Pork Chop and Apple Skillet
I was inspired to update this recipe after an afternoon of apple picking. Handling all those crisp, fragrant apples made me think about the classic pairing of pork and apples—a combination I had never fully questioned before, but one that clearly has roots both in tradition and in nature. Historically, pigs would forage for fallen apples in the fall, which naturally complemented the richness of their meat. Over time, this pairing became a culinary classic, and it’s easy to see why.
Growing up, pork chops were a staple in my household, often served at braais (barbeques) or as simple weeknight dinners with mashed potatoes and peas. There’s something inherently satisfying about pork chops; I always ate them down to the bone. They carry a subtle, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of flavors. Apples, with their acidity and tartness, provide a perfect counterpoint, balancing the richness of the pork while adding freshness and brightness to the plate.
This skillet recipe celebrates that harmony. The pork is seared to a gorgeous, glistening brown, while the apples and onions soften and caramelize in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. A touch of crispy pancetta adds depth and saltiness, making every bite rich, comforting, and visually stunning. It’s a dish that’s approachable enough for weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests—a certified people-pleaser that combines nostalgia, flavor, and seasonal inspiration all in one skillet.

Pork Chop and Apple Skillet
Pork chops serve as the ultimate lunch or dinner, and when paired with apples make for a tangy, sweet and succulent meal. Don't be afraid to use fruit in your savory dishes, this one is worth it!
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in center-cut pork chops (1 to 1½ inches thick)
- 2-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon steak and chops seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, rosemary, or oregano)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bouillon cube to dissolved in equal parts water (or ¾ cup chicken stock)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Royco Usavi Mix (no-sodium all-purpose seasoning)
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup diced pancetta
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup cream or coconut milk
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the pork chops for at least 4 hours, up to 8 hours.
- In a bowl, container, or zip-top bag, combine oil, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to coat the pork chops.
- Add paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and steak and chops seasoning.
- Add extra oil if needed to ensure the pork is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Prepare the Base Seasoning:
- Combine dried herbs, flour, cumin, chicken bouillon cube, black pepper, salt, and Royco Usavi Mix — this will be added to the sauce later to build flavor.
- Prepare the Apples and Onion:
- Peel (if desired) and slice the apples and red onion into wedges — not too thin, not too thick — for optimal texture.
- In a skillet, sauté the pancetta in cooking oil until it starts to brown and becomes slightly crunchy.
- Remove the pancetta and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Brown the pork chops on each side in the same pan.
- Add butter and rosemary to baste the chops and infuse aromatics. This helps the pork sear beautifully.
- Remove the pork chops. If the internal temperature is not yet 145–160°F (63–71°C), they will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Using the same oil, cook the onions until they begin to caramelize.
- Add the apples and cook until slightly softened.
- Add butter and seasonings to release flavor and aromatics; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the prepared base seasoning and water or chicken stock to the pan.
- Add soy sauce and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the pork chops to the pan. Cover and simmer until the pork chops are fully cooked (check with a meat thermometer).
- Once the pork is cooked through, stir in the cream and reserved pancetta.
- Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with grits, beans, or a starch of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
333Fat (grams)
16.36 gCarbs (grams)
13.57 gProtein (grams)
32.38 gI am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Duck Breast with Mashed Cauliflower, Mushrooms and Asparagus
Duck breast. Easier to handle than a lot of people realize! You cook it the same way you cook steak - sear on high heat, baste with herbs and fat, and get it to your desired internal temperature. Take care not to overcook and dry it out! High in fat, yes, but also protein, and with half the daily iron requirement, it's a fancy break from what you typically eat; you can make a dinner special without leaving the comfort of your home.
Inspired by the French classic dish duck l'orange, use citrus to boost the red wine sauce and the mashed cauliflower to pair with juicy, roasted asparagus and mushrooms.
I would suggest serving this with a glass of light or medium-bodied red wine, such as a quality pinot noir, to balance out the fattiness of the duck and compliment the fruity notes in the sauce.
This recipe makes for a great winter dish that will make you feel fancy and cosy at the same time! The switch from potato to cauliflower relieves much of the guilt, and you'll get to enjoy a low-carb plate of delicious veggies and protein.
Burrata, Melon, and Prosciutto Galette
What's not to love about this combo? Fruit and cured meat is an ancient pairing meant to help boost the immune system. With the addition of burrata and arugula, melon and prosciutto are some of the most well-known Italian antipasti out there, and that's not a shock! I'm a sucker for the sweetness from the melon, saltiness from the prosciutto, creaminess from the burrata, freshness, and slightly bitter notes from the arugula put together.
How about baking all these ingredients together? Explore the website for sweet and savoury recipes, which use the galette, a perfect vehicle to combine what you love and experiment. All you need is some pastry dough, either store-bought or homemade and some egg wash. Save the arugula to top at the end; this changes the characteristics a bit but leaves what we love about the combo intact.
Enjoy a slice for lunch or dinner or as a warm, tasty appetizer before the main meal. Many restaurants have embraced the approach in the form of a pizza; why not create the experience in your own home?
Ingredients
1 pie pastry dough, thawed
4-5 slices of prosciutto
1/2 cup arugula
1 burrata
3/4 cup melon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon steak seasoning
1 teaspoon date syrup
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 egg (for egg wash)
Hot honey
Red chili flakes
Instructions
Roll out the thawed pastry dough.
Remove the melon flesh from the skin and slice it into thin, flat pieces. Toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, date syrup and olive oil.
Lay the melon pieces in the middle of the dough. Leave about an inch of the outside to fold over part of the filling.
Place the cured meat and cheese broken up evenly over the melon. For the prosciutto, you can bunch it up or lay the pieces flat.
Fold the pastry sides all the way around, tucking in or folding any corners that stick out.
Beat the egg, then use a basting brush to coat the edge of the galette, then garnish with steak seasoning.
Bake the galette for 20-2r minutes at 350F; the contents will be bubbling hot.
Remove from heat, then top with the arugula and a drizzle of hot honey and chili flakes. Serve warm.
Pork Chops, Purple Peppers, and Peaches with Wine Sauce
John Harris' Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers came to mind when I began writing out this recipe!
After a trip to the farmer's market, I left with some fresh purple peppers, which taste mostly like their green, orange and red cousins; subtle, but a little bitter, which can be a nice contrast in the suitable dish. Given the colour, they could be a great addition to a salad. I also happened to have some peaches from a previous recipe.
To keep pork chops juicy and prevent them from drying out, you want to sear both sides on high heat in a cast iron or non-stick pan to give them a nice colour and crisp, then poach in the wine with the lid to finish. To avoid overcooking the peaches and peppers, you can sauté separately in the same pan the chops are prepared once the remaining poaching liquid is moved to a saucepot to reduce.

Pork Chops, Purple Peppers, and Peaches with Wine Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 large pork chops
- 2 peaches, sliced into segments
- 1 tablespoon steak and chops seasoning (I used Roberston’s)
- 1/3 cup white wine (real wine preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips (I used purple, you can also use green)
- Rosemary sprigs
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry. Make small lengthwise slices in the fat to prevent shrinkage—season. Lay them in a cast iron pan once the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter are heated. Sear on each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once flipped to the other side, add the garlic, rosemary and remaining butter.
- Pour in the wine, then cover with a lid on low heat and poach until the thickest parts are 165F. Remove the pork chops from the pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, saute the peach segments and bell pepper slices, season to taste for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour the sauce into a serving cup, return all the ingredients to the skillet, and serve with sides of your choice.
- Remove the rosemary and garlic.
- Transfer the liquid to a small saucepot, and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Add the butter, mirin, vinegar, and Worchester—adjust and season to taste.
- Lower the heat to simmer and reduce the liquid until thickened, and stir occasionally.
- You can also add some shallots with the butter first for additional flavour, but don't burn it to avoid bitter taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
749Fat (grams)
57.7Carbs (grams)
34.4Sugar (grams)
24.4Protein (grams)
21.4I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Lentil and Mushroom Salisbury 'Steak’
I love the combination of lentils and mushrooms. It made sense to put them together for this recipe. Familiar to many but obscure to some, a Salisbury steak is typically a ground beef burger patty served with gravy. Modern versions call for the addition of sauteed mushrooms, and the dish is generally paired with green beans or peas and mashed potato. I steamed some peas and made a quick sweet potato mash. http://npengage.com/nonprofit-fundraising/design-fundraising-appeal-that-raises-more-this-december/
I made sure the lentils and mushrooms were well-flavoured for the patty base. You could get pre-cooked vegetables and beans, which saves you time if you don’t meal prep, but it gives you more control. For a homemade mix, get dried lentils, soak them overnight, then cook in broth and store until it’s time to make the patties. As for the button mushrooms, you can roughly chop and saute in advance, then mix with the cooked lentils. I kept mine as larger chunks to give the patties textures.
For the mushrooms in the gravy, I used shiitake. They are juicy, packed with flavour and enhance whatever you add them to, serving as the perfect bite and umami. You get the creamy, ‘meaty’ taste while enjoying the lentil patties with even more mushroom.
Ingredients
Patties/’steak’:
1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
1/2 cup cooked button mushroom, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Worcester sauce
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Fenugreek powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 vegetable bouillon cubes, crushed
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup regular breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/2 yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons tomato sauce/ketchup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Mushroom gravy:
1/2 cup Shiitake mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1-2 cup(s) vegetable broth
Olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcester sauce
1/2 yellow onion. diced
1 teaspoon minced serrano pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
Instructions
First, make your steaks! In a large bowl, add the onion, garlic, and breadcrumbs, mix with your hands and set aside for 5-10 minutes.
Add cumin, coriander, fenugreek powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, bouillon cubes, lentil and mushroom mix, mustard, tomato sauce, and egg. Give it another good mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then shape your patties to the desired size and thickness - don't make them too thick and make sure they are the same size and cook evenly. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Fry the lentil mushroom steaks on medium-high heat in some olive oil, 4-5 minutes each side or until the surface begins to brown and get crispy. Remove from the nonstick pan set aside.
Time for the gravy. Using the same large pan or a large pot, saute the onion, chilli pepper, and garlic with olive oil for about 3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Add the butter followed by the shiitake mushrooms. Sweat out for another 6-8 minutes. Add the Worchester sauce, mustard, and broth, and stir.
Gradually add the flour in parts, mixing each time to thicken the gravy. Add the patties back and nestle in the gravy, scoping over each patty.
Serve hot with sweet mashed potatoes, butter and steamed peas.
Red Wine Glazed Lamb Chops With Asparagus Pea Salad
If you're looking to host and have some meat eaters in your midst, get some lamb chops for a special treat! Cuts can be on the pricey side, but they are very much worth it. I love a juicy, well seasoned, chop.
Warm weather calls from pairing this with a fresh salad, and what scream spring and summer more than asparagus and English peas?
Ingredients
1 trimmed rack of lamb
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worchester sauce
1 tablespoon dried mint
2 tablespoons dried thyme
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 garlic cloves
1 cup red wine (use a bold red)
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup mushroom gravy
1 cup asparagus tips
1 cup peas
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup feta cheese
Mint sauce (optional)
Instructions
Mix the herbs, seasoning, fresh garlic, olive oil, Worchester sauce, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Use the wet rub to marinate the lamb chops, and set them aside covered airtight in the fridge for about half an hour.
Heat your oven to 350F degrees.
In a hot skillet, add some olive oil and sear the chops on all four sides to create brown crisp at medium heat.
Deglaze the pan with red wine, then bake the chops for 15 minutes, or an internal temperature of 145F degrees for medium-well. Remove from the skillet pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
While the lamb cooks, prepare your greens. Heat a large pot of salted water with a bit of olive oil and bring to a boil. Blanch your asparagus tips and peas separately for 6 minutes each or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove immediately from the pot and drain, allow to cool. Once both are drained, toss with the olive oil, balsamic, salt, pepper, garlic powder and parmesan. When ready to serve, top with the feta cheese. You can also use a simple vinaigrette instead! Adjust the dressing amount accordingly in either case - too much will make them soggy.
Reheat the remaining wine and create a sauce. Add the mushroom gravy, extra wine, and some butter, and stir over medium heat until it thickens.
Give the lamb chops a final seasoning and serve with the sauce, mint sauce and salad. Makes 2 servings.
Sadza and Creamed Spinach with Sardines
Autumn weather brings the need for comfort food, and I look no further than combos from home.Sardines were something eaten frequently in my household growing up. We often had pressed sardine sandwiches for lunch at school. Kapenta, the Tanganyika sardine or the more common Shona name matemba, are freshwater fish commonly eaten in southern Africa. Zimbabweans both in and outside fishing towns alike stew them and serve along with sadza (cornmeal) and greens, or as fried, crispy finger food.
I had the craving and whipped up something I thought would be as close as possible to the real thing. Even though I didn't use kapenta, the smoked sardines played a decent substitute.
Creamy spinach is a nice detour to handle your greens and doesn't have to be super fatty or bland either. I used milk instead of cream, and the flour helped thicken up everything just fine.
I would also recommend against throwing out the sauce the fillets come in. The liquid is richly flavoured, like perfectly seasoned broth. Just add the tomato, soy sauce and chilli flakes for additional depth of flavour.
In general, I wouldn't shy away from tinned fish! Though I have personally cut down on meat, I always say fish will be the last thing to go, and tinned fish is convenient. You can add it to soups, stews, sandwiches, salads, and other dishes; and as the weather gets colder and your grocery runs less, you'll appreciate the occasional tin.
Ingredients
2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2-4 large smoked sardine fillets (I used Bar Harbor, which is MSC certified/sustainably caught)
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons flour
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1/4 cup tomato, diced
Sadza:
1 1/3 cups white corn/maize meal
3/4 cup cold water
2 1/2 cups boiling water
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a saucepan, melt the butter and saute the onion for about 3 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and fenugreek and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion starts to brown and soften.
Stir in 1 teaspoon flour then whisk in the milk, make sure the flour dissolves. Add 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes and simmer for about 1-2 minutes. Add the spinach and simmer the spinach for 5 minutes. Stir frequently until the leaves have wilted and are incorporated with the onion, set aside.
Prepare your sadza. In a pot, make a paste using the cold water and a 1/3 cup of maize meal, add the salt.
Place the pot over high heat and add 1/2 cup of boiling water. With a wooden spoon, stir quickly and get rid of any lumps. You want a smooth porridge to form. If you need to, use a whisk!
Add the rest of the hot water, still stirring to ensure you still have a smooth porridge. At this point, it will start to bubble. Reduce to medium heat and place a lid on top. Careful not to get burnt. Let the sadza cook for about 10 minutes.
Once cooked, fold in the rest of the corn/maize meal. You’ll want to use a twisting motion with your wooden spoon to make sure all the dry mix is incorporated. This is the final step to make it a thick, dough-like consistency. You can add more corn/maize meal depending on the texture you want.
Put the lid back on and sit on low heat to allow the sadza to rest for about 5 minutes. You might hear it 'breathing' or puffing at this point.
Drain the sardine fillets and keep the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat it and add 1 teaspoon flour, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes, and the tomato. Simmer until a gravy forms.
When ready to serve the sadza, dip your wooden spoon in some cold water to prevent too much sticking. Mould into a round shape and serve immediately with the creamed spinach, sardines, and gravy.
Tip: to smoothen your sadza use cling wrap as you shape it
Mushroom Stroganoff
If you're looking for a delicious, quick and easy lunch or dinner meal, this is it!
I used a mixture of mushrooms to give the dish more flavour and dimension, adding rosemary, dried thyme, and other spices.
I also choose to deglaze the pan with cooking wine, adding truffle oil and sautéing the onions and mushrooms in peanut oil.
These kinds of choices make a huge difference when it comes to a finished product.
You won’t want to skip the step where you mix the sour cream with a bit of broth - this helps to prevent the dairy product from curdling.

Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 4-ounces mushrooms (mix of shitake, oyster, and cremini)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 1/3 of a poblano pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
- 1 cup beef broth (or 1 bouillon cube + 1 cup water)
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 2 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Slice the onions lengthways and sauté in a pan with the mushrooms, rosemary, dried thyme, cumin, fenugreek, chili flakes, salt, pepper and the poblano pepper in peanut oil. Cook for about 10 minutes to sweat out the mushrooms and caramelize the onions.
- Drizzle the truffle oil then deglaze the pan with the cooking wine.
- Add the broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the broth and mix it with the sour cream. Add it back to the mushrooms and mix well.
- Prepare the noodles as instructed on the bag, wait to drain until you combine with the mushrooms.
- Mix the noodles in with the creamy mushroom mixture. Season with additional black pepper and chili flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
600Fat (grams)
38.1Carbs (grams)
51.7Protein (grams)
13.7Portobello Steak with Acorn Squash and Greens
This recipe is the fourth of six plates I would serve if asked to make a 6-course meal or string of small plates/tapas based on Zimbabwean cuisine. I used ingredients that are commonly eaten or are considered a cornerstone of our cooking, but with a modern twist. The first was sweet potato soup, the second tomato bruschetta with guava balsamic glaze, and the third fried sadza with chilli creamed corn.
I tackled three vegetables this time which are of great importance in the Zimbabwean diet both in the countryside and the urban areas.
The star of this dish is the Portobello mushroom (if you must have meat, you can replace this with ribeye or sirloin steak). The mushroom cap is not only a great alternative to a piece of steak due to the umami, but in Zimbabwe, mushrooms are commonly eaten. One of the most popular forms in particular is nhedzi, consumed in the form of rich broth soup. Mushrooms are readily available and not everyone can afford meat, another reason that makes mushrooms an ideal meat replacement.
I also used acorn squash, but in Zimbabwe, the pumpkin would have been the first choice. The vegetable is consumed year-round boiled, mixed with peanut butter, in stews, and spread on bread, but not so much roasted. There is something about well-spiced pumpkin/squash that can be appreciated as a side (or main) on a plate. I will note that the pumpkin is used in its entirety, including the leaves. In fact, dried pumpkin leaves are considered a favored delicacy (muboora).
Finally kale, like sadza, is a cornerstone of Zimbabwean cuisine. Many variations are grown in people's backyards, stewed, cooked with peanut butter or fried crispy.
This dish can serve 1-2 people, so you can double up the quantities if necessary. I would recommend not keeping the Portobello steaks longer than 2 days for optimum taste! There is a variety of flavors and textures that make this a healthy, filing, dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Portobello steak:
1 large Portobello mushroom cap
1 tablespoon steak 'n chops seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon pesto
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 thyme sprig
2 tablespoons minced garlic
Acorn squash :
1 small acorn squash (or pumpkin)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
Green beans:
1 small bunch green beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Kale:
2 cups kale
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon Royco Usavi mix (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
Instructions
Scrub any mud or debris from the Portobello steak. Rub the mushroom with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, steak ‘n chops seasoning, and soy sauce.
Heat a pan on medium-high heat with the olive oil, then place the mushroom head to sear one side - leave it still for about 3-4 minutes. Add the thyme spring, butter and minced garlic, flip over, then cook the other side while basting with the melted butter sauce. Do this for another 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl toss the green beans in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil then set aside.
To prepare the acorn squash, split in half and remove the seeds and fibers. Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika then drizzle with olive oil and honey. Make some incisions with a knife to help the flavors seep in.
Place the Portobello steak, green beans and acorn squash onto a lined baking tray, and bake at 400F. After 25 minutes, remove the mushroom and the green beans from the tray - you'll want to flip the mushroom and turn over the beans at least once before that. Bake the squash for an additional 15 minutes, or until it has softened. Once done, spoon the sauce in the middle over each acorn half and reserve any other juices for serving.
In a small pan while the other vegetables are baking, sauté the kale. Add olive oil and toss the leaves with the garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, pepper, coriander, and Royco Usavi mix. Cook for 5 minutes or until the kale begins to wilt slightly but still maintains a crispy texture.
Serve the Portobello steak with pesto and any juices from the mushroom, along with the green beans, acorn squash, and kale.
Tomato, Thyme and Cheese Galette
Do you need a delicious summertime pie for brunch or dinner? If you are a lover of fresh tomatoes and thyme, this galette is for you! It's an amazing combination of sweet and savoury and perfect on a hot day. The cheese base provides the fat, which the acidity and the tartness from the tomatoes cut through. Then you have the pie crust which offers a crunchy, buttery, flakey texture.
I love this galette pie and hope you will try it! You can serve it as it is or with a small scoop of sour cream.
The sweet potato nectar in the marinade adds a subtle sweetness as well as a concentrated, depth of flavour that mingles well with the tomatoes.
The great thing about this free from crust pie is that it doesn't have to be perfect, so have fun with it!
Ingredients
1 large beefsteak tomato
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1/4 cup sweet potato nectar (I used D’Vash but you can use another plant-based sweetener)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon coarsely ground steak seasoning
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 heaped teaspoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worchester sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 pie crust
1 egg, beaten
Cheese base:
1/8 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon queso fresco, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sour cream
Instructions
Prepare your tomatoes. Thinly slice the beefsteak tomato and slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Make the marinade. Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, Worchester, sweet potato nectar, chilli flakes, and thyme in a bowl. Place the tomatoes in the bowl and gently mix until all are coated evenly. Set aside.
Make the cheese base. Mix the cheddar cheese, queso cheese, seasoning, fresh thyme, heavy cream, and sour cream. Taste and make sure you like the flavour. Spread the cheese mix over the centre of the pie crust, leaving a few inches to fold over.
Lay the marinaded tomatoes on top, then fold the edges of the pie crust to encase the filling (leave the remaining liquid out).
Brush the sides of the pie with the egg wash, then sprinkle with the steak seasoning for texture and taste.
Bake in a 425F oven for 25-30 minutes. Watch so the crust and tomatoes on top don't burn.
Remove the galette from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme, chili flakes, queso, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Ras El Hanout- Spiced Eggplant Crust Mini Pizzas
If you have some leftover eggplant and don't know what to do with it, make some mini Margherita pizzas! These crustless babies are keto, low-carb, and vegetarian, with umami taste similar to mushrooms. They absorb flavour like a sponge!
Speaking of flavour, instead of a regular, tomato sauce, I wanted a flavour that would pack a punch and not rely on the cheese. I seasoned the pizza base with homemade ras el hanout, a spice blend prevalent in North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. It’s a mix of intense, complex flavours (better if you can grind it up to from whole spices)! The ras el hanout enhances the sauce and goes well with the eggplant, and is often used to season meat, fish, couscous and other vegetables.
I love the spice mix because there are no hard rules in terms of ratios, but generally cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, ginger, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper make a feature.
The name ras el hanout translates to ‘head of the shop’, alluding to a blend of the best spices in store!
Also, if you can get your hands on fresh herbs, use them! This will give your pizzas a fresh bite.
Ingredients
1/2 large eggplant
Olive oil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
5 basil leaves
Dried parsley
1 heaped teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
1/4 cup tomato salsa
1/2 cup tomato ragu
Salt and black pepper
Mozzarella or sharp cheddar, cut into small squares
Chili flakes
Ras el hanout:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
(Makes about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
Cut your eggplant into thick slices (not too thin, they will shrink a bit in while baking). Brush them generously with olive oil and sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides. Bake at 400F for 15 minutes.
While the eggplant is in the oven, prepare your spiced tomato sauce in a small bowl. Mix the ragu, salsa, Worchester sauce, garlic, and basil. Blend the spices in a small container where you can store what remains. Add one teaspoon to the tomato sauce and mix well.
Remove the eggplant from the oven and top with the tomato sauce, cheese squares, fresh thyme, and basil leaves.
Bake for another 10 minutes and until the cheese starts to melt.
Serve hot and garnish with chilli flakes, parsley, and ground pepper.
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Plantain Fufu
I love mushrooms and appreciate fufu even though I'm more familiar with its starchy cousin sadza (a thick maize/cornmeal porridge).
Fufu is pounded or ground cassava or yam cooked with water often served with vegetable relish, soup or meat stew. It is central to many West African dishes.
I used plantain fufu flour. I love plantains, and they are gluten-free, high in antioxidants, fibre and several other nutrients. You can use other types of ground or pounded root or starchy vegetable such as malanga.
Groundnut or pepper soup are commonly served with fufu, but I was inspired to use mushrooms instead, or more specifically nhedzi. This is a type of mushroom found in Zimbabwe often served as a rich broth-based soup. I used what I could get my hands on - namely dried shiitake (which helps add extra flavour) and cremini mushrooms. I add the coconut milk element to make the soup creamier. Not surprisingly, cream of mushroom soup is very popular, I hope you try the recipe out!
Ingredients
1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated
1 1/2 cups frozen cremini mushrooms
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons Worchester sauce
1/4 cup cooking marsala wine
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons thyme
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Royco Usavi mix (optional)
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
1 vegetable bouillon
2 cups water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Plantain fufu:
1/2 - 1 cup plantain fufu powder (I used Tropiway’s)
1-2 cups water
Depends on how much you need for serving.
Instructions
In a medium pan, fry the shiitake mushrooms in vegetable oil with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons Worchester sauce.
Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms start to crisp up around the edges without burning, set aside.
In a large pot, saute the onions and minced garlic in butter and olive oil for about 3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon Usavi mix, and 1 tablespoon thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the frozen mushrooms to the pot, cook until the water has melted and the mushrooms are mixed in well. Add the vegetable bouillon (crush it), water, and cooking wine. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Whisk in the flour until the soup begins to thicken and it's completely dissolved. Add the coconut or cream and 3/4 of the shiitake mushrooms, simmer for another 5 minutes.
In another pot, prepare the fufu according to the box's instructions. All you will need is water and the fufu powder, which you will knead and shape with a wooden spoon and your hands into a dough.
Serve the fufu ball(s) with the soup ladled on top or to the side with the rest of the fried mushrooms.
Cashew Chicken
I grew up eating a lot of chicken stew I'm Zimbabwe. Many of them were tomato-based, so I was immediately drawn to and inspired by the Haitian cashew chicken - also commonly known as poulet aux noix (chicken in nuts). To sum it up, you marinate the chicken in spices, chili pepper and tomato, cook it with peppers and onion, and top it with cashew nuts. The dish is sweet but spicy, and the cashews add a delightful crunch. You can use whichever cuts of the chicken you prefer. I used the thighs and wings because they are more flavourful in my opinion. Cashews are common in Haitian cooking, and I happen to be a huge cashew fan. If you like them too and are looking for a table-worthy chicken dish, try this version! It’s usually paired with black rice, but the main ingredient (djon-djon mushrooms) can be difficult to find. Try it with my mushroom and black bean rice instead.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs and 1 lb. wings, bone-in and skin on
1 half large onion, sliced thin lengthways
1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon mustard
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon parsley
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon garlic
1/2 cup tomato ragu
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 large red pepper, thinly sliced
1 scotch bonnet or hot chili pepper, chopped
1 cup water
2 cups chicken broth
3 large scallions
1 can (15-ounce) peeled plum tomatoes
3 heaped tablepoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons chili flakes
1 cup cashew nuts
Instructions
The night before you cook, you'll need to marinate your chicken. Wash with hot water then rinse with lemon juice.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, fresh and dried thyme, mustard, and paprika. Add the garlic, chopped chili pepper, black pepper, onion, and tomato ragu.
Mix until the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover with a lid or cling film and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare the chicken
In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon garlic, sauté for 1 minute.
Add the chicken pieces and brown, cook each side for 3-4 minutes. The skin should start to crisp. Set aside in a plate, keep the chicken fat and bits in the pan.
Sweat out the scallions, red peppers, and green peppers in the pan. The vegetables should start to soften, cook for about 3 minutes.
In the bowl with the remaining marinade, add the plum tomatoes and tomato paste, mix and add to the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes.
In a large pot big enough for all the pieces, add the chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken and mix well. Add the chili flakes, broth, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and water. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
While the chicken is cooking, submerge the cashews in a small pot and boil for at least 10 minutes until they are soft on the outside. Drain the water. Add the cashews to the chicken stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with mushroom rice!
Easy Shrimp and Grits
This is easily one of my favourite brunch options but I can eat it any time. It is certainly a crowd pleaser and the ultimate comfort food, one of many out of southern states like Louisiana and Georgia. Some of the best shrimp and grits I ever had was in New Orleans, you can read about it here. This dish has a lot of interesting history, borrowing from different cultures and cuisines. However, the bottom line is it’s delicious, and you can make a simple version in your kitchen!
One thing I will note is there are tomatoes in this dish, along with Cajun seasoning. Why is that worth mentioning? Well because technically that is one of the ways you tell the difference between Creole and Cajun dishes that come out of Louisiana - Creole dishes are the ones that typically use tomato. In this instance, you can ignore it unless you truly want to align with the essence of what is Cajun!
Video Tutorial

Easy Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. raw large or medium shrimp (they may shrink/curl up when cooking so you may want them on the bigger side. You can also add a bit more if necessary)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worchester sauce
- 1 bouillon cube
- 1/2 - 1 cup water (add after bouillon cube)
- 1 cup broth
- 1 cup coarsely ground cornmeal
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Some cream or milk (optional)
Instructions:
- In a pan heat the butter and olive oil, add the garlic and seasoning for the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the onions and sweat them out for about 2 minutes. Then add the tomato and peppers and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the broth, Worchester sauce, bouillon cube, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Add the lemon juice to the shrimp then add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring sometimes. Turn over the shrimp if necessary to cook through, they are done when pink and no longer translucent.
- Prepare the grits. Boil the water, broth, and milk.
- Whisk a well in the middle of the pot and gradually pour in the cornmeal. Bring to a boil again but careful not to get hot cornmeal on you!
- Close the pot with a lid and simmer the cornmeal for about 20 minutes, periodically stirring and adding more water when necessary.
- Once the grits are done, whisk in the butter, cheese, and pepper. You can add some cream or milk to get them to your desired consistency.
- Serve hot with the shrimp on top! Garnish with parsley.
Calories
574Fat (grams)
28.02Carbs (grams)
55.08Protein (grams)
27.81Coconut Shrimp Po Boys
I love coconut and I think it's safe to say peoole either have a love or hate relationship with it. Not only do I like the taste, but the sheer vertility is just magical. You can use it in various forms in multiple ways - I'm talking coconut milk, oil, flour, water, cream, flakes you name it.
This recipe uses 3 of those forms - flour, cream and flakes to make one of the most famous sandwiches in the American South - the po boy! A delicious yet simple sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and topped with an aioli, what more do you need? You can make them at home easy, with the infusion of some coconut to give a unique flavour. Try it out!
Ingredients
1/2 lb. shrimp, skin and tail removed, deveined
1/4 cup + 1-2 teaspoons old pay seasoning
3 eggs
1 cup coconut flour
2 cups shaved coconut
2 tablespoons coconut cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise (low sodium)
3-5 coco bread pockets/ sub rolls/ whatever bread rolls you have
1 cup lettuce, shredded
Video Tutorial
Instructions
Step 1
Pat your shrimp dry and season with old bay, set aside.
Step 2
Heat some oil to fry you shrimp ( the amount will depend on the size of your pot, use about 1 quart/ 4 cups to start). Watch carefully so it does not burn.
Step 3
While your oil heats up, prepare your shrimp. In 3 separate bowls, line up the coconut flour, the beaten eggs and the coconut flakes. Pat your shrimp dry, then systematically dip them in the flour, eggs, and coconut, set aside. Make sure as much of the surface is covered. ( You can use one hand for the eggs, the other for the flour and flakes to avoid clumping.)
Step 4
Once the oil is ready, get to frying! Do so in batches if necessary you don’t overcrowd the pot. Place the coated shrimp in the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes. When browned, scoop out and place on a paper towel to soak excess oil. Turn off the heat.
Step 5
To prepare your sauce, whisk the mayonnaise and coconut cream. Add in the old bay tasting along the way, then set aside.
Step 6
Now you are ready to assemble your sandwich! Spread your sauce on the bread/roll. Lay on the lettuce, a few tomato slices, and the fried shrimp on top. Drizzle about a tablespoon of the coconut cream sauce on top.
Serve with pickles, fries, a salad, or whatever!
This recipe was developed as part of the Black Foodie Battle contest, a cooking challenge to make coconut a star of the dish. Check out the full episode and other contestants dishes at blackfoodie.co.
Shrimp Bunny Chow
Here's to 'Bunny Chow' as the South Africans call it, or 'Stondido' as the Zimbabweans refer to it (arguably a misnomer but I always loved the word!). Perhaps this makes you think of a bread bowl with soup from your local deli. The inspiration here mainly goes to bunny chow - Indian curry served, and eaten with a hollowed-out loaf of bread. The dish's origins are rooted in Durban, South Africa and there is a long history behind it.
I put together a version that would serve as the ultimate comfort food. You can leave out the shrimp and keep it vegan/vegetarian with the chickpeas and malanga root. The combination of spices, fresh bread, coconut, and a kick from the kachumbari (East African tomato, onion, and jalapeno salad) on the side makes for a delicious, satisfying meal you won't’ regret making!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 medium red onion
1 can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon lemongrass
1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoon fish spice
1 cup malanga root, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup yellow peppers, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 pound shrimp, cooked
1 can chickpeas
1 cup coconut cream
3 cups (seafood) broth
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 sturdy loaf, unsliced (I used pain de campagne round bread/French sourdough)
Kachumbari:
(Optional curry condiment that resembles sambals)
1/2 jalapeno
1/4 medium red onion
1 roma tomato
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon balsamic vinaigrette
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
Step 1
Toss your shrimp and chickpeas in olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon paprika, and the fish spice, Set aside in the fridge.
Step 2
Add the butter and vegetable oil to a large pot. Add the garlic and onions and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add all the spices, sauté for another 2 minutes.
Step 3
Add the chopped malanga, carrots, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes to sweat the vegetables out. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4
Add the broth, a crushed, dissolved bouillon cube, and the coconut cream. Heat the pot until the contents reach boiling point, then reduce the temperature to low and simmer for about 25 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Check to see if the malanga has softened (if not, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if you like.
Step 6
Add the shrimp and chickpeas, along with the coconut milk and dissolved cornstarch (you can use some of the hot curry to do this). Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it thickens.
Step 7
To make Kachumbari: In a bowl, whisk together vinaigrette, honey, olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, parsley, and minced garlic - taste to see if it is to your liking. Add finely chopped jalapeno, tomato, and onion and mix everything well. Set aside.
Step 8
Cut the top off your bread (or cut it in half depending on the shape). Hollow out the loaf but keep the bread stuffing, set aside. Dish your curry directly into the bread and serve hot with kachumbari. Enjoy!
Serves 3 - 4
IKEA Swedish Meatballs, Remixed
When IKEA UK released the recipe to its popular Swedish meatballs, it got the internet buzzing. This recipe maintains the creamy sauce the meatballs are served in, but with one significant switch - the ground meat. Chorizo is a pork sausage popular in Spain, Portugal, and South America. It is full of flavor and higher in fat compared to (making it taste even more delicious in my opinion) the standard combination of pork and beef. This is a guilty pleasure you can try at least once!

IKEA Swedish Meatballs, Remixed
Ingredients:
- 1 heaped cup ground chorizo
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 3/8 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/8 cup milk (about 5 tablespoons)
- 1 egg (or 1 teaspoon mayonnaise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worchester sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic chili spice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a bowl using your hands, mix the chorizo, garlic, onions, garlic, egg/mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Be sure to mash any large lumps.
- Add the milk, then shape into meatballs into the size of a golf ball. Chill in the fridge for at least 1-hour minimum (this will help the meatballs from breaking apart too easily).
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a pan. Brown the meatballs, each for about 4 minutes per side.
- Finish them off in an oven at 350F for about 25 minutes and add 2 tablespoons of water to prevent burning. Keep a close eye and make sure the meatballs cook through.
- In another pan, add the rest of the butter and olive oil. Whisk in the flour to form a paste, cook for about a minute.
- Add the broth, cream, Worchester sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic chili and cook for another 2 minutes. Continue to whisk until it thickens.
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and baste with the sauce over low heat until they all fully covered.
- Serve hot with pasta or mashed potatoes!
Calories
591Fat (grams)
43.74Carbs (grams)
17.93Protein (grams)
30.8Cauliflower Tumeric Chickpea Soup
Next to kale, cauliflower is probably one of my favorite cruciferous vegetables. I like it more than I do broccoli (though I think broccoli has an unfair reputation!) Soup is a great way to make use of stray vegetables in the fridge or freezer, as well as dressing up vegetables you may otherwise not enjoy raw, roasted or eaten whole in another form. This flavorful, turmeric-spiced soup should warm you up if you have the chills or are just craving something hot and hearty and can be enjoyed with some lightly toasted bread.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked cauliflower
1 tablespoon turmeric
3- 4 cups vegetable broth (depends on how much soup you want, less broth if your vegetables are frozen)
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon curry power
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 cup mix of carrots and celery, chopped
1/3 + 1/3 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk)
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 + 1/4 cups parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chickpeas
Instructions
Step 1
Heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil and sauté onions and garlic for about 3 minutes, do not burn. Add the spices and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2
Add the carrots and celery, cook for 2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
Step 3
Add the cauliflower, chickpeas, and broth, reduce temperature to simmer.
Step 4
In a smaller pot on low heat, add 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Add the flour, 1/4 cup cheese, and 1/3 cup cream a little bit at a time. Whisk to form a roux (which will act as a thickening agent for your soup). You can season the mix with salt and pepper.
Step 5
Add the roux, and the remaining cream and parmesan cheese to your soup pot, stir, and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 6
Once your soup is cooked, turn the heat off and set aside to cool. When slightly cooled, using a hand mixer or moving your soup to a blender, blend the soup to your preferred consistency.
Serve hot with lightly toasted bread, garnish with cheese, spring onions, and roasted cauliflower. Serves 4-5.
Tip: Keep tasting and seasoning as you cook! This will ensure your soup comes out to your liking and does not taste bland.
Chicken and Chorizo Spanish Rice
If you enjoy Spanish cuisine and are craving some comfort food, try out this one-pan recipe! It’s a spin on Spanish rice taken to another flavor level with the addition of chorizo sausage and chicken to make it extra filling and delicious, seasoned with paprika, cumin, black pepper, parsley, coriander, onion salt, and garlic.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
2 chorizo sausages
3-4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup Marion’s siracha and lime marinade (mild chili sauce of your choice)
1/4 cup chickpeas
1/4 cup raisins
6- 8 pieces of chicken (breasts, drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of all 3)
1/2 cup onions, chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons black pepper
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle seasoning
2 teaspoons coriander
2 tablespoons onion salt
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons oregano (fresh or dried, I used parsley as an alternative)
Instructions
Step 1
Sauté the onions and garlic in the butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until flagrant. Add half the spices - 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon onion salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chipotle, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon oregano. Cook for about 1 minute, do not burn.
Step 2
In a bowl, soak the chicken in the vinegar and lemon. Season with the remaining spices (1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon onion salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon oregano) and olive oil. Set aside.
Step 3
Chop up the chorizo and brown on medium low heat along with the chicken, cook for about 5 minutes. Move to another plate, keep the juices and others bits in the pan.
Step 4
Add the washed and drained rice to the pan and brown, cook for about 3 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce, chili sauce, raisins, chickpeas, and 3 cups of broth. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the chicken and chorizo back in.
Step 5
Simmer with a lid on on low heat for about 25 minutes until there is no more liquid. After about 15 minutes, add the extra cup of water if you think more cooking time will be required for the rice to be fully cooked. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and oregano if necessary.
Serves 4.
Tip: Make sure you use a non-stick, deep pan to avoid spillage and rice getting stuck to the bottom.
Carbonara Pasta
Thank the stars and the Romans for this delicious Italian dish! Yes, you can make it in your home easily and impress all guests and family. Restaurants or the taste may make carbonara appear complicated, but it is one of the easiest pasta dishes out there. You just have to make sure the raw eggs are fully cooked, but not scrambled. With very few ingredients, this makes a satisfying dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Half a box of spaghetti noodles (1lb)
Half a packet of bacon (4-6 ounces)
2 - 3 eggs
1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated or shredded
3 tablespoons parsley (ideally fresh but dried works)
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
4 tablespoons black pepper, coarsely ground
Salt
Instructions
Step 1
Chop the bacon into bits and sauté them until just crispy, then add the garlic and cook for another minute, do not burn!
Step 2
Put the bacon aside, prepare your spaghetti according to the box’s instructions. When you drain the noodles keep the water for the sauce. Toss in the bacon, bacon fat and garlic and make sure it evenly coats.
Step 3
Quickly whisk the eggs and parmesan cheese together, then add to the hot pasta. (Don’t do this over the heat, you want the pasta’s heat to cook the eggs as you mix everything together, but you don’t want them to scramble).
Step 4
Season generously with the black pepper and parsley, add more cheese if you like. You can add the pasta water to get the desired sauce consistency and amount.
Eat while hot! Serves 3-4.


