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.

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

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pasta, Toddler recipes, Vegetarian

Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is as simple as it gets yet fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Easy baked macaroni and cheese is a classic recipe, that may just have you doing the happy dance.

This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, it’s simple and the best. So whenever that craving hits for some real Macaroni and Cheese, this recipe is sure to please.

Don’t you ever just have a craving for some “Good Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese”?But not that stuff you get from the box, more like the kind before the box stuff was ever invented. Well then you are in the right place 🙂

The ultimate comfort food ready to enjoy!

BEST CHEESE FOR MAC AND CHEESE

Gruyere, Velveeta, Brie, Gouda, Parmesan, Havarti and Monterey Jack.

HOW MACARONI AND CHEESE IS MADE

I like to make my mac and cheese extra special by adding panko breadcrumbs on top along with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, THIS is the stuff dreams are made of.

To make a very cheesy pasta ~ Boil one Box of Macaroni which is 375 grams typically =8.82 ounces. To make a lighter less cheesy version, yet still very good pasta ~ Boil 450 grams of Macaroni.

We hope you enjoy it as well! Creamy with the right amount of crunch!

Also want to make two batches? Just double the recipe and use two baking pans. This freezes easily for another day, just let it cool and then seal it in a ziplock bag.

Transfer to a lightly oiled baking dish the day of baking and top with your breadcrumbs and bake.

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox every Month!

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Pasta, Quick and easy recipes, Seafood, Skip the takeout

Salmon Artichoke Pasta

This Creamy Salmon Artichoke Pasta is super simple to make and can be served for dinner!

Looking for another excellent recipe that utilizes artichokes? Try my Chicken Artichoke Skillet

This Salmon Artichoke Pastauses canned salmon however you can of course use cooked fresh salmon if desired. Both work well for this dish.

Also, this recipe can serve a large family in a short period of time and also does well as leftovers or packaged into meal prep bowls for the weeks lunches ahead.

It is creamy and oh so satisfying this is sure to hit the spot if your craving something fancy for dinner tonight.

You can always add more salmon if desired, depending on your taste.

Just make sure to break it up as you see in the pictures below, that sure spreads the salmon flavor out nicely and enhances the dish but definitely doesn’t overpower it.

You can use just about any pasta for this recipe, however I really like the texture of the bowtie pasta.

This dish is very satisfying, both as a lunch dish or to serve as main meal.

You will want to start by cooking the salmon in a frying pan, once the pasta and kale has been cooked or during if your good at multitasking.

Once the salmon is cooked, take a spatula and break it up, pouring in one cup of either whole milk or %2 milk along with one cup of parmesan cheese and stirring to combine.

If you end up giving this a give it a try, I would love to know how you liked it. Bon Appetit!

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

Imagine your work colleagues seeing this in your bowl for lunch.

I know my old work colleagues would have been so jelly! It sure looks fancy but really is easy to prepare.

LOOKING FOR OTHER SUMMER SALAD 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!

Christmas & Thanksgiving, Dinner ideas

Best Tourtiere Recipe

8 Comments

This Best Tourtiere Recipe also know as Tourtiere de Maman is a Canadian meat pie that is spiced. And is the perfect recipe to accompany your holiday festivities.

Looking for another festive dish? Then your gonna want to try my Baked Holiday Ham dish or my Beef Mushroom Wellington or even my Recette Sheppard’s Pie.

Gather your friends and family to enjoy a stress-free comfort meal, with my French Canadian Tourtière

WHERE DID TOURTIERE ORIGINATE

Tourtiere originated from Quebec from as early as 1600.

And is traditional served during the Christmas holidays.

IS TOURTIERE FRENCH

Yes, French Canadian.

WHEN IS TOURTIERE EATEN

Nothing beats this pie on the table on Christmas day, well next to some mashed potatoes and gravy of course. Or my popular Shredded Brussel Sprouts recipe!

Tourtiere spices

1 tbsp Savory
1 tsp Ground cloves
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 tsp Sage
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Celery Salt
1 tsp Season with salt and pepper

Note: not everyone likes Cinnamon in there meat pies, so to each there own.

How To Make Canadian Tourtière

Start with a pyrex baking dish that is 9.5 x 1.6 deep.
Then make the butter crust (see recipe card)
And the pie filling
Stuff the Tourtière and bake at 375 f for 45 minutes till golden brown.

CAN TOURTIERE BE FROZEN

Yes, as long as the meat that was used was fresh not frozen to begin with.

So how do I know how to make a traditional Tourtière you may be asking?

Well, I am Canadian, but not Acadian. And have strong French roots on one side of my family.

What is Acadian you may be asking? Acadian peoples originate from eastern Canada.

They actually are the ones who created this recipe to begin with. Then the French out there ran with it and it is now known as a French Canadian or Acadian dish.

This particular recipe for my best Tourtière Pie has been past down from my Great Grandma who was 100% French Canadian. And her ancestors are all from Newfoundland and Labrador territories.

I have been gifted with her original recipe which was hand written by her a few decades ago.

And, so I had to share it all with you here.

Growing up Canadian, I was influenced by many cultural groups and thus foods so it wasn’t like I stuck to just one type of food then or now.

However I’ve appreciated all that was taught to me along the way.

One fond memory I do have is that of my great grandma and grandma both in the kitchen together making Tourtière right before Christmas.

I must have been somewhere from 5-10 years old then. And I never knew how precious that memory would be for me as my great grandmother past shortly after.

I also remember enjoying this dish during Christmas dinner over the years as my aunts always carried the tradition of making it.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES A TOURTIERE MEAT PIE SERVE

One pie typically serves 8-10.

Over the years this recipe has been changed across the generations and each family does prepare it somewhat differently. In eastern Canada, most people there use pork or even rabbit in this pie.

Oh and be sure to serve this CANADIAN TOURTIÈRE with a dollop of Ketchup. The kids will love that addition too.

PS: don’t skip on the potatoes they really help to hold the pie together. I hope you give it a try this holidays season and let me know what you think.

Could you serve a traditional French Canadian meat pie this Christmas? Could your family like it more than the more traditional Turkey? I would love to know.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

WHICH WINE WITH TOURTIERE

Whites, sparkling or reds all go with them a tourtière pie.

Note: You can freeze this ahead of time, and bring it to any gathering to bake fresh.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TOURTIERE

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

Beef and Mushroom Wellington

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

CRANBERRY STUFFING RECIPE!

Be sure to try these tasty recipes below!

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

Appetizers & Sides, Bread, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Pizza, Vegetarian

Olive Focaccia Bread Recipe

Gallery November 21, 2022 Jacqueline

This Olive Focaccia Bread Recipe is made with fresh provolone cheese and marinated olives. You are going to love it!

This recipe is by far one of my favorite ways to make focaccia bread.

And you can do this, it’s not that difficult.

Just head over to your local Italian store on the way home and pick up “Real Sicilian Olives” marinated in spices and olive oil (you will be using this oil for the bread later)

Oh and don’t forget the Provolone cheese ~ it really makes this traditional. Can you taste it already? Focaccia bread can be served alongside any pasta dish or eaten alone.

Making this bread from scratch is going to blow your mind. This recipe for homemade focaccia bread doesn’t compare to anything store bought kinds.

Note: You can substitute the Provolone cheese for Fresh Parmesan Oregano if you like.

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe id 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!

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

Crispy Fried Shrimp

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!

Barbeque, Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes

Thick Boneless Pork Chop Recipe

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!