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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

Best Homemade Guacamole

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This is my all time favorite way to make Guacamole, that is why I call it “The Best Homemade Guacamole“. 

There is a trick to making the best guacamole so follow along.

Your going to love this recipe!

Now, I know there are a ton of so called AMAZING Guacamole recipes out there. However most are mediocre if you ask me, as I have been making this stuff for years.

In my pursuit for the best recipe, I have also spoken to many Mexicans who have shared some of their recipe secrets with me. 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.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GUACAMOLE?

  • I don’t know about you but I like my guacamole to be medium spicy, so I will add 1 serrano pepper to 3 avocados.
  • Also I like to make my guacamole in a traditional pestle, however it  will turn out the same way if you decide to make it in a bowl and then mash it with a fork. 
  • Be sure to not over mash the avocados, because you want to leave some small chunks in there. It just tastes better that way 🙂
  • Season well with salt and the right amount of citrus and you will have the best guacamole ever!

WHAT MAKES A GUACAMOLE AUTHENTIC?

  • It is in the ingredients, true Mexican guacamole uses:
  • Serrano Peppers not Jalapenos and White Onions not Yellow or Purple.

WHAT MAKES A GUACAMOLE AMAZING?

  • The ratio of ingredients that are used
  • The right amount of spices
  • The right ingredients 

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. 

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. 

In this house we eat guacamole every week, because we adore Guacamole. And whenever we go down to Mexico or the States we always order it as an appetizer.

Okay, I’m now ready to reveal the SECRET  ingredient.

Ready? It’s Fresh Squeezed Orange juice!

Along with fresh squeezed lime juice ~But that is not so secret!

Both of those fruits really help to enhances the avocados. I learned about this secret ingredient from one of my favorite mexican restaurants, however I won’t say which as I do not want anyone to get in trouble!

IS GUACAMOLE HEALTHY FOR YOU?

YES! Guacamole is very healthy for you because it contains fat to have in your diet, so eating this often would be a win win! Here are just a few benefits of The Avocado.

  • They contain Vitamins A, C, and E are all present in the flesh of tasty avocado.
  • They’re are immune-boosting, so forget an apple a day eat an avocado a day. 
  • They protect the eyes
  • They can curve hunger, eating just one and you will feel full. 
  • The antioxidants in avocados are good for fighting off cancer. 
  • They lower cholesterol and help fight diabetes and so much more. 

If that is not reason enough to eat more Guacamole, than I don’t know what is. I really encourage you to try a few Guacamole recipes to decide what is your favorite!

Below you will also find my favorite recipe for Cabbage Pico De Gallo 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. 

LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME DIP RECIPES?Try some of my favorite Homemade Creations 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. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

 

 

 

Quick and easy recipes, Soups & Stews

African Pepper Goat Soup

This African Pepper Goat Soup is hails from Western Africa, but mostly Nigeria. So if your into spicy foods then you are sure to love this soup recipe.

You can substitute the goat meat for lamb, chicken, fish, tripe and or chicken gizzards if you prefer.

All work well in this type of broth. I have tried all those meat’s and must say goat is my favorite by far, because it’s lean and has a very unique taste that I love.

I have learned to prepare several African dishes in my home over the years and have come to love the flavors from this part of the world.

Now I want you to be forewarned that this is very spicy soup so feel free to add less spice if can’t handle much heat.

NIGERIAN PEPPER SOUP INGREDIANTS 

WHAT DOES African Pepper Goat Soup TASTE LIKE

Spicy, meaty and soothing! I say soothing because I find it really is so very tasty!

HOW TO MAKE African Pepper Goat Soup

  • Start by brining a large stock pot of water to a boil
  • Then add in the goat meat and reduce the heat to medium heat
  • Add in all your spices and seasonings 
  • Simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour to serve.

Note: You can cook the onions, garlic and ginger fresh if desired. Just be sure to cook it prior to boiling the meat in 1 tsp of oil to ensure it is cooked. 

It is made with a few ingredients that are hard to find here in Canada and so I have made a few substitutes. 

The main differences with my soup recipe versus traditional African pepper soup is the type of pepper used.

Traditional pepper soup is made with a few ingredients that are hard to find here in Canada and so I have made a few substitutes.

Like I will use Kale instead of the bitter leaf in the soup, it’s quite similar and more accessible here in Canada.

Then I’ll add some fresh chopped chives in replace of the onions as well, so good. The main differences with my pepper soup recipe versus traditional African pepper soup is the type of pepper used.

Traditional pepper soups call for aka chili or negro pepper. Which is not always easy to find, so I use “Scotch Bonnet Sauce” since i always have that Jamaican sauce in my fridge at all times and it works so well here.

 

I will make this soup when I’m craving something warm and spicy!

Try to get your hands on the “original “Maggi beef cubes” if you cannot find feel free to use “Maggi Chicken cubes or another brand that you like.

If you want to follow this recipe just as they do in Western Africa feel free to check out this page which shows all those unique spices > Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
 
Note: This soup can also be done in a “Slow Cooker” or “Pressure Cooker” just make sure you are using a boneless meat for those processes.

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!

 

 

 

Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Comforting Chili Con Carne

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This Comforting Chili Con Carne has hamburger, tomatoes, kidney and pinto beans along with onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, red yellow and green peppers. And many different seasonings that make it true Con Carne that we have all come to know and love. So if your looking for a great chili recipe, you have found it!

It always amazes me how quickly fall comes and turns into winter. One minute it’s t-shirt weather and the next we are pulling out our sweaters, toques and scarves. When the weather starts to change like this, I immediately start to think of heart slow cooker meals. Don’t you? If you like chill then you are sure to like this recipe, colder like this, it makes a BIG pot and will last you for a few days. Good hearty meals that bring warmth to the body and soul make these colder months much better, nothing beats going coming home to a hot bowl of good old chilli con carne.

You can prepare this chili in crock pot or on the stove top, depending on the time you have at hand. Today I am using my crock-pot, because I have errands to run this morning. So this will take me roughly 20 minutes to prep then I will set it in the slow cooker for 6 hours, and return to a meal fit for a queen or king. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

How to make the Comforting Chili Con Carne:

  1. Start by chopping up your onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, red, yellow and green peppers.
  2. In a large pot saute your onions in 1 tbsp of oil till translucent, add in your peppers, then garlic and saute another 5 minutes till slightly  tender.
  3. Remove from pot and set aside.
  4. Next add your ground hamburger to the same pot and saute till lightly browned.
  5. Then add in your onions, garlic and peppers.
  6. Pour in a can of kidney beans, pinto beans and tomatoes and simmer on medium low.
  7. Once everything is hot, add in 1/2 a can of your refried pinto beans.
  8. Add in all your spices and season with salt and pepper
  9. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, a splash of red wine vinegar along with 1 chicken stock cube.
  10. Simmer on medium – low stirring often for one hour.
  11. Or in your Crock Pot – on low 6-7 hours
  12. Serve with fresh bread or cornbread, enjoy!

Note: You can always use ground turkey or a vegan meat supplement if you like instead of beef.

 


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

 

 

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Dinner ideas, Slow Cooker recipes, Soups & Stews

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

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Appetizers & Sides, Christmas & Thanksgiving, Vegetarian

Avocado Black Bean Dip

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This Avocado Black Bean dip is an easy healthy appetizer that gets it’s creaminess from a combination of avocados and black beans.With a hint of chipotle chilies that give it an unforgettable flavor. 

Excellent recipe for game day or as a healthy alternative to some other snack foods that may intrigue you. Serve with a side of your favorite tortilla chips.
 
This dip is packed full of fiber and many other nutrients, that are sure to leave you feeling great after eating. This dip would go great in burritos and or served along nacho type dishes as well.
 
 
Sometimes I will make this instead of my plain old guacamole, because the black beans have 21 grams of fiber per 100 grams so it encourages me to skip on the meat protein for that particular meal.
 

 

 

Note: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to a week.

 

LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME DIP RECIPES?Try some of my favorite Homemade Creations 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. 

Stay connected and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of my latest recipes!

 

 

 

Dinner ideas, Vegetarian

Persian Jeweled Rice (Javaher Polow)

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We sent Hunter out to look for Barberries to make this traditionally Persian jeweled rice dish, as Bubba was on a work assignment elsewhere for the month. Hunter came back much later than expected and with major jet lag, as his research lead him to Iran where this mature fruit grows in shrubs. Although we liked it in this dish we found a great substitute = Cranberries! So we tried them in this recipes and everyone agreed that using the cranberries in replace of the barberries would work just fine.  Indie in our Quality assurance also agrees it tastes very similar to the tangy Barberries says it’s a great substitute. Just make sure the cranberries you’re using are the unsweetened variety otherwise it will be too sweet. This is my favorite version of Persian jeweled rice, I hope you enjoy as much as we do. 

 

Kitchen Essentials:

To make the Persian Jeweled Rice: “Two Step Process“

 

Step 1:

  • Heat 4 tbsp of butter in your pan with the Saffron threads cook for one min, remove and set aside. This will be used in your final step.
  • Add the onions to the same pan, and cook till soft, then add in all your spices and cook for 2 minutes till fragrant set aside.

Step 2:

  • Rinse your rice in cold water and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in a few pinches of salt and your rice. Boil your rice for 5 minutes, cooking halfway through and drain the water out in your strainer.
  • Separate your rice into 2 bowls, one cup of rice per bowl.
  • Now, toast your pistachios in the pan for 2 minutes. And add them to rice bowl 2, along with your dried, apricots, raisins, and cranberries too and set aside.

Rice bowl 1: Mix your cup of rice with the Yogurt.

Rice bowl 2: Mix your cooked pistachios and all your dried fruit to bowl, along with your cooked onion and spices.

Cooking the Jeweled RICE all together:

  • Add 2 tbsp of butter to your pan over medium heat and then the “yogurt + rice” mixture.
  • Then place the bowl 2 of the rice mixture/fruit/spices over top of the other rice, creating two layers.

  • Use a rubber spatula to carefully push the rice away from the sides of the pot, scraping it up into a mound (leaving 1/2 a inch from the sides of the pan).
  • In the center of the mound, pierce 3 vent holes about an inch apart, with a knife to allow it to vent while cooking.
  • Pour the set aside saffron + butter mixture from step 1, over all the rice. And place a dry clean dishcloth over the pan and cover with a pot cover. Cook on medium low for 30 minutes till rice is tender.

To Finish the Dish:

  1. Turn heat off and allow it to sit there uncovered on the element for the remaining 10 minutes.
  2. Pour your rice onto a large serving plate and squeeze 2 tbsp of orange juice all over the rice.
  3. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and enjoy!

Thank you Hunter for all the hard work you did trying to find those Barberries but we will go with Cranberries for this recipe from now on. 

 

Note: Make sure not to skip the Yogurt as it helps the rice to cook properly. Saffron threads can be found in most Mediterranean or Middle Eastern markets. Typically Persian jewelled rice is served at weddings in Iran, along side

 

 

 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id love to hear about it! You can post a review/picture below and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!