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Christmas & Thanksgiving, Slow Cooker recipes, Vegetarian

Scalloped Potatoes with Mushroom Soup

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These Scalloped Potatoes with Mushroom Soup is one of my favorite side dishes to serve to the family around the holiday season. 

There is a secret ingredient to this recipe, so your going to want to keep reading to find out what that is.

Everyone knows that mashed potatoes are a stable food around most households. 

And over the holidays those are served more often alongside a turkey, ham etc. 

However, sometimes it is good to mix it up a bit. This recipe does just that!

You can use just about any type of mushroom soup for this recipe!

And that is because they all contain just about the same amount of mushrooms to cream in the can.

However, I like to use good old Campbell’s Mushroom soup. 

Then you are going to want to add an additional 1 cup of diced fresh mushrooms to the recipe.

To make it extra special. 

SCALLOP POTATOES WITH MUSHROOM SOUP AND SOUR CREAM

Yes, you can add sour cream instead of Heluvagood dip! But trust me the Heluva good dip makes it extra special and is my secret ingredient to making these scallop potatoes extra delicious! 

I grew up eating scalloped potatoes, however here in Canada. Most Mothers (back in the day) boy I’m getting old lol

Made them this way, with a good old can of Campbells Mushroom soup and some milk.

This recipe is just that, but elevated! 

BEST CHEESE FOR SCALLOPED POTATOES 

Cheddar Cheese is best as it makes them super creamy.

HOW TO MAKE SCALLOPED POTATOES WITH MUSHROOM SOUP 

  • Start by mixing all your wet ingredients together = mushroom soup, cheese, milk and helluva dip.
  • Then add in the chopped mushrooms, onions and spices.
  • Mix all together and set aside.
  • Then peel the potatoes and dice, soak in water as you go to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
  • Layer the baking dish and season with salt and pepper and flour overtop of the sliced potatoes.
  • Top with butter.
  • Slowly pour over your wet mixture
  • Cover with tinfoil and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour or till fork tender.
  • Uncover and broil just 2 minutes till browned. 
  • Top with some fresh parsley for garnish.

If you have ever had Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and loved it.

Then you are sure to love this recipe as well.

INSTANT POT SCALLOPED POTATOES

Yes, you can make these in your instant pot as well.

Baking these potatoes takes about 1 hour, but the instant pot takes 10 minutes flat.

WANT TO SERVE THESE POTATOES WITH CRANBERRY SAUCE & TURKEY?

Check out my homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice & Spiced Turkey recipes below!

LOOKING FOR more Holiday recipe inspiration?

Honey Glazed Butter Carrots 

HOW ABOUT SOME OTHER SIDES AND MAIN COURSE THAT WOULD GO WELL WITH THESE POTATOES?

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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Curries, Date Night, Instant Pot, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout, Slow Cooker recipes, Vegetarian

Chickpea Spinach Curry

This Chickpea Spinach Curry is out of this world tasty and healthy vegetarian dinner option.  

You can trust me when I say this recipe is a sure winner.

As I have experimented with plenty of curries in my lifetime. 

Even if you are not vegetarian you are going to love it.

GUARENTED! 

Not only is this recipe filling and good for you! It also is very inexpensive to make.

WHAT IS IN CHICKPEA CURRY

This dish is made with a can of chickpeas, coconut milk, vegetable stock, spinach, onions, tomatoes, garlic and ginger.

Then is seasoned with some special Indian spices to make it just right.

And can be served in just 30 minutes! 

Making for a healthy and quick weeknight meal for you and whoever is lucky to dine with you.

IS CHICKPEA CURRY HEALTHY

Yes, chickpeas are packed full of protein and fiber and the tomatoes are also low in calories and unhealthy fats. 

Then there is spinach and tomatoes added to this as well so that you have a well rounded meal. 

HOW TO MAKE CHICKPEA CURRY

You will want to go down the ethnic food aisle in your local grocery to pick up some “Masala Curry” which is the right kind of powder that is really needed for this recipe.

Then you will add just a few more traditional Indian spices that will make this dish absolutely amazing.

Cooking methods: FULL RECIPE IN THE CARD (BELOW)

  • Simmer on a low-medium heat for 30 hour on the stovetop
  • Cook in the pressure cooker around 10 minutes or depending on your instructions
  • Cook in the slow cooker from 8-10 hours.

Be sure to make some basmati rice to serve alongside or if you really want to make it extra special go ahead and make some homemade Naan Bread.

CAN CHICKPEA SPINACH CURRY BE FROZEN

Yes, just make sure you are freezing them in sealed bags or containers. 

This goes real good with my Homemade Garlic Naan Bread too!

If your a CURRY lover like me 🙂

Then you will want to try ALL these dishes below!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! 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!

Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Creamy Coconut Curry Chicken

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This Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry can be prepare on your stove top, slow cooker or instant pot. 

Want another Indian restaurant style recipe? Try my Butter Chicken or my Lamb Curry.

Coconut Chicken Curry can be served alongside some basmati rice or some Homemade Naan Bread!

Love Indian food as much as me? Then your going to want to try my “Eggplant Curry” , BUTTER CHICKEN or my “Chickpea Curry” as well. 

BUTTER CHICKEN 

THIS “BUTTER FENUGREEK NAAN BREAD” RECIPE IS A WINNER!

IS INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY HEALTHY?

Yes in most cases it is, however it really depends on the way it is made. Some curries call for heavy cream and lots of butter.

Like the typically butter chicken recipe that we have all come to know and love.

I love butter chicken just like the rest of you. However I have learned to make it slightly healthier.

Feel free to check out my recipe here for that recipe: Butter Chicken

My recipe here calls for coconut milk and no cream. Making this a very healthy curry option for those trying to watch their calories intake. 

Your family will not believe this dish is being served straight from your kitchen, it’s that good. 

I used to order this type of dish at our local East Indian restaurant, however now I make it often at home. 

You can find the pre-made curry package that I used to make this curry in the AMAZON link below or you can just add in each spice individually if you prefer.

 

This simple curry will impress even the pickiest of eaters.

And will have your family thinking that you either

a) ordered this from your local Indian restaurant or

b) have taken some cooking lessons because it tastes so amazing! 

WHAT TYPE OF CURRY SHOULD I USE TO MAKE COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY

Curry powder is a blend of up to 20 different herbs and spices.

And there are many different type of curries available. Whenever I am making any Indian dish, I like to use a “mild indian curry” or for a hotter curry I will opt for “Madras Curry”.

Both can be found in the ethnic aisle in the Indian spice section!

LEARN MORE HERE ABOUT CURRY: All About Curry Powders

HOW TO MAKE INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK

Cooking methods:

  • Simmer on a low-medium heat for 30 minutes on the stovetop
  • Cook in the pressure cooker around 10 minutes or depending on your instructions
  • Cook in the slow cooker from 8-10 hours.

Today, I used my pressure cooker because I was in a hurry to have dinner on the table so I could watch my favorite recorded show on the PVR. 

However this type of dish can be made either way.

This delicious curry is made with boneless chicken breast and simmered in a rich tomato, yogurt, coconut sauce that you’re sure love time and time again.

WHAT IS INDIAN CHICKEN CURRY

Indian chicken curry is the ultimate comfort food for a lot of Indian people.

Typically it is served over a bed of Jasmine rice and is made with chicken, spices, tomatoes and some type of cream. 

As you may know if you have been to my blog before, I LOVE Curry.

So if you like curried foods as much as me then you are going to love this simple recipe too. 

Guaranteed! 

Plus it is a tad different than the average chicken curry recipes.

Feel free to add some cubed mini potatoes to this curry if you like, just omit the rice if you choose to do that. 

Either way this dish will turn out amazing!

SPICES USED IN COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY

  • 1 tbsp Garam masala
  • 1 tbsp Curry powder
  • 1 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 tbsp or tsp of Salt, according to taste
  • 1 tbsp Kasoori Methi” = “Dried fenugreek” , optional

The green seasoning you see on top of this dish is called “Kasoori Methi” which is basically dried fenugreek” leaves.

It can be found in almost any international isle at your local grocery. See below!

If you cannot find “dried fenugreek” leaves you can just omit it. 

However I find it adds an extra element to the dish that is really nice.

I have shared a few other curry recipes here on my blog, however this is the first one with coconut milk vs cream/milk. So if your lactose intolerant than this dish may be right up your ally. 

WHAT GOES WITH COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY

Be sure to make some basmati rice to serve alongside or if you really want to make it extra special go ahead and make some homemade Naan Bread.

If you end up giving it a try, do let me know in the comments below. I would love to know what you think 🙂

LOOKING FOR AN AWESOME NAAN BREAD RECIPE TO SERVE ALONGSIDE THIS CURRY? Then look no further, I got you covered! My Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is a sure WINNER!

If your a CURRY lover like me… Then you will definitely want to try these other curry  dishes from this website!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! 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!

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Instant Pot, Vegetarian

Instant Pot Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrots

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These Instant Pot Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrots are easy to make and can be served next to just about any meal. Think Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas. 

These carrots are glazed with Bourbon Barrel-Aged Organic Maple Syrup.

Which is an Organic Canada Grade A Amber syrup that was aged to perfection in a Kentucky Bourbon barrel. 

It contains of spirited flavour with notes of caramel, toffee and vanilla. And gives a depth of flavor to these carrots that are to die for. 

Imagine serving these carrots at your next family gathering, think Christmas or Thanksgiving!

This post has been sponsored by Maple Lifestyle, a Canadian Maple Syrup brand that is based Crystal Beach, Ontario. An area known to produce some of the finest maple syrups in the World. 

You can buy this Bourbon Syrup right from there website! Or you can find a link to it in the recipe card below, where it is also sold on Amazon.

HOW TO COOK CARROTS IN THE INSTANT POT

  • Start by peeling the carrots, then chop the small ends off. 

  • Then wash and slice diagonally as seen below.

  • Before tossing in your instant pot with 1 cup of water to cook for 2- 4 minutes on high pressure. Depending on the size of the carrots you have sliced. Thinner require less time of course!
  • Once they have cooked, drain the water out. 
  • Add the brown sugar, butter and seasonings and toss to coat.
  • Then our over the Bourbon Maple Syrup!
  • Toss again and serve!

You’ve Never Had Carrots Like This!

I like to serve these carrots with fresh parsley as it makes it even more festive looking! 

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!

 

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Instant Pot

Instant Pot Mashed Carrots and Potatoes

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These Instant Pot Mashed Carrots and super easy to make. Even the kids will love them!

Side dishes that are quick and easy to make are my favorite.

This dish can be made in your instant pot in less than 20 minutes.

Yes, less than 20 minutes! 

A perfect addition to any meal, without all the hassle.

ARE INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES GOOD

Heck yes, they are just as creamy and delicious as doing them on the Stove Top method. 

Then go ahead and add in some mashed carrots and you will have a unique side dish to serve that everyone is going to love. 

Bone appetite!

 

Just think about those busy upcoming Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays.

This side dish would be a hit to your main course. 

INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES

  • This dish is super simple to make and pull together. Basically all you are doing is peeling your carrots and potatoes.
  • Then dicing them into quarters and placing them directly into your instant pot.

HOW LONG INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES 

  • Along with 1 cup of water and allowing them to cook on the high pressure setting for 2- 4.
  • Depending on the size of the potatoes & carrots you have sliced. Thinner require less time of course!
  • Once they have cooked, you will add the butter, milk and seasonings.
  • Before mashing to the texture you desire. 

Note: If you are peeling your potatoes and carrots, then don’t waste those Nutritious peels, save them and top your dogs next meal with them for a couple of days of added nutrition!! 

ALSO here is an excellent recipe for Homemade Air Fryer Oatmeal, Corn and Carrots dog treats! That your dog is going to love. 

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d 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, Vegetarian

Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots

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These Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots are easy to make and are sauteed in a buttery, honey glaze and serve as a great side dish to just about any meal.

Looking for other quick and easy holiday side dishes to go alongside these carrots, try my Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes or some Parmesan Brussel Sprouts.

Then serve all these sides alongside a Turkey + Tourtière meat pie or a Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder

It really doesn’t get much better than this guys!

Think large family gatherings like, Christmas and Thanksgiving for this amazing side dish too. 

I like to serve these carrots with fresh dill, however you can also use parsley or thyme if desired.

These carrots are always a hit in our house, even the kids love them!

HOW TO COOK CARROTS IN THE INSTANT POT

  • You simply will want to peel those carrots.

  • Then wash and slice diagonally as seen below.

  • Before tossing in your instant pot with 1 cup of water to cook for 2- 4 minutes on high pressure. Depending on the size of the carrots you have sliced. Thinner require less time of course!
  • Once they have cooked, you will add your honey glaze, butter and seasonings to serve. 

It is also super fun to play around with different honey flavors.
 
I’m really liking Okanogan Wildflower at the moment from Planet Bee. 
 
 
Don’t want to peel the carrots? That is okay too,  just simply scrub and wash them prior to slicing.

Bone appetite! 

Note: If you are peeling your carrots, then don’t waste those Nutritious peels, save them and top your dogs next meal with them for a couple of days of added nutrition!! Carrot peels contain an excellent source of Fiber and Vitamins. Read more about the benefits here Benefits Of Carrots For Your Dog

ALSO here is an excellent recipe for Homemade Air Fryer Oatmeal, Corn and Carrots dog treats! That your dog is going to love. 

Dinner ideas

Cuban Black Beans and Rice

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These Cuban Black Beans and Rice have some shredded chicken  added to it. And are served alongside some fresh tomatoes, cilantro, limes and avocados to make it an all around hearty meal. 

If you have never had this dish before then I encourage you to give it a try because it’s super delicious and not to mention a healthy meal the whole family will enjoy!

I also love that they are packed full of protein, which really makes for a satisfying meal. 

In Cajun and Creole cuisine the hearty black bean has become a staple food and I can see why. 

It’s meaty and jam packed with nutrients.

When cooked right these black beans have a meaty flavor, making them a very popular dinner option.

CUBAN BLACK BEANS AND RICE INSTANT POT

You can also prepare these in the instant pot and cut the cooking time in half.

Simply chop the chicken prior and add all the ingredients to the pot and cook according to your cookers instructions. 

If I have enough time, I prefer to use uncooked black beans for this recipe.

So I will soak my beans overnight to ensure they cook properly the next day.

To soak black beans you will want to cover them in about 10 inches or more of water overnight and place them in the fridge to ensure they don’t ferment.

However soaking the beans is not necessary since you can always purchase pre cooked canned beans which work just as good. 

If you are soaking the beans overnight like I do, just make sure to rinse them several times before soaking.

This is because you are going to want to use that bean water in the cooking process.

WHAT GOES WITH CUBAN BLACK BEANS AND RICE

  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocados
  • Chicken, pork, shrimp

This recipe is definitely something your going to want to add to your recipe book 🙂

Notes: If soaking uncooked beans overnight, be sure to place them in the fridge otherwise they may ferment on the counter and have to be discarded.

Looking to use dry beans vs canned? Here is a quick Conversion chart

Looking for more Black Bean recipes?

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, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes

African Chicken Stew

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This African Chicken Stew is a traditional dish that is made with stewed tomatoes, red peppers, oil and spices. 

This dish is also known as “West African Chicken Stew” or “Nigerian Red Chicken Stew” and is mostly made of  fresh fried tomatoes, onions, garlic red bell peppers and a mixture of spices. 

This dish is a bit spicy but mellows out well when served alongside a bed of rice or pounded yam.

If you do not like spicy foods, then you can always omit the minced scotch bonnet pepper if you’d like. 

African Red Chicken Stew is easily one of my favorite African dishes.

HOW TO MAKE RED CHICKEN STEW

This stew is so special that it is served as the main dish during the holidays in Nigeria.

Yup you heard that right, so instead of our North American Turkey they serve Red Stew. And is also made with different types of meat such as goat, beef or dried catfish. 

I have also shared on this blog a few other African recipes. Two of them are very similar to this dish, however they are made slightly different.

Both those recipes can be found below, along with recipes to make pounded yam and fufu = cassava. 

Some people like this stew to be super spicy, I prefer it mild – spicy and so that is the recipe I’m sharing with you here. 

The intense “Red” color that you see in this recipe is from a blended mixture of red peppers, onions, tomatoes and spices. 

Some people like there red stew to be somewhat running, I prefer my more thick as you can see above.

However if you prefer it more liquidly, as some people do like to make it.

Simply add 1/2 cup of extra stock to the cooking process at the end.

Typically this dish it’s served with “Pounded Yam” or “Rice”. 

Depending on what I have on hand, I will serve it with either of those sides. 

Pounded Yam typically is prepared with a mortar and large pot and is made from scratch.

However do to advances in the food industry you can now buy it in a “powdered form”and make the same thing in less the time an effort.

POUNDED YAM RECIPE

I will provide the recipe for pounded yam below. And tips on where to find it!

Where to buy Pounded Yam > Pounded Yam on AMAZON

Pounded Yam typically is prepared with a mortar and large pot and is made from scratch.

However do to advances in the food industry you can now buy it in a “powdered form”and make the same thing in less the time an effort.

Pounded yam is typically eating with your hands, no fork needed.

And I love doing that, if you have not tried it before your in for a tasty experience. 

Looking for more delicious African Recipes?

1. African Red Beef Stew

2. Quick Black Eyed Peas

3. African pepper goat soup

Notes: The type of curry powder you use here is important, you don’t want a masala type curry which is to mild. Ideally a Jamaican curry will work best here.

Inspired by: Chicken Stew African Style

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!