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Curries, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout, Slow Cooker recipes, Vegetarian

Rajma Recipe (Punjabi Curry)

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This flavorful Rajma Recipe (Punjabi Curry) has a combination of beans, tomatoes, and spices simmered together to create a hearty and delicious vegetarian / vegan meal.

Wanting more tasty Vegetarian Dishes try my Chickpea Spinach Curry or my Lebanese Lentils and Rice too!

Indian cuisine is famously known for its unique flavors and spices, and one dish in particular is a classic example of the variety of flavors in Indian cooking: Rajma Curry.

WHAT IS RAJMA CURRY

It is a Vegetarian Curry made with Kidney beans and many different spices. 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR RAJMA CURRY

  • Kidney beans
  • Red Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Tomatoes 
  • Spices

RAJMA IS RICH IN

Protein, fiber along with iron, copper, folate, manganese, potassium and Vitamin K1.

RAJMA MASALA POWDER 

Is what I always use to make this dish. It can be found on AMAZON which I linked below.  

HOW TO MAKE RAJMA CURRY

You can prepare this dish all in one pot on the stove or in your slow cooker/pressure cooker if you like too.  I prepared this on the stovetop this time as I used canned kidney beans, so it was quick and easy for me. 

Inspired by one of my favorite Indian Chefs Vahchef.

This dish is %100 Vegetarian but you would not know it, because it’s soooo GOOD!! 

Once you try this recipe, you will be hooked. And if you have a meat eating man or kids in the house who swear that Vegetarian food can’t be good. Just wait till they try this recipe!

This dish has a wonderful depth of smells and flavor that you’re sure to remember, kidney beans never tasted so good!

I have experimented with plenty of curries for some time now, so you can trust me when I say this recipe is a sure winner.

Now 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. Also if your not to familiar with dried fenugreek leaves, then I encourage you taking a stroll down your groceries ethnic for those as well.

They are sure to have it there somewhere, however if you cannot find them feel free to use cilantro instead.

Who said it takes a chef to make real Indian curry? Obviously never was in your kitchen. Cooking methods:

  • Simmer on a low-medium heat for 1 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.

Inspired by: VahChef 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 liked this dish, then be sure to check out my recipe for Coconut Curry Chicken

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, Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

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This Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe is something I like to make after making a whole chicken. 

Start by making a Whole Chicken recipe you can find that recipe here.

WHAT TO DO WITH ROTISSERIE CHICKEN LEFTOVER

Make this soup 🙂 This soup utilizes the bones of your leftover Rotisserie chicken to make a chicken bone broth for the most amazing soup. 

Whenever I or someone I love gets sick with a cold. The first thing I do is make a large batch of homemade chicken soup.

And the best way and cheapest way to make this soup too, is to use the meat and bones from a leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before.

Two meals in one. IT’S A WIN WIN!

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP WITHOUT NOODLES

There are a few versions of this kind of of soup out there, this one is a little different as it uses the leftover bones for the chicken broth. And has no noodles in it, of course you can add them if you’d like.

Just make sure your adding more stock or very little noodles to this particular recipe.

And as you may know bone broth is said to be nature’s pharmacy.

And so this soup has everything you need in it to ward off any type of cold or flu.

It defiantly will help your body rests and works to get better.

WHAT IS IN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP

This soup is packed with garlic, ginger, curry, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne and paprika spices that are sure to make you feel better feel.

The benefits soon after sipping this warm soup will be felt all over.

Serve alongside with a lemon wedges if desired for an extra punch of vitamin C, I hope feel so good after sipping this warm bowl of soup!

This is real soup, not that over processed stuff that comes from a can.

How To Make Rotisserie Chicken Soup

  1. Start by shredding the cooked chicken breasts with two forks and set aside.
  2. Next chop 2 green onions into bite size pieces and set aside
  3. Mince the garlic from 3 garlic and set aside. 
  4. Mince the ginger and set aside. 
  5. Next remove all the meat left on your Rotisserie chicken and then place the chicken carcass into a large stock pot and add 8 cups of water along with your minced garlic and ginger.
  6. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes turning a few times to allow the stock to develop.
  7. Once the stock has developed, discard the carcass and place the stock aside in a large bowl.
  8. In the same -pot add in all the spices, soya sauce and simmer on medium – low for 15 minutes.
  9. Season with salt and enjoy warm, allowing your body to heal itself.

You can add more vegetables you like, such as: 

  • KALE
  • SPINACH
  • CELERY

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE

Yes, go ahead and add rice or noodles during the cooking process if you’d like. 

Just make sure that you are following the directions on the package for the cooking times. And do not add more than 1/2 a cup otherwise the liquid will be all gone. 

I have plenty of soup of other soups on this site that would help anyone to feel better. One of which is my Vegetable Egg drop soup. It is absolutely delicious and healthy for you as well.

And my Duck Pho Soup

Bok Choy Chicken Garlic (Flu-Fighter) Soup

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! 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!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Quick and easy recipes, Vegetarian

Spicy Avocado Hummus

This Spicy Avocado Hummus has a little kick and that is from the Amazing Serrano Pepper. This recipe is a cross between they every day normal garlic hummus to Mexican guacamole!

Do you love Guacamole? 

Then you are sure to want to try this recipe. It is allot like guacamole with a more creamy thick base.

That comes from the tahini sauce and chickpeas.

IS AVOCADO HUMMUS HEALTHY

Yes this recipe is packed full of protein, healthy fats and fiber.

So you can make this more than a snack if you want. 

YOU are going to love how fresh it tastes.

WHAT TO EAT WITH AVOCADO HUMMUS

  • Tortilla chips
  • Pita Bread
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Cauliflower
  • You name it!

WILL AVOCADO HUMMUS TURN BROWN

Yes, unless you freeze it. You can expect the avocados to turn brown in less than a day!

CAN YOU FREEZE HUMMUS

Absolutely, I do it all the time. I will make a big batch and store some in the fridge for my family.

Which lasts us up to a week in an air tight container. 

Then I will section some off for the freezer, for movie nights, game nights and snacks. 

There is always hummus in our fridge or freezer.

HOW TO MAKE AVOCADO HUMMUS

  • Drain and rinse chickpeas, add to your blender or food processor with your avocado, olive oil, tahini, lime juice, cilantro and fresh garlic. Pulse for 1 minute or so until chickpeas and avocado are semi – smooth.
  • Next add in all your “dry spices” and pulse again until smooth this time, scraping down sides if needed and adding in more olive oil if you feel is needed.
  • Serve an hour or more after chilling in the fridge with your choice of tortilla chips ARRIBA!

Note: For best results chill it in an airtight container for up to 1 hour or more before serving. The longer it chills in the fridge the thicker it becomes and the flavors really set in. Also add the pit of one Avocado in the mixture helps to maintain its freshness.

WANT ANOTHER AWSOME HUMMUS RECIPE?

Try my Roasted Garlic Hummus!

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id 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!

 

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

Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe

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What makes Chicken Pad Thai different than other popular Thai dishes is the crushed peanuts and tamarind along with a few more important spices. 

This dish can be pulled together in under 30 minutes so follow along.

This recipe is inspired by my partner’s favorite Thai dish = Pad Thai!

Pad Thai is also one of Thailand’s most famous stir frys and whenever we go to any new Thai restaurant, it’s the first thing my Man will order.

I can hear it now, what do you two want to order. PAD THAI!!

I like Pad Thai too, it’s just I find most restaurants make it way to sweet and I much prefer recipes with a little bit of heat.

So I decided to create the same dish but with the addition of a little more heat to make it more suitable to my taste.

If you prefer a more sweet Pad Thai simply omit the red chilies. 

And well my partner in crime… he is just super happy I now make it for him at home.

If you prefer the more sweet Pad Thai recipes, then you can simly up the sugar in this recipe by 2 tbsp.

Which will make a dish quite similar to those restaurant style pad thai dishes.

After all it’s your Pad Thai and I want you to make it how you like it.

So what gives mine the extra heat? It’s the chili powder and the “red chili paste”. Easy enough eh?

HOW TO MAKE PAD THAI

Make sure you are using Tamarind Concentrate vs the paste.

You will know the difference because the concentrate is sold in small containers vs the paste which is actually a pulp and has to be soaked in water and strained prior to using.

 

When in doubt, just read the tamarind directions prior to purchasing.

If you love Thai food as much as me, then you will want to try my other thai dishes! All are AMAZING and really are some of the best ways to make Thai at home in a fraction of the time. 

Note:  Feel free to use shrimp in replace of the chicken or just enjoy it as is.

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!

 

 

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Easy Tilapia Fish Tacos

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These Easy Tilapia Fish Tacos are one of my all time favorite Mexican recipes.

Not only are they absolutely delicious! They take less than 15 minutes to make. I like to serve these tacos with all types of salsa, such as the one you see here for my Pico de gallo . Also you can serve it with my award winning Jalapeno Peach Salsa as seen below.

ARRIBA MEXICO!

It’s that good guys, amo los tacos mexicanos! We make this in our house at least once a week.

Just make sure you have some either high quality fresh fillets or frozen always on hand and you can too.

ARE FISH TACOS HEALTHY

Yes, white fish is a lean protein then the taco shell itself is low in calories as well as the added ingredients and spices.

HOW TO MAKE TILAPIA FISH TACOS

  • You can use a high quality frozen fish for this recipe. Otherwise fresh fillets are always my top choice.
  • This type of fish can also be served in burritos, hard tacos or over rice with beans.

TYPE OF FISH TACOS

  • You can also substitute the tilapia for another white fish such as halibut or cod.
  • Shrimp too is also a popular option. 

WHERE DID FISH TACOS ORIGINATE

In Baja, California. Some say that the roots come from Japanese immigrants that made there way to Mexico in the 1950s – 1960 who brought them in.  Either way they this is a very MEXICAN recipe to most of us today!

TILAPIA FISH TACO SEASONING

  • Chili Powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Cumin Powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

These tasty tacos can be pulled together in less than 15 minutes.

Making for a super quick and tasty dinner option.

Just make sure to make the “pico de gallo” ahead of time.

But not to ahead of time as the tomatoes won’t be as fresh past a day!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TILAPIA

  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Avocado

WHAT IS PICO DE GALLO

These fish tacos are so darn delicious, pair them with fresh homemade “pico de gallo” and you can’t get a tastier or healthier fish tacos if you ask me.

It’s Mexican salsa y’all and it goes great with just about any type of Mexican food.

See below for the recipe!

Also don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over top the fish at the end.

This really helps the flavors to pop!

FISH TACOS FOR A CROWD

You can feed roughly 4 people with this recipe.

So if it’s just the two of you dining tonight then there certainly will be some leftovers.

If your wanting to feed more people, simply MAKE more by doubling the ingredients! 

Super easy to prepare too, all you are doing is a little prep work that takes less than 15 minutes.

If your wanting to serve this with the same  “pico de gallo” salsa you see in the picture here.

Be sure to make the salsa one hour ahead of time, as it’s best to let the salsa marinate which enhances it’s flavors. 

Check out my two favorite recipes for Pico De Gallo you will serious love them! 

  1. Pico De Gallo this goes great with these tacos.
  2. Cabbage Pico De Gallo this also goes great with these tacos.

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!

Looking for another way to make Fish Tacos? Try my Blackened Tilapia Fish Tacos

Chicken, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Green Chile Chicken Bean Soup

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I absolutely love this Green Chile Chicken Bean Soup. It’s clean, fresh and healthy for you, not to mention super delicious! 

You can add black beans or white beans to this soup, I much prefer black beans myself so that is what I used.

Black beans are a good source of antioxidants making this one of the healthiest beans around. Also I  like to use “Better than Bouillon” Chicken stock in replace of liquid stock. We buy ours from Costco, so instead of using 7 cups of liquid Chicken Stock, we use 2 tbsp of that instead.

So if your interested in trying it out, the link is below in my amazon picks. The key to making this soup extra special is using two different types of chiles.

Both in powder form, “Pasilla Chile powder”, which it is a mild to medium-hot chile that is rich in flavor. And “California Chile Powder” which is has a nice mild heat to it. The combination of these two spices will add a great taste to this soup.

Most people are surprised at how filling it is also, typically most people get full just off half a bowl. Because one cup of Black Beans has packed 15.2 grams of protein adding that chicken breasts to that and you are sure to be satisfied for dinner with this soup.

This recipe really goes a long way, so you can feed a family of 6 and easily stores for leftovers. I like to make a big batch, and then I will freeze a few meal prep bowls for another day.

Leaving out the avocado and cilantro of course, those foods don’t taste as  good reheated.

I like to soak my black beans the night prior, however you can always use canned if you prefer.

So this recipe goes a long way, and can feed a family of 6 and easily stores for leftovers. I like to make a big batch, and then I will freeze a few meal prep bowls for another day. Leaving out the avocado and cilantro of course, those foods don’t taste as  good reheated.

I like to soak my black beans the night prior, however you can always use canned if you prefer. I made this soup in my crock pot, took less than 5 minutes to throw together.

Then I placed it on low for 8-10 hours, or you can place it on high for 5. And of course this also can be done on the stove top, or on the browning setting in the slow cooker as well. Just make sure you are simmering it long enough to tenderize the chicken breasts, you may need to add more water if your following the last two methods.

 

Did you know that the fiber in black beans actually helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease? Well if that is not more reason enough to eat more of these beans, then I don’t know what is! I like to serve it with fresh chunks of avocado and sometimes a spoonful or two of sour cream. You can cook this on the stove top as well, both methods work great. I hope you give this a try because it’s super delicious!

Our favorite Tomatillo Sauce

 

Note: Also try adding in some sour cream, to make it more creamy.

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. 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!

Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews, Vegetarian

Mexican Black Bean Chili

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I absolutely love black bean chili and this is my favorite way to make it. Without any meat, because you really don’t need it. 

Now there are so many black bean chili or soup recipes out there and almost all call for some type of meat protein in it.

However, if done right you really don’t need meat for black bean chili, because one cup of black beans provides 15.2 grams of protein.

Plus black beans are also a good source of antioxidants making this one of the healthiest chili recipes around.

Did you know that the fiber in black beans actually helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease?

Well if that is not more reason enough to omit the meat and go Vegetarian tonight, I don’t know what is!

I like to serve fresh jalapenos on-top this chili before serving.

So if you have small kids or those who can’t handle the heat, you can omit the fresh jalapenos at the end.

You can cook this on the stove top or in your slow cooker, both methods work great.

I hope you give this a try because it’s super delicious!

Note: I like to use “Better than Bouillon” Chicken stock. We buy ours from Costco, so instead of using 8 cups of liquid Chicken Stock, we use 3 tbsp of that instead. If your interested in trying it out, the link is 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!

 

Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

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The colder weather calls for cozy food and what better way to warm up then with a hot bowl of Turkey Pumpkin Chili. 

I like to make chilis in the colder months, typically in large batches to help feed and fuel us for a couple of days in a healthy way. The pumpkin puree in this chili helps to create a creamy satisfying texture that sure warms the soul.

Now this is not a sweet chili like some may think, that is because we are adding green chiles along with chipotles in adobo sauce to this chili to spice it up.

You can make this with leftover turkey meat or with premade ground turkey like I did for this recipe, or even go vegetarian and use a substitute if you’d like. Either way with the Northern beans in this chili you are sure to get you just the right amount of protein and fiber to suit any diet.

Just make sure you are soaking your beans ahead of time, the night before preferably and then you can make a big batch of this amazing chili to last you and your loved ones throughout the week or store in the freezer for another time. Top with sour cream if desired, enjoy!

 

Indie says, don’t forget the Chipotles in adobo sauce they really helped to kick it up a notch.

Note: If you cannot acquire the chipotles which come in a can “see picture” below. Then just add 1 tbsp of chili powder instead.


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. 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!

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