Nothing better than a savory pie on a cold, rainy, NYC evening! Spiced ground lamb with peas & carrots smothered with garlic mashed potatoes. Need I say more? Recipe below, try it. Your tummy will thank you.
Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 packet ground lamb or meat of your choice
- 2 large rustic potatoes, chopped into large chunks
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas & diced carrots mixed (I used frozen kind, canned will work too)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder, ground cumin, & cayenne pepper
- Salt/pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish (optional)
- 1 handful cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk or lactaid
Recipe:
- Submerge the potato chunks in water in a large pot. Bring the water to a boil & leave it for about 25 minutes or until they are soft enough to mash.
- Heat the oil on medium heat in a skillet or pot. Add the onion & garlic.
- Brown the ground meat in the pot with the garlic & onion (include the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper.)
- Use a deep Pyrex dish to scoop the browned meat into.
- Using the skillet or pot the meat browned in, sauté the carrots & peas with a little salt & pepper. Pour these over the ground meat in the Pyrex.
- Strain the potato chunks once they're soft & then pour them back into the pot they boiled in (without the water).
- Mash the potatoes with salt, pepper & milk. Spread them on top of the carrots & peas.
- Sprinkle on the chives, handful of shredded cheese & smoked paprika & bake for 15 minutes on 350 degrees.
How many of you are jumping on the spaghetti squash bandwagon? It's wonderful until you sadly realize that it's never really going to have the same flavor profile as spaghetti. I started experimenting ways to make spaghetti squash pop on its own. Think fresh ginger slices, coriander & cumin, tossed with crunchy bites of zucchini... yes, you need this recipe!
Time: 15 mins + time to soften/bake the spaghetti squash
Ingredients:
- Filling from 1 spaghetti squash, seeds removed
- 1 zucchini
- 1 small piece fresh ginger (~ 2" length)
- 1.5 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt/pepper to taste
Recipe:
- Peel & dice the zucchini into small cubes.
- Peel the outter skin off of the ginger & slice it into thin strips.
- In a medium frying pan, heat oil to medium heat & add the zucchini, ginger, cumin, & coriander.
- Toss for a few minutes (~3) so the ginger infuses the zucchini.
- Add spaghetti squash, salt & pepper. Toss to incorporate all ingredients.
- Enjoy cool or warm, up to you!
Here's another Guyanese dish for you: fish cakes! I love recipes that have multiple uses. Fish cakes can be an appetizer, side dish, part of a whole meal for lunch or dinner, or a light snack! It uses a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your home. This recipe can be multiplied for catering-sized trays or just stick to the portions below to feed a few family members.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb frozen whiting fish fillet, fully thawed
Seasoning tip: 2 portions of the below ingredients are needed (1 portion to season the fish to fry and 1 portion to add to the fish after you fry it) - 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoon chopped onion
- 3 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup veggie oil
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
Recipe:
- Heat oil in pan – medium heat
- Wash and pat the fillets dry
- Lightly season the fish with all of the above ingredients except the eggs and the bread crumbs
- Put fish in oil to fry until slightly brown on each side (about 2-3 mins)
- Take the fish out of the pan and put it in a medium-large basin
- Use a fork to break the fish apart, adding bread crumbs, egg and another round of the ingredients from above (then mix to incorporate)
- Form cake-like patties out of the mixture
- Re-heat the ¼ cup of oil to medium heat
- Place the fish cakes in the oil and fry until golden brown on each side
- Enjoy with brown rice, dhal, and mango chutney or pepper sauce of your choice!
Vegetarian, gluten-free, carbless & delicious! Basically no reason to not get up & make these right now.
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 2 small/medium chubby eggplants
- 1 medium tomato (I used a deep red heirloom)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt/pepper to taste
- Glutenfree breadcrumbs (optional)
Recipe:
- Preheat oven to 450
- Wash the eggplants & cut them in half vertically
- Use a spoon to hollow out the middle of the eggplant, place them in a greased Pyrex with the hollow side facing up
- Slice the first clove of garlic & put a few slices at the bottom of each boat
- Drizzle 1 of the teaspoons of olive oil over each boat
- Dice the tomato & fill each boat with some
- Slice the other clove of garlic & sprinkle those pieces on top of the tomatoes
- Sprinkle each boat with some crumbled feta cheese
- Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the boats & top with breadcrumbs if desired
- Bake for 20-25 mins or until the tops are golden & the eggplant cuts through easy
Craving olives today so I made some olive bread! Super easy to whip up with some active dry yeast. I enjoyed it with some warm tomato-basil soup!
Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup mixed olives, pitted
Recipe:
- Add the packet of yeast & sugar to the warm water, stir to dissolve then let it sit for 15 mins to bubble up.
- In a medium bowl, pour the flour, salt & Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Slowly mix in the yeast mixture & olive oil, mix with your hands slightly just to incorporate the ingredients.
- Chop the olives into smaller rounds, throw almost all of them into the flour mixture, leaving some for the top of the loaf.
- Knead the olive dough completely & form into a loaf with your hands.
- Set it on a cookie sheet & cut 4 small slits on the top.
- Garnish with the remaining olive slices, pressing them in so they stay put in the oven.
- Bake on 350 for 45 minutes - 1 hour or until golden brown on top, and cooked through the middle.
Creamy with a kick! Hot habanero peppers, fresh garlic, meaty shrimp, young zucchini & tomatoes...I'm hungry again just thinking about it! This quick lunch recipe can serve as a dinner, snack, or appetizer too.
Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
- ~10-15 large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 5 garlic cloves (smashed)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 small zucchini sliced into thin rounds
- handful of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 habanero pepper sliced thin (or more if you like it really spicy!)
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 3 broadleaf thyme leaves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon EVOO
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Recipe:
- Squeeze 1/2 lemon juice all over the shrimp.
- Heat EVOO to medium heat in a large pan, then add the garlic & thyme.
- Throw in shrimp and the rest of the lemon juice. Cook for 2 mins on each side.
- Add the habanero & zucchini slices halfway through, with a tablespoon of butter.
- Add cherry tomatoes & sprinkle on salt & pepper.
- Turn off the heat, pour mayonnaise over the ingredients & mix until well-coated.
- Enjoy over egg noodles, rice, or with steamed veggies! This would also go great in a sandwich.
A simple snack or appetizer using 4 amazing ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, basil & olive oil! I love making bruschetta during the summer using my homegrown basil leaves & my dad's homegrown tomatoes! Recipe below.
Time: 15 mins + 1 hour refrigeration time, serves 2
Ingredients:
- 4-5 plum tomatoes (or quantity of whatever tomatoes you prefer!)
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped basil leaves (I grow the fine-leaf basil so I used more whole leaves)
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine seasalt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 baguette sliced diagonally for serving
Recipe:
- Dice the tomatoes or just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Put them in a bowl.
- Add the chopped basil & garlic. drizzle the olive oil over the mixture then sprinkle on the salt & black pepper.
- Cover the bowl with clear plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour so the flavors incorporate.
- Spoon the mixture onto piece of lightly toasted baguette & enjoy!
One of my fave appetizers, side dishes, or snacks in the summer! Save those green tomatoes at the end of the summer & make use of them with this 15 minute recipe. You won't regret it, fried green tomatoes are so delicious & easy to make!
Time: 15-20 mins depending how many you're making, this recipe serves 2-3 ppl
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko or Goya corn meal
- 1/4 cup milk (I used lactaid)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or sunflower oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated asiago cheese as a garnish
Recipe:
- Cut the tomatoes into even slices, about 1/2 inch. You don't want them too thick or they'll be still raw on the inside when you fry them.
- Heat the vegetable or sunflower oil to medium heat in a frying pan.
- Get 3 small bowls. Put the flour, salt & pepper in one bowl, milk in another bowl, & the panko or cornmeal in the third bowl. Season all 3 bowls with salt & pepper.
- Dip the tomatoes one by one into the flour bowl first, then the milk, then the panko or cornmeal.
- Fry until golden brown on each side (about 2-3 mins).
- Drain on a paper towel then serve with your favorite dressing or spicy mayo! Also goes well with ranch.
Hint: I sprinkled the tops with freshly grated Asiago cheese to complete the taste & give it a fancy look!
Summer is here! Time to whip out all the BBQ recipes & get to grillin! Enjoy this super easy & fast shrimp kebab recipe.
Time: 20 mins + marinade time
Ingredients:
- 1 pack jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Recipe:
- Rinse the shrimp with cold water & lemon juice.
- Put the shrimp in a large freezer bag, pour all seasonings on top of it.
- Seal the freezer bag tightly ensuring little to no air inside, then mix the shrimp around the marinade until all the shrimp is evenly coated.
- If you have time, let the shrimp marinade for at least 2 hours in the fridge.
- Slide the shrimp onto skewers if desired (soak the skewers for 30 mins prior in water). Add vegetables as desired.
- Grill on medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through (~5 mins), turning so the shrimp is cooked on both sides.
Who else is obsessed with hummus? I usually settle for store-bought hummus but I wanted to experiment with different flavors & create a homemade version. So easy & so healthy for you!
Time: 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (I used Sambal Oelek from the Asian aisle!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon tahini sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
Recipe:
- Open the can of chickpeas & rinse them in a strainer.
- Put all ingredients except the olive oil into a food processor (careful when juicing the lemon to not let seeds into the mix!)
- Pulse until smooth.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil into the food processor then pulse for another 15 seconds.
- Scoop the hummus into a serving dish & drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Trying to eat more fish & veggies this summer? Tuna steaks are fantastic when seasoned and cooked properly. They also have a really meaty flavor and texture that makes you forget you're eating fish! And the best part: this whole meal is done in less than 30 minutes!! Try this recipe with a fresh tomato salad (recipe also below for the salad).
Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
Tuna:
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder
- ~3 tablespoons of olive oil
Tomato Salad:
- 10-12 grape tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber (these are smaller and skinnier than regular cucumbers)
- 1/2 jalapeño
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Recipe:
- Cut the tomatoes in half (or whatever shape you prefer)
- Slice the cucumbers into small rounds
- Slice the jalapeño along the middle (long-ways) and remove the membranes and seeds. Dice it.
- Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and jalapeños in a bowl. Sprinkle the salt, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar on top and mix the ingredients lightly so they are well coated.
- Scoop some of the salad onto each plate and set aside.
- Mix the coriander powder, black pepper, and salt together and coat each side of the tuna steaks.
- Pour olive oil over the tuna steaks on both sides, and 1 teaspoon in the frying pan.
- Heat the frying pan to medium heat, then place one of the steaks down on top of the olive oil. Let cook on each side for no more than 1 minute.
- Repeat for the other steak. FYI, when you remove them from the pan you'll want to coat with olive oil again because the tuna will dry out fast.
- Serve with the tomato salad and enjoy!
Pressed for time and guests are on their way? Have no fear! Here's a crispy, fresh appetizer or snack that will take less than 10 minutes to make! I fancied it up by shaping it into a flower for a bright spring look.
Because of their fresh crunch, endives are a great substitute for crackers and are much healthier. I used a purple endive for my "spring flower" creation and paired it with brie, green apple, almond slices, honey and cracked black pepper - the combination of flavors is intense & delicious!
Time: Less than 10 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 green apple
- 1 endive (green or purple, your choice)
- About 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons almond slices (tip: buy these pre-sliced)
- 1-2 slices of brie
- Cracked black pepper (optional)
Recipe:
- Wash the endive and pull the leaves off one by one so you can fill them. Make sure any excess water is wiped off with a paper towel. I formed mine into a flower shape for a fun, spring look!
- Cut the apple into small slices and place them into the endive leaves.
- Cut the brie into smaller pieces and add them either on top of or next to the apple pieces.
- Sprinkle the almond slices, drizzle the honey, and crack the black pepper over the entire dish.
- Serve as an appetizer or healthy snack - enjoy!
Need a quick dinner idea? Try this super fast shrimp scampi recipe! It requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge, and takes just 30 mins to make! Recipe serves 4, but you can halve the ingredients if you want a quick dinner for 2, or double it for an easy catering-sized portion!
Time: 30 - 40 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of peeled & deveined frozen shrimp
- 1 pack of linguine pasta
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1.5 tablespoons salt
- 1 handful fresh parsley leaves + additional for garnish
- 1.5 tablespoons coarse black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 bottle of a dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Recipe:
- Defrost the bag of shrimp in a large basin with cool water for 20 mins.
- Cook the whole pack of linguine al dente, place in a serving dish and set aside.
- Melt the minced garlic and butter down in a pot or pan, until the garlic is golden brown.
- Squeeze lemon juice inside the pot then add the salt, black pepper and some of the fresh parsley.
- Add 1/2 the bottle of white wine, bring to a boil then lower to a simmer.
- Add the shrimp to the pot, and cook until the shrimp is done (it will be pink).
- Scoop the shrimp out of the pot, and place it over the linguine.
- Bring the sauce back to a boil, and let it boil down to about half.
- Pour the reduced sauce over the shrimp and linguine and serve! Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.
Juicy, crispy, spicy & EASY! These wings will be a hit at any party or as an appetizer for dinner... or have them as a light snack. The best part? They're baked, not fried!
Time: 1.5 hours total
Ingredients:
- 1 pack Purdue wingettes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ancho chili (finely chopped)
Recipe:
- Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a large pot.
- Add garlic powder & onion powder - stir & add wings.
- Boil for about 15 - 20 mins, not completely cooked through.
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Then, put a wire rack on top of it. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray.
- Strain the chicken wings & use tongs to place them evenly on the wire rack.
- Bake on 375 for 40-45 mins or until golden brown, cooked through.
- Use a small bowl to mix all of the remaining spices together.
- Take the wings out of the oven & dip each of them in the spice rub one by one. You want to roll them around so they're coated evenly.
- Serve alone or with your favorite dip!
Looking for a healthy homemade game day snack? Try my guacamole recipe! It taste so fresh & takes 10 mins to put together. Your guests will be so impressed!
Time: 10 mins - serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 green chili peppers
- 2 slices of tomat
- 1 slice red onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 handful fresh cilantro
Recipe:
- Cut the avocados in half & scoop the flesh into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over it.
- Mash the avocado with a fork until almost smooth.
- Dice the onion slice, the tomato slices, & the chili peppers, nd roughly chop the cilantro leaves.
- Mix all ingredients into the avocado mixture along with the salt.
- Serve with multigrain tortilla chips & enjoy!
Too busy to make lunch? Here's a 20 min meal that you can make the night before! It's healthy, delicious - and fast! This also works great for dinner or as an appetizer if you cut the lettuce into smaller pieces. Also, you can get creative with your seasonings and toppings!
Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 pack ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
- 6 leaves of romaine lettuce
Recipe:
- In a medium frying pan, mix the ground chicken and all of the above spices.
- Let simmer until the meat is cooked through - using your pot spoon to break it up into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the lettuce and lay it out to dry thoroughly on paper towel.
- Once the meat is finished cooking - let it cool to room temperature.
- Fill the lettuce with a few spoons of the meat mixture. You can add shredded cheese if you like.
- Top with sour cream (optional) and enjoy!
Snowed in? Try this creamy tomato soup for dinner with my roasted eggplant pizza!! Search the blog for "Roasted Eggplant Flatbread Pizza". Both so easy & so delicious!!
Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of Amy's Organic Cream of Tomato soup
- 1.5 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 rind Parmesan cheese (optional)
Recipe:
- In a medium sauce pan, pour both cans of soup, basil, salt & black pepper to a boil.
- Lower the heat all the way to low & add the heavy cream.
- After the heavy cream is incorporated, add the Parmesan rind & stir.
- Leave the heat on low so the flavor from the Parmesan rind & all the other spices can set in.
- Serve hot & enjoy! This goes great with my eggplant pizza!! Search the blog for "roasted eggplant pizza".
Cutting out carbs for the new year? Have no fear, stuffed cabbage is here! You can still enjoy a delicious meal and be full - without feeling guilty after. This recipe (inspired by my aunt!) is easy and delicious and can serve as an appetizer, side dish or a meal by itself.
Time: 40 mins, serves 5
Ingredients:
- 1 pk. ground meat (of choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium onion- finely chopped
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 4-6 tablespoons cooked brown rice (can substitute quinoa or any other grain)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 10 cabbage leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Recipe:
- Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 3 minutes then drain them and set them aside to dry completely.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in medium sauce pan, then add the package of ground meat, salt and pepper. After meat is no longer pink, add onion, thyme, and cooked rice. Sautée for about 5 minutes.
- Add appropriate amount of ground meat and rice mixture to cabbage leaves (amount depends on the size of the leaf, careful not to over-stuff them) then roll them closed.
- Spread 2-4 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 13x9" Pyrex container, then add stuffed cabbage rolls, the sealed side facing down in the pan.
- Add the remaining red sauce on top of stuffed cabbages - garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Tip: if you are allergic to tomatoes or don't like them, you can always enjoy a crispy no-bake version without the sauce! Still delicious.
Hard-boiled eggs covered in seasoned mashed potatoes & a homemade batter then fried to golden perfection! Try this delicious Guyanese recipe for breakfast, an easy snack, or appetizer.
Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 2.5 cups vegetable oil for frying
Potato mixture:
- 3 potatoes, washed & scrubbed
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons ground onion
- Salt to taste
Batter:
- 4 tablespoons ground split peas
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water (or more, added slowly to create batter consistency)
- Salt to taste
Recipe:
- Boil potatoes for 15 mins.
- Mash them in a bowl with all the potato spices above, set aside.
- Peel the hard-boiled eggs.
- Use your hands to cover the eggs one by one with the mashed potatoes, creating a large ball.
- Dip the ball into the batter so it's evenly coated.
- Place the ball into the hot oil & fry for about 1 minute (or until golden).
- Place on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Serve with some homemade mango chutney or sauce of your choice!
Want the taste of seasoned mashed potatoes without all that starch? Try my Rosemary Cauliflower Mash! It's easy & a healthier side dish for your Christmas Eve dinner.
ime: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 pot of boiling water (3 cups, salted)
Recipe:
- Cut the head of cauliflower off the stem, place it in the boiling water until soft (about 10 mins)
- Strain the cauliflower & place it in a food processor. Add all other ingredients.
- Pulse for 1-2 mins or until the cauliflower is the consistency of mashed potatoes.
- Serve hot & enjoy!
Tip: double or triple this recipe to serve at a dinner party!