July 16, 2020

Recipe: Quick Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ripe tomatoes

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp sugar

freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ lb whole wheat spaghetti

¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for topping

freshly grated parmesan for serving

Directions

While the pasta is cooking. Roughly chop 2/3 of the tomatoes. Over a large bowl, grate the rest of the tomatoes using the large holes of a box grater.

Combine the chopped and grated tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, sugar, garlic and pepper in the large bowl. Let rest 10 minutes for the flavors to combine.

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Immediately place the pasta back into the pasta pot.

Add the tomato sauce into the pasta with the 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium heat until hot and the cooking liquid is absorbed. Mix in the 1/4 cup chopped basil during the last minute.

Serve immediately with more basil and parmesan cheese.

~ Marla Meridith

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February 3, 2020

One-Pot American Beef Goulash

One-Pot American Beef Goulash: An easy and delicious pasta recipe for the entire family!

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 large yellow onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 cups water

one (29 ounce) can) tomato sauce

one (28-ounce) can small diced tomatoes

splash of dry red wine

1/4 cup half and half

3 bay leaves

3 tbs soy sauce

1 tsp Kosher salt

2 tbs chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for serving

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

—serve with

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Break up the meat while sauteeing. Spoon off any grease.

Add the onions and garlic to the pot and saute until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, red wine, half and half, bay leaves, soy sauce, salt and parsley. Stir well.

Place a lid on the pot and allow this mixture to cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, simmer for about 30 minutes.

Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves, and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes longer before serving.

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Veggie Lasagna

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Patatas Bravas

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Skinny Chickpeas with Tikka Masala Sauce

Skip the Indian restaurant, you can make this delicious recipe any time you are craving a vegetarian Tikka Masala.

Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil or unsalted butter

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (from a can)

1 cup light coconut milk

1 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp garam masala

1 tsp tumeric

2 tsp chili powder

juice from 1/2 lemon (1 tbsp)

salt and pepper to taste

1 (15 ounce can) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

freshly chopped cilantro for garnish

basmati rice or naan for serving

Directions

Heat the oil or butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 minutes, add the ginger, cook another 3 minutes until onions are golden brown. Add the garlic, cook another minute then add the tomatoes, coconut milk, spices and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook about 10 minutes, stirring well. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

At this point you can puree the sauce in a food processor or blender…or not. Just depends if you prefer a silky smooth sauce. If you pureed it, return the sauce to the skillet. Add in the chickpeas and heat over medium heat until simmering.

Top with fresh cilantro & serve immediately with rice of naan.

~ Marla Meridith

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November 10, 2019

Recipe: Quick Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce