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Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews, Vegetarian

Easy Tomato Tortellini Soup

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This easy Homemade Tomato Tortellini Soup will change your life. That is if you love tomato soup but have never made it from scratch like this before. It’s creamy and super healthy for you. Not to mention absolutely delicious! 

And trust me it does not compare in any way to the canned stuff. But you are just gonna have to try it for yourself to see.

What Is Passata tomato sauce 

Passata is a tomato purée made from fresh, tomatoes that are bottled for use.

I like to use “Passata Sauce” in this soup because it basically is uncooked tomato puree without seeds or skins and works so well when making this type of soup.

Of course you can always use fresh tomatoes and blend them into a puree in the blender as well.

Totally up to you!

So if your craving some basic tomato soup, but also want a hearty meal as well.

Then this recipe is going to be one of your go to tomato soups going forward. Trust me! It’s mine.

Easy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Is a versatile recipe but what makes it EASY is that we are using pre-made pureed tomatoes.

Passata bottled tomatoes to be exact which are fresh tomatoes that have been uncooked but bottled

HOW TO MAKE Easy Tomato Tortellini Soup

  • Start with a bottle of PASSATA TOMATO PUREE SAUCE 
  • Then to add a bit more of a tomato base, I will use a can of tomato paste which blends out well when added to the vegetable stock. See recipe card below for all the steps!

HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE TOMATO SOUP LAST?

You can freeze this up to 6 months but will want to eat it within 24 – 48s hours so the tomatoes don’t spoil in your fridge.

Also 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. This soup can store in the fridge for up to 3 days and or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes: You can always use chicken stock in replace of vegetable if desired. 

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!

 

 

Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Peppered Shrimp

This Chinese Peppered Shrimp stir fry is easy to make and is packed full of crispy red and green peppers and is sautéed in a special black peppered sauce.

Looking for another Chinese Pepper recipe? Try my Black Pepper Chicken

Your going to want to pull out the chop sticks for this one.

WHAT IS PEPPER SHRIMP

Black Pepper Shrimp is a popular Chinese dish that is made with shrimp and a mixture of vegetables that is typically served with rice or on it’s own. It has a special sauce that it is made in, which makes it super tasty!

In which I will share with you below in the recipe card!

This dish is made in our home often and is definitely up there on our list of favorite Asian dishes.

You can make this in a large non stick skillet or wok, since the whole dish comes together in under 15 minutes you really can skip the take-out tonight with this one.

So what are you waiting for? By the time you dial up your local restaurant, you can have this delicious and authentic Black Pepper Shrimp stir fry on the table in no time. 

You can always add fresh calamari to this dish as well if you’d like. And if your really feeling bold, go ahead a throw a chicken breast in too. 

The only real difference from this dish and those served in the restaurants is that this typically arrives to the table on a hot sizzling hot plate.

And unlike my other black pepper recipe on this blog, we do not have to tenderize anything so that step is omitted here. 

We hardly ever order this dish from the restaurant anymore, because mine is better. That is unless we know the restaurant well and know they make it just as good.

Plus by eating this type of dish, you never have to feel guilty by overindulging. Because this is a super healthy meal that is packed full nutrients and contains should no msgs. Just make sure the soya sauce you use says that on the label and you will be in business. 

I like to serve this with jasmine rice on the side and will use a mini rice cooker to cook the rice. Just set it ahead of time and it will be ready when the dish is completed. 

I hope you give it a try there really isn’t much too it!

And stay tuned to this blog for more Healthy Chinese Recipes to come in the following months 🙂

Meal Prep Idea: Make enough to create a few meal prep bowls for the week ahead

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

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!

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

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

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Skip the takeout tonight and make this Authentic Chicken Chow Mein in less than 30 minutes! 

Looking for another dish to serve alongside this? Try my Peppered Beef Steak or my Black Pepper Shrimp

What makes my Chicken Chow Mein authentic? Well you are just going to have to read on to find out. The hardest part about making homemade Chow Mein is “chopping those vegetables”. Once you have that part done, along with marinating the chicken.

WHERE TO BUY CHOW MEIN NOODLES

Typically fresh Chow Mein noodles can be found in the fresh isles of your supermarket and the dry in the international isle.  This recipe can also be made with just about any meat such as Chinese pork, beef or shrimp. OR make it vegetarian, which is also fantastic too!

Plus, if you like a little more heat to your dish then feel free to add some red pepper chili flakes or some fresh chili paste during the cooking process.

I have experimented with a few Chow Mein recipes over the years and promise you your going to love this one.

It contains a few fresh ingredients such as whole chicken breasts, shredded cabbage, Bok choy, green onions, carrots and fresh Cho Mein noodles.

You can always use dried Chow Mein noodles those will produce a more crispy chow Mein. I like to make it both ways so that part is up to you!

So what makes this Chow Mein authentic?

It is the fresh Cho Mein noodles which are tossed in the most delicious sauce. Along with the shredded ingredients! You may be more familiar with chopped carrots, however most authentic dishes call for those carrots to be shredded. 

Chow Mein is one of my favorite Asian dishes, I will order it Everytime I go to my favorite Asian restaurant and I will also order it when I try new Asian restaurants.

Some restaurants make their Chow Mein better than others, typically it has allot to do with the type of ingredients that are added to the noodles.

My all time favorite Chow Mein dish would have to be seafood then chicken, today I am sharing the chicken one.

Very soon I will share how I make the seafood one, which contains fresh calamari and shrimp.

I like to make my Chow Mein with fresh steamed noodles sometime and did for this recipe. However both steamed and dry are good and will work well for this recipe.

Note: Using a low sodium chicken stock and soya sauce will cut down on the salt intake for this dish.

Also if your wanting a crispy chow mein stir fry, then see this recipe below will suit your taste!

The Vegetables are also chopped different and their is broccoli added: Spicy Crispy Chicken Chow Mein

Serve this Chow Mein alongside this popular “Easy Cashew Chicken Recipe”

The best way to get ahold of me is through the comments! I absolutely love hearing from my readers, and I respond to each and every comment I receive.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

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!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Bean Beef Stir fry

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This Black Bean Beef Stir fry is made with a pre-made black bean sauce making it an easy dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. 

Want another Black Bean recipe? Try my black bean chicken stir fry

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

I used to order this dish every time from our local Chinese restaurant,

Making at home myself save a ton of money vs ordering takeout. Plus, I like to add more peppers than most restaurants add, making it all the more better. 

You can add more peppers or onions as desired. Make them thin or thick as preferred!

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN BEEF

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated beef and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN BEEF

  • You want to use either a Wok or Large frying pan
  • Then you will want to either have sliced beef or slice it yourself and place it into a shallow bowl to marinade (see recipe card below for marinating instructions) 
  • Once the beef has marinaded add it to the wok and sauté till cooked, remove and set aside
  • Add in the vegetables along with beef stock and black bean sauce and sauté on medium heat till the vegetables are tender
  • Toss back in the beef and toss all together to serve!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for.

IS BLACK BEAN BEEF HEALTHY

Yes, it is packed full of fermented black beans, veggies and lean beef. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

This dish can be made with shrimp or chicken too which is also amazing. I had to do this dish right, so I tried it a couple dozen recipes from many sources to come up with my favorite version.

It has all the flavors you have come to know and love in a black bean sauce, and goes great served over rice.

Start by cooking your rice, because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

Then you will want to start with chopping the vegetables first, then setting them aside. Cut your steak into slices and place in a large frying pan or wok, sauteing till the beef is no longer pink. 

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, some people like to add snow peas, and other veggies but that is not very authentic if you ask me. This is one of my favorite dishes and healthy too! 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right. Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

I hope you give it a try. There really isn’t much too it!

This healthy meal is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, serve alongside a big bowl of jasmine rice. 

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!

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

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

Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry

Skip the takeout tonight and try making this Black Bean Chicken Stir Fry instead. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is inexpensive to make.

Wanting another popular Chinese recipes to serve alongside this dish? Try my Chinese Squid or my Mushroom Fried Rice

Skip the take out, this tasty dish can be served in under 30 minutes.

Making this Black Bean Beef Stir fry is easy because it uses a pre-made sauce. There are a few pre-made black bean sauces on the market. My favorite is Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. 

WHAT IS BLACK BEAN CHICKEN

It is a popular Chinese dish that has marinated chicken and vegetables all cooked together in fermented black bean sauce. 

My dish here is made with red and green peppers, onions and chicken and then is tossed in a tasty black bean sauce.

I don’t know about you but this vegetable mixture is perfect, however you can add mushrooms, broccoli or snow peas if you like too!

HOW TO MAKE BLACK BEAN CHICKEN 

You will want to start by cooking your rice, and then marinating your chicken.

Because the rest takes less than 15 minutes. I like to use a mini rice cooker, just set it and forget it.

  • Start by marinating he chicken first in water and cornstarch mixture then fry it in oil over medium heat just enough to cook it.
  • Next remove it from the wok/pan to sauté the vegetables in a black bean sauce mixture for a while.
  • Just before adding back together with the cooked chicken sauté all together for a few minutes before serving. Pretty easy huh!

This delicious and authentic stir fry takes less than 30 minutes to make too, so what are you waiting for. 

Follow along for a mouthwatering dinner that everyone is sure to love.

Then simply chop up all the vegetables and cook according to the instructions below. 

The fantastic flavors of garlic and black bean sauce gives this dish it’s amazing flavor, and the cornstarch helps to thicken it up just right.

Even though there is garlic already in the black bean sauce, it is still nice to add 2 more cloves.

You will hardly notice it since the balance of the other flavors mellows it out nicely, so don’t be afraid to add more garlic.

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

I’m 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!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Salmon Artichoke Pasta

This Creamy Salmon Artichoke Pasta is super simple to make and can be served for dinner! 

Looking for another excellent recipe that utilizes artichokes? Try my Chicken Artichoke Skillet

This Salmon Artichoke Pastauses canned salmon however you can of course use cooked fresh salmon if desired. Both work well for this dish. 

Also, this recipe can serve a large family in a short period of time and also does well as leftovers or packaged into meal prep bowls for the weeks lunches ahead.

It is creamy and oh so satisfying this is sure to hit the spot if your craving something fancy for dinner tonight.

You can always add more salmon if desired, depending on your taste.

Just make sure to break it up as you see in the pictures below, that sure spreads the salmon flavor out nicely and enhances the dish but definitely doesn’t overpower it.

You can use just about any pasta for this recipe, however I really like the texture of the bowtie pasta. 

This dish is very satisfying, both as a lunch dish or to serve as main meal.

You will want to start by cooking the salmon in a frying pan, once the pasta and kale has been cooked or during if your good at multitasking.

Once the salmon is cooked, take a spatula and break it up, pouring in one cup of either whole milk or %2 milk along with one cup of parmesan cheese and stirring to combine. 

If you end up giving this a give it a try, I would love to know how you liked it. Bon Appetit!

MEAL PREP IDEA: Make enough to create a few meal preps bowls for the week ahead!

Imagine your work colleagues seeing this in your bowl for lunch.

I know my old work colleagues would have been so jelly! It sure looks fancy but really is easy to prepare. 

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER SALAD RECIPES?

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!

Barbeque, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes

Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe

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These Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe are pan fried on the stove-top and served with fresh Homemade Peach Jalapeno Salsa. 

My Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe may look a bit  fancy, but trust me it really takes no special technique to prepare at all. 

If you like pork with a hint of sweet/spicy flavors then you can’t go wrong with this recipe here. These pork chops go great even without the peach salsa, but if you can get your hands on in season fresh peaches then go for it! 

HOW TO PAN FRY PORK CHOPS? 

The trick to cooking the best pan fried pork chops is to use ample butter, because you are going to be basting the pork chops in the butter while it cooks. 

The second trick is to season the pork chops generously on both sides with salt and pepper prior to cooking. If you follow those two tips alone you are sure to prepare the best pork chops ever. 

These chops can be done on the grill as well, they just won’t be as juicy. Also feel free to use pineapple in replace of peaches if desired.

WHAT TYPE OF PORK CHOP IS GOOD FOR FRYING?

Feel free to use bone in pork chops, pork loin or ribs. All work well for frying!

Go ahead and serve these pork chops with mash potatoes or a salad of your liking. They really go well with either option or just enjoy as is with lots of peach salsa.

I just love the way the rosemary and garlic butter flavors the pork, it melts in your mouth and to be honest I have yet to try something this good in the restaurants.

First you will want to prepare the salsa in advance and store it in the fridge for more than one hour.

This really helps the flavors to set into the peaches and makes for an excellent topping to these pork chops.

To prepare the pork you will want to sear chops in a non stick frying pan with a little butter, rosemary and seasonings.

Each side will take about 8 minutes to cook, while cooking baste with butter in the pan.

Jalapeno Peach Salsa

LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES FOR PORK CHOPS? 

Below you will find some side dish recipes that would go so well with these “Pork Chops” 

Meal Prep Inspiration: Make more pork chops and slice them once cooked and place over some creamed corn and add the peach salsa. Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, your visits and your comments are greatly appreciated. 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!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes

Creamy Tortellini Lemon Pasta

This Creamy Tortellini Lemon Pasta is made in a lemon garlic sauce that has a hint of creaminess from the cheese and chicken stock that you’re sure to love. 

If you like Lemon pastas then be sure to also try my Pasta with clams or my Cajun Garlic Scallops my other favorites!

I’ve served this up many times in our home and it’s one of our favorite pasta dishes by far. 

This recipe is made with fresh spinach, baby tomatoes and Monterey jack cheese this dish is sure to impress.

Feel free to use anytime of white cheese that you like, such as parmesan or mozzarella.

I used Monterey jack cheese in this recipe to give it a bit of kick.

This is by far one of my favorite ways to make Chicken Tortellini, it is super quick, delicious and an easy yet fancy weeknight meal that can be pulled off with little effort.

Feel free to add some pre cooked sliced chicken breasts on top if desired as well. 

However you really don’t need it as this dish is pretty filling as is.

Comfort food meets healthy food, yes it’s possible. 

Most creamy pasta dishes call for cream but my recipe calls for chicken stock, making it much healthier for you.

So go ahead and indulge with this one, everything in moderation right 🙂

If your family loves pasta as much as we do, then i’m more than certain this is a dish that will be adored in your household for a longtime.

You can fancy it up even more by adding some pre-cooked shrimp on top too, Jason loves when I do that.

Sometimes if there is leftovers I will eat this cold but it definitely tastes best served hot.

Before serving just make sure you are seasoning with salt to taste and then drizzling a bit more lemon juice on top.

Then it will absolutely PERFECT!

If you end up giving it a try, I would love to hear what you think of it in the comments below.

MEAL PREP IDEA: Make enough to create a few meal preps bowls for the week ahead!

Recipe notes: You can use Parmigiano – Reggiano or Mozzarella for this pasta in replace of the Monterey jack if desired.

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!