Roz Yakhnee

Okay this is a Lebanese dish that my mother shared with me and so not sure about the spelling but doesn't matter cause it tastes great....

1 pkg short ribs - optional
1 lb diced stew meat
1 egg plant - peeled & sliced - but can be left out if you're allergic or don't like it.
1 large onion - sliced
1 can green beans
1 pkg okra
1 can tomatoes
Tomato Juice - you want lots of juice to serve over rice
2 tsp cinnamon
Dash of garlic - optional
Salt & Pepper to taste
Rice - you can use white or brown but I think the brown gives it a better flavor. 

Put meat in roaster or baking dish and brown lightly.  Add vegetables and seasoning - then tomato juice and tomatoes.  Cover and cook in medium oven  - 350 - about an hour or longer.

Cook rice.    

When done serve over rice. 

I made a small salad to go with this and of course some bread would be nice also. 

Chicken and Noodles

Okay this is what I fixed for dinner last night.  I'm learning after making some of these recipes that next time I'll cut the recipes in half cause I'm only cooking for 2.  This would definitely be enough for 4.

2 Tbsps margarine
3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
1 can low sodium chicken broth
1/2 package (6oz) No Yolks broad egg noodles, uncooked
1 package (10oz) frozen peas and carrots - I used frozen corn and frozen peas
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup 2% milk
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 jar (4oz) chopped pimiento, drained (optional) - I didn't add these

in a heavy 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add chicken and onion.  Cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.  Add chicken broth, heat to boiling.  Stir in uncooked pasta and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly with liquid.  Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Cover, simmer on medium heat 8 minutes, stirring occasionally or until most liquid is absorbed.  Meanwhile in a medium bowl, stir together soup, milk, 1/2 cup cheese and pimiento - if using - until smooth, stir into pasta mixture.  Simmer until heated through.  Served sprinkled with remaining cheese. 

 

This is a great and easy recipe and so quick for those busy nights. 

Fettuccine Alfredo

This is what was for dinner last night.  I saw Michael Symon make it on The Chew and just had to give it a try.  As good as it turned out it's not a dish you'd make every week cause it's not exactly low in calories.  It's a quick meal as it only takes 30-45 minutes from start to finish. 

1 1/2 lbs Fettuccine
Olive Oil
1 large Shallot - finely minced
1 stick of butter - unsalted
1/3 cup Parsley - chopped, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese - freshly grated, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup Aged Asiago Cheese - freshly grated, plus more for garnish
Salt and Pepper

You can use any combination of cheeses you prefer but the Asiago Cheese has a really good taste.  I had never used it before but will definitely use it in more dishes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta.  Aggressively season the pasta water as part of the water will become part of the sauce.

Place a large saute pan over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan.  Add the shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender.  Add the butter and swirl the pan to melt.  Add the parsley. 

Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the water and add it back to the pasta, add the cheeses and toss to combine, cooking for about 1 minute more.  Taste and adjust seasoning. 

Put on your plate and garnish with more cheese and more parsley and serve immediately. 

This makes enough for 2 - 4 people. 

Texas Chili - Frito Pie

This is what I made for dinner last night.  It's Texas Chili and I serve it as Frito Pies.  It was cold outside so this was a perfect warm comfort food.

1 lb ground beef
1 can pinto beans - I had made a pot of beans on Sunday so I used these.
I can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
Red chili powder or chili flakes
Garlic powder
Cumin
Coriander

Brown meat over medium heat.  Once brown add all of the ingredients, bring to a boil and then turn down to low, cover and let simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Once it's done I put in a bowl fritos, cover with grated cheese, add the chili and cover again with grated cheese.  Can you say yummmmm.

Angel Hair Pasta with Olive Oil, Garlic and Chili

This is what was for dinner last night.  This is a recipe from Michael Symon on The Chew. 

1 pound Angel Hair Pasta
1 TBS chili flake
4 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
1 TBS butter
1 cup reseved pasta water

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
Add pasta to the water and occasionally give a stir so it doesn't stick together.
While pasta is cooking heat a 12 inch skillet over low heat.
Add Olive Oil and the garlic and let go over low heat for 3 minutes until garlic is tender and aromatic.
Add chili flakes.
Add 1 cup of pasta water and turn heat up to medium and bring to simmer.
Add pasta and stir to coat noodles.
Remove from heat and stir in parsley, parmesan and butter and serve.

I also made a salad to go with this meal.  It was very good and the chili flakes give it a nice bite.

Spaghetti

Okay everyone this is what I fixed for dinner last night. 

1# ground beef or you could use turkey
24oz Hunts Garlic & Herb Pasta Sauce
8oz can tomato sauce
16oz can diced tomatoes
Garlic Powder
Dried Basil
Dried Oregano
Red Chili Powder - optional
Balsamic Vinegar
Sugar - a touch which adds a little sweetness
Parmesan Cheese
Olive Oil
Angel Hair Pasta  or pasta of your choice. 

In your pan add a little olive oil, add ground beef and brown.  Once your beef is done add the Hunts Pasta Sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, oregano, red chili powder, balsamic vinegar and sugar.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer, cover and let simmer for 45-60 minutes. 
Cook your pasta per package instructions but I always cook about 1 minute less than it says.
Once the pasta is done I drain it and then add to my spaghetti sauce, stir and serve.  I grade my parmesan cheese over the dish before serving. 

It's also nice to make a salad and garlic bread to serve with the dinner.  I like to spread olive oil over my bread, sprinkle garlic powder and then basil and put in my toaster oven to brown. 

Enjoy!