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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!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Vegetarian

Jalapeno Peach Salsa

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I love making this Jalapeno Peach Salsa it’s easy, versatile and takes no special effort at all. You can have it ready to serve in less than 10 minutes time. 

Looking for another great homemade salsa recipe? Try my Cabbage Pico De Gallo

Basically all you are going to need is some fresh peaches, fresh jalapenos along with a chopped onion, orange pepper, cilantro and salt to taste.

This recipe has recently become very popular on this blog. As it was featured over on onebitevegan.com some months back.

This salsa is on that list of my favorite homemade salsas and cannot be found in the stores. 

So if you love salsa as much as me, then you are going to want to give this one a try!

WHAT DOES PEACH SALSA GO WITH

Not only does it go so well paired with your favorite nachos; it also goes well when paired alongside chicken and pork dishes.

So whenever I’m making this I will make a big enough batch, so that I can use it in a few different ways. 

You will find an awesome recipe below that feature this salsa, which you’re sure to love!

A sweet and spicy salsa that you can’t go wrong with!

HOW TO MAKE PEACH SALSA

  • I like to add all my ingredients to a small food processor, which will chop it all together in a jiffy.
  • Just make sure it’s set to slow chop as your not wanting a puree. 
  • However if you don’t have a food processor, then feel free to use a knife just make sure you are chopping it all up as small as possible.

I also like to double up this recipe as it saves great in the fridge for the very next day. In which I will make either some pork chops or grilled chicken and serve this salsa right alongside.

Both recipes are listed below, I hope you give one of them a try! 

My “Rosemary Pork Chops“. See here for delicious recipe!!

Or this awesome Grilled Chicken with Peach Salsa, recipe talk about versatile eh!

Note: You can omit the Jalapeno sauce which is found in bottled Jalapenos if desired.

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, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Persian Stew (Ghorme Sabzi)

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This Persian Stew (Ghorme Sabzi) is a very popular dish that hails from Iran. It is made with either beef or lamb, kidney beans and some other special ingredients. 

My friend shared a flat with an Iranian man during his University days and during this time the young man’s Mother would often come over and spend the whole day cooking for them (Spoiled)!

It has been many years since then, however Jason had not forgotten how good those meals where. And one of his favorite dishes was for this Persian Herb Stew. 

Recently, I was asked to try and prepare some traditional dishes in exchange for a few nights of fine dining somewhere, so I gladly took the challenge.

I must admit i was like a fish out of water, because i never cooked Iranian food before so i wasn’t sure what recipes or techniques to use.

However with some time a patience i learned the tricks to making this delicious dish. My first attempts failed, I was following the wrong recipes, and to my partner’s disappointment none of the dishes I prepared tasted at all like he remembered.

But I did not give up and set my focus on Ghorme sabzi  which is considered the Iranian national dish, and understandably so, it’s absolutely delicious not to mention very healthy.

I finally prepared this recipe here, and we both were instantly in Ghorme Sabzi Persian Heaven! Knowing we found the right recipe that is sure to please those who know it all to well and those trying it for the first time. Serve with basmati rice and enjoy!

Adapted @ The Persian Pot

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!

 

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!

 

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

Vietnamese Salad Vermicelli

This Vietnamese Salad Vermicelli is made with rice noodles and is the Ultimate Summer Dish that is always served with fresh veggies that are then topped with a grilled meat of your choice and has an authentic fish sauce / dressing for serving.

Looking for more Thai dishes?  Try my Vietnamese Shrimp plating with Spring Rolls, Sweet Thai Chili Chicken, Thai Red Crab Curry, Thai Basil Mussels or Red Thai Chicken Curry.

Never made a Vietnamese salad before? No problem! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating a delicious, healthy salad in the comfort of your own kitchen. It also will show you how to make homemade Vietnamese Salad Dressing to go on top of this salad. 

WHAT IS VIETNAMESE NOODLE SALAD CALLED

(Bun Bo Xao) in Vietnamese. Vietnamese Salad Vermicelli is a refreshing and healthy dish to serve on a hot summer day.

This flavorful and versatile recipe is packed with fresh herbs and veggies, protein, and a tangy dressing that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling refreshed.

Thai Vermicelli salad can also have the addition of grilled pork and shrimp as well. If you would like to create that, simple grill some shrimp or sliced pork and season with salt to serve. 

WHAT IS VIETNAMESE SALAD

Vietnamese Noodle Salad is served with warm or cool noodles, fresh cold vegetables and cooked meats of your liking. Typically grilled pork, shrimp or beef. The noodles are always Vermicelli rice noodles that come with a light Thai inspired sauce. 

It’s fresh, filling and just like they serve in Thai restaurants.

If you have been to this blog before you will know that I’m a fan of Thai food and eat it often.

I used to go out to enjoy this food at least every other week, but now make it more at home. Because it is easy to do and saves me a ton of cash at that too!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vietnamese Salad Vermicelli with Shrimp

HOW TO MAKE VERMICELLI SALAD

  • You will want to make two marinades, one for the chicken and one for the sauce that you will serve alongside these bowls.
  • Fresh lemongrass is very important here for the chicken marinade, it gives it that really intense lemon taste. So be sure to get your hands on a few stocks that you will simply chop and place into the marinade.
  • The longer you marinade the chicken the better. If your making it for dinner then simply marinate it in the morning or the night prior. Then basically the rest of the dish can be pulled together in less than 30 minutes. Easy peazy!

What makes these rice bowls so good is the fresh ingredients and the authentic Vietnamese Salad Dressing.

WHAT IS VIETNAMES SALAD DRESSING

It is a traditional dressing that is used on almost every type of Vietnamese salad dish and the recipe can be found below. It serves very well over cold salads, that are then topped with a marinated then grilled meat protein of your liking.

VIETNAMESE SALAD DRESSING

Also know as “Nuoc Mam” sauce which is a sweet, salty, sour and spicy dressing.

  1. 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  2. 1/2 cup cold water
  3. 1 lime (juiced)
  4. 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  5. 1/4 cup fish sauce
  6. 3 tbsp sugar
  7. 1 red chili (de-seeded and sliced, or substitute 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or Sriracha)

This makes enough for roughly 2 people. 

Substitute for Nuoc Mam sauce?

Soya sauce mixed with some red hot chili pepper flakes

The first time I ordered this salad, I was not expecting much.

That was years ago, I remember the day to a tea. I was with my aunt and she took me to this whole in the wall restaurant that I was not expecting to become my favorite restaurant in town. 

Fast forward 10 years later, you will find me going to the same restaurant ordering the same dishes. 

So, whenever that Thai salad craving hits and I’m not heading out to a restaurant. 

I will simply make this dish in the comfort of my own home. 

Trust me it’s pretty darn easy too!

So follow along and soon you will be a master chef in making Vietnamese rice bowls at home just like me 🙂

WHAT IS IN A VERMICCILI SALAD

  • Carrots, cucumbers, fresh herbs such as cilantro, shredded iceberg lettuce and a meat protein of your liking.
  • Thai marinade and Vietnamese salad dressing

Feel free to add other veggies such as Beans sprouts, fresh herbs, jalapeno peppers. 

Now doesn’t that sound healthy and fresh? This is one of the best salads if you ask me.

IS VIETNAMESE SALAD HEALTHY

Yes, it is packed full of fresh vegetables and herbs along with a lean protein such as shrimp

Keep in mind though the soya sauce and fish sauce has a high sodium content so you may want to use a lighter soya sauce or less dressing on your salad.

If you like a bit more heat to your vermicelli rice bowls.

Then go ahead and serve along with some “hot chili sauce” or if you prefer a sweeter dish try a “sweet chili sauce”.

LIKE THAI FOOD AS MUCH AS ME? 

Then you will want to try my other Thai inspired recipes on this website!

Sweet Thai Chili Chicken

 Thai Red Crab Curry

Thai Basil Mussels

Red Thai Chicken Curry

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!

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!

 

Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Quick and easy recipes, Slow Cooker recipes

Quick Carnitas Recipe (Pressure Cooker)

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These Quick Carnitas Recipe is an inexpensive weeknight meal that can feed a crowd! 

I love making this recipe, you can either simmer it all day in your slow cooker or prepare it in less than 20 minutes in your pressure cooker. 

What kind of meat is use for Carnitas? 

Carnitas is the Mexican version of pulled pork. It’s traditionally made with pork shoulder or pork butt. This piece of meat contains more fat and helps it to stay juicy!

How to make Pork Carnitas in pressure cooker? 

You will start by searing the pork until it’s browned on all sides, then you will add all the ingredients listed here directly into the slow cooker.

Allowing it to cook throughout the day or you can cook it in under 20 minutes in the pressure cooker. 

Can’t get simpler than this, once it’s cooked you will take two forks and shred the pork on a cutting board before serving over rice or in a taco. 

Then you will be ready to have a feast fit for a Mexican Queen or King.

I love the ingredients in this recipe, because everything tastes so fresh. Adding fresh lime juice along with a fresh orange juice really makes the flavors pop, so be sure not to skip them.

Also the addition of the the raw onions surprisingly work so well here too, trust me or I should say the Mexicans!

So be sure not to skip on those very important ingredients. Serve this up with some avocados and you will have one great meal tonight. I hope you enjoy, ARRIBA MEXICO!

Looking for an awesome recipe for Mexican Salsa?

LOOKING FOR MORE TACO RECIPES?

Be sure to try these tasty recipes below!

  1. Tilapia Fish Tacos
  2. Blackened tilapia fish-tacos
  3. Barbacoa beef recipe slow cooker
  4. Pulled Pork Carnitas (Mexican Tacos)

Notes: Make sure to broil the pork once it’s been shredded, this ensures the meat is crispy just like they serve in mexico. This shredded pork can be served in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and or over 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!

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Bread, Vegetarian

Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

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This Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is by far my favorite recipe for making homemade naan bread. It’s so soft and fluffy and fresh! Plus it’s pretty simple to make.

And if your looking for a few amazing curry recipes to serve alongside this bread. Then I got you!

Your going to want to try my Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry, Lamb Curry or my Eggplant Curry.

Or the dozen more of my favorite curries listed at the bottom of this post. 

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE NAAN BREAD

  • Quick rise yeast, flour, yogurt, garlic powder, butter, water and some seasonings.

That green stuff onto of the cooked bread is dried fenugreek leaves and is used a lot in Indian dishes.

If you cannot get your hands on it you can always substitute for cilantro if desired.

So if your wanting to serve something special tonight alongside one of your favorite Indian dishes.

Then this Naan bread is sure to do the trick for you!

There is nothing like fresh naan bread to go alongside your favorite Indian dish.

Some of my favorite Indian dishes are Karahi Gosht, Chicken Karahi, Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry, Red Kidney Bean Curry, Butter Chicken.

I have also listed some other popular Indian dishes that I like at the bottom of this page.

Whenever I make Indian food at home, which is a lot.

I tend to make either naan bread or steamed basmati rice to go along with.

This garlic naan bread recipe is even better than any of those naan breasts that I have tried in our  favorite Indian Restaurants.

So, I must be on to something eh?

It’s not only technique that makes this naan so good, it’s the ingredients “fresh yogurt, butter and flour that make this naan something extra special.

Giving it a taste/texture that you’re sure to love, not to mention the addition of ‘kasuri methi’ which is dry fenugreek leaf.

However if you can’t get your hands on dried fenugreek leaves then you can substitute it with cilantro. Naan bread is best made in batches, that way if you have any leftovers however (i have no idea why you would).

It can be stored easily it in the freezer for another time all you have to do is heat it prior and it’s good as the day you made it.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC NAAN BREAD AT HOME

Easy follow along!

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC NAAN BREAD

  • BOWL 1: In a large bowl mix together warm water, sugar and yeast, Allow it to dissolved, roughly 10 minutes.
  • BOWL 2: In another large bowl add your flour, Greek yogurt, garlic powder and salt
  • Then knead it all together with your hands in the bowl and once combined, remove from the bowl and shaped into a large ball.
  • Oil one of the bowl and place the big ball of dough back inside and sprinkle with some flour.
  • Cover it with a damp towel for 1 hour till your dough has doubled in size.

  • Once the dough has doubled in size, flour your counter and place the dough on top.
  • Separate the dough with a pastry cutter into 6 pieces.
  • Roll each into a ball with your hands, sprinkle with flour then cover with saran wrap for 20 more minutes to rise some more.
  • Then you can roll each one out individually to make your naan breads.
  • Each bread is to be fried separately! Best fried in ghee butter for a more authentic taste!

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC NAAN BREAD WITHOUT YOGURT

Simply do not add the yogurt, it will still be amazing!

Trust me I have tried both methods, the yogurt just helps it to be a tad more softer. 

Cooking the Naan Bread

  • Heat a your skillet over medium – heat and with a basting brush, season the skillet with some ghee/butter.
  • One by one, roll your dough out and place onto the skillet individually.
  • You will see tiny bubbles form on top the dough (see picture above) roughly around 1-2 minutes as the dough begins to take on a light brown color underneath, this is when you will want to flip the dough over. 
  • However before flipping the dough brush with ghee/butter and add fenugreek leaves, then flip.
  • Cook on the other side for 1 minute or until golden and transfer to your serving plate and cover with a towel to keep warm.
  • REPEAT steps 3-5 till all pieces are cooked.
  • Serve warm.

Kasoori Methi = Dried Fenugreek Leaves.

Sprinkle some on your NAAN for that extra flavor

Leftover Naan: Double up the recipe if you want to freeze some for later. Naan Bread can be frozen easily by placing in a zip lock bag. Just place parchment paper in-between each one. This will sea in the freshness and allow you to remove each piece, one at a time as needed. (see pictures below

You can freeze for another time, simply heat up in the microwave 

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!

Below you will find some popular recipes from this blog that go great with this naan bread:

Eggplant Curry

Lamb Curry

Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry

 

  1. Red Kidney Bean Curry
  2. Indian Chicken Curry (Murgh Kari)
  3. Cheese Butter Masala (Paneer Makhani)
  4. Red Bean Curry (Rajma Masala)
  5. Durban mutton curry
  6. Easy Chicken Biryani
  7. Karahi Gosht
  8. Chicken Karahi