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Grace

How To Make Delish Haitian Epis!

May 22, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about how a Delish Haitian Epis Recipe!

My introduction to Haitian food came when I decided to make Haitian food to accompany a Haitian film called Kafou for a film and food night.

Little did I know that the Haitian film and food night would result in a love for Haitian Creole cuisine and a curiosity to know more about it!

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What Is Haitian Epis?

Epis is the perfect place to start when learning about Haitian recipes and food. This is an incredible seasoning base and marinade that is essential in the cuisine of Haiti.

This versatile seasoning and marinade is made of fresh herbs and vegetables, aromatics, oil, vinegar, and citrus juice.

My understanding is that in Haiti, Haitian cooks may use a wooden mortar and pestle to make their epis, and that each cook has their own special recipe.

Here in the United States, epis is usually made with a food processor or blender.

This amazing blend of herbs, vegetables and aromatics adds a huge burst of flavor to savory dishes. You may always want to keep some on hand to add to your dishes once you've tried this epic Haitian seasoning!

So now allow me to show you what you'll need to make this bold and spicy sauce!

🥘 Ingredients

Thyme sprigs, parsley and cilantro, celery stalks, green onions, green and red bell pepper, onion, head of garlic, lime, bowls filled with olive oil and vinegar, and a bowl with Scotch bonnet chilis and a Maggi Bouillon cube.

Ingredients needed for this Haitian epis recipe include all the good stuff as far as I am concerned!

You will need the following fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and ingredients for this ultimate seasoning base:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Vinegar (can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Green bell pepper
  • Red bell pepper
  • Celery stalks
  • Sprigs of thyme
  • Garlic cloves (from a head of garlic)
  • Chicken bouillon cubes or tablets - use Maggi chicken cubes or tablets for the most authentic taste and experience!
  • Onion
  • Green onions
  • Lime juice (freshly squeezed from one lime)
  • Scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers

This blend of herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients will combine to give you a bold Haitian seasoning base which you will absolutely love! You'll be able to use this essential seasoning for not only Haitian cuisine, but also to give added flavor to your soups and stews. It's an amazingly versatile seasoning!

So now let's get ready to make a big batch of Haitian epis seasoning!

🔪 Instructions

Now I'll show you the simple steps involved in making epis.

You will need either a large food processor or blender to make the epis. I used a blender for this recipe.

Prep The Ingredients

First, prep all the ingredients. It's best to dice the bell peppers, onion, and celery and chop the green onions into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to blend or process these ingredients.

You can leave the garlic cloves whole.

A white plate containing diced onion, green onion, celery, and slices of Scotch bonnet peppers. Another white plate containing garlic cloves and diced green and red bell peppers.

Order To Add Ingredients

It's best to add and blend/process a few ingredients at a time. Here's the order that I recommend you add the ingredients.

Add the bouillon cube, garlic and celery to a large food processor or blender. Blend/process for a few seconds until these have been broken up.

A blender containing garlic, diced celery, and a Maggi Chicken Bouillon Cube.

Next add the diced green and red bell peppers. Blend or process this for a few seconds until this combination has been broken up and mixed together. Scrape down the sides while blending/processing if needed.

A blender containing diced green bell peppers and red bell peppers.
Dice the bell peppers before adding them to your food processor or blender.
A blender containing blended bell peppers and garlic.
Blend for a few seconds to break up the ingredients and start to liquify them.

Now it's time to add the diced onion, green onions, habanero (or Scotch bonnets) and thyme leaves. Blend/process this for a few seconds and scrape down the sides if needed. The mixture should be mostly minced by this time.

A blender containing sliced green onions, habanero peppers, and diced onions.
Add the diced onion, green onions, habanero (or Scotch bonnets) and thyme leaves.
A blender containing blended vegetables and diced onions, chopped green onions, and scotch bonnet peppers.
It's best to add ingredients a few at a time rather than all at once. Look at the lovely layers!

Add the cilantro and parsley. Blend/process this for a few seconds until these herbs have been incorporated and scrape down the sides if needed. Once you have finished this step, the mixture should be minced and well combined.

A blender containing blended red and green bell pepper, topped with some diced onion, parsley and cilantro.
Add the parsley and the cilantro at the same time.
A blender containing blended bell peppers topped with parsley and cilantro.
When processing or blending, scrape down the sides as necessary.

The final step is to add the lime juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend/process this for a few seconds, and then your epis is ready to use!

A blender containing Haitian epis with a pool of olive oil on the top.
What a beautiful blend!

Modifications

Feel free to mix things up and make some modifications if you like. You don't actually need the exact ingredients listed above. For example, you can use 2 green bell peppers instead of one green bell pepper and one red bell pepper. If you use only green bell peppers, you'll get a green seasoning as seen below.

A glass bottle with green Haitian epis held by someone's hand.

You could also use only parsley instead of a combination of parsley and cilantro if you prefer. However it's not recommended to use only cilantro.

There are many variations on Haitian epis, as Haitian cooks tend to prepare their own versions. So have fun playing around with this recipe!

Suggestions For Using This Seasoning and Marinade

Two glass jars filled with Haitian epis with some parsley on the side.

Epis is an essential ingredient for amazing Haitian dishes such as Haitian Chicken. However, you'll be delighted to know that you can use it in so many other ways!

I've enjoyed it as a dip for French fries and tortilla chips. My husband has also eaten his eggs with it and gave it the thumbs up. 👍

A French fry dipped into Haitian epis. There is a plastic container with epis under the French fry.
Use as a delish dip for fries!
A tortilla chip dipped in Haitian epis. There is a glass bowl with the epis underneath the chip.
Epis is great with chips as well!
Haitian Chicken in a cast iron skillet in a savory red sauce with lime wedges and slices of red bell pepper.
Epis is the perfect marinade for Haitian chicken!

Try stirring it into some Haitian Rice and Beans, and add a spoonful or two to your soups and stews. Also try using it as a marinade for meat or fish. You'll be glad you did!

FAQ

What is Haitian epis made of?

Haitian epis recipes vary from cook to cook. However, it typically consists of fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro, garlic, green onions, bell pepper, thyme, oil, vinegar, and citrus juice.

What is Haitian epis?

Epis is a seasoning base and/or marinade that is essential in Haitian cooking. It can be compared to the Latin American sofrito.

How long does epis keep in the refrigerator?

Epis will safely keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks if it lasts that long!

Can you freeze epis?

Yes you can freeze epis! A great way to freeze it is by adding to an ice cube tray so you can use as needed.

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Simple 10 Minute Tomato Sauce
  • Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe
  • Belizean Hot Pepper Onion Sauce

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A jar containing Haitian epis with parsley on the side.

How To Make Delish Haitian Epis

Grace
I will show you How To Make Delicious Haitian Epis! Epis is an incredible marinade and seasoning base used in Haitian food and it is amazing and a MUST try!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course accompaniment, marinade
Cuisine Haitian
Servings 4 cups
Calories 144 kcal

Equipment

  • blender or food processor you will need a large food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon vinegar
  • ½ bunch parsley please select Italian parsley; can use both stems and leaves
  • ½ bunch cilantro can use both stems and leaves
  • 1 each green bell pepper diced with seeds and pith removed
  • 1 each red bell pepper diced with seeds and pith removed
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 5 sprigs thyme use leaves only
  • 1 whole garlic head peeled
  • 1 each bouillon cube use Maggi chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 each green onions chopped
  • 1 lime juiced (use the lime juice only for this recipe)
  • 2 habanero peppers chopped (deseed for a less spicy epis) - can use Scotch bonnets

Instructions
 

  • Prep all the ingredients. It's best to dice the bell peppers, onion, and celery and chop the green onions into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to blend or process these ingredients. You can leave the garlic cloves whole.
    A white plate containing diced onion, green onion, celery, and slices of Scotch bonnet peppers. Another white plate containing garlic cloves and diced green and red bell peppers.
  • Add the bouillon cube, garlic and celery to a large food processor or blender. Blend/process for a few seconds until these have been broken up.
    A blender containing garlic, diced celery, and a Maggi Chicken Bouillon Cube.
  • Next add the diced green and red bell peppers. Blend or process this for a few seconds until this combination has been broken up and mixed together. Scrape down the sides while blending/processing if needed.
    A blender containing blended bell peppers and garlic.
  • Now it's time to add the diced onion, green onions, habanero (or Scotch bonnets) and thyme leaves. Blend/process this for a few seconds and scrape down the sides if needed. The mixture should be mostly minced by this time.
    A blender containing blended vegetables and diced onions, chopped green onions, and scotch bonnet peppers.
  • Add the cilantro and parsley. Blend/process this for a few seconds until these herbs have been incorporated and scrape down the sides if needed. Once you have finished this step, the mixture should be minced and well combined.
    A blender containing blended bell peppers topped with parsley and cilantro.
  • The final step is to add the lime juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend/process this for a few seconds, and then your epis is ready to use!
    A blender containing Haitian epis with a pool of olive oil on the top.

Notes

Store the epis in airtight glass jars such as Mason jars.  This will keep well for a couple of weeks in your refrigerator.
This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of epis, give or take. 
Great used like a salsa for chips, a dip for fries, and of course as a marinade for delicious Haitian Chicken!

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0.01mgSodium: 69mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 811IUVitamin C: 27mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
Keyword epis, haitian seasoning, seasoning base
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe

May 12, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about an Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe!

A blue bowl containing zhoug sauce which is blended cilantro with garlic, chilis, and seasonings. There are some pita breads in the background.

If you love hot and fiery foods, then you need zhoug in your life!

You'll love creating this spicy sauce in your own home with this zhoug sauce recipe.

So let me tell you a little bit about zhoug, an amazing spicy green sauce with complex flavors not for the faint of heart!

What Is Zhoug?

Zhoug is a spicy cilantro sauce from Yemen and a very popular Middle Eastern condiment. It's used to spice up some of the great dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine such as shawarma and gyros.

In addition to cilantro, the zhoug contains chilis, olive oil, and spices which gives this delicious sauce a complex flavor.

The vibrant green color of this flavorful sauce is beautiful, and you could consider zhoug as a Middle Eastern pesto.

You may have seen Zhoug Sauce at Trader Joe's, which is where I first encountered it.

A plastic container containing Trader Joe's Zhoug sauce.
Trader Joe's Zhoug Sauce
A plastic container containing Trader Joe's Zhoug sauce.
Here's what Trader Joe's delicious Zhoug sauce looks like.

I loved trying TJ's version of zhoug and was excited to try my hand at making my own version.

Mine is based on a combination of a description of Zhoug in Mimi Sheraton's 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die, as well as a recipe by Claudia Roden in her book A New Book of Middle Eastern Food.

The version I share here is quite a bit spicier than Trader Joe's, and uses different chilis to their delicious zhoug sauce.

Zhoug, also spelled zhug, is a MUST try food! However, if you are averse to cilantro and/or hot and spicy foods, this may not be up your alley. I am of the opinion it's definitely worth trying though!

So allow me to tell you what you'll need to make this easy zhoug recipe if you are willing to give it a go!

🥘 Ingredients

A bunch of cilantro, and bowls filled with Thai chilis, garlic cloves, olive oil, caraway seeds, salt and pepper, and cumin and cardamom.
Ingredients are: Cilantro, chilis, garlic, olive oil, caraway seeds, salt and pepper, and cumin and cardamom.

This spicy condiment is made up of simple ingredients that you should be able to find at most grocery stores.

Here's what you will need for this easy recipe:

  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Ground Cardamom
  • Caraway seeds
  • Ground Cumin
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Fresh garlic cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Thai chilis (can sub jalapeno peppers, serranos, or red pepper flakes)

I've included links to ground cardamom and caraway seeds to purchase on Amazon just in case you aren't able to find these at your local grocery store.

The ground spices I am using are cardamom, cumin, black pepper and salt. If you only have these as whole spices (i.e. cardamom seeds or cumin seeds), please grind them before use. You can leave the caraway seeds whole.

Zhoug is meant to be spicy, so I've elected to use Thai chilis, which pack a lot of heat and will give you a spicier sauce! However, you can sub green chilis such as jalapeños, serranos, or even red pepper flakes. You could also adjust the number of Thai chilis up or down to suit you as well.

This recipe uses both fresh cilantro leaves, as well as the cilantro stems. If you prefer to only use the leaves, then you'll need to use more than 1 bunch of this delicious fresh herb in this recipe.

I am only using cilantro in this spicy zhoug recipe. However, you could use half cilantro and half flat-leaf parsley if you like. It's all good!

🔪 Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. You may want to add the chilis and garlic first, followed by the cilantro, seasonings, and then the olive oil.

A food processor containing garlic cloves and red chilis.
Add garlic and chilis to your food processor first.
A food processor containing cilantro leaves and stems and seasonings.
Now add cilantro, seasonings, and olive oil.

Process the ingredients until everything is combined and the cilantro, garlic, and chilis are finely chopped.

A food processor containing finely chopped cilantro, garlic, and chilis.

If you have a small food processor, you may want to add the ingredients and only half the cilantro. Process that down, and then add the remaining cilantro.

Scrape the sides of the food processor down several times during the processing.

Taste and add additional salt and more olive oil until you get the perfect taste for you.

Suggestions For Serving

A blue bowl containing zhoug sauce which is blended cilantro with garlic, chilis, and seasonings. There are some pita breads in the background.

You'll be delighted to know that you can enjoy this versatile condiment in so many ways!

Zhoug is perfect for dipping pita bread into, and try it in falafel sandwiches. It's also amazing stirred into rice, and great with your favorite grilled meats.

I do hope you will give this amazing spicy sauce a try!

FAQ

How should I store zhoug sauce?

Store zhoug in an airtight container in your fridge, and consume within 4-5 days.

What do you eat with zhoug sauce?

Zhoug sauce is the perfect dip for pita bread! Add it to sandwiches and soups, serve with grilled meats, or even stir it into rice!

What country is zhoug from?

Zhoug originates from Yemen, and is a popular relish in the Middle East. It is especially popular in Israel.

1,000 Foods To Eat Project

In conclusion, Zhoug is listed in the book 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, by Mimi Sheraton. I am working my way through the foods listed in this book. This is called my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project. Zhoug is food #69 in my project! Please visit the 1,000 Foods To Eat Project page to see some other MUST TRY foods of the world that you may love to try!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Middle Eastern Chicken With Lemon and Olives
  • Middle Eastern Style Cabbage Salad
  • Lahmajoun - Middle Eastern Pizza

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A blue bowl containing zhoug sauce which is blended cilantro with garlic, chilis, and seasonings.

Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe

Grace
This Easy Zhoug Sauce Recipe will make your taste buds sing! This Yemeni condiment is spicy and zesty and perfect for sandwiches or your favorite grilled meats!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course accompaniment, Condiment, relish
Cuisine Middle East, Yemeni
Servings 4 servings
Calories 132 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch cilantro can use stems and leaves in this recipe. If you prefer only using the leaves, then please buy 2-3 bunches
  • ¼ ts cumin ground
  • ¼ ts cardamom ground
  • ¼ ts caraway seeds
  • ¼ ts black pepper
  • ¼ ts salt
  • 6 cloves garlic use fresh garlic
  • 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 each Thai chilis you can sub jalapeno peppers if you prefer

Instructions
 

  • Combine all the ingredients in your food processor. You may want to add the chilis and garlic first, followed by the cilantro, seasonings, and then the olive oil.
  • Process the ingredients until everything is combined and the cilantro, garlic, and chilis are finely chopped. If you have a small food processor, you may want to add the ingredients and only half the cilantro. Process that down, and then add the remaining cilantro. Scrape the sides of the food processor down several times during the processing.
  • Taste and add additional salt and more olive oil if you like.

Notes

This makes approximately 1 cup of zhoug. 
Using 4 Thai chilis as I have recommended will give you a very spicy zhoug sauce!  Feel free to adjust the amount of chilis to your liking or you can sub green chilis such as jalapeños, serranos, or even red pepper flakes.
I am only using cilantro in this spicy zhoug recipe. However, you could use half cilantro and half flat-leaf parsley if you like. It's all good!
This spicy sauce is SUPERB with grilled meats and sandwiches! 

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 148mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 149IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword cilantro, spicy condiment, zhoug
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Fresh Green Beans With Tomatoes, Garlic, and Chili Recipe

May 10, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Fresh Green Beans With Tomatoes, Garlic, and Chili Recipe!

Green beans with tomatoes and garlic in a white bowl.

My life changed when I discovered this great way of enjoying the humble green bean. I was introduced to an Italian green bean dish that included rich and flavorful tomatoes along with garlic in the book "Elizabeth David on Vegetables."

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The Inspiration For This Easy Recipe

Elizabeth David was a British cookery writer who revolutionized cooking in her country.  She lived in many different countries, including Italy, and learned about the local cuisines where she lived.  How thrilling it must have been for her to share her knowledge of simple and delicious Italian and Mediterranean foods that she learned abroad with her countrymen.

Ms. David's sublime recipe, which inspired the green bean recipe you find here, is called "Haricots verts a l'italienne," or green beans with tomatoes and garlic.

I have adapted Ms. David's recipe to include fresh chili and butter, which she doesn't include in her recipe.  But I have used her same technique of first boiling and then sautéing the green beans.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will absolutely adore this recipe.  Let me entice you with this:

  • This dish is pure magic.  It's amazing how a few simple ingredients can combine to give you what I think is the most delicious way of enjoying green beans
  • The prep time is 10 minutes and cook time is only 11 minutes, so you can have this simple side dish on your table ready to enjoy in less than half and hour
  • The cooking process is easy and you'll get great tasting results every time

Are you ready to indulge in this delicious and easy side dish?  If so, then allow me to tell you what you'll need to make this delightful dish!

🥘 Ingredients

Green beans in a white bowl, and bowls containing Italian peeled tomatoes, butter, salt and pepper, olive oil, and garlic and chili.

The simple ingredients you will need for this dish can be found at most grocery stores. This perfect side dish requires the following ingredients:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Butter
  • Tomatoes and tomato sauce
  • Fresh garlic cloves
  • Chili (optional but oh so good!) - I used a red Thai chili for this dish
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

This great recipe deserves the best quality ingredients for the best results. So, I highly recommend that you use Italian San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes for this dish.

San Marzano Tomatoes are a great quality tomato with amazing flavor. They cost a little more, but I think you'll agree with me that the extra cost is worth it.

The fresh chili is a wonderful addition to this dish. I love using Thai chilies, but if you want to add some spice and don't have Thai chilies, you can sub a few red pepper flakes.

So now on to the super easy instructions!

🔪 Instructions

To begin, if you are using Italian peeled tomatoes, use some kitchen scissors or a spoon to break them up until you have a nice chunky sauce. Set this aside for a future step.

Italian peeled tomatoes in a glass bowl with a pair of Wusthof kitchen scissors poised over one of the tomatoes.
Cut the whole tomatoes with scissors or break them up with a spoon.
Tomatoes and tomato sauce in a glass bowl.
Here's your lovely chunky tomatoes and sauce!

Add a teaspoon salt and bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Now add topped and tailed green beans, and boil gently for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Green beans in boiling water in a large pot.

Now add the butter and olive oil to the large pot on a medium heat, and heat until the butter has melted.

Melting butter and olive oil in a large pot.

Add the boiled green beans, the tomatoes, chili, minced garlic, and the salt and pepper.

A large pot containing melted butter and olive oil with green beans, tomatoes, minced garlic and chili, and salt and pepper.
Such beautiful colors!

Stir everything well and then cook this for around 6 minutes on a medium to a medium-low heat. Cook this for a few minutes longer is you prefer the beans to be more tender. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if you desire.

Green beans with tomatoes and garlic in a large pot. There is a blue slotted spoon with a wooden handle in the pot.

Your very tasty beans are now ready to enjoy! Place them in a beautiful serving bowl and admire them on your dinner table before digging in!

Suggestions For Serving

Green beans with tomatoes and garlic in a white bowl.

This Italian style sautéed green beans dish will delight your taste buds! I love serving this as a side to accompany Italian main course dishes such as Chicken Scallopini or Veal Parmigiana.

By the way, a splash of balsamic vinegar wouldn't go amiss. 😉

This is such a great vegetable side dish for busy weeknights. I hope you and your family will enjoy these green beans time and time again!

FAQ

Do you need to salt the water when blanching or boiling green beans?

It's a good idea to add salt to water when blanching or boiling green beans to add flavor.

How do you perk up green beans?

Perking up green beans is as simple as adding seasoning, garlic, butter, and some very flavorful tomatoes! This is Italian style green beans and they are so flavorful you may not want to have them any other way!

How do I store any leftover green beans?

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in your fridge, and consume within 3-4 days.

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Delicious Veal Parmigiana Recipe
  • Italian Broccoli Recipe With Garlic and Lemon
  • Italian Peas and Ham Frozen Peas Recipe

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Green beans with tomatoes and garlic in a white bowl.

Fresh Green Beans With Tomatoes, Garlic, and Chili Recipe

Grace
Green beans never tasted so good! This Fresh Green Beans With Tomatoes, Garlic, and Chili Recipe is delicious and makes the perfect easy side dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Total Time 21 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, vegetable side dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 46 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot to boil the beans

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb fresh green beans topped and tailed
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ⅓ cup tomatoes and sauce it's highly recommended to use San Marzano Italian peeled tomatoes. If using these, cut them up with scissors or a spoon until you have a nice chunky sauce. You can also use a good quality diced tomato product.
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 chili minced; this is optional but including the chili adds a lovely bit of heat! I used one Thai chili for this recipe, but you can sub another chili or some red pepper flakes
  • ¼ ts salt plus additional teaspoon for salting the water and any extra to taste
  • ⅛ ts pepper plus additional to taste

Instructions
 

  • If you are using Italian peeled tomatoes, use some kitchen scissors or a spoon to break them up until you have a nice chunky sauce. Set this aside for a future step.
    Italian peeled tomatoes in a glass bowl with a pair of Wusthof kitchen scissors poised over one of the tomatoes.
  • Add a teaspoon salt and bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Now add topped and tailed green beans, and boil gently for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    Green beans in boiling water in a large pot.
  • Now add the butter and olive oil to the large pot on a medium heat, and heat until the butter has melted.
    Melting butter and olive oil in a large pot.
  • Add the boiled green beans, the tomatoes, chili, garlic, and the salt and pepper.
    A large pot containing melted butter and olive oil with green beans, tomatoes, minced garlic and chili, and salt and pepper.
  • Stir everything well and then cook this for around 6 minutes on a medium to a medium-low heat. Cook this for a few minutes longer is you prefer the beans to be more tender. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if you desire.
    Green beans with tomatoes and garlic in a large pot. There is a blue slotted spoon with a wooden handle in the pot.

Notes

I highly recommend using a high quality tomato such as Italian San Marzano peeled tomatoes for this dish.  These tomatoes cost a little more, but the flavor is so so much better I think you'll agree that it's worth it. 
Enjoy this easy and delicious side dish with your favorite mains!  
 

Nutrition

Calories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 183mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 528IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Keyword green beans
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Manwich Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe

May 6, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Delicious Manwich Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe!

A white dish containing pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce. Several pieces are topped with melted cheddar and one has melted American cheese.

I grew up eating deliciously messy Sloppy Joe's. My elementary school used to serve these for lunch, and I looked forward with anticipation when my mom would make these for dinner as well. Good times!

It had been quite awhile since I've enjoyed this easy weeknight meal. So I grabbed a can of Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce at the grocery store, and proceeded excitedly to my kitchen to make Texas Toast Sloppy Joes!

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What Are Texas Toast Sloppy Joes?

This easy recipe includes the Sloppy Joe mixture that we all know and love. However, rather than being sandwiched inside hamburger buns, it's placed on top of delish garlic Texas toast. Then we add some cheese which we'll get all nice and melty and now you have this family favorite to enjoy in a brand new delicious way!

A white casserole dish with 2 pieces of Texas Toast sloppy joes one topped with melted cheddar and the other with melted American cheese. There is a pair of blue tongs in the dish.

I hope you and your whole family are excited to try these open-faced sandwiches! Now allow me to tell you what ingredients you will need to make this delicious recipe which is perfect for busy weeknights!

🥘 Ingredients

Bowls containing tomato sauce, diced onion, garlic cloves, butter, and diced green bell pepper along with a can of Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and a bottle of Worcestershire Sauce. There is a package of ground beef and plates topped with Texas Toast and slices of American cheese.

So here's what you will need to make this sloppy joes recipe:

  • Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
  • Butter
  • Texas Toast Garlic Bread (I used New York Garlic Texas Toast)
  • Tomato sauce
  • Lean or extra lean ground beef (can sub ground turkey if you like)
  • Onion
  • Green bell pepper
  • Fresh garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Cheese - I used both American cheese and white cheddar cheese (can also sub shredded mozzarella cheese)

Some optional ingredients to consider are cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, and green onions, which I think take these to the next level. 😃

These simple ingredients are easily found at most grocery stores. Now let's get to the kitchen and start preparing this delicious meal!

🔪 Instructions

Preheat your oven according to the directions on the package of Texas Toast that you are using. I used New York Garlic Texas Toast and preheated my oven to 425F. Place the garlic toast in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Bake toast until golden brown according to the package directions and set it aside. I like to stand my toast up and lean it against the side of my dish so that it doesn't get soggy. Reduce the oven temp to 400F and keep it on for now.

3 pieces of Texas Toast in a white casserole dish.
Toasted Garlic Texas Toast
A white casserole dish with pieces of Texas Toast standing on their edges leaning on the side of the casserole dish.
Stand them up so they don't get soggy.

Melt butter on medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until the veggies and garlic are softened. Remove this to a plate and set it aside for now.

A large skillet with melted butter and minced garlic, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook it on medium heat until it has browned, around 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet once the meat has browned.

Browned ground beef in a large skillet.

Now add the Manwich sauce, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir and also mix in the 1 ts of Worcestershire sauce at this time.

Sloppy joe sauce, tomato sauce, green bell pepper and onion, and ground beef in a large skillet. Someone is holding a bottle of Worcestershire Sauce in the foreground.

Reduce the heat and simmer the sloppy joe meat mixture for 10 minutes.

Sloppy joe sauce including beef, tomatoes, and green bell peppers in a skillet with a blue spoon resting in the skillet.

Lay the Texas Toast pieces down, and then top each slice of Texas Toast with about ⅓ cup to ½ cup of sloppy joe mixture. Then add your cheese of choice. If using American cheese then one slice on each piece works great. If using shredded cheddar cheese I recommend around 1.5 tablespoon per slice.

A white casserole dish with pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce and slices of American cheese that are not melted.
One slice of American cheese per slice will do.
A white casserole dish with pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce and shredded cheddar cheese.
If using grated cheddar add 1.5 tablespoon per slice.

Bake at 400F until the cheese melts. It should only take about 1-2 minutes.

A white dish containing pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce. Several pieces are topped with melted cheddar and one has melted American cheese.

And now your super DELISH tasty sloppy joes with luscious melted cheese are ready to enjoy!

Suggestions for Serving

A white dish containing 3 pieces of Texas Toast sloppy joes topped with melted cheddar cheese, green onions, and cayenne pepper.

This crowd pleaser is ready to enjoy straight from your oven. Or, if you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the slices of Texas Toast. Some sliced green onions also add color and a bit of pizazz as well!

Texas Toast Sloppy Joes can be a fun appetizer or your main meal. As a main course, it's such an easy dinner and great accompanied by a lovely green salad.

I hope this delicious dinner idea deserves a place in your rotation of easy dinners that your family loves!

The full recipe with a printable recipe card can be found below. Bon appetit!!

FAQ

Do you drain meat before adding Manwich sauce?

If you have excess fat after browning your ground meat, it's best to drain the excess fat from the meat before adding the Manwich sauce. If you use extra lean ground beef then there shouldn't be much fat to drain.

What side dishes go with sloppy joes?

A simple green salad is the perfect side dish to balance out a delicious sloppy joe!

What is a Texas Toast Sloppy Joe?

Rather than being sandwiched inside hamburger buns, the sloppy joe meat mixture is placed on top of delish garlic Texas toast. Then we add some cheese which we'll get all nice and melty and now you have this family favorite to enjoy in a brand new delicious way!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Delish Texas Chicken Spaghetti
  • Easy Chicken Armadillo Eggs Recipe
  • Delectable Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A white dish containing pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce. Several pieces are topped with melted cheddar and one has melted American cheese.

Delicious Manwich Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe

Grace
This Delicious Manwich Texas Toast Sloppy Joe Recipe is super easy! You will love the sloppy joe mixture on top of garlicky Texas Toast with melty cheese!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 26 minutes mins
Total Time 36 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 975 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • baking sheet or casserole dish

Ingredients
  

  • 15 oz Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 pieces Texas Toast Garlic Bread
  • ½ cup tomato sauce can add more if you prefer a thinner sloppy joe mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef can sub ground turkey - select lean or extra lean ground beef
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ts Worcestershire sauce

Cheese - Pick one or try both!

  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 6 tablespoon cheddar shredded (use 1.5 tablespoon per slice)

Optional

  • cayenne pepper for some extra heat!
  • green onions sliced for a bit of color and pizazz!

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven according to the directions on the package of Texas Toast that you are using. I used New York Garlic Texas Toast and preheated by oven to 425F. Place the toast in a casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Cook your toast according to the package directions and set it aside. I like to stand my toast up and lean it against the side of my dish so that it doesn't get soggy. Reduce the oven temp to 400F and keep it on for now.
    A white casserole dish with pieces of Texas Toast standing on their edges leaning on the side of the casserole dish.
  • Melt butter on medium heat in your skillet. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until the veggies and garlic are softened. Remove this to a plate and set it aside for now.
    A large skillet with melted butter and minced garlic, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook it on medium heat until it has browned, around 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat from the skillet once the meat has browned.
    Browned ground beef in a large skillet.
  • Now add the Manwich sauce, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir and also mix in the 1 ts of Worcestershire sauce at this time.
    Sloppy joe sauce, tomato sauce, green bell pepper and onion, and ground beef in a large skillet. Someone is holding a bottle of Worcestershire Sauce in the foreground.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer the sloppy joe meat mixture for 10 minutes.
    Sloppy joe sauce including beef, tomatoes, and green bell peppers in a skillet with a blue spoon resting in the skillet.
  • Lay the Texas Toast pieces down, and then top each slice of Texas Toast with about ⅓ cup to ½ cup of sloppy joe mixture. Then add your cheese of choice. If using American cheese then one slice on each piece works great. If using shredded cheddar cheese I recommend around 1.5 tablespoon per slice.
    A white casserole dish with pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake at 400F until the cheese melts. It should only take about 1-2 minutes.
    A white dish containing pieces of Texas Toast topped with sloppy joe sauce. Several pieces are topped with melted cheddar and one has melted American cheese.
  • Optional add on's are some sliced green onions and sprinkles of cayenne pepper to take these to the next level! Enjoy!
    A white dish containing 3 pieces of Texas Toast sloppy joes topped with melted cheddar cheese, green onions, and cayenne pepper.

Notes

Please note that the Nutrition Info does not include nutrition for the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce, and optional green onions, cayenne or red pepper flakes. Please refer to the Manwich can for nutrition info and please accept my apologies for any inconvienienc.
You may also sub shredded mozzarella cheese if you like.
Optional add on's are some sliced green onions and sprinkles of cayenne pepper to take these to the next level! Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 975kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 59gFat: 75gSaturated Fat: 34gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 3gCholesterol: 249mgSodium: 1467mgPotassium: 1046mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1265IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 839mgIron: 6mg
Keyword open faced sandwich, sloppy joes, texas toast
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cajun Smothered Potatoes Recipe

May 5, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Cajun Smothered Potatoes Recipe!

A red Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage. There is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven.

Cajun Smothered Potatoes are delectable. My husband took one bite and exclaimed they were delicious and tasted so smoky! The smokiness comes from the smoked Andouille pork sausage in this dish, which helps to take this great side dish to the next level.

So let me tell you about how to transform humble russet potatoes into delicious smothered southern potatoes!

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What Are Cajun Smothered Potatoes?

This delicious dish, made with simple ingredients, includes potatoes which are cooked down with vegetables, smoked sausage, and chicken stock or chicken broth. The resulting dish yields tender potatoes and vegetables that have a smoky and savory flavor which is incredibly enticing.

A red Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage. There is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven.

This easy recipe also includes The Trinity in Cajun cooking, which is celery, green bell pepper, and onion.

Now a little bit about smothering, which is one of the great cooking techniques used in many Creole and Cajun dishes. Smothering is very similar to braising. Basically this is a one pot dish that is cooked covered over a low heat for around 30 minutes or so with some chicken broth or stock. The potatoes, Trinity, and spicy sausage are cooked for this good amount of time which results in tender vegetables and incredible flavors!

So "smothering" really just means cooking it down. 😊

🥘 Ingredients

A package of Andouille Sausage, 4 russet potatoes, small bowls with seasonings, garlic, butter, and chicken broth. There is also a celery stalk, an onion, and a green bell pepper.

I hope by now you are excited to make this delicious recipe! If so, here are the ingredients you will need:

  • Butter (can sub olive oil or vegetable oil)
  • Russet potatoes
  • Yellow Onion
  • Green bell peppers
  • Celery
  • Fresh garlic (can sub garlic powder, but fresh is highly recommended)
  • Andouille sausage (can sub a different smoked sausage if you prefer)
  • Chicken broth or chicken stock
  • Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning) - I used Nunu's Cajun Seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

You may already have most of these ingredients available in your pantry! So let's roll up our sleeves and get the ball rolling on this potato and sausage recipe!

🔪 Instructions

A Dutch oven is highly recommended for this dish as it has a cover and retains heat.

Cook The Sausage

Start by setting your stove on a medium heat to a medium high heat. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or a large pot or cast iron skillet with a cover. Then add the cut up pieces of smoked sausage and cook for around 5 minutes (stir often) or until the sausage has turned a light brown color. Remove the sausage, place on a plate and leave it to the side for now.

A Dutch oven containing melted butter and small pieces of smoked sausage. There is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven.

Add The Trinity

Time to add the Trinity (diced green bell pepper, onion, and celery) and the garlic to the Dutch oven and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. By this time the veggies should have been softened.

A red Dutch oven containing melted butter and diced celery, green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.

Time For The Potatoes

Add the peeled but up pieces of potato, and cook for about 5 minutes, still on a medium heat. Stir often during this time.

A Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes and diced green bell peppers, celery, and onions.

Deglaze With Broth

At the end of the 5 minutes, the bottom of your Dutch oven or skillet will have lots of brown bits, which we will now deglaze by adding the chicken broth or stock. Scrape up the brown bits after adding the liquid, and give everything a very good stir.

A Dutch oven containing pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers, onions and celery. The bottom of the Dutch oven has browned bits and there is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven. A person is holding a glass bowl containing chicken broth, and there is a white bowl with small pieces of smoked sausage in the background.
Chicken broth will help us deglaze the pan.
A red Dutch oven containing pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers, onions celery, and some chicken broth. The bottom of the Dutch oven has browned bits loosened up by the chicken broth and there is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven. There is a white bowl with pieces of smoked sausage in the background.
Scrape up all the brown bits full which are full of flavor!

Smother It Down

Let's now return the sliced sausage to the pan, along with the seasonings (salt, pepper, and Cajun or Creole seasoning).

A Dutch oven containing small pieces of potatoes, onion, and green bell peppers along with small pieces of smoked sausage. There is someone holding a small bowl with seasonings above the Dutch oven.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes and check it every 10 minutes or so, giving it a stir each time. At the end of cooking time, taste and adjust the seasonings by adding additional seasoning to your tastes.

A red Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage. There is steam coming from the Dutch oven and the lid of the Dutch oven is poised over the Dutch oven.
Cover tightly and smother these potatoes down!

And that my friends, is it! Your dish is now ready to savor with your family!

Suggestions for Serving

A white bowl containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage.

Believe me when I say this great recipe is absolutely bursting with comforting flavors! The potatoes are now fork tender and will practically melt in your mouth. Be sure that each bite you take includes both potato and sausage for the best experience. 😉

Sometimes I will add some green onions to this versatile dish if I have them on hand. And if you like extra spice, I recommend adding a bit of cayenne pepper or a few drops of Tabasco.

These smoky potatoes are perfect served as a side dish to accompany some pork chops and green beans to make a complete meal.

To conclude, I do hope you will give this dish a try and let me know how it turns out! The full printable recipe card can be found below!

FAQ

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Cajun Smothered Potatoes in an airtight container in your fridge. This is best consumed within 4 days.

What is smothering?

Smothering is one of the great cooking techniques used in many Creole and Cajun dishes. Smothering is very similar to braising. Basically this is a one pot dish that is cooked covered over a low heat for an extended amount of time with some chicken broth or stock.

What goes with Cajun smothered potatoes?

Some great options to accompany this potato dish include pork chops and green beans!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Easy Cajun Crawfish Sauce Recipe
  • How To Make Delicious Cajun Smothered Chicken
  • New Orleans Yakamein Recipe

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A red Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage. There is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven.

Cajun Smothered Potatoes Recipe

Grace
You'll absolutely LOVE this Cajun Smothered Potatoes Recipe! The humble potato, cooked down with the Trinity and some Andouille Sausage makes for a delicious side dish you will devour!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 people
Calories 308 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot or skillet with a cover Dutch oven is ideal for this dish, however if you use another cooking vessel be sure it has a cover

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1.5 lb russet potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper diced
  • 1 celery rib diced
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 6 oz Andouille sausage or other smoked sausage, cut into bite size pieces
  • ½ cup chicken broth or chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ ts salt
  • ½ ts pepper

Instructions
 

  • Start by setting your stove on a medium heat to a medium high heat. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or a large pot or cast iron skillet with a cover. Then add the cut up pieces of smoked sausage and cook for around 5 minutes (stir often) or until the sausage has turned a light brown color. Remove the sausage, place on a plate and leave it to the side for now.
    A Dutch oven containing melted butter and small pieces of smoked sausage. There is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven.
  • Time to add the Trinity (diced green bell pepper, onion, and celery) and the garlic to the Dutch oven and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. By this time the veggies should have been softened.
    A red Dutch oven containing melted butter and diced celery, green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
  • Add the peeled but up pieces of potato, and cook for about 5 minutes, still on a medium heat. Stir often during this time.
    A Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes and diced green bell peppers, celery, and onions.
  • At the end of the 5 minutes, the bottom of your Dutch oven or skillet will have lots of brown bits, which we will now deglaze by adding the chicken broth or stock. Scrape up the brown bits after adding the liquid, and give everything a very good stir.
    A Dutch oven containing pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers, onions and celery. The bottom of the Dutch oven has browned bits and there is a blue spoon resting in the Dutch oven. A person is holding a glass bowl containing chicken broth, and there is a white bowl with small pieces of smoked sausage in the background.
  • Let's now return the sausage to the pan, along with the seasonings (salt, pepper, and Cajun or Creole seasoning).
    A Dutch oven containing small pieces of potatoes, onion, and green bell peppers along with small pieces of smoked sausage. There is someone holding a small bowl with seasonings above the Dutch oven.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes and check it every 10 minutes or so, giving it a stir each time. At the end of cooking time, taste and adjust the seasonings by adding additional seasoning to your tastes.
    A red Dutch oven containing bite sized pieces of potatoes, green bell peppers and smoked sausage. There is steam coming from the Dutch oven and the lid of the Dutch oven is poised over the Dutch oven.

Notes

Please note:  the nutrition information includes chicken broth (from a jar or can) that includes sodium (not a low or no sodium ingredient).
Andouille sausage is perfect for this recipe, but feel free to use any smoked sausage that you like.
Sometimes I will add some green onions to this versatile dish if I have them on hand. And if you like extra spice, I recommend adding a bit of cayenne pepper or a few drops of Tabasco.
This is a delicious side dish which your whole family will love!

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 622mgPotassium: 1025mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1010IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Potatoes, smothered potatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

DELISH Texas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

May 1, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a DELISH Texas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe!

A glass casserole dish containing Texas Chicken Spaghetti which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken green chilies, and green bell peppers.

Howdy y'all! If you are seeking a delicious meal that your whole family will love, then look no further! This comforting easy Texas Chicken Spaghetti recipe is just the recipe you are looking for!

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What Is Texas Chicken Spaghetti?

A glass casserole dish containing Texas Chicken Spaghetti which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken green chilies, and green bell peppers.

Chicken spaghetti is a Southern casserole that includes (amongst other ingredients) spaghetti and tender chicken baked in a cheesy and creamy sauce. It seems there are different versions of this dish floating around (for example, Mississippi Delta Chicken Spaghetti). However, the modern Texas version has to include Velveeta Cheese and Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies.

You see, we Texans LOVE LOVE our queso, and we love the Rotel Famous Queso Dip. This recipe pairs Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles with Velveeta Cheese. It's a classic combo, and perfect additions to our great recipe!

This hearty dish, with such a delicious and rich flavor, also contains condensed cream of chicken soup, onion and garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms.

There's everything to adore about this cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole! So let me tell you a little more about the ingredients you will need for this recipe.

🥘 Ingredients

To make this ultimate comfort food, you will need the following simple ingredients:

  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Boneless and skinless chicken thighs (can sub boneless chicken breasts)
  • Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed)
  • Velveeta cheese (can sub cheddar cheese but Velveeta is highly recommended)
  • Butter (can sub olive oil)
  • Onion
  • Fresh garlic
  • Green bell pepper
  • Fresh button mushrooms
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

I like to think there is a nice balance of indulgent ingredients such as the Velveeta, and healthy veggies in this dish. 😊

You may sub shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe, however I love how Velveeta melts so very smoothly hence why I use it for this homemade chicken spaghetti. Velveeta is also the perfect partner to Rotel, so I don't want to separate them here!

If you'd like to save a little time, you could use rotisserie chicken and save the step of having to cook the chicken.

I like to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, however you could use shredded chicken if you prefer.

These ingredients are easily found in your local store and you may even have most of these available in your pantry!

So now let me show you how easy it is to make this casserole dish, which your whole family will just LOVE!

🔪 Instructions

Ok let's get to making this Rotel Chicken Spaghetti!

Preheat your oven to 350F. Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven on medium heat to medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted add the bite sized chicken pieces and cook for around 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink and has turned white. Remove the chicken and place on a plate and keep it to the side.

A red Dutch oven containing pieces of cooked chicken thighs.

Bring a large pot of water to the boil, and start cooking your spaghetti according to package directions and cook to al dente. Start Step 3 while you are cooking your spaghetti. Once cooked, drain and place the cooked spaghetti in a 9"x13" casserole or baking dish.

Cooked spaghetti in a glass casserole dish.

Add the remaining 3 tablespoon of butter and once it is melted throw in the minced garlic and onion. Cook for 3 minutes until softened stirring often, and then add the chopped green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes, again stirring often.

A red Dutch oven containing melted butter, minced garlic and onion.
Soften minced garlic and onion.
A Dutch oven containing sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell pepper, and minced onions.
Add sliced mushrooms and chopped green bell pepper.

Now add the Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken condensed soup, Velveeta, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the Velveeta melts, approximately 1 minute. Return the chicken back to the skillet or Dutch oven, and stir to combine.

A Dutch oven containing broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, cubes of Velveeta cheese, salt and pepper, diced tomatoes and chilis, mushrooms, and green bell peppers.
Such a beautiful combination of ingredients!
A Dutch oven containing chicken pieces, green bell pepper, and tomatoes in a creamy cheesy sauce. There is a blue slotted spoon resting in the Dutch oven.
Creamy cheesy goodness!

Pour the chicken mixture over the spaghetti and stir to combine. Just a heads up...the casserole dish will be very full! Place the dish in your 350F oven, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

A glass casserole dish containing spaghetti, mushrooms, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and chilies in a creamy and cheesy sauce.

Now prepare yourself to enjoy a heaping plateful of Texas Chicken Spaghetti!

How To Serve Your Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!

A glass casserole dish containing Texas Chicken Spaghetti which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken green chilies, and green bell peppers.

Ok it's time to dig in! I love to serve this delicious casserole with a crisp salad. And believe it or not, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce give this dish a delightful lift, I urge you to try it!

Splashes of your favorite Tabasco or hot sauce wouldn't go amiss either, if you are like me and love spicy foods.

I hope this easy Chicken Spaghetti recipe will become a family favorite. Bon appetit!

FAQ

What is Texas Chicken Spaghetti made of?

Chicken spaghetti is a cheesy and creamy casserole which contains condensed cream of chicken soup, onion and garlic, green peppers, and mushrooms in addition to chicken and spaghetti. Texas Chicken Spaghetti insists on using Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies and Velveeta Cheese y'all!

How can I store leftover chicken spaghetti?

Store any leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Best consumed within 3 days...if it lasts that long!

Can I freeze chicken spaghetti?

Chicken spaghetti is ideal for freezing! Just place in freezer containers and enjoy within 3 months.

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

  • Easy Texas Toothpicks Recipe
  • Easy Chicken Armadillo Eggs Recipe
  • DELICIOUS Texas Chili Made Easy Using CASI Terlingua TX Chili Recipe Mix!

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A glass casserole dish containing Texas Chicken Spaghetti which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken green chilies, and green bell peppers.

DELISH Texas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Grace
This Texas Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a delicious cheesy and creamy casserole dish that your whole family will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 684 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Casserole dish 9"x13"
  • Large pan for cooking the spaghetti

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti cooked al dente
  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 10.5 oz Cream of Chicken Soup condensed
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese can sub cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoon butter split (can sub olive oil)
  • 1 onion minced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 8 oz fresh white button mushrooms sliced
  • 1 ts salt
  • 1 ts black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350F. Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven on medium to medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted add the bite sized chicken pieces and cook for around 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink and has turned white. Remove the chicken and place on a plate and keep it to the side.
    A red Dutch oven containing pieces of cooked chicken thighs.
  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil, and start cooking your spaghetti according to package directions and cook to al dente. Start Step 3 while you are cooking your spaghetti. Once cooked, drain and place the spaghetti in a 9"x13" casserole or baking dish.
    Cooked spaghetti in a glass casserole dish.
  • Add the remaining 3 tablespoon of butter and once it is melted throw in the minced garlic and onion. Cook for 3 minutes until softened stirring often, and then add the chopped green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes, again stirring often.
    A Dutch oven containing sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell pepper, and minced onions.
  • Now add the Rotel, cream of chicken condensed soup, Velveeta, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the Velveeta melts, approximately 1 minute. Return the chicken back to the skillet or Dutch oven, and stir to combine.
    A Dutch oven containing chicken pieces, green bell pepper, and tomatoes in a creamy cheesy sauce. There is a blue slotted spoon resting in the Dutch oven.
  • Pour the chicken mixture over the spaghetti and stir to combine. Just a heads up...the casserole dish will be very full! Place the dish in your 350F oven, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
    A glass casserole dish containing spaghetti, mushrooms, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and chilies in a creamy and cheesy sauce.
  • Place a heaping pile of Texas Chicken Spaghetti on a plate and enjoy!
    A glass casserole dish containing Texas Chicken Spaghetti which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, chicken green chilies, and green bell peppers.

Notes

You may sub shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe, however I love how Velveeta melts so very smoothly hence why I use it for this homemade chicken spaghetti.
If you'd like to save a little time, you could use rotisserie chicken and save the step of having to cook the chicken.
I like to cut the chicken into bite sized pieces, however you could shred it if you prefer.
Believe it or not, a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce on this dish add and extra dose of deliciousness!  Your favorite hot sauce wouldn't go amiss either!

Nutrition

Calories: 684kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 39gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1262mgPotassium: 1130mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 806IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 282mgIron: 3mg
Keyword casserole, spaghetti, Texas Chicken Spaghetti
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Texas Toothpicks Recipe

April 26, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about an Easy Texas Toothpicks Recipe!

Breaded and fried pieces of thin sliced jalapeños with a red bowl filled with ranch dressing on the left hand side.

Howdy y'all! I'm a Texan and I'm happy to share with you a terrific food from the Lone Star State. It's the Texas Toothpick, a delicious fried treat to eat, and not something to pick your teeth with. 😅

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What Are Texas Toothpicks?

Texas Toothpicks are basically thin and long strips of jalapeno peppers breaded and then fried to a golden brown perfection.

A few restaurants here in Texas serve TX Toothpicks as appetizers. However if you can't get to a restaurant to enjoy these no worries as they are easy to make at home!

So let me show you what ingredients you will need to make this easy and delicious dish!

🥘 Ingredients

Bowls containing egg, milk, flour, salt and pepper, and garlic and onion powder. There are also 5 whole jalapeños next to the bowls.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious fried appetizer. They are:

  • Jalapeños - select large jalapeños for this recipe
  • Large Egg
  • Whole milk
  • All purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Vegetable oil

The perfect partner to these is Ranch dressing. I can't tell you how good these are smothered in Ranch! However, you can substitute your own favorite dressing for Ranch if you like.

Ok, so now I'll go through the easy step by step instructions to make your Texas Toothpicks!

🔪 Instructions

Using a sharp knife, begin by cutting the top off the jalapeños and slice them down the middle lengthwise. Deseed and devein the jalapeños and then cut them into thin long strips. Combine the egg and milk in one shallow bowl, and whisk gently to make an egg wash. In another shallow bowl combine the flour and the seasonings and stir to combine well.

A white bowl containing flour and seasonings and a white bowl containing thin slices of jalapeños. There is also a small red bowl containing an egg and milk.

Dip a jalapeno strip into the egg wash and let the excess run off. Then roll it in the flour mixture. Repeat with each jalapeno strip.

A white bowl containing an egg wash, and a pair of tongs holding a thin slice of jalapeno over the egg wash.
Dip the jalapeno in the egg wash and let the excess run off.
A bowl with seasoned flour and a pair of tongs holding a jalapeno slice above the seasoned flour.
Then dip the jalapeno in the seasoned flour mixture.
Thin slices of jalapeños coated in a seasoned flour on a white plate.
Breaded jalapeno strips ready for frying!

Add vegetable oil to a depth of about 1" in a large cast iron skillet or large skillet. Heat the oil to about 350F and then add a few of the breaded jalapeno strips. You will want to fry these in batches so that you don't have too many strips frying at once. Fry until the jalapeño strips are golden brown which means you now have Texas Toothpicks! Drain on a plate lined with a paper towel and add a pinch of salt to each batch of Texas Toothpicks.

A breaded slice of jalapeno frying in hot oil.

Please note: The length of your frying time will vary according to how hot your oil is.  Mine fried up pretty quickly so it's best just to keep an eye on them while cooking and be prepared to remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.  If your oil is super hot, these can go from golden brown to burnt pretty fast!

Breaded and fried pieces of thin sliced jalapeños with a red bowl filled with ranch dressing on the left hand side.

How To Serve Your Delicious Appetizer!

Breaded and fried pieces of thin sliced jalapeños and a red bowl filled with ranch dressing. Someone is dipping one of the fried jalapeno slices in the ranch dressing.

Enjoy these with ranch dressing as a dipping sauce, or substitute your own favorite dressing. You'll be amazed at how fast these disappear!

I hope you will find this to be one of your most favorite delicious appetizers!

FAQ

What are Texas Toothpicks made of?

Texas Toothpicks are made of thin strips of jalapeno peppers breaded and then fried to a golden brown perfection. They make for a mouthwatering appetizer!

Can Texas Toothpicks be reheated?

Technically these can be reheated, but these are best enjoyed straight out of the hot oil! If you do reheat them, your best option is to reheat in an air fryer for around 3 minutes at 350F. Just be aware that they will most likely be a bit limp and not as crisp as when they come out of the hot oil when cooking them.

What sauces can I serve Texas Toothpicks with?

My favorite sauce to serve with this fried jalapeno appetizer is ranch dressing. However I think mayo would also work well, and why not try guacamole, sour cream, or even bbq sauce?!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes which you may enjoy:

  • Easy Chicken Armadillo Eggs Recipe
  • Arkansas Fried Pickles
  • DELICIOUS Texas Chili Made Easy Using CASI Terlingua TX Chili Recipe Mix

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

Breaded and fried pieces of thin sliced jalapeños with a red bowl filled with ranch dressing on the left hand side.

Easy Texas Toothpicks Recipe

Grace
You've got to try this Easy Texas Toothpicks Recipe y'all! Thin slices of jalapeno breaded and fried are called Texas Toothpicks. This great appetizer is perfect served with ranch dressing!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet or cast iron pan can also use a deep fat fryer if you prefer

Ingredients
  

  • 5 each jalapeños select large jalapeños and remove the seeds and veins

Egg wash

  • 1 egg select a large egg
  • 2 tablespoon milk use whole milk

Flour and seasonings

  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ ts salt plus additional
  • ½ ts pepper
  • ½ ts garlic powder
  • ½ ts onion powder

Oil for frying

  • vegetable oil for shallow frying

Dipping sauce

  • Ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Cut the top off the jalapenos and slice them down the middle lengthwise. Deseed and devein the jalapenos and then cut them into thin strips. Combine the egg and milk in one shallow bowl, and whisk gently to make an egg wash. In another shallow bowl combine the flour and the seasonings and stir to combine well.
    White bowls containing flour and an egg wash, and a cutting board topped with thin slices of jalapeños.
  • Dip a jalapeno strip into the egg wash and let the excess run off. Then roll it in the flour mixture. Repeat with each jalapeno strip.
    Thin slices of jalapeños coated in a seasoned flour on a white plate.
  • Add vegetable oil to a depth of about 1" in a large cast iron skillet or large skillet. Heat the oil to about 350F and then add a few of the breaded jalapeno strips. You will want to fry these in batches so that you don't have too many strips frying at once. Fry until the the strips are golden brown which means you now have Texas Toothpicks! Drain on a plate lined with a paper towel and add a pinch of salt to each batch of Texas Toothpicks.
    A breaded slice of jalapeno frying in hot oil.
  • Enjoy these with ranch dressing as a dip, or substitute your own favorite dressing. You'll be amazed at how fast these disappear!
    Breaded and fried pieces of thin sliced jalapeños and a red bowl filled with ranch dressing. Someone is dipping one of the fried jalapeno slices in the ranch dressing.

Notes

Please note that the nutrition information does not include the information for the vegetable oil or the ranch dressing.  Apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause.
The length of your frying time will vary according to how hot your oil is.  Mine fried up pretty quickly so it's best just to keep an eye on them while cooking and be prepared to remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.  If your oil is super hot, these can go from golden brown to burnt pretty fast!

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 310mgPotassium: 56mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword fried appetizer, jalapenos, ranch dressing, texas toothpicks
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How To Make Delicious Balsamic Onions

April 21, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about How To Make Delicious Balsamic Onions!

I love red onions and enjoy experimenting with different ways to enjoy them. Baking them with balsamic vinegar, the king of vinegars, may just be my favorite way with red onions. I'll wager a bet that you will love this way of cooking them as well!

Why You Will Love This Easy Recipe!

You will love this dish because:

  • Turning raw red onions into tender, tangy and sweet onions is easy and purely deliciously delightful!
  • This recipe uses simple ingredients easily found at your local grocery store.
  • Baked red onions with balsamic vinegar makes for an easy side dish, antipasto, or a great addition to pasta or even burgers.

So now let me show you what ingredients you'll need for this red onion recipe!

🥘 Ingredients

A red onion, and small bowls filled with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper.

You'll need the following ingredients for this easy recipe:

  • Large red onion (sliced into 8 wedges)
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar - I've used regular store bought balsamic vinegar in this recipe; please see notes below about authentic and genuine Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Sugar (can use white sugar or brown sugar) - we'll just add a little sugar to enhance the natural sugars in the red onion

Six basic ingredients to sweet and tangy onion heaven!

Balsamic Vinegar and D.O.P.

Balsamic vinegars vary in quality and quality makes a huge difference when using balsamic. Therefore, try to use the best quality balsamic that you can.

Having said that, super high end true balsamic vinegars, such as a 25 Year Balsamic Vinegar of Modena by Alma Gourmet, with the D.O.P. designation, are very thick and are best used sparingly. If you are fortunate to have a quality balsamic such as this one, you won't need as much as ¼ cup of vinegar called for in this recipe. 😄 

The D.O.P. stands for "Denominazione d' Origine Protetta" or "Protected Designation of Origin" in English. It is like a certificate of authenticity so that when you see this label you know you are buying a product that meets certain strict criteria as set forth by governmental organizations. An article by TheChefAndTheDish.com called "What is DOP? Understanding Italian Food Labels" is a great reference and does a deep dive into what D.O.P is and is a great read!

🔪 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350F. Peel the onion and then cut off the ends. Cut the onion in half (from stem to root end), and then cut each half into 4 wedges to make a total of 8 wedges. Place the sliced onions in a single layer in a baking dish.

Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

A casserole dish with 8 wedges of raw red onions.
Cut the onion into 8 wedges.
A casserole dish containing wedges of raw red onions, and a small bowl with balsamic vinegar with a whisk.
Whisk the remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

Pour the whisked mixture as evenly over the onions as you can. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, then bake at 350F for 20 minutes.

Red onion wedges and balsamic vinegar in a casserole dish.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and place the baking dish back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Toss the tender onions around in the sauce, and then get ready to enjoy your delicious balsamic onions!

A casserole dish containing roasted red onions in balsamic vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper.

How To Serve Your Balsamic Onions

These balsamic onions are wonderful stirred into pasta or great as a topping for burgers!  

A casserole dish containing roasted red onions in balsamic vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper.

They are also perfect as a side dish to accompany your favorite main dishes, or as an antipasto.

There is a printable recipe card below. If you make this dish I'd love to know how it turns out for you! I'd be honored if you left a star rating and your comments to let me and others know what a great recipe this is. 😊

FAQ

How long do red onions need to be cooked in the oven?

The amount of time to cook red onions in the oven will vary according to the temperature you cook them at. In this recipe, bake sliced onions at 350F for around 40 minutes for tender and delicious red onions!

How do I store any leftover baked balsamic onions?

Store any leftover baked balsamic onions in an airtight container in your refrigerator, and consume within 3 days.

How do you cut an onion for the oven?

There are several ways you can cut an onion for baking in the oven. You can simply cut them in half, or cut them into 4 or 8 wedges, as we do in this recipe. Thick or thin slices are also acceptable!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes which you may enjoy:

  • Easy Italian Mushroom Salad Recipe
  • Easy And Perfect Spicy Pasta Puttanesca
  • Italian Broccoli Recipe With Garlic and Lemon

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A casserole dish containing roasted red onions in balsamic vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Delicious Balsamic Onions

Grace
Red onions roasted with balsamic vinegar is a sweet and tangy delight! Super easy to make, this may become your new favorite way to cook red onions!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 43 minutes mins
Course accompaniment, antipasto, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 38 kcal

Equipment

  • baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 red onion select a large red onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar try to use the best quality balsamic that you can
  • ⅛ ts salt
  • ⅛ ts pepper
  • ¼ ts sugar can use white or brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350F. Peel the onion and then cut off the ends. Cut the onion in half (from stem to root), and then cut each half into 4 wedges to make a total of 8 wedges. Place the sliced onions in a single layer in a baking dish.
    A casserole dish with 8 wedges of raw red onions.
  • Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
    A casserole dish containing wedges of raw red onions, and a small bowl with balsamic vinegar with a whisk.
  • Pour the whisked mixture as evenly over the onions as you can. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, then bake at 350F for 20 minutes.
    Red onion wedges and balsamic vinegar in a casserole dish.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and place the baking dish back in the oven for another 20 minutes. Toss the tender onions around in the sauce, and then get ready to enjoy your delicious balsamic onions!
    A casserole dish containing roasted red onions in balsamic vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Notes

These balsamic onions are wonderful stirred into pasta or great as a topping for burgers!  
They are also perfect as a side dish to accompany your favorite main dishes, or as an antipasto.
Buon appetito! 

Nutrition

Calories: 38kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.3gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 52mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 0.5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword balsamic vinegar, easy recipe, onions, red onions
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Italian Mushroom Salad Recipe

April 18, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about an Easy Italian Mushroom Salad Recipe which you will just love!

A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley.

Are you a mushroom lover like I am? If so, you've GOT TO TRY this amazing mushroom recipe, made with fresh mushrooms!

I discovered Mushroom Salad, which I have fallen in love with, in a gem of a book called 365 Easy Italian Recipes by Rick Marzullo O'Connell. I've adapted this no cook mushroom recipe you find here from Mr. O'Connell's book and am so excited to share this with you!

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What Is Italian Mushroom Salad?

Italian mushroom salad is a brilliant antipasto made with raw mushrooms coated with a light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil.

Antipasto, which translates to "before the pasta," is similar to an appetizer, or is considered the first course of an Italian meal.

They are like tidbits served to stimulate or whet your appetite for what is to come.

This dish is a cold mushroom salad and has an earthy taste to it. It is garnished with fresh herbs and garlic.

So let me tell you what ingredients you will need to make this super easy salad, which is ready in 10 minutes!

🥘 Ingredients

A white bowl with sliced mushrooms, and small bowls containing parsley, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this salad. All the ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store. The ingredients you will need are:

  • Fresh white button mushrooms - slice these as thinly as you can for best results
  • Fresh garlic
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh oregano
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Fresh herbs elevate this Italian dish into something very special. And I love a bit of extra spice, so have included some red pepper flakes. However, if you prefer to leave them out it's perfectly fine. 😊

I didn't include Parmesan cheese in my recipe, however some grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over this salad would be divine!

🔪 Instructions

All you need to do to prepare this dish is rinse and clean, and then thinly slice the mushrooms. I recommend slicing them as thin as possible as they become almost ethereal when sliced this way. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, except for the mushrooms, and stir to combine.

Then add the mushrooms and toss to coat.

A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley. There is a yellow spoon with a wooden handle in the bowl.

Taste and add additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flakes if desired.

If you have some Parmesan cheese sprinkle some over the salad for extra deliciousness!

Buon appetito!

How To Serve This Italian Mushroom Salad

A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley.

This raw mushroom salad is ready to enjoy immediately. However, you can also refrigerate it in an airtight container and allow the mushroom salad to marinate for a few hours. During this time, the mushrooms will give off some delicious juices.

So this Italian mushroom salad can be served as an antipasto, or as Mr. O'Connell suggests, served with grilled meats or over steak.

I personally like to serve it as part of a green salad, to which I like to drizzle some of the juices from the mushroom salad over.

I hope you will partake of the delights of this Italian Mushroom Salad soon! Buon appetito!

FAQ

How can I store this fresh Italian mushroom salad?

Store this mushroom salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator, and consume within 2-3 days.

Do mushrooms need to be cooked before eating them?

Most store bought mushrooms can be eaten raw and do not have to be cooked. An exception is the shiitake mushroom. Please note I am not referring to mushrooms picked while foraging in the wild.

What is the best mushroom to use for this Italian cold mushroom salad?

White button mushrooms, on the smallish side, are the best mushrooms to use for this dish.

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes which you may enjoy:

  • Easy Sautéed Rapini Recipe
  • Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine
  • The BEST Linguine With Pink Shrimp Sauce

Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!

I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.

Cheers!

Grace

A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley.

Easy Italian Mushroom Salad Recipe

Grace (adapted from and inspired by Rick Marzullo O'Connell's Recipe for "Mushroom Salad" from "365 Easy Italian Recipes""
This Easy Italian Mushroom Salad Recipe is absolutely delicious and can be ready in about 10 minutes! Mushroom lovers will fall head over heels for this salad, which makes a great side dish or accompaniment to your favorite grilled meats!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 9 minutes mins
Combining the ingredients 1 minute min
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course accompaniment, antipasto, Side Dish, vegetable side dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 64 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz mushrooms select whole white mushrooms for use in this recipe and slice them thinly
  • 2 cloves garlic minced; can adjust the amount to your tastes
  • 2 tablespoon parsley minced; I used fresh Italian parsley
  • ½ tablespoon oregano minced; I used fresh oregano
  • 2.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ ts salt plus additional to taste
  • ¼ ts pepper plus additional to taste
  • ¼ ts red pepper flakes plus additional to taste
  • Parmesan cheese optional, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse and thinly slice the mushrooms. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, except for the mushrooms, and stir to combine. Then add the mushrooms and toss to coat.
    A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley. There is a yellow spoon with a wooden handle in the bowl.
  • Taste and add additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flakes if desired. Buon appetito! If you have some Parmesan cheese sprinkle some over the salad for extra deliciousness!
    A white bowl containing sliced mushrooms with garlic, red pepper flakes, and minced Italian parsley.

Notes

Serve this as a side dish to accompany your favorite mains or as an antipasto.
I didn't include Parmesan cheese in my recipe, however some grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over this salad would be divine!
You can enjoy this immediately, or refrigerate and allow to marinate for a few hours.  It's all good!

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 101mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 132IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword antipasto, Italian side dish, mushroom salad, mushrooms
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Low Sodium Chicken Stock Recipe

April 14, 2023 by Grace Leave a Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about an Easy Low Sodium Chicken Stock Recipe!

A glass jar containing homemade chicken stock.

There is almost nothing better than a homemade chicken stock. Making your own stock is extremely satisfying and incredibly useful. Here I'll show you how to make a chicken stock with a rich flavor that is also low sodium that you can use in your favorite recipes!

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Why You Will Want To Make This No Added Salt Chicken Stock!

Homemade chicken stock is far superior to store bought stock. You'll want to make this homemade no added salt chicken stock because:

  • This chicken stock is made with a whole chicken which includes the chicken bones and the meat. The resulting stock is rich and delicious with natural flavors, and perfect for use in all your favorite homemade meals!
  • You can control the amount of salt. In this recipe we will not add any salt so if you are on a low sodium diet or trying to consume less sodium in your diet, this stock is perfect for you.
  • Making this stock is super easy! There's a tiny bit of prep, but it's mostly hands off after you throw all the ingredients into your stockpot
  • Chicken stock is good for you! Our stock will contain collagen protein which seeps out of the bones during the long period of time that it will take to make the stock. The collagen is good for your immune system, so enjoying this stock should help our health! (Source is WomensHealthMag.com)

There is EVERYTHING to love about making your own low sodium chicken stock so let me show you what you'll need!

🥘 Ingredients

A whole uncooked chicken on a white plate. There is a wooden cutting board with celery, carrots, onions, bay leaves and peppercorns on it.

You only need 6 ingredients (plus water) to make this wonderful homemade chicken stock. They are:

  • Whole chicken - select one approximately 4 pounds in weight
  • Large celery rib
  • Large Carrots
  • Onion
  • Bay leaf
  • Black pepper (use black peppercorns)
  • Cold Water

I love that this low sodium chicken stock can be made with just a few simple ingredients that are easily found at your local grocery stores.

So now allow me to show you how easy it is to make this flavorful stock!

🔪 Instructions

Begin by rinsing the vegetables to prepare them for use. Quarter the onion, chop the celery and carrot into 3 or 4 equal pieces.

Remove any giblets that come with the chicken, and place the whole chicken in a large stockpot. Add the rest of the ingredients (carrot, celery, onion, bay leaves, and black peppercorns) to the stockpot and then add water so that the stockpot is ¾ full. The water should be enough to cover all of the ingredients in the stockpot.

A large stockpot containing water and onions, celery, bay leaf, carrots, chicken, and peppercorns are visible.

Place the stockpot on a high heat on your stove and bring this to the boil. Watch for the scum to form as the contents heat up. Use a skimmer spoon to skim off the scum as it surfaces. Continue to remove the scum until no more scum is being produced.

A large stockpot containing water and onions, celery, bay leaf, chicken, and peppercorns are visible. There is scum forming at the top.
Scum will form as the contents heat up.
A large stockpot containing water and onions, celery, and peppercorns are visible. There is scum at the top and a strainer spoon is scooping up some of the scum.
Remove the scum with a skimmer spoon.

Now lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and then simmer on a low heat for 4 hrs.

A large stockpot containing water and onions are visible in the water. There is someone holding the lid for the stockpot just over the pot.
Cover the stockpot when simmering.
A time setting of 4:00 hrs with the words bake, start, and cancel/off visible.
Simmer for 4 hrs, covered.

At last your stock is ready! Remove all the solids from the stockpot using the skimmer spoon or other kitchen utensils, or use a large strainer to strain the stock from the stockpot.

Homemade chicken stock in a large stockpot. There is a strainer spoon containing cooked celery, onions, and carrots that is closer to the camera and the large pot is in the background.
Remove the solids from the stockpot.
Homemade chicken stock in a large stockpot. There is a blue spoon containing some of the stock which is closer to the camera and the large pot is in the background.
Look at your delicious and rich chicken stock!

Your beautiful and delicious stock is now ready for use!

A Few Notes About Your Low Sodium Chicken Stock

A plastic container with homemade chicken stock.

The amount of stock will vary but typically you should expect around 6-7 cups of stock, but could be a little less. 

Cool the stock to room temperature prior to refrigerating for later use.  Store cooled stock in an airtight container. I typically use glass mason jars or large plastic containers that used to contain yogurt that I recycle.

After refrigerating for a few hours, you will notice a layer of chicken fat that forms on the top.  You can remove this solidified fat and discard, or save it for use in cooking!  

A glass with a layer of chicken fat on top of refrigerated chicken stock.

When refrigerated the stock will seem gelatinous.  This is normal, and all you have to do is heat it up for use.

A glass jar containing homemade chicken stock.

Here are some recipes for soups that this stock would be perfect for:

  • Creamy Cauliflower, Potato, and Cheesy Ham Chowder
  • New England Clam Chowder
  • The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

This recipe is the recipe that keeps on giving! You still have all of the chicken! The meat from the chicken will be tender and delicious and you can use it for any number of recipes!  I actually make this on a weekly basis for my dog Toby. He gets the chicken, the carrots and celery, and of course, the chicken stock. 🐶

Cooked chicken which has been broken up so you can see some of the bones and the meat, and some cooked onions and carrots.

So whether you are watching your sodium intake, are on a low salt diet, or just need a delicious stock with much flavor, you'll love this homemade low sodium chicken stock!

FAQ

What is the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?

The main difference between chicken broth and chicken stock is that chicken broth is prepared without bones, and chicken stock uses bones in its preparation.

Does homemade chicken stock have less sodium than store bought?

Homemade chicken stock typically has less sodium than store bought. Making the stock yourself is a great way to control the amount of sodium in your stock!

Can I freeze chicken stock?

You can freeze chicken stock in a freezer bag, or in ice cube trays. When the chicken stock cubes have frozen in the ice cube tray, you can store the frozen stock cubes in a freezer bag for ease of use.

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Here are some other recipes that you may enjoy:

  • How To Cook A Stewing Hen
  • Leek Stew Recipe For Welsh Cawl Cennin
  • Crispy Garlicky Roast Chicken Recipe

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Cheers!

Grace

A glass jar containing homemade chicken stock.

Easy Low Sodium Chicken Stock Recipe

Grace
This Easy Low Sodium Chicken Stock Recipe takes a bit of time but is so very worth it! You'll be rewarded with a rich and delicious stock which is perfect for gravies or soups, or just sipping!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course basic ingredient, stock
Cuisine American
Servings 14 ½ cup servings
Calories 195 kcal

Equipment

  • 8 qt stockpot
  • 1 skimmer spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lb whole chicken
  • 2 each bay leaves
  • 1 carrot select a large carrot and chop it into 3 or 4 equal pieces without peeling it
  • 1 onion quartered; no need to peel
  • 1 celery rib select a large celery rib and chop it into 3 or 4 equal pieces
  • ½ ts black peppercorns
  • water enough to fill ¾ of the stockpot and cover the chicken and other ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the vegetables and prepare them for use. Quarter the onion, chop the celery and carrot into 3 or 4 equal pieces.
    A whole uncooked chicken on a white plate. There is a wooden cutting board with celery, carrots, onions, bay leaves and peppercorns on it.
  • Remove any giblets that come with the chicken, and place the whole chicken in the stockpot. Add the rest of the ingredients (carrot, celery, onion, bay leaves, and black peppercorns) to the stockpot and then add water so that the stockpot is ¾ full. The water should be enough to cover all of the ingredients in the stockpot.
    A large stockpot containing water and onions, celery, bay leaf, carrots, chicken, and peppercorns are visible.
  • Place the stockpot on a high heat on your stove and bring this to the boil. Watch for the scum to form as the contents heat up. Use a skimmer spoon to skim off the scum as it surfaces. Continue to remove the scum until no more scum is being produced.
    A large stockpot containing water and onions, celery, bay leaf, chicken, and peppercorns are visible. There is scum forming at the top.
  • Now lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and then simmer on a low heat for 4 hrs.
    A large stockpot containing water and onions are visible in the water. There is someone holding the lid for the stockpot just over the pot.
  • At last your stock is ready! Remove all the solids from the stockpot using the skimmer spoon or other kitchen utensils, or use a large strainer to strain the stock from the stockpot.
    Homemade chicken stock in a large stockpot. There is a strainer spoon containing cooked celery, onions, and carrots that is closer to the camera and the large pot is in the background.
  • Your beautiful and delicious stock is now ready for use!
    Homemade chicken stock in a large stockpot. There is a blue spoon containing some of the stock which is closer to the camera and the large pot is in the background.

Notes

The amount of stock will vary but typically you should expect around 6-7 cups of stock, but could be a little less. 
Cool the stock prior to refrigerating.  After refrigerating for a few hours, you will notice a layer of fat that forms on the top.  You can remove this and discard, or save it for use in cooking!  
When refrigerated the stock will seem gelatinous.  This is normal, and all you have to do is heat it up for use.
The meat from the chicken will be tender and delicious and you can use it for any number of recipes! 

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 16gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1156IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chicken stock, low sodium stock, stock
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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About Me

Hi I’m Grace! I'm married and a mom to my fur baby, Toby, and food and travel are two of my greatest passions! Since our bank account does not allow us to travel or eat out as much as we'd like, I decided I would cook delicious meals that could give us a taste of all the places we'd like to go. My goal is to get you in the kitchen, and inspire you to cook and taste delightful meals that will transport you too. Let’s throw some actual travel in from time to time, all with an emphasis on keeping your wallet full and happy as well. Let’s get cooking and let’s start exploring!! I'm excited to be on this journey with you!!

By the way most of these recipes are Toby taste tested and Toby approved!!

Chief Taste Tester Toby

Toby Chief Taste Tester

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