Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garlic. Show all posts

Monday, 9 June 2014

Slow Cooker Tangy Pineapple Shredded Beef


Summertime is quickly approaching! 

I love my slow cooker!  It's so helpful being able to throw something together in the morning or around lunch time and have it be ready for dinner.  Plus, as the summer heats up, I don't want to use the oven much.  Using the slow cooker is so convenient + it doesn't heat up the house! 

Warmer weather makes me crave shredded beef with LOTS of homemade BBQ sauce + yummy tacos made by my husband {he makes the best, authentic tacos with shredded meat}.  

My shredded beef recipe is so easy to make + takes very little prep time.  You won't find any processed ingredients in this recipe either ... no refined sugars or ketchup!   



SLOW COOKER TANGY PINEAPPLE SHREDDED BEEF

Sweet + savory, this tangy pineapple shredded beef will be the star attraction of many meals. 

{Affiliate links included help support this blog}

EQUIPMENT: Cutting Board, Sharp Quality Chef's Knife, Blender, Large Saucepan, Wooden SpatulaSlow Cooker 

INGREDIENTS 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash the outside of the pineapple - I like to wash mine in a vinegar-water solution.  Using a sharp chef's knife, lay the pineapple on its side and cut off the top and bottom of the fruit.  Stand the pineapple upright and cut off the outer tough skin of the pineapple.  Slice the pineapple in half.  Slice the pineapple into quarters.  Remove the inner core from the slices and cut pineapple slices into chunks.

2. Add pineapple, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, maple syrup or honey, garlic, thyme, turmeric + sea salt to a blender.  Blend until pureed and no pineapple chunks remain.  If needed, add 1 cup water to blender.  Set aside.  

3. Melt fat of choice in large saucepan over medium-high heat, about 1 minute until the pan is hot.  Add chuck roast to the pan and sear on each side until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.  

4. Remove the chuck roast from the saucepan and place in the bottom of the slow cooker.  Leave the saucepan on the heat and add about 1 cup of the pineapple mixture to deglaze.  Use a wooden spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan {there's a lot of good flavor in the browned bits}.  Pour the pan sauce over the chuck roast.  Add the 1 cup of water if you did not add it to the pineapple mixture in the blender.  The meat should be almost covered by the liquid.  Add optional strip of astragals root + kombu to the liquid.   


5. Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours {or on low for 7-8 hours}, until beef is tender and pulls apart easily. 

6. Place chuck roast on a cutting board and shred with two forks or use a quality kitchen knife and cut in a rustic chop, shredding beef while cutting.  

7. Serve with reduced tangy pineapple sauce + your favorite toppings!


Yield: 3 pounds of shredded beef. 


Serving Suggestions: The meat makes amazing tacos {especially when topped with fresh slaw or fresh salsa, cilantro + lime}, sandwiches + wraps.  It's delicious paired with mashed potatoes, celery root mash or sweet potatoes.  Super yummy with roasted veggies, a simple side salad or homemade slaw.  So good with homemade potato salad too!  

*Note: If you can't find coconut aminos, you can substitute with gluten free tamari.  

Storage: Store shredded meat in the pineapple liquid; place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.  Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.  


Make a Tangy Pineapple Sauce: Add leftover pineapple-beef cooking liquid to a medium-size sauce pan.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until sauce thickens and reduces in volume.   

ENJOY SLOW COOKER TANGY PINEAPPLE SHREDDED BEEF WITH ...

Real Food Potato Salad by Raising Generation Nourished  
Classic Mashed Potatoes by Live Simply 
Roasted Broccoli w/ Meyer Lemon by Recipes to Nourish
Scalloped Potatoes by Food Your Body Will Thank You For  
Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

This post is shared at Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

Friday, 9 May 2014

Garlic Balsamic Grilled Lamb Chops

Garlic Balsamic Grilled Lamb Chops
Garlic Balsamic Grilled Lamb Chops
With the grilling season starting up again, I thought I'd share one of my favorite simple marinades that pairs perfectly with beautiful, juicy grilled lamb chops. My family is slowly coming around to eating more lamb, which is one of my absolute favorite things to grill. This simple marinade is one of the reasons we are enjoying more lamb nowadays. A couple of hours marinading is enough to infuse great flavor into these chops.

It also works very well with boneless leg of lamb, which I marinate for a a few hours before tying the lamb back into shape with butcher string before open roasting it in the oven. I sometimes add rosemary to the marinade when cooking it this way: it's a really delicious way to enjoy roast lamb.

I've served the chops here with some family favorite Lemon Herb Roast Potatoes and Lemon Mint Tzatziki. We also had a small Greek salad on the side to complete an exceptionally delicious meal.

Garlic Balsamic Lamb Chops

Recipe by Barry C. Parsons

Garlic Balsamic Lamb Chops - a very simple marinade that pairs very well with the flavor of grilled lamb. Serve with Lemon Herb Roast Potatoes, Lemon Mint Tzatziki and a Greek side salad for an exceptionally delicious meal.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours including marinating time
Yield: Serves 4 

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds lamb chops
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dry thyme
  • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar balsamic vinegar
Cooking Directions
  1. Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together.
  2. Pour over the lamb chops in a large Ziploc bag.
  3. Marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours.
  4. Take the chops out of the fridge for a half hour or so before grilling to bring them closer to room temperature. This will make it easier to cook to the proper internal temperature without over cooking the outside of the meat.
  5. Grill over medium high heat or under the broiler. I use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the chops, taking them to 145 degrees F for medium rare. Well done is 170 degrees F, so don't ever go over that internal temperature.
  6. Let the chops rest under a loose tent of aluminum foil for 5 minutes before serving. 

Garlic Balsamic Grilled Lamb Chops
Garlic Balsamic Grilled Lamb Chops

    Thursday, 10 April 2014

    Spring Asparagus & Fennel Sauté + 31 More Asparagus Recipes



    Nothing says SPRING like ASPARAGUS!  These beautiful green spears are abundant at all the farmers markets around here ... my family can't get enough.  In my home, we devour asparagus about once a week.  Get them while you can ... sadly this delicious vegetable is only around for a short time {this is a true ONE SEASON only vegetable}.   

    Asparagus Tips + More:
    • Aspargus is known to be excellent for supporting the kidneys + helps support digestion.
    • It's a great source of folate + vitamins A, B6, C, E and K.
    • It has antioxidants + some say is cancer fighting. 
    • Asparagus breaks down starches + sugars quick - so make sure to eat it within 3 days of purchasing. Since it does not have a long shelf life, it is important to store bottoms sitting in water {like in a mason jar} or wrapped with a damp, clean kitchen towel to help keep it fresh. 


    On to the recipe{s} ...


    SPRING ASPARAGUS & FENNEL SAUTE

    This side dish screams SPRING ... fresh + delicious, it won't disappoint.  

    Equipment: Cutting Board, Knife, Microplane Zester or Standing Grater with Zester, Large Saucepan

    {Affiliate links included help support this blog.} 
    • 1 bunch asparagus, remove woody ends + cut into 2" pieces
    • 1 fennel bulb + stalks and fronds, sliced 
    • 1 medium-size Spring onion or red onion, sliced 
    • 2-3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
    • 1-2 tablespoons pasture butter, ghee or coconut oil {See Resources}
    • 1/4+ teaspoon Celtic sea salt {See Resources
    • 1 lemon, zest and juice 

    1. Wash and prep produce. Remove woody ends of asparagus - cut into 2" pieces. Remove tough core from bottom of fennel bulb - slice bulb, stalks and fronds.  Remove outer skin from onion - slice.  Remove outer skin from garlic cloves - grate or finely mince.  Zest lemon and cut in half - set aside. 


    2. In a large saucepan, melt butter or fat of choice over medium-high heat.  Add sliced onion and garlic - cook for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. 

    3. Add asparagus, fennel and sea salt - cook for about 3-5 minutes stirring occasionally {you don't want to overcook the asparagus, this dish is meant to taste fresh and vibrant}. 

    4. At the end of the cooking time, add the lemon zest and lemon juice.  Stir and remove from heat.  Taste for desired saltiness, add more sea salt if needed.  

    5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.    


    Yield: About 4 servings.

    Serving Suggestions: Delicious as is or serve mixed into your favorite pasta dish or on the side of meat/fish.  It pairs well with mashed potatoes and Celery Root Mash.  

    Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.


    31 MORE ASPARAGUS RECIPES TO ENJOY:  

    ASPARAGUS SALADS:

    Mushroom, Asparagus & Egg Salad by Happy Mothering 

    Asparagus Apple Salad w/ Fennel & Dill by Kitchen Stewardship 

    Raw Asparagus and Mushroom Salad by Gourmande in the Kitchen 



    ASPARAGUS SOUPS:

    Cream of Asparagus Soup by Fresh Bites Daily


    Creamy Leek Soup w/ Ham, Mushrooms & Asparagus by Divine Health From the Inside Out


    Asparagus Soup by Nourished Kitchen 


    ASPARAGUS SIDES:


    Roasted Asparagus by Simple Foody


    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus by Happy Mothering

    Asparagus and Greens by Healthy Homemakers 

    Roasted Asparagus w/ Lemon by Natural Living Mamma


    Simple Roasted Asparagus by Fresh Bites Daily 


    Quick Pickled Asparagus by Gourmande in the Kitchen 

    Simple Garlic Asparagus Spears by Delicious Obsessions


    Cucumber Noodles w/ Asparagus + Ginger Scallion Sesame Sauce by Gourmande in the Kitchen


    ASPARAGUS MAIN DISHES:


    Crab & Asparagus Mini Quiches by Divine Health From the Inside Out

    Lemony Asparagus Risotto by Oh My Veggies

    Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken w/ Roasted Asparagus by The Organic Kitchen


    COOKING ASPARAGUS + MORE:

    Preserving Asparagus 3 Ways - Freezing, Drying & Lacto-Fermenting by Common Sense Homesteading 

    8 Tips for Buying & Handling Fresh Asparagus by Fresh Bites Daily 

    Roasted Asparagus & Tips for Growing It by Learning and Yearning 

    How to Steam Asparagus from Real Food RN 

    Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

    This post is shared at Fight Back Friday @ Food Renegade, Whole Food Fridays @ Allergy Free Alaska, Fat Tuesday @ Real Food Forager, Allergy Free Wednesday @ The Tasty Alternative + Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

    Monday, 28 October 2013

    Homemade Maple Apple Chicken Breakfast Sausages


    Breakfast Sausages are really easy to make and so much healthier than store-bought versions.  The flavor ... oh my, they're so incredibly delicious, better than any sausages I've had in restaurants.  

    Make up a batch of these on the weekend for a special breakfast or to go along with pancakes or french toast.  Or better yet, make a couple batches of these on the weekend so you'll have a high protein meal or snack that you can quickly heat up during the week.    

    Homemade Maple Apple Chicken Breakfast Sausages

    {Affiliate links included help support this blog}

    Equipment: Cutting Board, Knife, Microplane Grater (optional), Large Mixing Bowl, Large Plate (optional), Large Saucepan or Skillet
    • 1-2 tablespoons pasture butter, ghee or fat of choice (See Resources)
    • 2-4 tablespoons broth, bone broth or filtered water
    1. Prep garlic and apple - peel and grate or finely mince garlic; peel and finely dice apple.  

    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breakfast sausage seasoning, grated garlic, maple syrup and diced apple.  Using clean hands, mix well to incorporate.



    3. Shape into small patties - not too big, not too small, and place onto large plate (just until you're ready to cook them all).  

    4. Get your large pan or skillet ready - melt fat of choice of medium heat.  Pan should preheat about 1-2 minutes before you cook the sausages.

    5. Fry the patties in the preheated pan/skillet on each side until golden brown on both sides and completely cooked in the middle.  This will take about 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the sausages and the heat of your pan.  Tip: You do not want them to burn, so do not cook over high heat.  When I flip them halfway through the cooking process, I add broth to the pan (tablespoons at a time).  This helps them brown nicely so they do not stick or burn.  I also find that it keeps them moist, not dried out like many sausages can get if not cooked properly.  [Note: Do not crowd the patties, cook in batches if you need to.  They cook best if there is space between them.]         


    Yield: About 4-5 servings {approx. 15+ small sausages}

    Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  Or freeze cooked sausages in freezer safe containers for later use.


    Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven on a warming tray (I use a stoneware baking dish).  Make sure to keep the oven on a low setting (warm - 250 degrees F).  They don't take long to heat, about 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the sausage.

    Recipe can easily be doubled.  

    Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

    This post is part of Fat Tuesday @ Real Food ForagerSlightly Indulgent Tuesday @ Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free, Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop, Healthy 2day Wednesdays @ day2dayjoys, Allergy-Free Wednesday @ The Tasty Alternative, and Pennywise Platter Thursday @ The Nourishing Gourmet.  

    Wednesday, 18 September 2013

    Fresh Summer Salsa w/ Cucumber

     

    I'll be starting off The Seasonal REAL Food Blog Series with this delicious end of the summer salsa.

    Just in case you're not quite ready to let go of summer yet ... this is my favorite salsa ever.  I have been wanting to make this for my husband for a while now, but was a bit nervous about making it since he grew up eating salsa (authentic, real salsa ... not that store bought "New York City Pace Picante" stuff).  I just decided to make it finally, and sure enough, he thought it was delicious and couldn't get enough of it ... although he would have loved it with more spice/heat, but I can't tolerate anything close to what he's used to eating spicy-wise.    

    This salsa is seriously delicious, the cucumber makes it so unique and fresh tasting.  It's so so so good!  And even delicious the next day too!

    I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

    Stay tuned for all of the other delicious recipes in The Seasonal REAL Food Blog Series coming up soon ... you don't want to miss them!


    ************


    Fresh Summer Salsa w/ Cucumber

    Make sure to use organic ingredients to keep this salsa super fresh and healthy.

    Equipment: Food Processor, Cutting Board, Knife

    • 3 large tomatoes, cut into large chunks
    • 1 large cucumber (about 12" long), peeled and cut into large chunks
    • 1 large handful of cilantro (about 1 cup)
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 3-5 fresh garlic cloves, peeled
    • 2-3 fresh jalapenos, halved (remove seeds if you don't like spice/heat)
    • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt, start with 1/2 teaspoon (See Resources)

    1. Wash and prep produce: cut tomatoes into large chunks, peel cucumber and cut into large chunks, cut lemon in half, peel garlic cloves, and cut jalapenos in half {Note: If you do not like too much spice, remove the seeds, or remove the seeds from 2 peppers and leave the seeds in 1 for a mild heat.}.




    2. Add all produce, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to the food processor.  Pulse a few times to do a rough chop, then continue to blend until everything is combined and no chunks are left, about 15-20 seconds.  



    3. Taste for desired saltiness.  If you like it saltier, add another 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.

    4. Enjoy as is or refrigerate for later use.  



    Yield: About 2 cups salsa

    Storage: Store in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.  

    Serving Suggestions: Eat as is with chips, or use as a topping or dip on tacos, meat dishes, veggies, and soups.

    This post is part of Pennywise Platter Thursday @ The Nourishing Gourmet, Whole Food Fridays @ Allergy Free Alaska, and Fight Back Friday @ Food Renegade.

    Thursday, 11 July 2013

    Lemon Basil Pesto (Nut-Free & Gluten-Free)


    This is the time of year for PESTO!  Basil is growing like crazy with the hot weather we’ve been having here (weeks of over 100 degrees).  

    I love pesto, in fact I love to eat it by the spoonful.  It’s delicious alone, on sandwiches, on pasta, on eggs, on grilled veggies …

    This is my favorite version that I’ve been making for many years.  It’s nut-free and has the added freshness of lemon. 

    Enjoy!

    Lemon Basil Pesto (Nut-Free & Gluten-Free)


    Equipment:Microplane Rasp Zester or Standing Grater/Zester, Food Processor



    ·      2 cups fresh basil leaves (1 large bunch basil, stems removed)

    ·      2-3 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and sliced

    ·      Zest of 1 lemon
    ·      Juice of 1 lemon (about ¼ cup)
    ·      3 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
    ·      6 ounces raw parmesan cheese, cut into chunks
    ·      ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt (See Resources)

    1.    Wash and prep basil, remove stems.  Wash lemon and peel garlic cloves. 

    2.   Assemble food processor – add basil leaves, sliced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese and sea salt.*  Pulse until combined and smooth.





    3.   Taste for desired saltiness.  Add more salt if needed.



    4.   Store in refrigerator until ready to use. 






    Yield: About ½ cup



    Storage:Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 days.  


    *Note: If you prefer a thinner pesto, you can add another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or if you're serving this on pasta, you can add a little amount of the cooking water to the pesto.  

    This post is part of Homestead Barn Hop @ The Prairie Homestead, Fat Tuesday @ Real Food Forager, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday @ Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free, Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop, Hearth & Soul Hop @ Premeditated Leftovers, Healthy 2day Wednesdays @ day2dayjoys, Allergy-Free Wednesday @ The Tasty Alternative, and Simple Lives Thursday @ My Humble Kitchen.