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Curries, Dinner ideas, Soups & Stews

African Red Stew

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This dish is also known as Red Tomato Stew or Nigerian Red Soup and it consists of a cooked then broiled protein of your choice which is then stewed fresh fried tomatoes, onions, garlic and red bell peppers. You can also add an array of meats such as beef, chicken or fish. My recipe here uses goat meat.

I have more African recipes on this site, since it is one of my favorite cuisine these days 🙂 Go check some of my other favorites out > Nigerian Chicken Jollof Rice or Ghana Jollof Rice or Chicken Red Stew which all would serves well alongside this dish. See below for more African recipes that your sure to love!

If your wanting a recipe that includes 3 types of meats your going to want to try this Mixed Meat Nigerian Stew as seen below.

Some people will also add tripe as well to this dish. Personally my favorite way to make it is with boneless goat meat as you see here.

You will notice that I placed this recipe under the “hard” to cook category. The reason for that is because it takes some time and a few steps to make. But besides that it truly is worth the effort.

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 this.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH AFRICAN RED STEW

You can serve with Rice or Pounded Yam. 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. Find that recipe here > How to make Pounded Yam

Red Goat Stew has been a favorite recipe of mine since I was a little girl. Yup my mom cooked African food for me along with many other cultural dishes and so this is where I developed my love for spicy foods.

Now some people like this stew to be super spicy, I prefer it mild – spicy and so that is what I’m sharing with you today. The intense “Red” color that you see in this recipe is from the blended mixture.

Some people like there red stew to be somewhat running, I prefer my more thick as you can see above. I find it makes it really easy this way to pick up with the pounded yam and tastes better in my opinion.

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.

Wanting to make Pounded Yam with this? Check out my 5 minute recipe for that here: how-to-make-pounded-yam/

 

I love eating with my hands, if you have not tried it before your in for a tasty experience. 

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: Nigerian Lazy Chef

Looking for more Delicious African 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!

 

 

Dinner ideas, Easy Ramen Recipes, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Easy Beef Ramen recipe

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You can skip the takeout tonight and make this Easy Beef Ramen recipe noodle stir fry instead. It is super easy to make as it uses instant noodles and sliced beef, green onions and peppers. 

This dish can be ready in less than 20 minutes, easy and delicious! 

This dish is made with flank steak, red bell peppers, green onions.

Along with Ichiban ramen noodles that are simmered in a garlic, ginger sauce that you’re sure to enjoy.

HOW TO MAKE this Beef Ramen recipe

  • My recipe calls for allot less oil than most recipes out there, you really don’t need a lot anyway.
  • That is unless you want super crispy beef? I find the tender beef to be best for this recipe.
  • Also you can use plain ramen noodles instead of the Ichiban variety. However if you do then you will want to use beef stock in replace of the water along with 1 tbsp of soya sauce.
  • That is because I mix the pre packaged ichiban seasoning with 2 cups of water for this recipe.

Your method to preparing this is totally up to you!! 

The kind I used – feel free to use plain ramen noodles and omit the water for beef stock.

I have always loved ramen noodles, I have tried almost every kind. My favorite is ichiban and that is why I used them in this recipe.

However if your trying to limit your salt intake then you can substitute the seasoning that comes in that ramen package and use beef stock  instead. 

Whichever method you choose you still can have dinner on the table tonight in under 30 minutes time. It doesn’t get any easier or tastier than this for beef ramen noodles. 

The origins of ramen noodles originated from Japan however the chinese are the ones who brought it over in the mid 1800’s making this recipe more chinese. 

It’s absolutely delicious!

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

This super satisfying recipe is sure to hit the spot tonight!

You can always skip the chicken and make this a vegan dish. I hope you give it a try, Bon Appetit!

Note: Want a spicer Beef stir fry? Simply add in more “Red Pepper Flakes” 

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

This recipe feeds four, so if your wanting more? Simply adjust the recipe above with my simple recipe adjuster.

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! You can give a 5 star rating below if would make it again. 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!

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!

 

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!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Date Night, New Year's, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood

Crispy Fried Shrimp

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This Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe is made with rice crispy and coconut flakes then is deep fried in a little oil that crisps it up just right. 

This whole recipe can be made in less than 20 minutes, your going to love it!

Crispy fried shrimp is out of this world juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. 

Looking for a salad to serve alongside? I would recommend my Quinoa and Avocado Salad which would go very well with this appetizer. 

It’s, Monday which means we have a long haul to the weekend. And so I wanted to come up with a quick and delicious recipe for a weeknight.

And took a look in my freezer and found a large bag of shrimp and came up with this delicious recipe.

Which has turned out to be one of our new favorite shrimp recipes of all time. 

These shrimp can be served as is or alongside just about any other dish.

As well you can serve them with your favorite sauce, such as tartar sauce or cocktail sauce.

Which would make these a great option to serve a crowd as an appetizer.

I also like to serve them with fresh lemon wedges as you can see in the recipes pictures. Once you try these shrimp, you will be hooked.

You can always substitute the rice Krispie’s for panko breadcrumbs if you do not have them on hand. However the rice Krispie’s are truly the better option.  

Inspired by: seriosuseats

Did you like this recipe? Try my other fan favorite shrimp recipes. Such as my “Garlic and Lime Shrimp” or my ”  ” it’s delicious too!

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!

Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker recipes

Simple Butter Chicken Recipe

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This Simple Butter Chicken Recipe is sure to impress as it is just as good if not better than what you will find in most restaurants. 

Make some Homemade Garlic Naan Bread to go alongside.

Today I’m so very happy to show you this recipe for a Simple Butter Chicken Recipe that your sure to make time and time again.

Awww the infamous Butter Chicken, also known as (Murgh Makhani). Almost everyone that has tried this dish has loved this dish and if you have not tried it before at home your in for a treat!

Love Indian food as much as me? Then your going to want to try my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry” and my “Eggplant Curry” or my “Chickpea Curry” as well. 

Oh and don’t forget the NAAN BREAD 🙂

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

To make this Curry easy to make, try purchasing a pre-made Butter Chicken curry powder package like the one below. 

WHAT SPICES ARE USED IN BUTTER CHICKEN 

  • Salt, Red Chilli, Turmeric, Cumin, Black Pepper, Large Cardamom, Cinnamon, Green Cardamom, Clove, Ginger, Garlic, Star Aniseed, White Pepper

I always use a BUTTER CHICKEN SPICE blend as seen below as it has all of this in it already. Otherwise if your wanting to add in your own spices I highly recommend adding 1 tsp of chili powder, cumin, turmeric and fresh crushed garlic and onions. 

 

Below you will see the pre-marinaded and cooked chicken being added to the sauce for the final step in cooking this delicious dish.

The part where your simmering the sauce, you can switch from 1/2 tsp of chili powder to 1 tsp for that extra heat. I love to do that, personally. I will add 1 tsp every time for this recipe. 

WHO INVENTED BUTTER CHICKEN

It’s origins came from three  Punjabi restaurateurs, Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundan Lal Gujral and Thakur Dass, who founded the world-renowned Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. 

WHATS BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE MADE OF

  • Fresh Cream
  • Ghee or Butter
  • Oil
  • Cashews or Almonds if you do not have you can always use sugar for added sweetness 
  • Plain Yogurt
  • Tomatoes
  • Garlic and Onions

WHAT’S BUTTER CHICKEN

It is one of the most popular Indian curries Worldwide today.

It’s become so popular that the supermarkets are now selling various versions of it in pre- packaged bottles in hopes to win your business. 

But that stuff just won’t cut if for those of us who are familiar with traditional Butter Chicken. Because real butter chicken uses ghee butter you can use regular butter if desired. Then of course there is cream and some stronger curry flavors than most of those pre-made bottled types entail. 

Plus those bottles are expensive costing near 4x the price that it takes to make it from scratch, not to mention not nearly as tasty.

IS BUTTER CHICKEN SPICY

This popular dish hails from the Indian subcontinent and is noted for its creamy and smooth butter taste, you can make it more spicy by adding an extra 1 tsp of red chili powder if desired.

Otherwise this is a mild curry compared to other traditional Indian dishes.

In comparison we would rate the spice level of this dish to other Indian dish, a 4 out of 10. 

Such as Grama masla and Indian curry powder. All which can be found in almost any grocery store spice section. 

I think the reason people by those pre-made bottles is because they think making it from scratch is hard, but I assure you it’s not.

It’s all about having the right ingredients and nothing in this ingredients list is is foreign besides possibly the fenugreek leaves also known as kasuri methi. Also that can be found in almost all grocery stores today.

HOW LONG WILL BUTTER CHICKEN LAST IN THE FRIDGE

In a sealable container up to 3 days and if you want to freeze it for meal – preps you can do that and store in the freezer up to 3 months.

We hope you enjoy this tasty dish as much as we do! Serve it alongside some naan bread and enjoy!

We don’t add as much cream to this Butter Chicken as most do, which will give it a more orange color.

If your wanting a more cream heavy type of Butter Chicken just add 1/2 cup of  cream opposed to the 1/4 cup that my recipe calls for.

If your a CURRY lover like me. Then you will want to try these dishes below!

Note: If you want a more creamy butter chicken add 1/2 cup of cream instead of the 1/4 cup that I used in this recipe.

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!

Did you like this curry?

Then you’re sure to like my “Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry” which uses coconut milk as is by far my most popular recipe on this blog. 

More Popular Curry Dishes Below!

 

 

Meal Prep, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

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This Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is something I came up with on a lazy Sunday. It is super easy to make and full of some familiar flavors that your going to love!

When making this Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta, be sure your using a good quality pasta as it will make a world of difference in how this recipe tastes. I hope this recipe becomes something you love as much as we did. Like this recipe? Then your sure to like my Spicy Italian Pasta as well.

This dish can be put together in under 30 minutes ✌ So what are you waiting for?

Grab your favorite pasta, I like to use a large swirly macaroni, a jar of pre made “Classico Basil Pesto”, along with white shredded cheddar cheese and of course some sundried tomatoes.

If your wanting to your own Pesto from scratch, I highly recommend checking out this recipe for Easy Basil Pesto Recipe It will work for this recipe too!

HOW TO MAKE SUN DRIED TOMATO PESTO PASTA

Your going to want to start by cooking the pasta. Then while that is happening you can chop and sauté the sun dried tomatoes, this helps to tenderize them and give them flavor.

Unless your using some sundried tomatoes from a jar that is packed in oil. In that case you won’t need to add any extra oil and can skip heating them up all the way at first.

  • Then start by boiling a pot of salted water, then cook the pasta according to the packages institutions. Strain and set aside.
  • Next chop the sundried tomatoes and saute them with 1 tbsp of oil till soft and slightly charred. 
  • Add back in the cooked pasta and toss with the sun dried tomatoes, basil pesto, olive oil and cheddar cheese.
  • Once the cheese has melted serve and enjoy!

Couldn’t you just snuggle up to a BIG bowl of this tonight? Go ahead and create few meal preps with it for the week ahead also if you like. I love to do that when making this recipe.

Your family won’t believe that most of these delicious flavors in a jar, yes I use one simple product to make this pasta special, it is called “Classico Basil Pesto” see below.

Feel free to use Fettuccine or Spaghetti for this recipe as well, just be sure to chop those sundried tomatoes up small enough according to your pasta choice. 

You can always add some sliced chicken breasts or shrimp to this pasta if desired. All the above would work well and add some protein. 

Looking for a gluten free option? Simply find a pasta that is 100% gluten free and your good to go. Who said those with Gluten allergies could not enjoy a good pasta dish too!

Other pasta dishes you’re sure to enjoy!

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!

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ★

 

Chicken, Curries, Dinner ideas

Jamaican Chicken Curry Recipe

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I’m happy to share this delicious Jamaican Chicken Curry Recipe with you today. It is not only easy to make, it also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. 

Looking for another Jamaican recipe? Try my Jamaican Pepper Shrimp

If you prefer to make this recipe with Shrimp try my Jamaican Curry Shrimp made with coconut milk.

YOU CAN FIND THE POWDER I USED IN THE LINK BELOW ALONG WITH THE SCOTCH BONNET SAUCE 

 

IS JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN SPICY

Yes, it has hints of spice for sure. Because you are cooking it in curry spice and scotch bonnet peppers. 

This recipe is definitely one of my favorite Jamaican dishes.

Well that is next to curry goat, both are prepared the pretty much the exact same way too.

It is sooo good, I could eat it each and every day. And sometimes will make enough so that I can enjoy it over a few days.  

WHAT DOES JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN TASTE LIKE

I would describe it has having tender pieces of chicken that are simmered in creamy curry flavors. 

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Negril, Ocho Rio and Montego Bay a few years back during one of our frigid Canadian winters.

And hope to go back again sometimes soon, the people, landscapes and culture was really amazing.

Not to mention the food, which is way too good to even explain. So as soon as I had the chance to prepare it myself, I did. 

I hope you like this dish as much as we do. 

HOW MAKE JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN

You can cook it several ways:

  • Pressure Cooker: Cook for approx. 10 minutes – after following the initial steps.
  • Stove Top: Cook covered on low for 60 minutes. – after following the initial steps.
  • Slow Cooker: Cook covered on low for 8 hours. – after following the initial steps. 
  • FOR THE MARINADE: In a resealable container, mix together the lemon juice, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, curry, thyme, black pepper. Add the diced chicken and toss to coat then marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
  • FOR THE CURRY: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat or pressure cooker on brown setting. Then add the onions, and cook till fragrant about 3 minutes.
  • Find the remaining steps (below) in the recipe card.

Another recipe, I remember eating was Salty Shrimp.

Which is often served directly from the ladies who sell it daily on the streets in and around many Jamaican towns. 

Oh, and of course. I cannot forget their delicious Roti’s. Which have either Chicken or Goat meat in it!

I never forgot these amazing foods. “As most Jamaicans would say, Di chicken eat good!! = “The chicken tastes good”. So please give it a try for yourself!

You are sure to become a fan!

All over the island you are sure to find similar chicken curry dishes to the recipe here.

Just make sure you purchase the correct curry for this recipe, as it’s the most important part when making a Caribbean curry like this.

This is the sauce I like to use instead of the bonnet pepper. Of course you can use fresh scotch bonnet peppers instead. 

Just be careful as those peppers are fire hot and you can burn your eyes if your not careful. 

Notes: Do not pressure cook chicken with the bones on as this may create lose bones in the curry. Rather use Chicken Breasts instead. 

LOOKING FOR MORE JAMAICAN 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!

Revised:  Published on March 4th, 2018 and updated on November 4th, 2018