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Instant Pot, Quick and easy recipes, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Old Fashioned Beef Barley Soup

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This Old Fashioned Beef Barley Soup was made on the stove top. However, can also be made in your slow cooker or pressure cooker.

I kid you not, this beef barley soup is the best I have ever tried.

But in order to have it be the best you must follow this recipe to a tea.

Trust me it is worth it!

Some people make this soup with hamburger meat. But that is not traditional nor is it near as good as using “stewing beef” it becomes tender in this soup and really makes it best.

I like to use larger chunks of beef for this soup. You can cut yours smaller if you prefer!

This soup can be made several ways! See below for those directions!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST LAMB SOUP STOCK

  • Start with a leg of lamb – bone only. 
  • Cover roasted bone in 8 cups of water.
  • Simmer on low – medium heat for 1 hour. 
  • Remove bone, let cool over night.
  • And if their is to much fat, remove some. 
  • Leaving 3 tbsp of fat for flavor. 
  • Store in freezer for soup. 

HOW TO MAKE BEEF BARLEY SOUP RECIPE

Your going to want several ingredients on hand. 

  • Such as Stewing Beef
  • Olive oil
  • Flour
  • Lamb Stock * (find that recipe above)
  • 1 small can of diced tomatoes, using the broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Italian seasoning
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Onion
  • Garlic powder
  • Pepper 

BEEF BARLEY SOUP RECIPE INSTANT POT

  • Start by browning your beef in the instant pot – adding olive oil to the pot to help
  • Then remove the beef and add in your chopped, onions, celery and carrots
  • Add 1 tbsp of olive oil sauteing till the veggies are fork tender
  • Next add in the pre – made ( LAMB STOCK) * this is the secret folks to the best soup! 
  • Add in the chopped tomatoes, spices and cooked beef
  • Cover and simmer for 10 minutes before adding in the rinsed barley
  • Cover and simmer for 20 minutes and serve with fresh or dried parsley!

BEEF BARLEY SOUP RECIPE CROCK POT

  • Start by browning your beef on the stove in a medium sized pot 
  • Then remove the beef and add in your chopped, onions, celery and carrots
  • Add 1 tbsp of olive oil sauteing till the veggies are fork tender
  • Next add in the pre – made ( LAMB STOCK) to your crock pot* this is the secret folks to the best soup! 
  • Add in the chopped tomatoes, spices and cooked beef
  • Add in the rinsed barley last. 
  • Cover and simmer anywhere from 8 – 10 hours minutes
  • Serve with fresh or dried parsley

IS BEEF BARLEY SOUP HEALTHY

Yes, the beef is lean and barley is packed full of feel good fibers and minerals. 
 

LOOKING FOR A LEG OF LAMB RECIPE TO MAKE THE BEST LAMB BROTH

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Curries, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes, Vegetarian

African Black Eyed Peas Recipe

This African Black Eyed Peas recipe is something that can be made during a busy weeknight and serves as a whole meal. 

This dish is also known as Red African Black Eyed Peas in West Africa. 

The first time I tried this recipes, was when I was a kid. My mom had a few friends from West Africa and they made it for us on several occasions. Along with Beef Stew and Party Jollof Rice

Along with some other popular African dishes, that I have shared with you all on this website before. So you can trust that this recipe is pretty authentic as I have a taste for good African food and refer back to these recipes often.

If you have never tried this recipe before, then you are in for a treat!

As these beans are super creamy with a hint of spice that is balanced so well in a rich tomato sauce. 

HOW TO MAKE AFRICAN BLACK EYED PEAS RECIPE

Plus, it is super simple to make.

  • Start by chopping up a few ingredients and adding in a can of tomatoes, maggi cubes, chopped onions, red peppers and black eyed peas.
  • Then allowing it to all simmer together in one pot for 60 minutes till the dish is ready to be served. 
  • Traditionally it is made with palm oil, however I prefer to use canola oil as it is now known that palm oil extraction is now killing off all the rainforests and causing mass deforestation.

You can learn more about this here: palm-oil/questions-and-answers

Warm up to a bowl of this West African Traditional Red Stew

I like to use pre soaked black eyed peas for this recipe, however you can always used canned as well.

Just make sure if you are using dry beans, that you are pre soaking them for at least 8 hours before cooking.

This ensures those beans are super tender when serving.

WHAT IS A AFRICAN BLACK EYED PEAS RECIPE

This recipe is most popular in West Africa and is also known as red red African black eyed peas.

It is not only inexpensive to make. It is also very healthy for you since Black Eyed Peas are low in fat and high in fiber and protein.

These beans can be also made in your pressure cooker or slow cooker. Today I made mine on the stove top in my dutch oven. But have made them in my slow cooker before as well. 

Just keep in mind it will take longer, ruffly 4 to 6 hours.

You can also add chunks of beef to this dish, then once it has been cooked. You will want to remove the beef and shred it with two forks on a cutting board. Before adding back to the beans to serve and enjoy!

I do add the beef on occasion as it really does enhance the dish just a bit more. 

Looking for more delicious African Recipes?

1. How to make pounded yam

2. African Red Stew

Inspired by: Red Red Ghanaian Bean Stew

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id love to hear about it! Thank you and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas, Easter, Slow Cooker recipes

3-ingredient Ham Glaze

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This easy 3-ingredient Ham Glaze recipe is made with 2 pre-made sauces, brown sugar and is best served for a large group over the Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter holiday and is always a sure hit!

Looking for another festive dish? Then your gonna want to try my Tourtière Pie or my Beef Mushroom Wellington or even my Recette Sheppard’s Pie.

EASY HAM GLAZE WITHOUT ORANGE JUICE

My 3-ingredient Ham Glaze is made with pineapple sauce, spicy chili sauce, brown sugar and cloves.

3 ingredient HAM GLAZE RECIPE

  • VH Pineapple sauce you can always replace this with baby apricot sauce 
  • VH Spicy Chili Sauce
  • Brown Sugar

SPICED

  • Ground Cloves (DO NOT OMIT) makes it that much better!!!

If your looking for a sure winner recipe to serve your family and friends.

This is the one that is sure to impress!

Also this ham can be made in the (slow cooker) or in the oven. 

So if your really pressed for time, you have options.

This has to be one of the easiest recipes you can make for the holidays!

It really is a set it and let it cook kind of of dish.

And defiantly can serve as the main course!

I like to serve ham on thanksgiving vs turkey. 

That is just my personal preference. 

Of course this recipe can be enjoyed for just about any occasion.

All you will need to make this recipe is a large fresh ham. 

WHEN TO GLAZE BAKED HAM

  • You want to glaze it two times, once before placing in the oven
  • Then during the 10 minutes of cooking time

CAN BAKED HAM BE FROZEN

Yes as long as it was not frozen to begin with. Simply slice it prior to freezing!

HOW TO REHEAT LEFTOVER HAM

Left over ham is the bomb!

It can be put into sandwiches the next day for the kids and or can be re heated in no time.

HOW TO BAKE A WHOLE HAM 

  • Simply rinse the ham off and place into a large baking dish
  • Mix the marinade and coat the ham with it, leaving 25% of the marinade for the last 10 or 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Pre heat the oven to 400 f and once the oven is pre heated.
  • Place the ham face down on the pan and cook for 2 hours
  • During the last 15 minutes of cooking, glaze the ham once more and turn upright.
  • Remove from oven and slice before serving!

HOW DO YOU MAKE CROCK POT HAM

The first step is to choose your ham size.

For the holidays I will go with a 5- 7 pound ham.

And if I’m making a simple weeknight meal I will go with a 3-4 pound ham.

I will buy a raw ham once a year around the holidays. 

  • Start by making the marinade, by adding the sauces and ground cloves to a dish and mixing well.
  • Place the ham in a baking dish and pour over the marinade, making sure to coat the whole ham.
  • Marinade in the fridge for 30 minutes, then place in the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low heat anywhere from 2- 3 hours or high heat 1-2.
  • Be sure to check to make sure your ham is heated through.
  • If your cooking a raw ham, be sure to insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. Your thermometer should read at least 140 degrees F before slicing to serve.
  • Also don’t forget to pour over the glaze from the slow cooker overtop of the ham prior to serving!
  • You can thicken it up, by heating it up for a couple minutes once the ham has been removed if desired!

WHAT GOES WITH BAKED HAM

Just about any type of vegetable!

Personally, I like to cook some YAMS alongside this ham which makes for a 2 dishes in one!

LOOKING FOR SOME SIDE DISHES?

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Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

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This Simple Butter Chicken Recipe is sure to impress as it is just as good if not better than what you will find in most restaurants. 

Make some Homemade Garlic Naan Bread to go alongside.

Today I’m so very happy to show you this recipe for a Simple Butter Chicken Recipe that your sure to make time and time again.

Awww the infamous Butter Chicken, also known as (Murgh Makhani). Almost everyone that has tried this dish has loved this dish and if you have not tried it before at home your in for a treat!

Love Indian food as much as me? Then your going to want to try my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry” and my “Eggplant Curry” or my “Chickpea Curry” as well. 

Oh and don’t forget the NAAN BREAD 🙂

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

To make this Curry easy to make, try purchasing a pre-made Butter Chicken curry powder package like the one below. 

WHAT SPICES ARE USED IN BUTTER CHICKEN 

  • Salt, Red Chilli, Turmeric, Cumin, Black Pepper, Large Cardamom, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, Clove, Ginger, Garlic, Star Aniseed, White Pepper

I always use a BUTTER CHICKEN SPICE blend as seen below as it has all of this in it already. Otherwise if your wanting to add in your own spices I highly recommend adding 1 tsp of chili powder, cumin, turmeric and fresh crushed garlic and onions. 

 

Below you will see the pre-marinaded and cooked chicken being added to the sauce for the final step in cooking this delicious dish.

The part where your simmering the sauce, you can switch from 1/2 tsp of chili powder to 1 tsp for that extra heat. I love to do that, personally. I will add 1 tsp every time for this recipe. 

WHO INVENTED BUTTER CHICKEN

It’s origins came from three  Punjabi restaurateurs, Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundan Lal Gujral and Thakur Dass, who founded the world-renowned Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. 

WHATS BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE MADE OF

  • Fresh Cream
  • Ghee or Butter
  • Oil
  • Cashews or Almonds if you do not have you can always use sugar for added sweetness 
  • Plain Yogurt
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic and Onions

WHAT’S BUTTER CHICKEN

It is one of the most popular Indian curries Worldwide today.

It’s become so popular that the supermarkets are now selling various versions of it in pre- packaged bottles in hopes to win your business. 

But that stuff just won’t cut if for those of us who are familiar with traditional Butter Chicken. Because real butter chicken uses ghee butter you can use regular butter if desired. Then of course there is cream and some stronger curry flavors than most of those pre-made bottled types entail. 

Plus those bottles are expensive costing near 4x the price that it takes to make it from scratch, not to mention not nearly as tasty.

IS BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

This popular dish hails from the Indian subcontinent and is noted for its creamy and smooth butter taste, you can make it more spicy by adding an extra 1 tsp of red chili powder if desired.

Otherwise this is a mild curry compared to other traditional Indian dishes.

In comparison we would rate the spice level of this dish to other Indian dish, a 4 out of 10. 

Such as Grama masla and Indian curry powder. All which can be found in almost any grocery store spice section. 

I think the reason people by those pre-made bottles is because they think making it from scratch is hard, but I assure you it’s not.

It’s all about having the right ingredients and nothing in this ingredients list is is foreign besides possibly the fenugreek leaves also known as kasuri methi. Also that can be found in almost all grocery stores today.

HOW LONG WILL BUTTER CHICKEN LAST IN THE FRIDGE

In a sealable container up to 3 days and if you want to freeze it for meal – preps you can do that and store in the freezer up to 3 months.

We hope you enjoy this tasty dish as much as we do! Serve it alongside some naan bread and enjoy!

We don’t add as much cream to this Butter Chicken as most do, which will give it a more orange color.

If your wanting a more cream heavy type of Butter Chicken just add 1/2 cup of  cream opposed to the 1/4 cup that my recipe calls for.

If your a CURRY lover like me. Then you will want to try these dishes below!

Note: If you want a more creamy butter chicken add 1/2 cup of cream instead of the 1/4 cup that I used in this recipe.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Did you like this curry?

Then you’re sure to like my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry” which uses coconut milk as is by far my most popular recipe on this blog. 

More Popular Curry Dishes Below!

 

 

Date Night, New Year's, Seafood, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

French Onion Soup with Broiled Scallops

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This Homemade French Onion soup with scallops is simmered in a red wine, beef and chicken broth. Then topped with toasted crusty bread, gruyere cheese and then some scallops.

Looking for another way to make French Onion Soup? Try my “Instant Pot French Onion Soup“ it is a sure winner as well!

FRENCH ONION SOUP BOWLS

Should be oven safe as you will want to place the pre-made soup in them along with the cheese and fresh scallops for baking.

Your going to want to get yourself a set of some good quality oven proof bowls and then you will be in business to make the best french onion soup ever.

Typically people caramelize there onions on the stove for a minimum of 45 minutes or more, turning them often.

However if your pressed for time then you can let the slow cooker do that work for you and save you that hassle.

Now I don’t know about you but cutting 6 large onions is a pain, so another way to make this job easier is to allow your food processor do most of that work.

Of course your going to still peel each onion and cut diagonally before placing in the processor to slice.

But I promise you, it can be done in half the time this way and each onion will be cut perfectly too.

As long as you are using a good food processor such as the one I use and recommend below.

Traditionally french onion soup is topped with Gruyere cheese, however you can substitute for swiss which is similar in taste.

I like to use Gruyere through which can be found in most European markets. This recipe will make roughly 5 large bowls of french onion soup, or 6 small to medium.

So if you have any any leftovers “which is highly unlikely” unless it’s just you, then you can enjoy it over the next few days or share with those lucky enough to be around the kitchen with you.

To make this soup you will want to have a slow cooker and food processor which will saves you a ton of time.

Otherwise you can caramelize the onions on the stove top anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour stirring often till they caramelize to get the job done.

And slicing the onions by hand, but I much prefer using the food processor and slow cooker to get these tasks done.

Adding scallops on top the toasted bread and cheese is an option, not a requirement. But trust me it makes each bowl even that more special, I use medium sized scallops you can use small, medium or large.

More or less, totally depends on you, after all this is your soup, right? Serve hot directly from the oven and you will be in French Onion Soup heaven in no time!

 

Notes: Keep in mind, as with all my recipes. If you want to make more or less of this soup, simple adjust the serving size in the ingredients section above and the servings will automatically adjust for you.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

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Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

This simple yet delicious and inexpensive Cabbage and Sausage recipe all comes together in one pot and can feed a family of four easily.

Looking for another inexpensive cabbage recipe? Try my oh so popular Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry or my Cabbage Roll Soup

I love to add a bit of spice to this and so will use hot mustard to my recipe, however for this recipe here. I will use mild as you may be preparing it for kids. 

Also the trick to give this recipe a little extra flavor is to add 1/2 cup of sauerkraut as well. Trust me it makes this so darn tasty!

Don’t have four people in your home, simply save it for the next day.

Two dinners in one, what can be better than that?

Whenever I make this, I try to save some for the next day.

And that is because it makes such great leftovers.

Wouldn’t you want this two days in a row? or how about making a few meal preps for the work week ahead?

Healthy, easy and inexpensive. Win, win!

How To Make Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage

  • Simply chopped your cabbage and onion and place inside your crockpot
  • Do the same for your sausage, you can use farmers sausage or any kind you can find.
  • Add in the garlic and onion powder along with mustard and toss everything together with a soft spatula to coat. 
  • Turn on your crockpot to high and simmer for 4 hours.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Looking for more stir fry recipe inspiration?

Looking for more TASTY Cabbage Recipes? See below for these recipes!

  1. Sauteed Cabbage and Sausage
  2. Cabbage Roll Soup

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

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Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Quick and easy recipes, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews, Vegetarian

Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili is as easy as it gets as it is ready in less than 10 minutes! As the whole recipe has you simply adding ingredients to the instant pot and allowing the pot to do all the work for you. 

This recipe provides a full hearty meal that is not only inexpensive but healthy too. Ready set Instant Pot!

Love cooking with beans? Then you will want to try my Cuban Black Beans and rice OR Vegan Cuban Black Beans

Chili is best made in the Instant pot if you ask me, that is because the pressure cooking method cooks the beans well making them super soft and delicious.

I use powdered ingredients for this recipe to speed up the process for those in a hurry to get dinner on the table.

However, you can always chop some fresh onions & garlic instead of using powder if desired. 

And you can always make this on the stove-top as well or slow cooker but that will take a longer, so depending on what you have going on for the day.

The instant pot method may be more up your alley.

WHAT IS VEGETARIAN CHILI

It is made the same way as any other chili other than it omits the hamburger. 

IS VEGETARIAN CHILI HEALTHY

Yes, it’s packed full of protein, fiber and vitamins. 

VEGETABLES YOU CAN ADD TO THIS CHILI

  • Chopped Green Peppers
  • Chopped Celery
  • Chopped Carrots 
  • Corn

IS VEGETARIAN CHILI GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Yes, because it is packed full of fiber and lean protein making you feel full longer while fueling your muscles. Also the Spicer you make it the better it is also for burning fat. 

HOW MAKE VEGETRIAN CHILI 

With this recipe, you are simply adding everything to the instant pot and allowing the pot to do all the work.

HOW LONG IS VEGETARIAN CHILI GOOD FOR IN THE FRIDGE

Please store in a air tight container and no longer than 3 days.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

Curries, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes, Vegetarian

Lebanese Lentils and Rice

Lebanese Lentils and Rice also known as Mujadara is a Middle Eastern vegetarian dish served with sauteed onions. And it takes comfort food to a whole new level. 

It has hints of lemon flavor and curry that bring the dish to a whole other level of tasty.

Wanting more tasty Vegetarian Dishes try my Chickpea Spinach Curry or my Red Kidney Bean Curry too!

WHAT IS MUJADARA LENTILS AND RICE

Mujadara is an Arabic word that means “pockmarked.”  As they say the lentils and rice look like pockmarks, kinda gross to me but none the less the dish is delicious! 

The dish is inexpensive to make and very healthy. As it is packed full of protein and fiber and can sustain you for the whole day if need be.

WHAT TYPE OF LENTILS FOR MUJADARA

Brown or Green lentils work best. Red ones tend to create a mushy texture!

CAN LENTILS AND RICE BE COOKED TOGETHER

Yes, the Lebanese as you can see in this recipe have been doing it for centuries. 

And the steps to cook it are easy as 1, 2, 3

  1. Boil the lentils for 10 minutes till soft but not fully cooked. 
  2. Then remove from the heat and in the same pot or pan sauté the onions till fully browned.
  3. Then add back in the lentils to the onions and all the spices along with olive oil and saute till fragrant. 
  4. Lastly adding in the either the “lentil water” or “vegetable stock” along with the rice, vinegar and lemon juice and cook till soft.
  5. Stir in the cooked onions and shred |lemon peels” over everything and serve. 

If your in a hurry you can use canned lentils instead 

However, fresh take no more than 10 minutes to become tender. 

Can Lentils and Rice be Frozen

Yes

How to make Lebanese Lentils and Rice

This recipe is a tried and true recipe: I have made it several times in the past year. 

You will want to have on hand:

  1. Dried or canned green lentils.
  2. Indian curry and other spices
  3. Basmati or parboil rice
  4. Onions and garlic.

Lentils and Rice for Baby

If your baby is eating more solids now, then you can try serving him/her little bites at a time.

My son is now one years old and had this for dinner with me recently. 

He loved it, he loves curry just like his mama.

Otherwise if your baby is still on purred food, simply blend it.

Lentils and Rice in Instant Pot

  • You will simply start by sauteing the onion till soft then remove
  • Then in the same pot add in the lentils, rice, lemon juice, vinegar, vegetable stock and all the spices.
  • Stir till combined
  • Then place the lid of the crock pot and cook for 4 hours. 
  • Once it has cooked, allow the steam to remove safety 
  • Shred fresh lemon peel over every served dish.

Lentils and Rice in Crock Pot

  • You will simply start by sauteing the onion till soft then remove
  • Then in the same pot add in the lentils, rice, lemon juice, vinegar, vegetable stock and all the spices.
  • Stir till combined
  • Then place the lid of the crock pot and cook for 4 hours. 
  • Once it has cooked, dish 
  • Shred fresh lemon peel over every served dish.

What goes with Lentils and Rice

Chicken, Lamb, Beef etc

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!