 minutes, until the chicken registers 155°F when a thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Keep an eye on the vegetables and transfer any that start to burn to a serving bowl. If the chicken is done but the skin isn’t brown enough for you, broil it for 1 to 2 minutes; then transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. Transfer all the vegetables to a serving bowl, discarding the herb sprigs and bay leaf pieces, and toss them well with the pan drippings, any juice from the rested chicken and the basil. Sprinkle the vegetables with flaky salt and plenty of black pepper and then serve them alongside the chicken, with lemon wedges on the side.

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

One Pot Skillet Lemon Chicken with Artichokes

 

2 T. olive oil, divided

1 (9-ounce) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed

1 tsp. salt, divided

½ tsp. ground black pepper, divided

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

2 T. unsalted butter

1 medium onion, cut into ½-inch pieces

3 garlic cloves, minced

1½ cups orzo pasta (about 8 ounces)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

2½ cups unsalted chicken broth

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat 1 T. of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the artichoke hearts, ¼ tsp. of the salt, and ⅛ tsp. of the pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.  Season the chicken with ½ tsp. of the salt and ¼ tsp. of the pepper. Add the remaining 1 T. oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning once, until lightly browned on both sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat and add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the orzo and cook until it is lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the lemon juice and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Return the artichoke hearts to the pan and stir in the broth and the remaining ¼ tsp. salt and ⅛ tsp. pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, nestle the chicken breasts on top of the orzo, and transfer to the oven. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center of the chicken registers 160°F and the orzo is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Stir in the parsley just before serving.

One Pot Lemony Chicken Sausage and Artichoke Orzo

One Pot Lemony Chicken Sausage and Artichoke Orzo

One Pot Lemony Chicken Sausage and Artichoke Orzo

As long as you can remember a simple formula, the possibilities for one-pot orzo dinners are endless. Cook one pound dry orzo pasta with four cups of water in a skillet or Dutch oven with your favorite combination of vegetable or protein mix-ins. The rice-shaped orzo pasta cooks quickly, making this the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Stir the pot frequently to keep the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to thicken the sauce with the pasta’s starches

 

12 ounces cooked Italian chicken sausage

1/2 small red onion

1 large lemon

4 cups water

1 pound dried orzo pasta

1 (12-ounce) jar marinated, quartered artichoke hearts

1 T. olive oil

2 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

 

Cut 12 ounces chicken sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds and thinly slice 1/2 small red onion. Place both in a 3 1/2-quart straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Finely grate the zest of 1 large lemon (reserve the zested lemon) into the skillet. Add 4 cups water, 1 pound dried orzo, 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts and its liquid, 1 T. olive oil, 2 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, stirring frequently so the orzo doesn’t stick, until the orzo is al dente and the liquid has nearly evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Halve the lemon and squeeze the juice into the skillet. Gently stir before serving.

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo

 

Olive oil spray

1 cup penne or farfalle

½ tsp. olive oil

½ to ¾ pound chicken breasts or thighs

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 garlic cloves, quartered

6 ounces wild mushrooms, sliced

½ cup small green pimiento stuffed olives

1 cup fresh or frozen pearl onions

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

1 T. chopped fresh basil

5 to 6 leaves rainbow or Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped

14oz. can Diced Tomatoes

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray the inside and lid of a cast iron Dutch oven with olive oil. Pour the pasta, ⅓ cup water, and the olive oil into the pot, and stir to coat the noodles. Arrange the chicken on top and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the garlic on top of the chicken along with the mushrooms, olives, onions, parsley, and basil. Add the chard and pour the entire, undrained can of tomatoes evenly over everything. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven.  Serve immediately.

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

Sheet Pan Chicken Leg Quarters with Cauliflower and Shallots

 

1 head cauliflower (2 pounds), cored and cut into 8 wedges through stem

6 shallots, peeled and halved

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 T. chopped fresh sage or 2 tsp. dried, divided

1 tsp. table salt, divided

1 tsp. pepper, divided

4 (10-ounce) chicken leg quarters, trimmed

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving

8 ounces grape tomatoes

1 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Adjust 1 oven rack to lower-middle position and second rack 6 inches from broiler element. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Gently toss cauliflower and shallots with 2 T. oil, 1 T. sage, ½ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper on rimmed baking sheet. Arrange cauliflower pieces cut side down in single layer in center of sheet. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Make 4 diagonal slashes through skin and meat of each leg quarter with sharp knife (each slash should reach bone). Sprinkle chicken with remaining ½ tsp. salt and remaining ½ tsp. pepper. Place each piece of chicken skin side up in 1 corner of sheet; rest chicken directly on sheet, not on vegetables. Whisk garlic, lemon zest, remaining 2 T. oil, and remaining 1 T. sage together in bowl. Brush skin side of chicken with seasoned oil mixture. Transfer sheet to lower rack and roast until chicken registers 175 degrees, cauliflower is browned, and shallots are tender, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through roasting. Remove sheet from oven and heat broiler. Scatter tomatoes over vegetables. Place sheet on upper rack and broil until chicken skin is browned and crisp and tomatoes have begun to wilt, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

One-Pan Roast Chicken and Shallots

 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

12 to 15 whole medium shallots, peeled, halved if large

kosher salt to taste

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

a few sprigs tarragon or thyme

2 cups white wine

fresh-cracked black pepper

8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drummies or a combination

 

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or skillet set over medium-high heat. When the butter foams, add the shallots to the pot, season with salt, and sauté them in the butter until they begin to soften and caramelize, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat as needed if shallots are browning too quickly. Add the mustard and thyme and stir until the mustard coats the shallots evenly and begins to brown. Add the wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any brown bits. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides. When the wine simmers, add the chicken pieces to the pan and transfer the pan to the oven. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until the skin is nicely brown and crisp. Remove pan from oven. Using a spoon, swirl around the sauce and take a taste. If it tastes good, serve it. If it tastes fatty, transfer the meat and shallots to a platter, pour the juices into a Pyrex and let them sit until the fat rises, about 5 minutes. Skim off the fat. Return the juices, chicken and shallots to the pan. Return to the oven or bring to a simmer stove top to reheat. If chicken isn’t as brown as you would like, you can stick it under the broiler too. Serve immediately with crusty bread and a salad.

Orzo with Ham & Buttered Peas

Orzo with Ham & Buttered Peas

Orzo with Ham & Buttered Peas

 

½ C. Orzo

½ C. Frozen Peas

1 T. EVOO

2 T. Butter

1 T. minced Shallot

2 oz. Deli Ham, cut into strips

¼ C. grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt & Pepper

 

Bring small saucepan of water to boil over high heat.  Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes, adding the peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking.  Drain in sieve and transfer to bowl.  Add oil and stir to coat. Add the butter to the saucepan and melt over medium heat. Add the shallot and ham and cook until the shallot is soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Return the orzo and peas to the pan and stir in the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Pack hot into insulated, vacuum-sealed lunch containers.)

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

Sheet Pan Drumsticks with Carrots, Asparagus and Tarragon

 

1 T. salt

1 T. smoked paprika

1 T. granulated garlic

1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise 3 T. olive oil, divided

½  lb. asparagus

3 lb. chicken drumsticks

¼ cup white wine vinegar

3 T. honey

2 T. whole grain mustard

2 T. chopped tarragon

 

Preheat the oven to 425°. In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic until fully combined. Set aside.  Place the carrots cut side down on a large, rimmed baking pan. Drizzle 2 T. of the olive oil over them and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of the prepared spice mixture evenly across the carrots. Spread them out flat and even again in the pan and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Push the carrots to one end of the pan to make room for the asparagus.  Toss the asparagus with 1 T. of olive oil, and then spread the spears out evenly across the cleared half of the baking pan. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of the spice mixture evenly across the asparagus and the carrots. Return the baking pan to the oven and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set the vegetables aside on a platter.  Add the chicken drumsticks to the empty sheet pan. Sprinkle enough of the spice mixture over the drumsticks to cover on all sides, and then spread them out evenly. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the pieces over, and then cook for another 15 minutes. Add the carrots and asparagus to the pan, arranging them in an even layer around the drumsticks. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°. Remove the pan from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the gastrique. (A gastrique infuses vinegar and a sweetener of some form, in this case honey, with flavoring agents of your choice. Its purpose is to bring out the full flavor and saltiness of meats.)  Place the honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes until foamy. Add the vinegar and stir constantly for 3 minutes, and then remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes, and then stir in the mustard.  Drizzle the gastrique evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle 1 T. of chopped tarragon evenly over the pan, toss gently to coat both sides, and then spread the ingredients back out. Sprinkle the remaining T. of chopped tarragon evenly across the entire pan, and then serve immediately.

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon

 

4 salmon fillets, skin off (or Trout or any white fish)

Salt and pepper, to season

2 tsp. olive oil

2 T. butter

6 cloves garlic, finely diced

1 small yellow onion, diced

1/3 cup dry white wine

5 ounces (150 g) jarred sun dried tomato strips in oil, drained of oil

1 3/4 C. half and half

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 C. baby spinach leaves

1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, (do not include for dairy free option)

1 tsp. cornstarch mixed with 1 T. of water (optional)

1 T. fresh parsley chopped

 

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon filets (or fish if using) on both sides with salt and pepper, and sear in the hot pan, flesh-side down first, for 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. Melt the butter in the remaining juices leftover in the pan. Add in the garlic and fry until fragrant (about one minute). Fry the onion in the butter. Pour in the white wine (if using) and allow to reduce down slightly. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fry for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. Reduce heat to low heat, add the half and half (or heavy cream), and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce and add in the parmesan cheese. Allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce. (For a thicker sauce, add the milk/cornstarch mixture to the center of the pan, and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.) Add the salmon back into the pan; sprinkle with the parsley and spoon the sauce over each filet. Serve over pasta, rice or steamed veg.

Golden Split Pea Soup

Golden Split Pea Soup

Golden Split Pea Soup

 

1 lb. Yellow Split Peas

1 lb. Sweet Italian Sausage

2 T. XVOO

2 C. Diced Leeks

4 C. Diced Celery

4 C. Diced Carrots

3 C. Diced Sweet Potato

6 Garlic Gloves, Finely Minced

3 tsp. Coarse Sea Salt

2 tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

8 C. Homemade Ham Stock or Homemade Chicken Stock or Bone Broth

Homemade Croutons, Crème Fraiche and Chopped Fresh Italian Parsley to Garnish the Soup

 

In a large pot, such as a Dutch oven, over medium heat, heat the XVOO and add the Italian sausage.  Brown the sausage on all sides.  Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle dice the Italian Sausage.  Add the leeks, celery, carrot, garlic, salt and pepper and gently sauté the vegetables until the leeks begins to become translucent, about 10 minutes.  Add the sweet potato and sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes more.    Add the split peas and cook for two minutes.  Add the ham stock and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to simmer and continue to cook for 30 minutes covered with a lid, stirring often to be sure the mixture does not burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.  Add the diced Italian sausage and cook for 30 minutes more or until the peas are soft and the soup is thick.  If too thick add a bit of the stock to thin.  (I like to cook the soup with a lid halfway on the pot.  This helps to keep the soup from reducing too much.)  Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Serve the soup in warm bowls with croutons and topped with a dollop of Crème Fraiche and a sprinkle of chopped fresh Italian parsley.

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

Sheet-Pan Chicken with Roasted Plums and Onions

 

2 tsp. fennel seeds

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon or orange zest

4 garlic cloves, finely grated

2 tsp. honey

¼ tsp. ground allspice

Large pinch red-pepper flakes, or to taste

1 chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), cut into parts

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 C. ripe, soft plums, pitted and cut into 3/4-inch thick slices

6 fresh thyme sprigs

1 medium red onion, peeled and sliced from root to stem in 1/2-inch wedges

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

â…” C. torn mint, basil or cilantro leaves (or a combination)

Flaky sea salt, for serving

 

Toast the fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Pour seeds into a mortar and pound with a pestle until coarsely crushed (or lay seeds on a cutting board and pound them with a can or jar). Put the seeds into a large bowl and stir in lemon juice, zest, garlic, honey, allspice and red-pepper flakes. Season chicken generously all over with salt and pepper and add to the bowl, turning the pieces to coat them with marinade. Mix in plums and thyme sprigs. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, heat the oven to 425 degrees. Put the chicken pieces, plums, and thyme sprigs on a rimmed baking pan. Add onions, spreading them out around the chicken and plums. Season plums and onions lightly with salt. Drizzle everything with olive oil. Roast until chicken is golden and cooked through, 30 to 45 minutes, removing the white meat if it’s done before the dark meat. Transfer chicken pieces as they are done to a platter. Spoon the plums and onions around the chicken. Drizzle a little of the pan drippings over the chicken and serve, garnished with the herbs and flaky salt.

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

Skillet Bowtie Lasagna

 

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

14-1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes

1-1/2 c. water

6-oz. can tomato paste

1 T. dried parsley

2 t. dried oregano

1 t. salt

2-1/2 c. bowtie pasta, uncooked

3/4 c. small-curd cottage cheese

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown beef, onion and garlic; drain. Add tomatoes with juice, water, tomato paste and seasonings; mix well. Stir in pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until pasta is tender, stirring once. Combine cheeses; drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto pasta mixture. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Serves 4.

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

One Pot Chicken and Orzo

 

4 T. olive oil, divided

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 t. dried basil

salt and pepper to taste

2 zucchini, sliced

8-oz. pkg. orzo pasta, uncooked

1 T. butter, softened

2 T. red wine vinegar

Optional: 1 t. fresh dill, snipped

 

Garnish: lemon wedges Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken with basil, salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook, turning once, for 12 minutes, or until juices run clear. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm. Add zucchini to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, or until crisp tender. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions; drain and stir in butter. Whisk together remaining oil, vinegar and dill, if using; drizzle over orzo and toss to mix. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve chicken and zucchini with orzo, garnished with lemon wedges. Serves 4.

Thin-Cut Pork Chops with Creamed Spinach

Thin-Cut Pork Chops with Creamed Spinach

Thin-Cut Pork Chops with Creamed Spinach

 

8 bone-in rib pork chops (4 to 6 ounces each), 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick, sides slit

Salt and pepper

3 T. vegetable oil

1 (10-ounce) bag curly-leaf spinach, stemmed and torn into bite-sized pieces

1 T. unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. heavy cream

1/2 C. low-sodium chicken broth

 

Pat chops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 T. oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add 4 chops and cook until golden brown and meat registers 145 degrees, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to platter and tent with foil. Repeat with additional T. oil and remaining chops. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining oil to empty skillet, and heat until shimmering. Add spinach and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer spinach to colander and drain, pressing with spatula to release any extra liquid. Melt butter in empty skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in cream, broth, and any accumulated pork juices and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in spinach and season with salt and pepper. Top chops with creamed spinach. Serve.  Note: To prevent your pork chops from curling in a hot pan, cut two slits, about 2 inches apart, into one side of each chop (this method works for both boneless and bone-in chops). A flat chop will develop a better crust and taste better.

One Pot Garlic Shrimp Pasta

One Pot Garlic Shrimp Pasta

One Pot Garlic Shrimp Pasta

 

8 oz linguine

1 T. olive oil

4 T. of light butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

1¼ lb. large shrimp

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp. dried oregano

4 C. baby spinach

¼ C. Parmesan

2 T. parsley, chopped

1 T. lemon juice

 

In a large pot, boil water and add pasta. Cook (stirring frequently) until al dente. Drain and set aside pasta. In the same pan, heat 1 T. of olive oil and 1 T. of butter. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, cook until fragrant. Toss in shrimp, salt and pepper to taste, and stir until shrimp start to turn pink, but are not fully cooked. Add oregano and spinach, cook until wilted. Return cooked pasta to the pot, add remaining butter, parmesan, and parsley. Stir until well mixed and the butter is melted. When the shrimp are cooked, add lemon juice, mix once more, then serve while hot.

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Don’t use extra-large bone-in chicken breasts if you can help it; 12-ounce pieces work best. If unavoidable, keep in mind that bone-in breasts weighing about 1 pound each require 40 to 50 minutes of roasting.

 

1 tsp. dried oregano

¼ to ½ tsp. red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Four 12-ounce bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed and patted dry

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1½ pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch-thick wedges

2 lemons, halved crosswise

8 medium garlic cloves, peeled

½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped

2 T. drained capers

3 T. roughly chopped fresh dill, divided

 

Heat the oven to 475°F with a rack in the middle position. In a large bowl, stir together the oregano, pepper flakes, 2 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. black pepper. Sprinkle 2 tsp. of the mix onto all sides of the chicken. To the remaining seasoning mix in the bowl, add the oil, potatoes, lemon halves and garlic, then toss to coat.  Place the garlic in the center of a rimmed baking sheet, then arrange the chicken, skin side up, around the garlic; this placement helps prevent the garlic from scorching during roasting. Arrange the lemons, cut sides up, and the potatoes in an even layer around the chicken. Roast until the thickest part of the breasts (if using) reaches 160°F and the thickest part of the thighs (if using) reaches 175°F, about 30 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the chicken and lemon halves to a serving platter. Push the potatoes to the edge of the baking sheet, leaving the garlic in the center. Using a fork, mash the garlic to a rough paste. Add the olives, capers and 2 T. of the dill to the baking sheet, then, using a wide metal spatula, stir and toss the ingredients, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer the potato mixture to the platter, placing it around the chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 T. dill.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet

 

1 1/2 lb (650g) chicken breast, cut into strips

1 1/2 lb (650g) baby yellow potatoes, quartered

1 T. olive oil

3 T. butter, divided

5 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped

Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

The marinade

1/4 C. soy sauce (or coconut amino if you’re strictly paleo)

1 T. olive oil

1 T. hot sauce (we used Sriracha)

Fresh cracked pepper

 

To make the garlic butter chicken with potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, olive oil, pepper, and hot sauce. Set aside to marinate while you cook potatoes. Parboil the potatoes in boiling salted water for 8 minutes. This will accelerate cooking time in the skillet and ensure a nice golden crust on the potatoes. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, mix 1 T. olive oil and 1 T. butter. When butter is melted, add drained potatoes. Cook potatoes for about 4 minutes, stir and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until potatoes are golden and fork-tender. Transfer sauteed potatoes to a plate and set aside. Keep the same skillet over medium heat and add remaining 2 T. butter, lay the chicken strips in one layer in the skillet, keeping the drained marinade for later. Add garlic and red chili pepper flakes to the chicken. Cook chicken strips on each side for 1 minute each until nicely browned – adjust timing depending on how you like your grilled chicken. Stir in the reserved marinade and cook with chicken until the marinade is cooked. Add the fresh herbs and give a quick stir. Then add the sauteed potatoes back to the pan and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken with Zucchini & Onions

 

3 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 large red onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 T. extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 T. sweet paprika

1½ tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. ground coriander

½ tsp. ground allspice

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

 

Preheat the oven to 450°F.  In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, onion, and garlic. Add 2 T. of the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In a large bowl, combine the remaining 2 T. olive oil, the paprika, brown sugar, coriander, and allspice and stir to form a paste. Season each chicken thigh with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken to the spice paste and rub the paste into each piece to coat on all sides. Place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet and nestle the zucchini and onion around the pieces. Bake for 30 to 3 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a serving platter and serve hot.

Paprika Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zucchini Skillet

Paprika Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zucchini Skillet

Paprika Chicken Thighs with Lemon Zucchini Skillet

4 chicken thighs bone-in, skinless

2 T. Paprika Spice Blend (see below)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1 T. oil

2 T. butter or oil divided

2 large zucchini, cut into wedges

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 C. chicken stock

2 T. chopped parsley, for garnish

1 tsp. red chili pepper flakes, for garnish

 

4 T. Smoked Paprika

3 T. Garlic Powder

1 T. Onion Powder

3 T. Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp.  Cayenne Pepper

 

To make the paprika chicken thighs: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the paprika spice blend and mix with a spoon until well combined. Arrange chicken thighs in a shallow plate and generously season with 2 T. of this seasoning mix. Toss the chicken meat to coat well with spices. Melt 1 T. butter and 1 T. oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in one layer in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes, until cooked through and a cooking thermometer displays 165°F (75°C). If chicken browns too quickly, lower the heat. Adjust timing depending on the thickness. Transfer cooked chicken thighs to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the remaining T. butter. Add zucchini and minced garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until cooked to your liking. Add lemon juice and chicken stock and reduce the sauce for a couple of minutes, until slightly thickened. Add cooked paprika chicken thighs back to the pan with zucchini and reheat quickly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve the paprika chicken thighs and zucchini immediately, garnished with crushed chili pepper, fresh parsley, and a slice of lemon if you like. Enjoy!

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

Sheet-Pan Carne Asada

¼ C. vegetable oil

1 ½ tsp. ground cumin

1 ½ tsp. ground coriander

¾ tsp. salt

2 ears fresh sweet corn, cut in thirds, or 6 pieces frozen corn on the cob, thawed (from 12-ct package)

1 medium red bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix

¼ tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)

1 1/3 lb. beef flank steak

 

Tortillas and Toppings, as desired: flour tortillas, crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream

 

Position oven rack 4 inches from broiler element. Spray 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix 2 T. of the vegetable oil, the cumin, coriander and salt. Add corn, bell peppers and onion to bowl, and toss to coat; transfer to pan. In same large bowl, mix remaining 2 T. oil, the taco seasoning mix and ground red pepper. Add steak; rub mixture in to steak. Transfer to pan with vegetables. Broil 8 to 10 minutes, turning steak and stirring vegetables once, until instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of steak reads 135°F (for medium). Transfer steak to cutting board; cover with foil and let steak rest 5 minutes. Stir vegetables in pan; return to oven, and broil 4 to 6 minutes longer or until vegetables are blackened in spots. Thinly slice steak on the bias, against the grain. Serve with vegetables in tortillas with toppings.  Note: If your oven’s broiler only covers the center of your oven, start steak in the center of the pan, then thoroughly stir vegetables and position them in center while steak rests to ensure all elements get plenty of time directly under the flames. If desired, cut corn from cobs for serving.

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

One Pan Dump and Bake Summer Pasta with Corn, Zucchini, Tomato & Chicken

2 cups diced, cooked chicken

1 cup halved grape tomatoes (can substitute with a can of undrained diced tomatoes)

1 small zucchini (about 1 cup), diced

½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen is fine)

12 ounces (about 3 cups) uncooked uncooked penne pasta

3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

8 ounces about 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup chopped or torn fresh basil leaves, divided

2 teaspoons minced garlic

½ teaspoon salt

 

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.  In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together cooked chicken, tomatoes, zucchini, corn, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, about half of the basil leaves, minced garlic, and salt. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover; stir. At this point you should check the pasta to make sure that it is al dente (firm but just about finished cooking). If it’s still too hard, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is al dente. Then move on to the next step.  Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender). Garnish with remaining basil leaves just before serving.

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

Spring One Sheet Pan Dinner

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ C. of your favorite BBQ sauce

¼ C. pineapple juice

1 head broccoli, cut into florets

1 orange or red pepper, sliced

6 radishes, halved

1 small pineapple, cut into rings or chunks

¼ C. olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper

1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced

Juice of 1 lime

1-2 tsp. honey, to taste

¼ C. fresh cilantro, chopped

 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice. On a rimmed baking sheet, combine the chicken and half of the BBQ sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, radishes, and pineapple and toss with 2 T. olive oil and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Arrange everything in an even layer and then transfer to the oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies tender. Meanwhile, make a Honey Lime Vinaigrette: combine the remaining 2 T. olive oil, jalapeno, lime juice, honey, cilantro, and a pinch of both salt and pepper To serve, top the chicken with the Honey Lime Vinaigrette. Serve with rice.