Category: Dinner

  • Homemade Italian Sausage with Dollops of Ricotta On the Great Greens Trio

    Homemade Italian Sausage with Dollops of Ricotta On the Great Greens Trio

    Ingredients

    For the Italian Sausage:

    • 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
    • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (crushed)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

    For the Greens Trio:

    • 2 cups Collard Greens, chopped
    • 2 cups Mustard Greens, chopped
    • 2 cups Turnip Greens, Chopped
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Lemon juice (optional, for finishing)

    For Serving:

    • Ricotta cheese

    Instructions

    1. Make the Italian Sausage:
      • In a bowl, mix the ground pork with fennel seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
      • Shape the mixture into small patties or meatballs.
    2. Cook the Sausage:
    3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
    4. Prepare the Greens Trio:
    1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    2. Add the chopped spinach, kale, and arugula. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the greens are wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
    3. Assemble the Dish:
    1. On a serving platter, place the sautéed greens. Top with the cooked sausage.
    2. Add dollops of ricotta cheese over the sausage and greens.

    Tips:

    • This dish pairs well with crusty bread.
    • Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices in the sausage to suit your taste.
  • Honey Garlic Salmon Bites over a Bed of Edamame

    Honey Garlic Salmon Bites over a Bed of Edamame

    Ingredients:

    • For the Salmon:
      • 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
      • 1/4 cup honey
      • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
      • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
      • 1 tablespoon olive oil
      • Salt and pepper to taste
      • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
      • Green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
    • For the Edamame:
      • 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen is fine)
      • Salt, to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Salmon Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    2. Marinate the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge for more flavor).
    3. Cook the Edamame: While the salmon is marinating, cook the edamame according to package instructions (usually boiling or steaming for a few minutes). Drain and sprinkle with salt.
    4. Cook the Salmon: In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add the marinated salmon (reserve the marinade) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If you like, pour the reserved marinade into the pan to create a glaze and simmer for an additional minute.
    5. Serve: On a plate, create a bed of edamame and top with the honey garlic salmon bites. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

    Tips:

    • Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
    • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste.

  • Thai Tuna Salad on Seaweed

    Thai Tuna Salad on Seaweed

    Spicy Sriracha tuna salad is a flavorful twist on the classic tuna salad, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on its own.

    Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
    • 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
    • 1/4 cup diced cucumbers
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)

    Instructions:

    1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, celery, red onion.
    2. Mix Well: Stir until everything is well combined. Adjust the Sriracha based on how spicy you want it.
    3. Season: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
    4. Serve: Enjoy the tuna salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or On Teriyaki Flavored Seaweed. Garnish with green onions if desired.
  • Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower Steak 

    Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower Steak 

    Parmesan-crusted cauliflower steak is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a main or a side. Here’s how to make it:

    Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower Steak

    Ingredients:

    • 1 large head of cauliflower
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great for extra crunch)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano or thyme)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
    • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem. Place the cauliflower head stem-side down on a cutting board. Slice it into thick “steaks” (about 1-inch thick). You should get about 2-4 steaks depending on the size of the cauliflower.
    3. Make the Coating: In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
    4. Coat the Cauliflower: Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil. Then, press the Parmesan mixture onto both sides of the steaks, ensuring they are well-coated.
    5. Bake: Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
    6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

    Tips:

    • For extra flavor, you can add spices like paprika or chili flakes to the Parmesan mixture.
    • Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

    Enjoy your delicious Parmesan-crusted cauliflower steaks!

  • Spicy Blackened Catfish with Squash Medley & Red Bell Peppers

    Spicy Blackened Catfish with Squash Medley & Red Bell Peppers

    Using Tony Chachere’s seasoning for blackened catfish is a fantastic idea! It adds a robust flavor with a bit of a kick. Here’s a simple recipe:

    Blackened Catfish with Tony Chachere’s

    Ingredients:

    • 4 catfish fillets
    • 3-4 tablespoons Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
    • 4 tablespoons butter (or oil) for cooking
    • Lemon wedges (for serving)

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Fish: Pat the catfish fillets dry with paper towels.
    2. Season the Fillets: Generously coat both sides of the fillets with Tony Chachere’s seasoning. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
    3. Heat the Pan: In a cast-iron skillet or heavy frying pan, melt the butter (or heat the oil) over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.
    4. Cook the Fish: Carefully add the seasoned catfish fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice charred crust.
    5. Serve: Remove the catfish from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

    Tips:

    • You can serve it with sides like rice, grits, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
    • A drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra layer of flavor if you like it spicy!

    Enjoy your delicious blackened catfish!

  • Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Red Peppers & a Tomato Medley

    Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Red Peppers & a Tomato Medley

    Ingredients

    • For the Vegetable Medley:
      • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
      • 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (jarred or homemade)
      • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or a mix of grape and cherry tomatoes)
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
      • 2 tablespoons olive oil
      • Salt and pepper, to taste
      • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
      • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
      • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the Green Beans:
      • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
    2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    2. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Add the Peppers and Tomatoes:
    4. Stir in the sliced roasted red peppers and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
    5. Season:
    6. Add salt, pepper, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning) to taste. If using, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and toss to combine.
    7. Serve:
    8. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

    Enjoy!

    This Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Red Peppers and Tomato Medley is a colorful, healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses!

  • Beef Pho with Zoodles

    Beef Pho with Zoodles

    Ingredients

    • For the Broth:
      • 6 cups beef broth
      • 1 onion, halved
      • 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
      • 3-4 star anise
      • 1 cinnamon stick
      • 3-4 cloves
      • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
      • 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
      • Salt, to taste
    • For the Beef:
      • 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
      • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
      • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • For the Zoodles:
      • 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
      • 1 tablespoon olive oil
      • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Toppings:
      • Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
      • Lime wedges
      • Sliced jalapeños (optional)
      • Bean sprouts (optional)
      • Green onions, sliced

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the Broth:
      • In a large pot, char the onion and ginger over medium heat until browned (about 5-7 minutes). This adds depth to the flavor.
      • Add the beef broth, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes (longer for more flavor).
    2. Prepare the Beef:
    3. In a bowl, marinate the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
    4. Cook the Zoodles:
    5. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
    6. Cook the Beef:
    1. Once the broth has simmered, strain out the solids (onion, ginger, spices) if desired.
    2. Add the marinated beef slices directly into the hot broth and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through.
    3. Assemble the Pho:
    1. Divide the zoodles into serving bowls. Ladle the hot broth and beef over the zoodles.
    2. Top with fresh herbs, lime wedges, jalapeños, bean sprouts, and sliced green onions.

    Enjoy!

    This Beef Pho with Zoodles is a fresh and healthy take on the classic dish, perfect for a comforting meal!

  • Stuffed Poblano Peppers

    Stuffed Poblano Peppers

    Here’s a delicious recipe for stuffed poblano peppers using ground beef and cauliflower rice. It’s a flavorful, low-carb dish!

    Ingredients

    • For the Stuffing:
      • 4 large poblano peppers
      • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
      • 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
      • 1 Zucchini, Diced
      • 1 small Shallot, diced
      • 2 cloves garlic, minced
      • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
      • 1 teaspoon cumin
      • 1 teaspoon chili powder
      • Salt and pepper, to taste
      • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), plus more for topping
      • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • For Garnish:
      • Fresh cilantro, chopped
      • Sour cream (optional)
      • Lime wedges (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the Oven:
      • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    2. Prepare the Poblano Peppers:
    3. Cut the tops off the poblano peppers and remove the seeds. Set aside.
    4. Cook the Filling:
    1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    2. Add the diced Shallot, Zucchini and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
    3. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
    4. Stir in the cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese.
    5. Stuff the Peppers:
    6. Spoon the beef and cauliflower mixture into each poblano pepper, packing it in gently.
    7. Bake:
    1. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top.
    2. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
    3. Serve:
    4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream and lime wedges if desired.

    Enjoy!

    These stuffed poblano peppers are hearty and packed with flavor, making them a satisfying meal that’s also healthy!

  • Tuna Salad Lunch

    Tuna Salad Lunch

    Ingredients

    • 1 can (about 5 oz) tuna, drained (use light or white tuna, as preferred)
    • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip (adjust to taste)
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
    • 1/4 cup celery, diced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Lettuce leaves or bread (for serving)

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the Ingredients:
      • Hard boil the eggs, cool, peel, and chop them.
      • Drain the canned tuna.
    2. Mix the Salad:
    1. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), diced celery, and lemon juice.
    2. Stir gently until well combined.
    3. Season:
    4. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
    5. Serve:
    6. Serve the tuna salad on a bed of Spinach and on Toasted Bread. Enjoy!
  • Seared Ahi Tuna

    Seared Ahi Tuna

    Ingredients

    • 2 Ahi tuna steaks (about 6 oz each)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
    • Lime wedges (for serving)

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the Tuna:
      • Pat the Ahi tuna steaks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear.
      • Rub both sides with olive oil, then drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper. If using sesame seeds, sprinkle them on both sides.
    2. Heat the Pan:
    3. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to get hot.
    4. Sear the Tuna:
    1. Carefully place the tuna steaks in the hot pan. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side for rare (adjust cooking time for your desired doneness).
    2. The outside should be browned, while the inside remains pink.
    3. Slice and Serve:
    1. Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest for a minute.
    2. Slice the steaks against the grain into thin pieces. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

    Enjoy!

    This seared Ahi tuna is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a light meal or an elegant appetizer!