Honey-Sesame Chicken w/ Spring Onions on a Bed of Steamed Rice

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless cut into cubes
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
5 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 small piece ginger, ground
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 sprigs of spring onion (Scallions), chopped to large pieces
1 tbsp sesame seeds, roasted
salt & pepper
1 cup short grain rice

Method:

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. set it aside.
In a pan put some oil, saute the chicken over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it's cooked all through.
Add the mixture to the cooked chicken while on the stove, mix for a minute, then add the chopped spring onions and stir. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds.
Serve over a bed of steamed rice.

Enjoy!

Homemade Beetroot Dip ..

This Bright Pink Dip has lovely flavor, easy to make and full of healthy goodness!

Ingredients:

2 Large Beetroot, peeled

1 clove of garlic, minced

1&1/2 Sour Cream container or Yogurt

1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

1 tbsp apple vinegar

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1&1/2 Lemon Juice - or more according to taste

Method:

Boil the beetroot until tender.

Wash under cold water.

Grate the beetroot into a sieve on a bowl to drain all the water. Leave it for 5 minutes to drain well.

In another bowl, combine the garlic, mint and beetroot.

Add the sour cream, olive oil, vinegar & lemon juice and taste until you reach the desired taste and flavor. (I like it sour)

Stir well and combine. could be refrigerated for a couple of days and the flavors intensifies because of the lemons.

Serve with triangles of oven baked pita bread ! Yum!

Earthy .. Lovely .. Cream of Eggplant Soup.

Ingredients:


Couple of eggplants, grilled, peeled, & cut into cubes.
1 Onion roughly chopped
1 Potato roughly chopped - preferably small pieces so it cooks faster
1/2 cup KDD cream - or Creme Fraiche if available
1 tbsp Flour
a little bit of butter
Olive Oil
2 cups Chicken stock
Salt & Pepper
1 tsp Ground caraway
a little bit of Nutmeg
Finely chopped parsley for garnish


Method:


- In a medium size pot, start off with the olive oil and butter and let the butter melt.
- Add the chopped onions and the salt to help it sweat and soften.
- In goes the garlic and pepper and mix well.
- While stirring, add the flour and mix well so it doesn't burn at the bottom of the pot.
- Add the chopped potato and mix all together well, then add the caraway.
- Add the chopped eggplants to the mixture and stir for 3 minutes then add the chicken stock.
- Leave the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes and bring it to a boil.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender and ladle in half of the soup so it doesn't fill up the blender.
- Transfer the bended soup into a new pot and ladle the rest to blend.
- Add the other blended amount of mixture into the new pot and put it on the stove again.
- Add the cream and mix.
- Add the nutmeg and a little bit more caraway for taste.
- Finely pour into a soup dish and garnish with finely chopped parsley. 




P.S. Salt should be added in moderation because the chicken stalk is already salted.

Chicken with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Serves 4


Ingredients:

1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips
5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 Teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 Teaspoon ground pepper
4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs, skin removed
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
cooked white rice, for serving


Method:

- In a pot, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper.

- Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 2 hours .

- Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid.

- In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute.

- With the heat turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions.


Tip:

Could be done in a slow cooker for approx. 6 hours instead of 2.


Enjoy...

Angel Hair Pasta with Basil & Tomatoes

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
5-6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
3 tabelspoons balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 lb angel hair pasta


Method:

- In a large skillet, saute the garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Leave on a side.

- Place tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil and balsamic vinegar in a bowl and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occassionally.

- Boil water for pasta.

- Just before you put the pasta in the water, drain tomatoes and reserve the juice .

- Put the angel hair pasta in the water to cook for the recommended amount of time.

- Heat your garlic skillet and toss drained tomatoes briefly just to heat. They should retain their shape.

- The pasta should finish cooking within 5 minutes; at the same time the tomatoes are ready.

- Toss the pasta and tomato mixture together and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Classic Beef Stew

Serves 8


Ingredients:

2&1/2 pounds very lean beef stew meat
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 cup sliced celery
5 large potatoes, cut in eighths
5 large carrots, cut in 2-inch slices
salt and pepper to taste
a few cloves of garlic (optional)
1 can condensed tomato soup


Method:

- In a large pot, brown stew meat in oil, add chopped onions and sliced celery and cook until tender.

- Add vegetables and seasonings.

- Add soup and a soup can of water.

- Simmer over lowest heat for about 2&1/2 to 3 hours, or until meat and vegetables are tender.

- Add more water as needed.

Enjoy...

Low-fat Caesar Salad ~ Diet

Ingredients:

1 head of lettuce, washed and Dried
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise (I prefer Hellman's)
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar substitute (equal or sweet'n low)
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon mustard
garlic croutons


Method:

Wash and thoroughly dry the Romaine lettuce.

Cut the lettuce in pieces and set aside.

Place all ingredients in plastic bowl and beat together.

Add lettuce leaves, tossing to coat thoroughly.

Arrange on two dinner plates and garnish with garlic croutons.


Enjoy...

Satay Chicken ~ Thai

Ingredients:

6 Chicken breast halves boned, skinned and cut into strips

To marinade it:

1 tablespoon Light brown sugar
1 tablespoon Curry powder
2 tablespoons Crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Crushed dried chile peppers


For the peanut Sauce:

2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1&1/2 cups Coconut milk
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
Cayenne pepper
Grated lime zest
Fresh cilantro sprigs


Method:


- For the marinade, combine the brown sugar,curry powder, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic and chile peppers in a shallow dish.

- Thread the chicken strips onto bamboo skewers, place the skewers into the soy sauce mixture and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

- Make the peanut sauce by combining the peanut butter, coconut milk, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a saucepan. Season to taste with cayenne pepper.

- Cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is as thick as heavy cream (about 15 minutes).

- Transfer to a food processor or blender and puree briefly. Add chicken broth and cream and blend until smooth. This mixture can be made several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving.

- preheat a broiler.

- Cook the skewered chicken, turning several times and basting with the marinade, until crispy on the outside but still moist on the inside, about 8 minutes.

- Sprinkle grilled chicken with lime zest and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve with the peanut sauce as a dip.


Enjoy...

Balsamic Mushrooms

Ingredients:

1 diced red onion
2 cups any type of mushrooms
1 Garlic clove
3 tabelspoons Balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons pomegranate juice concentrate
olive oil
Thyme
Basil
parsley
a little bit of lemon juice

Method:

Place a pan with olive oil in it on medium to high heat.

Saute the onions for 2 minute or until they're soft and alittle golden.

Add the garlic and saute for 1 more minute.

Add the mushrooms, balsamic, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, thyme, basil and parsley.

Lower the heat and cover the pan.

Cook for 7-12 minutes or until the mushrooms have turned brownish and soft.


Enjoy...

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Serves 6


Ingredients:


Meatballs:

500g beef
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated parmesan
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tabelspoons breadcrumbs
good grind black pepper
1 teaspoon salt


Tomato sauce:

1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large tomatoes
1&1/2 cup boiling water
pinch sugar
salt and pepper
100ml full fat milk


Method:


For the meatballs:

Just put everything in a large bowl, and then, using your hands, mix to combine, shape them into small balls. Place the meatballs on baking sheets or plates that you have lined with clingfilm, and put in the fridge.


For the tomato sauce:

Put the onion, garlic and oregano into the process and blitz to a pulp. Heat the butter and oil in a deep wide pan, then scrape the onion-garlic mix into it and cook over a low-medium for about 10 minutes. Don't let the mixture catch, just let it become soft. Add the tomatoes, boiling water, pinch of sugar, some salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes.

The tomato sauce will appear thin at this stage, but don't worry as it will thicken a little later. Stir in the milk, and then drop the meatballs in one by one. Don't stir the pan until the meatballs have turned from pink to brown as you don't want to break them up. Cook everything for about 20 minutes, with the lid only partially covering it. At the end of cooking time, check the seasoning as you may want more salt and a grind or two more of pepper.


Enjoy...

Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Serves 4


Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tablespoons vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 Teaspoon crushed red pepper
1&1/2 Pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 Tablespoons oil
1&1/2 Pounds broccoli, stems peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick, florets separated
1 small lemon, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed
2 Teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds


Method:

- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 3 tablespoons water, vinegar, honey, garlic, and crushed red pepper.

- Pour half the mixture into another bowl; reserve.

- Place chicken in remaining mixture; let marinate 15 minutes.

- In a skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add half the chicken; cook, tossing often, until brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.

- Transfer chicken to a plate. Repeat with another 1/2 tablespoon oil and remaining chicken. Wipe skillet with a paper towel.

- Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli and lemon, tossing often, until broccoli is bright green, about 3 minutes.

- Add 1/2 cup water; cook until broccoli is tender and lemon is translucent, about 6 minutes.

- Add reserved marinade, cornstarch mixture, chicken, and any accumulated juices from plate.

- Bring to a boil; cook, stirring until thickened, 1 minute. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.


Enjoy...

Healthy Vegetable Soup ~ Diet

Serves 8


Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini, sliced
2 medium carrots, sliced
10 mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 potato, peeled,cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cans vegetable broth
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes, with added puree
1 can stewed tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
additional chopped fresh parsley


Method:

- Combine zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onion and potato in heavy large Dutch oven.

- Add vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, 3 tablespoons parsley, cilantro, garlic, basil and oregano.

- Bring mixture to boil.

- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.

- Strain cooking liquid into large saucepan; reserve vegetables.

- Place 3 cups vegetables in blender. Add 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Puree until smooth.

- Stir puree into remaining cooking liquid in saucepan. Return remaining vegetables to cooking liquid.

- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring soup to simmer. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with additional parsley.



Tip:

Can be prepared 5 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Chicken Tandoori Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 Cup yogurt
2 Teaspoons garam masala powder
1 Teaspoon ground ginger
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
1 Teaspoon ground turmeric
1 Teaspoon coarse salt
1 jalapeno chile, stemmed seeded, and finely minced (optional)
1&1/2 Pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, gently flattened and cut into strips
1 small head shredded lettuce, (3 cups)
1 small head shredded red cabbage, (3 cups)
6 large diced tomatoes, (3 cups)
1 sliced radishes, (1 cup)
1 large sliced cucumber, (2 cups)
1&1/2 white turnip (optional)
1 scallions, minced
1 Cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 2 to 3 small lemons


Method:

- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl combine yogurt, garam masala, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, and jalapeño, if using.

- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate while preparing salad.

- In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, cucumber, scallions, white turnip(optional), and cilantro; set aside.

- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken along with the marinade and cook, stirring, until the chicken is just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.

- Transfer chicken and pan juices to salad mixture and toss to combine. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.


Amazing...

Indian Chicken ~ Indian

Serves 4


Ingredients:

1/2 cup Chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
2 cup cooked diced chicken
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
28oz Whole tomatoes, can
2 tabelspoon Chopped parsley
2 cup Cooked rice
1/2 cup Chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1&1/2 teaspoon Curry powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Raisins


Method:

Cook the onions, pepper, garlic powder in oil until the onions get tender, about 3 minutes.

Add the chicken, tomatoes, parsley, green peppers, curry powder and worcestershire sauce until well mixed except rice, cook over low heat for 30 min.

Serve over rice.

Enjoy...

Chicken with Marinara Sauce

Serves 4 to 6


Ingredients:

2 large eggs
2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, in oil
2 whole garlic cloves
1&1/2 tablespoons olive oil
4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 jar Marinara Sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded


Method:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until tomatoes are coarsely chopped; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Beat eggs in large bowl. Dip chicken in eggs then dredge in bread crumb mixture pressing crumbs into chicken.

Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides about 5 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake chicken for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and ladle sauce over chicken; continue baking for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Top with cheese and bake until cheese melts approximately 5 minutes.

Enjoy...

Mushrooms Provencale ~ French

Ingredients:

3 tablespoon Olive oil
1 bunch Parsley chopped
1 pound Mushrooms
1/4 cup Bread crumbs
2 cloves Garlic
1/2 Lemon juiced


Method:

1. Crush the garlic , add the parsley and combine.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet.
3. Add the mushrooms, salt, and cook for 5-10 minutes over high heat, tossing constantly, until mushrooms lose and reabsorb their moisture.
3. Add the parsley and garlic, stir, add the lemon juice, stir.
4. Toss with breadcrumbs and pepper,

Yummy..

Mexican Fajitas - Mexican

Ingredients:

450 g sirloin steak
1/4 cup beef stock
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tabelspoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 small green & red bell peppers, cut in thin strips
1 large tomato, diced
4 large flour tortillas
Salsa, sour cream or guacamole (optional) - Found at Sultan Center


Method:

- Slice beef in thin strips.

- In a medium bowl, combine stock, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, half the coriander and pepper. Add beef, turning to coat each piece, and refrigerate, covered, for 15 minutes.

- In a large frying pan heat oil, drain beef, reserving marinade. Add beef to pan and stir-fry until no longer pink, about five minutes.

- Add onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.

- Stir in marinade and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. Add tomato and chili, turning ingredients, until hot through. Add remaining coriander.

- Wrap tortillas in foil and warm in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

- Serve beef mixture wrapped in warmed tortillas. Top with salsa, sour cream or guacamole, if desired.

Enjoy...

More Amazing Marinades

Chicken Marinade:


1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 teaspoon thyme
1 1/4 cup olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Pour onto chicken. Best to marinate 24 hours. Grill or bake.

Fish Marinade:


1 tablespoon garlic, pressed
1 teaspoon dill
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Pour onto fish. Best to marinate 24 hours. Grill or bake.

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped
1/2 pint sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/3 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
8 flour tortillas - found in Sultan Center
1 jar taco sauce
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese


Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear. Drain excess fat. Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet.

Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano and ground black pepper. Heat until cheese melts.

Stir in salt, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, green pepper and garlic.

Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in a baking dish. Cover with taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven 20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy..

Marinates ~ JO

Some Marinates by Jamie Oliver..


Cajun Spicy

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, ground
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
3 tablespoons of onion flakes
2 tablespoons of dried oregano
salt

Method:

Crush all the ingredients together until you have a powdery consistency, and rub all over your chosen meat.



Asian Marinade

Ingredients:

2 sticks lemon grass, crushed and bruised
1 small handful of kaffir lime leaves, torn
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
1 fresh red chili, finely chopped
2 limes, halved, juiced and skin squashed
10 good splashes of olive oil

Method:

Crush and crumble together in a bowl and coat over your chosen meat. Also works brilliantly with fish.



Olive oil & Lemon juice

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons lemon juice
5 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

Mix all together and use of your chosen meat.