Appetizers & Sides, Quick and easy recipes, Vegetarian

Best Greek Tzatziki Sauce recipe

This is the Best Greek Tzatziki Sauce recipe ever. It is fresh, homemade and has dill & mint in it which gives it such depth of flavor.

This is my go to tzatziki recipe, it does not compare to anything you could buy in the store.

Kind like spinach dip, you do not want the store bought you want homemade. Same goes for tzatziki, it just tastes fresh homemade and real.

So please forget the store bought kind because this stuff is in a whole other caliber.

YUM!

Tzatziki is a greek sauce that is made from thick Greek yogurt, fresh english cucumbers, fresh garlic, olive oil, and dill. Some people also add mint.

I add both!! Why not? It is sooooo good.

This tzatziki is sure to be one of the best varieties you have ever tasted.

TRUST ME!

It goes great with just about any Greek meal and it’s a very very easy to make!!

Simply add in your grated and chopped vegetables, stir and you’re ready to eat it!

Serve it with chicken, lamb or just about any other type of Greek Main dish.

Eat as much as you want, because it’s super healthy for you too.

And because of the Greek Yogurt, it also has a ton of protein.

MAN OH MAN, THIS IS THE GOOD STUFF!

For best results chill it in an airtight container for up to 2 hours or more before serving.

The longer it chills in the fridge the thicker it becomes and the flavors really set in.

LOOKING FOR A RECIPE THAT WOULD GO WELL WITH THIS SAUCE?

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!

Curries, Dinner ideas, Soups & Stews

African Red Stew

Gallery May 11, 2023 Jacqueline

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!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pasta

Lemon Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti

This simple Lemon Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti is super flavorful and flavored with parmesan cheese and garlic that is coated in a lemon butter sauce that is really inexpensive and easy to make. I like this recipe, for those times where I am just craving some good pasta.

Wanting more lemon inspired pasta recipes? Try my Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta, Tortellini In Lemon Garlic Sauce or some Lemon Butter Scallops

HOW TO MAKE LEMON PARMESAN GARLIC SPAGHETTI

It is made with fresh parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley then it’s coated in a oily lemon sauce.

It also has a hint of tang to it from the fresh lemon that you’re sure to love.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can have it on the table in less than 15 minutes to make.

Easy peasy right? All your basically doing is boiling some water, adding some pasta.

Then seasoning it with fresh lemon juice, garlic and parmesan cheese.

You cannot go wrong with this one! Feel free to add some cooked shrimp or chicken on top to if you’d like.

Feel free to add some sliced chicken breasts or shrimp on top if desired.

IS PARMESAN GARLIC SPAGHETTI HEALTHY

In comparison to most spaghetti recipes, it is. However keep in mind that Spaghetti is not gluten free.

With no heavy creams or sauces, this dish is actually one of the more healthy pasta dishes out their. So please do not feel guilty, everything in moderation right?

I like this recipe for those times where I am just craving some good pasta.

Just make sure your using a good quality spaghetti as it will make a world of difference in how this plate tastes.

Also, you can go ahead and fancy this dish up a bit and serve it alongside a nice caesar salad and a glass of white wine.

Who said eating good had to be expensive?

You can also add cooked chicken breasts or shrimp on top this pasta as well.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE SPAGHETTI

Simply find a package that is 100% gluten free and your good to go.

Who said those with Gluten allergies could not enjoy a good pasta dish too!

Sometimes I will add cherry tomatoes and spinach as well, so feel free to do that if you desire.

Also be sure you are using a lot of fresh cheese and lemons and you will be eating like the Italians in Abruzzo. Osseo apperito!

Do you love pasta as much as me?

Then you’re sure to love my Chicken Pea Pasta Salad

Or my Ranch Caprese Pasta Salad

Or my Mushroom Goat Cheese Ravioli

Looking for more Pasta inspired recipes?

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, New Year's, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Toddler recipes, Vegetarian

Mushroom Pasta without Cream

This Mushroom Pasta without Cream is a healthy option to making pasta that uses either milk or stock instead of heavy cream. Also it can be made vegan by using a vegan parmesan cheese if desired. Fettucine

You can also make this dish non vegan simply buy using regular parmesan cheese.

Made with tender sauteed portobello mushrooms along with fresh vegan parmesan cheese and parsley.

Your sure to find this dish absolutely delicious!

I’m so excited to share this delicious recipe with you guys today.

I made it a point to pick up some vegan parmesan cheese from whole foods yesterday, along with some these amazing Portobello Mushrooms.

Because I really wanted to make another vegan dish for my vegan readers out there. So I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think?

Now I will be honest, I prefer real parmesan cheese.

However for this dish I wanted to try the vegan variety, the kind I picked up is right below… and hats off to all you vegan eaters out there.

I could commit to eating this type of cheese substitute more often myself. It was pretty good and much better than I expected!

Also, I had my partner try this dish with the vegan cheese and he has given it a passing approval.

And he has even asked me to make it since then again for him so he could test it again! Ha and I know what that means. He loved it!

And for a meat eater that says a lot about how good this dish actually is.

Because there is no meat in here whatsoever. But don’t be fooled it’s filling and those mushrooms are super healthy for you.

Packed full of B-complex vitamins and riboflavin which are amazing minerals for maintaining healthy red blood cells. I hope you give this recipe a try because it is absolutely delicious!

You can always double up the recipes and make it into a few meal preps to enjoy throughout the week.

Just simply use my recipe adjuster above if you plan to make more than two dishes and it will calculate the ingredient ratio automatically for you.

In order to make this dish low fat and vegan, I will simmer this dish in a quality vegetable stock and then simply will season with salt and white pepper to taste.

However you could always add some cream to the stock as well, which will make it non vegan but very creamy.

Pretty simple one pot dish that is sure to impress!

Don’t have Portabella Mushrooms on hand?

Go ahead and use regular instead and prepare them the same way. Almost any type of mushroom will go well with this dish. Bone Appetit!

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

Rajma Recipe (Punjabi Curry)

Image February 20, 2023 Jacqueline

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!

Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Peppered Shrimp

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

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

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

WHAT IS PEPPER SHRIMP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this, I want to see! Follow Canadian Cooking Adventures Instagram, snap a photo, and tag and hashtag it with @canadiancookingadventures and #canadiancookingadventures.

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

Authentic Chicken Chow Mein

2 Comments

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

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

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

WHERE TO BUY CHOW MEIN NOODLES

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

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

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

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

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

So what makes this Chow Mein authentic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chicken, Curries, Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe

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

Start by shredding the cooked chicken breasts with two forks and set aside.
Next chop 2 green onions into bite size pieces and set aside
Mince the garlic from 3 garlic and set aside.
Mince the ginger and set aside.
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.
Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes turning a few times to allow the stock to develop.
Once the stock has developed, discard the carcass and place the stock aside in a large bowl.
In the same -pot add in all the spices, soya sauce and simmer on medium – low for 15 minutes.
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!