Tag: rice

Mexican Dishes · Soups and Stews

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup is a quick recipe for busy families. My daughter, Megan, made this one night while I was visiting. Since the family has a love/hate relationship with beans and other ingredients, she served rice and beans separately as well as cheese, cilantro and chips. Each family member was in charge of their final bowl of soup and it was delicious!

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 can green enchilada sauce (we used 1/2 can to please younger kids)
  • 1/2-1 tsp. oregano
  • 2 boxes chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2-3 cups shredded, cooked chicken
  • 1.5-2 cups corn
  • salt and pepper
  • Serve with:
    • cooked white rice
    • chopped fresh cilantro
    • cooked great northern beans
    • shredded cheese
    • tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Saute the onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add green enchilada sauce, oregano, broth, and water. Bring to a soft boil
  3. Add chicken and corn and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Serve bowl of soup and add rice, fresh cilantro, beans, cheese and chips as desired.

Recipe by daughter, Megan

Fish

Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls are so easy to make and absolutely delicious. After making it, I’ll experiment by adding other ingredients such as cucumber, shredded carrot and perhaps mango. This is a great

Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped Cilantro
  • optional: 1/2 cup shredded carrots, cucumber or mango
  • Cilantro Lime Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • Pinch of black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  2. Start cooking the rice. 1 cup rice and 2 cups water.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Make the cilantro lime sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt), cilantro, lime juice, water, salt and pepper until smooth.
  5. Assemble the four (3 for a bigger serving) bowls: Divide the cooked rice among the bowls. Top with the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion and chopped cilantro. (optional: shredded carrots, cucumber or mango).
  6. Drizzle with sauce: Drizzle each bowl generously with the cilantro lime sauce.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your zesty and refreshing shrimp and avocado rice bowls.

Note: I ate the bowls leftover as well as fresh. They were good straight from the frig or microwaved for a few seconds to take the chill off.

Recipe from awesomefood

Fish

BBQ Salmon Bowls With Mango Avocado Salsa

cathysmahaLeave a comment

BBQ Salmon Bowl with Mango Avocado Salsa is absolutely delicious! The salmon is so quickly roasted in the oven and 6 minutes was perfect for the salmon filet I made. The mango salsa is delicious by itself. I served this dish with the Cucumber Edamame Salad. Eating the leftovers, cold, was great the next day and so refreshing on a hot day. I’ll be making this recipe over and over again.

BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Avocado Salsa

INGREDIENTS:
  • Salmon:
    • 1–2 lbs. fresh salmon
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more for a larger filet)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Mango Avocado Salsa:
    • 2 mangoes, diced
    • 1 avocado, diced
    • 1/4 cup minced cilantro
    • 1/4 cup minced red onion
    • 1/2 jalapeño, minced (optional, to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice + 1 teaspoon lime zest
    • salt to taste
  • For Serving:
    • 1 1/2 cups of rice cooked according to instructions
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Mango salsa: Toss all ingredients in a bowl to combine. Taste, adjust, try not to eat the whole bowl.
  2. Cook your rice: Get your rice cooking according to package directions.
  3. Get the oven ready: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Alternatively, you can set it to 500 degrees on the broil setting for medium rare with a yummy crispy top – the risk here is that you have to watch closely so it doesn’t burn the sugar. If taking this route, make sure one of the oven racks is close-ish to the top, about 6 inches or so.
  4. Salmon: Mix the spices and the olive oil to make a paste. Place the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet. Rub the paste liberally over the top part of the salmon. Bake for 6-12 minutes depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired doneness. See notes if you’re not sure.
  5. Bowl it up: Pile up some rice, pull off some of salmon, and spoon that mango avocado salsa over the whole thing. Add a lime squeezer for good measure. IT’S SO GOOD.

Recipe from PinchofYum

Fish

Spicy Salmon Rice Muffins

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Spicy Salmon Rice Muffins are easy to prepare and are so delicious. While my photo is not as stunning as the original recipe shown in the attribution below, they were delicious. These would be a fun appetizer to serve for guests or, frankly, if you are in need of a spicy salmon fix!

Spicy Salmon Rice Muffins

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 sheets nori paper
  • 1½ cups cooked sushi rice, cooled
  • Salmon:
    • 1 lb salmon, skin removed + cubed small
    • 2 tbs sesame oil (or olive oil)
    • 1 tbs low sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tbs honey
    • 2 scallions, diced
    • 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano
    • salt to taste
  • Spicy Mayo:
    • 1/4 cup kewpie mayo
    • 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
    • 1 tsp honey
  • Toppings:
    • 1/2 avocado, diced small
    • 2 tsp black sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a scissor and cut your nori sheets into four equal squares.
  2. Toss your cubed salmon in a bowl with all of the rest of the salmon ingredients and coat. Marinate for up to 4 hours.
  3. To each nori square, add about 1 heaping tablespoon of rice and spread out slightly. Transfer the square to your muffin slot, pushing down gently to center the rice in the middle with the edges coming up along the sides of the slot. Grab out 4-5 salmon cubes and fill each muffin slot. Transfer the pan to your oven and bake for 15-17 minutes. Broil, if needed, at the end, to get a little tan on the salmon .. 1-2 minutes.
  4. Remove allow to cool slightly and top with your avocado, sesame seeds and drizzle of spicy mayo.

Recipe from HungryHappens

Asian Dishes

Pnang Curry

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Pnang Curry has become a favorite of mine, even as I stay away from most currys. Recipes that meld the flavors of peanut butter, vegetables, fish sauce, basil, etc. are favorites. Megan altered this recipe to add sweet potato, carrot, potato, and sometimes green beans and it is delicious!

Pnang Curry

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons Panang curry paste * (fork-lore.com: use 1 tablespoon if you like less spice)
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into pieces against the grain
  • 1 small onion , sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper , thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper , thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 4 garlic cloves , minced
  • 2 14 oz cans coconut milk (Chaokoh brand is my favorite)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar , packed
  • 1 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves , roughly chopped
  • Hot cooked rice white, brown or jasmine rice
  • Optional (from fork-lore.com): add in white potato, sweet potato and green beans
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in large non-stick skillet. Saute onions for 2 minutes, then add bell peppers, garlic and ginger and saute for 2 minutes more.
  2. Add curry paste and peanut butter and saute for 1 minute. Add 1 ½ cans of coconut milk. Whisk cornstarch into remaining ½ can coconut milk then add to the pan. Stir well.
  3. Add chicken, stirring to coat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or just until chicken is no longer pink and sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Stir in sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  5. Serve over hot cooked rice.

Recipe from Tastesbetterfromscratch

Casseroles · Czech Heritage and Dishes · Meats

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Cabbage must be a part of my Czech/Slovak DNA because I love cabbage and sauerkraut. Cabbage rolls are so delicious, but I don’t have the desire to make the rolls, just enjoy the savory ingredients. This recipe was just what I was looking for. Even my 3-year-old granddaughter likes it. She must have inherited that piece of my DNA as well!

I made half of a recipe and used half ground pork and half ground beef, no veal.

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (or any rice of your choice)
  • 2 pounds green cabbage, cleaned, cored and cut into two-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces raw bacon diced
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tart red wine such as Merlot
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ pound ground veal (if you can’t get ground veal, increase ground pork to one pound)
  • 3 cups tomato juice (or for a more intense flavor, use V-8)
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup drained sauerkraut
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cook rice according to package directions. Try to time the rice so that it finishes cooking as the preparation of the dish nears the end. If rice is finishes too soon, fluff and leave at room temperature to cool.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch cabbage chunks for five minutes. Drain, cool and set aside.
  3. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, place olive oil and bacon and cook until bacon is almost browned, about 4 minutes. Increase heat to medium high and add onions and sauté for three minutes. Add garlic and sauté for one more minute. Add red wine and deglaze the pan.
  4. Move the cooked onion mixture to the edges of the pan and place all three meats into the center. Keep moving the meat around to brown and slowly work in onion mixture until the meat is fully browned.
  5. Add tomato juice, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, thyme, paprika, salt and pepper. Reduce to medium and simmer for five minutes.
  6. Add in sauerkraut, cooked rice and cooked cabbage. Bring back up to heat and simmer for five more minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Recipe from Afamilyfeast.com

My Roots · New Favorite · Soups and Stews

Cabbage Roll Soup

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Cabbage Rolls were not a part of my childhood but I enjoyed them as an adult at Hungarian restaurants. I’ve never made cabbage rolls but I loved the idea of soup, my go-to meal in winter.

This is a simple and wonderful soup.  The rice absorbs much of the broth, but you could easily add more broth or vegetable juice.  Yummy!

CABBAGE ROLL SOUP

1 large onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound lean ground pork
¾ cup uncooked long grain rice
1 medium head cabbage chopped (core removed)
1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 ½ cups V8 or other vegetable juice
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste

  • In a large pot, brown onion, garlic, pork and beef. Drain any fat.
  • Stir in chopped cabbage and let cook until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).
  • Add all remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and reduced heat to medium low. Cover and simmer on low until rice is fully cooked (about 25-30 minutes)
  • Remove bay leaf and serve.
If you prefer a thinner soup, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency once rice is cooked.
New Favorite · Poultry

Chicken Tikka Masala…Trader Joe’s Style

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Chicken Tikka Masala is made easy using Trader Joe’s delicious Masala sauce.  The first time I made it, I followed the recipe below.  The second time I made the recipe, I used strips of red, yellow and green pepper, carrots and chopped onions.  Both were delicious and easy, peasy.  We were so excited when a Trader Joe’s was built fairly close to my house. There are always new products to try and enjoy!

During the pandemic, I went to Trader Joe’s only a couple of times.  Hat’s off to Trader Joe’s and how they managed shopper entry, masks, and cleanliness.  By far, the best job of any grocery store I ventured into.

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA…TRADER JOE’S STYLE

1 (15-ounce) jar Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen pearl onions
1 cup sliced baby carrots
Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

  • Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Nestle the chicken into the sauce in a single layer. Pour the drained tomatoes evenly over the chicken.
  • Add onions and carrots
  • Pour the remaining sauce on top.
  • Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through.  (I cooked for 4 hours) 
  • Sprinkle with cilantro and serve over rice, if desired.

Recipe adapted from thekitchn.com

Asian Dishes · Book Club · New Favorite · Poultry

Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

cathysmaha1 Comment

Our book club met at my home for our March review of Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien. I must admit I did not care for the book and did not finish it. Others had the same difficulty, finding it complex and hard to follow, especially in the beginning. However, for those that finished the book, they thoroughly enjoyed it finding the Chinese Cultural Revolution to be similar to world experiences today.

Our potluck cuisine was Asian and my Asian recipe file is devoid of recipes.  I found this wonderful Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken recipe online and will definitely make it again and again.  Very flavorful and wonderful with rice and stir fry vegetables.

SLOW COOKER CASHEW CHICKEN

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cashews

  • Combine cornstarch and pepper in resealable food storage bag. Add chicken and shake to coat with cornstarch.
  • Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken about 2 minutes on each side. Place chicken in slow cooker. (Frankly, next time I make it I will skip this step)
  • Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and cashews in small bowl; pour over chicken. (Optional: If you like the cashews to be softer, you can add them during the cooking process.  If you like more crunch, add them right before serving.)
  • Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Service over rice. Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions.
  • Makes 4-6 servings.

Recipe slightly adapated from therecipecritic.com

Gluten Free · New Favorite · Poultry

Crock Pot Chicken Cream Cheese Chile

cathysmaha2 Comments

Crock pot meals are the best…easy with so many options.  I love the Salsa chicken recipe that daughter, Megan, shared with me a while ago.  This recipe sounded very similar but with the addition of cream cheese.  YUM!

I used almost 2 pounds of chicken strips vs. the 2 chicken breasts called for.  It was delicious but in the future I would use about 1 pound of chicken for this recipe. Great over rice, in a burrito, over a baked potato…or invent your own combination!

CROCK POT CHICKEN CREAM CHEESE CHILE

2 chicken breasts, still frozen
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can corn kernels, do not drain
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can mild green chiles
1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix
1 T cumin
1 t chili powder
1 t onion powder
1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese

  • Put the chicken in the crock pot.
  • Top with the tomatoes, corn, the drained and rinsed beans, ranch dressing, cumin, onion and chile powders.
  • Stir to combine, then top with the cream cheese.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring one or twice to blend in the cheese.
  • Shred the chicken into large pieces and serve over rice. Can also serve in tortillas or taco shells.
Recipe from http://completerecipes.com/Crock-pot-cream-cheese-chicken-chile.html