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Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Beef Vermicelli

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These Beef Vermicelli noodles are super simple to make and are packed full of flavors from Thai food that you have come to expect and love.

Because everyone thinks i’m some kind of highly skilled Asian chef, when really im just following some basic steps to obtain this lovely dish. 

This recipe is very easy to prepare and has red and yellow peppers along with bok choy in it among some other very important ingredients. 

I used to order this often from my local Vietnamese restaurant, now I make it myself.

Today you can find many different types of ways to prepare this popular dish, this is my take on this delicious recipe.

I hope you give it a try and let me know what you and your family think. 

Some people like to make this dish with shrimp, chicken or pork. 

And others like it purely vegetarian, which is good also. So do what works best for you, after all it’s your meal. 

You will want to start marinating the beef first and while its marinating you can then soak the vermicelli noodles.

Also preparing the vegetables around this time is perfect too. Since the actually cooking part takes less than 15 minutes.

To me this vegetable mixture is perfect, peppers and bok choy works so well.

The only traditional ingredient I didn’t add here was thai basil which you can top this dish with at the end if you’d like.

You can always substitute Thai basil leaves for regular fresh basil leaves.

I didn’t have any on hand today so I used cilantro instead which works good too.

Also I like to use Garlic chili sauce, which gives it the right amount of heat vs cutting up fresh whole thai red chilies.

They are just to hot for me to handle, and I always end up with burning hands.

I like to add 2 tbsp of this Garlic chili sauce to my recipe, however for this one I used 1 tbsp in the ingredients section because I’m sure more people prefer a milder dish.

ENJOY!

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!

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.

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Chicken Verde Soup

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This simple one pot chicken verde soup will knock your socks off! If you have tried my Authentic Green Pork Chili and liked it. 

Then you’re sure to like this Chicken Verde which is made in the same Tomatillo green sauce. 

This soup is perfect for Cinco de mayo which is coming up here in two days. 

¿Estás emocionado por el cinco de mayo = are you excited for Cinco de mayo?

Or you can just enjoy it just because Mexican food is an awesome anytime of the year!

Now there is a process to making authentic tomatillo sauce and that starts with roasting tomatillos, along with garlic, jalapenos and onions in the oven. 

However that takes a lot of time and would make this recipe not so quick.

So instead we are using a pre -made green chili sauce that has all those authentic mexican ingredients in it. 

So what are Tomatillos anyway? Well they are little green looking tomatoes, known as the Mexican husk tomato, but they are hard to find here in Canada.

We even send Bubba out to locate these rare tomatillos for this recipe, but he failed to come back with any local ones.

Rather he did come back with a bottle of “Tomatillo Salsa” which has the tomatillos in it, along with the cooked jalapenos, onions and garlic that are needing in this recipe.

Add some sliced avocados and tomatoes on top along with chopped fresh cilantro for garnish. Oh and don’t forget to squeeze the juice of a lime over top too!

This really kicks up the flavor and pulls the dish together so well. Also if your wanting to tone down the spicy flavor some feel free to add a dollop of sour cream.

I like to serve this dish with warm corn tortillas for dipping or serve alongside a bed of rice. If you have a little more time on your hands and want to make the salsa verde from scratch, here is a great recipe for “salsa verde“. 

If your cooking for a large crowd keep this recipe in mind, not only is it easy to prepare it’s also inexpensive and goes long ways.

Just double the ingredients up if your wanting to feed more than four people, by using my easy to use recipe adjuster above. 

Recipe inspired by: Kevin over at Closet Cooking


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! If you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out, you can leave a comment 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!

 

Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Green Pork Chili (Chili Verde)

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This simple yet Authentic Green Pork Chili is made with pork shoulder or loin and is slow cooked in a green Chile sauce. 

Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas or over a bed of rice if desired. 

I like to make it even when cooking for just a few, because it stores well as leftovers. However if you want to make the salsa verde from scratch, here is a great recipe for “salsa verde“. 

I recommend using a premade Tomatillo salsa, it will save you a ton of time.

As opposite to cooking the salsa from scratch.

HOW TO MAKE GREEN PORK CHILI

  • This dish can be done in your pressure cooker, slow cooker or on the stove top.
  • Today I am using the stove top method, since I will be in the kitchen most the day. However if your in a hurry, do it in the pressure cooker and then you can have this on the table in under one hour. 

If you like Mexican food or have never even tried it before then this recipe is a must try because it is amazing! 

Whenever me and my partner go down to the States, we like to stop at our favorite local Mexican restaurants and enjoy this exact dish.

It is best serve over a bed of rice or for a more traditional meal, serve it alongside some warm tortillas. 

Buen provecho!

Now there is defiantly a process to making authentic chile verde and that starts with roasting tomatillos, along with garlic, jalapenos and onions in the oven.

However this recipe is going to make all that so easy for you, because we are using a pre -made sauce. What are Tomatillos you ask? 

Well they are little green looking tomatoes, known as the Mexican husk tomato, but they are hard to find here in Canada.

We even send Bubba out to  locate these rare tomatillos for this recipe, but he failed to come back with any local ones. 

Rather he did come back with a bottle of “Tomatillo Salsa” which has the tomatillos in it.

Along with the cooked jalapenos, onions and garlic that are needing in this recipe.

So we encourage you to use this pre-made salsa in the dish too, which tastes just the same and will also save you allot of time in the kitchen. 

If your cooking for a large crowd keep this recipe in mind, it’s not only easy to prepare it’s also inexpensive and goes long ways. 

Do you LOVE Mexican food as much as we do? Then you will want to try the best

 

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!

 

 

Bread, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes

Bunny Chow

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Spicy lamb Bunny Chow originated in South Africa, in Durmas area. And then spread throughout the region from there. Today it is served in many European Restaurants and in many homes of “Afrikaans” as a staple food. And I see why, it is absolutely delicious! 

What is Bunny Chow anyway? Well it’s a curry that is traditionally made with Lamb or Mutton or just Vegetables and then it is put inside a loaf of bread for serving.

History tells the tale of some Indian sugar plantation workers that started to take this food to work daily in a loaf of bread with (no plate) and from there it just took off as one of South Africans famous foods.

Today this recipe has become a hit in Europe and beyond. I prefer to make this recipe and then place it into “Crusty Bread” as opposed to the traditional “Bunny Bread” which is a plain soft white bread.

Of course this is my personally preferences, you can choose to prepare it either way! And do not be afraid to eat this one with your hands either, that is how it’s done.

Inspired by: SAPEOPLE TASTY RECIPES


I am so thrilled you are making 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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Appetizers & Sides, Quick and easy recipes, Vegetarian

Mexican Guacamole

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This is a Traditional way to make Guacamole, that is why I named this recipe “Mexican Guacamole”. 

You can adjust the heat by the amount of Serrano Peppers you decide to add to it. 

I like my gucample to be medium spicy, so I add will add 1 serrano pepper to 3 avocados. Also you can make the guacamole in a traditional pestle like i did or you can make it in a large bowl with a fork. Both ways work well!

HOW GUACAMOLE IS MADE? 

What makes a guacamole authentic is the ingredients, Mexican guacamole uses:

  • Serrano Peppers not Jalapeno
  • White Onions not Yellow or Purple

How do I know how to make real Guacamole you ask? Well I have traveled to Mexico before along with have visited Old Town in San Diego and ate at every single Mexican restaurant I could find! Asking how it’s made, if that is not market research, then I don’t know what is. 

WHO INVENTED GUACAMOLE?

The Aztecs from the old world have been credited for inventing this delicious dip.

The dip was called ahuaca-molli; molli was the Nahautl word for “something mashed or pureed.

I’ve also spent a lot of time testing many of those recipes and came up with our favorite way to Mexican Guacamole at home. 

Real Mexican Guacamole highlights the avocados and does not allow any other ingredient to take over. 

That is why I do not add roma tomatoes anymore as they take from the avocados. 

Guacamole not only goes well with nachos, it also goes good in a burrito on tacos and pretty much alongside any type of Mexican meal. 

Also you can mash the white onion before you mash the avocados or you can leave the white onion in small chunks. 

Just be sure to not over mash the avocados, because you want to leave some small chunks in there. It just tastes better that way 🙂

I really encourage you to try a few Guacamole recipes to decide what is your favorite!

Also if your looking for another Mexican snack food that can work along with this  guacamole.

Then be sure to check out my Cabbage Pico De Gallo recipes it’s AMAZING!

If you want it more spicy, simply chop more of the Serrano pepper. Also you can add a diced roma tomato if you’d like. Also be sure to not over mash the avocados, because you want to leave some small chunks in there.

It just tastes better that way 🙂 Want to store it in the fridge for a couple of days, be sure to place the pit from one avocado into the dip. This will allow it to store longer and not brown to fast. 

 

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!

Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes

Pulled Pork Carnitas

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These Pulled Pork Carnitas (Mexican Tacos) are so darn delicious, we make them at least once per month. 

The nice thing about mexican food is that you can make a lot of it in a short period of time and feed a crowd easily.

Or store any leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge and enjoy fresh tacos all throughout the week.

How to make pork carnitas in pressure cooker?

You will start by searing the pork until it’s browned on all sides.

And then add all the ingredients listed here directly into the slow cooker to allow it to cook throughout the day.

Then you simply will be coming home to just shred the pork and placing it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up. 

Now your ready to have a feast fit for a Mexican Queen & 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 more awesome Mexican Recipes?

Check out my recipe for Pico De Gallo this goes great with these Carnitas also.  

Barbacoa Beef Recipe Slow Cooker

Inspiration for this recipe, comes from Nagi over at Recipe Tin Eats.

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!

Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Meal Prep, Slow Cooker recipes

Pulled Pork Adobo Carnitas

These Pulled Pork Adobe Carnitas (Mexican Tacos) are so darn delicious, and are similar to the popular Pulled Pork Carnitas that we have come to know and love. The only difference here is that we are adding “adobe peppers” which give this pork a little sweet heat along with Pasilla Molido Chile, which is flavorful but not overly hot and has earthy tones that go well when paired with fruit = orange and lime juice.

So when you add the whole orange into the slow cooker along with these chiles something amazing happens. This recipe can feed roughly 7 people, so if it’s just the two of you dining tonight. Then you can certainly enjoy this the next day and probably have a few meal preps to pack also for the week ahead if you like.

The nice thing about mexican food is that you can make a lot of it in a short period of time, and then enjoy fresh tacos all throughout the week. Not to mention it’s super easy to make, all you are doing is a little prep that takes less than 5 minutes and then placing everything inside your slow cooker for the day. Then you simply will be coming home to just shred the pork and placing it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp it up.

Then you will be ready to have a feast fit for a Mexican Queen or King. I love the ingredients in this recipe, everything tastes so fresh. Adding fresh lime juice along with a fresh orange juice really makes the flavors pop.

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 on some corn tortillas along with some avocados and sour cream if desired. I hope you enjoy, ARRIBA MEXICO!

 

To make the “Pulled Pork Adobo Carnitas” (Mexican Tacos):

  1. Start by heating rinsing and pat drying the pork.
  2. Then heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in your slow cooker and sear your pork on all four sides, you can also cut your pork into four pieces if desired.
  3. Once lightly browned, turn off heat and make sure the pork is fat side up.
  4. Take out four adobo chiles from the can and chop them finely, then add to a small mixing bowl along with 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce, lime juice and water. 

  1. Next chop the garlic and onion finley add add to the bowl along with all the spices.
  2. Squeeze the juice from one orange into the bowl and then cut the orange inside out.
  3. Then pour everything over the pork.
  4. Place the leftover orange core around the pork also. 
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until pork is tender.
  6. Once tender, take the pork out (keep the remaining juices in the pot) and shred your pork on a cutting board with two forks. 
  7. Add the pork back into the slow cooker and toss in the juices.
  8. Next place your pulled pork on a large non stick baking sheet and drizzle half a cup of the remaining juices from the crock pot over top.
  9. Turn your oven on the *(broil setting) and broil on a large non stick baking sheet for 5 minutes, turn over your shredded pork and broil another 5 minutes till desired crispness.
  10. Pour another half cup of sauce over the broiled pork. 
  11. Serve warm in tortillas, and add your  favorite toppings such as avocado, pico de gallo, onions cilantro etc
  12. Enjoy!

 

 

NOTE: Don’t forget to broil the pork once it’s been shredded, this ensures the meat is crispy just like they serve in Mexico. Just make sure you are pouring half a cup of the sauce overtop the shredded pork before and after broiling.  This shredded pork can be served in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and or over rice.

Looking for an awesome recipe for Mexican Salsa? Check out my recipe for Pico De Gallo this goes great with these Carnitas also.

 


 

Looking for some MEAL PREP inspiration? Well this recipe is great for that. You can have dinner for two and then create four meal prep bowls for the week ahead. Simply make some rice on the side, and add them to each bowl along with a torn up corn tortilla. Top with onions and cilantro and drizzle the sauce from the slow cooker directly overtop. ENJOY!

 

 

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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Dinner ideas, New Year's, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Garlic Lime Shrimp

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This Garlic Lime Shrimp is pan seared with some lime butter along with a garlic cilantro sauce. It is such a quick and healthy recipe to make for when you are in a hurry or just craving some shrimp.

For this dish we are serving alongside a fresh avocado, but there are so many ways to enjoy this shrimp.

Think in a tortilla, over rice or over a bed of cooked pasta.

I have always favored my shrimp with lemon garlic butter and  though that is just as good.

I also like to use lime too, adding in fresh cilantro with that gives this dish a mexican feel and really enhances all the other flavors.

Once you try this shrimp, you will be hooked, just be careful to not overcook the shrimp or it will become rubbery.

You are going to want to cook it on medium low heat till it turns pink in color then you will want to remove it immediately from the heat and serve.

Nothing beats fresh shrimp like this, drizzle with extra lime juice if desired and enjoy!

Buen provecho!

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC LIME SHRIMP

  • In a large skillet, heat your butter over over medium – low heat.
  • Add minced garlic and chopped cilantro and saute for 1 minute.
  • Add in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper along with garlic powder, saute till it turns to pink and is cooked.
  • Turn off the heat and squeeze in the juice from one lime.
  • Serve immediately.

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!