Chicken Enchiladas with Tomatillo Sauce

Caroline and Adam have been renovating their Chicago suburban kitchen for what must seem to them an eternity. For several months they have been without a stove, oven or sink. In fact, there is only one room in their whole downstairs that isn’t gutted. As a result they turned an upstairs bedroom into a makeshift kitchen, using a toaster oven and microwave to get by. To help them out, I made a few frozen meals so all they had to do was defrost, then nuke or bake. One meal Caroline requested was chicken enchiladas with tomatillo sauce. Don’t let the sour cream in the filling scare you off- there’s just enough of it to bind the chicken and onions together and the tomatillo sauce supplies tartness to offset the richness.

Ingredients for the Tomatillo Sauce:

12 small to medium tomatillos

1 cup fresh cilantro, leaves and tender upper stems

1 small to medium yellow onion, diced

2 tablespoons canned green chili peppers

1 large clove garlic, put through a press

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cups chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon salt or less 

Directions:

Husk the tomatillos by pulling the papery skins off. Wash and place in a pot of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes and drain. Place cooked tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic and peppers in a food processor. Blend for about 30 seconds to a minute until all ingredients are combined. 

Heat oil in skillet over medium high until it shimmers. Pour the blended tomatillo mixture into the hot pan. The liquid will hiss and start to boil. Give it a stir and turn the heat down to medium. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.

Add in the chicken broth and stir well to mix it in. Continue to let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and if needed add the salt. If not, discard it.

Ingredients for Eight Chicken Enchiladas:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed.

1 cup diced white or yellow onions

1 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

8 large flour tortillas

1 Batch of tomatillo sauce from recipe above

2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the chicken, onions, sour cream, salt and pepper together.

Ladle just enough tomatillo sauce into a 9x13 baking dish to cover the bottom. Place a heaping 1/3 cup of chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cheese on top of the chicken in each tortilla. Roll each tortilla up and place seam side down into the baking dish.

Pour the remaining tomatillo sauce over the top, reserving about 1/2 cup for serving.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 50 minutes or until tortillas are browning and sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and sprinkle the top with remaining cheese. Return to the oven and bake 5 minutes more to melt the cheese. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cilantro leaves as a garnish.

Tomato Chickpea Stew

Around our house, everyone knows I can throw together a meal in minutes. Maybe it's years of practice but I know the real secret is opening a can! Lately, chickpeas have become one of my favorite cans to open. I know many people think that it's a cheat not soak beans and cook them for hours, but who has time for that? Canned goods have great nutritional value as long as you don't see a lot of additives on the label ingredient list and they taste just about the same as fresh. This recipe includes three cans to open - but it also involves fresh kale! So, I don't feel too guilty about making this fast and yummy stew.

Ingredients for Two Large Servings:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (8 oz.) package of cubed ham or 1 cup of left-over ham, cubed

2 good sized cloves garlic, put through a press or finally minced
1 (14.5 oz.) cans beef broth

1 (16 oz.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz.) can of chopped tomatoes

1 large bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped 

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Place olive oil in large saucepan over medium low heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ham cubes. Saute the ham for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow all sides to brown. Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for 30 more seconds.

Pour in the broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen up any bits that might be clinging to the bottom.

Then gently stir in the chickpeas, chopped kale, tomatoes and pepper.

   Bring the mixture up to a boil, then turn it back down to medium low heat and allow to simmer for five minutes.

  Ladle into soup bowls and serve.

Tortilla Pie

This is an old family favorite that's got it all in a wedge: taco meat filling, seasoned black beans, avocado and lots of melted cheese! It's a bit of a weeknight show stopper but easy enough to throw together in a hurry. I found that when I needed to bring a casserole to someone, it was a great option since it's different from the typical lasagna everyone else makes.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
5 tortillas large (10 inch) or 10 small (7 inch), flour or corn
2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 (15oz.) can black beans
1 ripe avocado
Juice of one lime, about 2 tablespoons
*Taco seasoning mix, store bought or make your own
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

*To make your own taco seasoning mix combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Directions:

Pour tomato sauce in pan and add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning.

Stir the seasoning into the tomato sauce and place over medium heat until it simmers.

Turn the heat down to low, stir occasionally and let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Drain and rinse the beans. Put the beans in a bowl and mash them with a fork. Stir in 2 teaspoons lime juice and 2 teaspoons taco seasoning.

Peel and scoop the avocado in a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons lime juice and 2 teaspoons taco seasoning and mash together.

Brown hamburger over medium heat, drain grease. Stir in 2 cups of the tomato sauce into the cooked hamburger.

Assemble the Tortilla Pie 

(If using small tortillas, cut filling amounts in half & make two pies)

1. Smear 1/4 cup around the bottom of the pie pan. Place a tortilla on top of sauce. Spoon 1/2 the meat mixture on top. 

2. Put a second tortilla on top and spread black bean mixture on top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. 

3. Cover with a third tortilla and ladle on the rest of the meat sauce.

4. Place the fourth tortilla on top and spread the avocado mixture over the surface.

Top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese.

5. Put the 5th tortilla on top and pour remaining reserved tomato sauce mixture on top. 

Bake for 30 minutes.

6. Put remaining shredded cheese on top of stack, return to oven and bake 5 or so minutes more until the cheese on top has melted.

7. Sprinkle with the cilantro leaves.

Cut tortilla pie into fourths and serve.

Miso Flavored Chicken Noodle Soup & Lemony Chickpea and Rice Salad

Miso Flavored Chicken Noodle Soup - Serves Two 

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz,) can chicken broth
1 cup cooked noodles
1 cup spinach leaves
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 tablespoon white miso
1 tablespoon soy sauce or a sauce such as Maggi, Tamari, or low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (optional)

Place the chicken broth in a sauce pan and whisk in the miso and soy sauce. Heat the liquid to a boil.

While heating the broth, place 1/2 cup noodles, 1/2 cup spinach and 1/2 cup chicken in each of two bowls.

Pour a cup of the boiling broth over the contents of each bowl. Sprinkle each bowl with 2 tablespoons of Thai basil leaves, if using.

Lemony Chickpea and Rice Salad - Serves Four

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked rice
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup spinach leaves
2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes

Place rice, chickpeas, spinach leaves and onion in a bowl.

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt and cumin.

Pour dressing in bowl and gently toss. Divide into four servings.

Sprinkle each serving with a 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper or chili flakes.

Pulled Pork Tacos & Almost Homemade Tomato Soup

Pulled Pork Tacos - Serves Six to Eight

Ingredients for the Pulled Pork:

2 pound pork shoulder roast
1 (15 oz.) can beef broth
4 cloves garlic, put through a press
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Plenty of corn tortillas to serve with Cabbage Salad and Pickled Onions

Cabbage Salad

In a large bowl place the lettuce, onion, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and radishes. Whisk together the vinegar and olive oil, pour the mixture over the ingredients in the bowl, and gently toss. Sprinkle the cotija cheese on top.

Pickled Onions

Place the red onion slices in a shallow bowl and pour white vinegar over them. If desired, add a pinch of salt and/or sugar. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes, then drain them and add them to the salad mixture.

Directions:

Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or get out your crock pot and set it on high. Pour the beef broth into a deep baking pan or into the crock pot.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, olive oil, lemon pepper, chili powder and smoked paprika. Trim any excess fat and remove any string from the roast. Rub the garlic mixture into the roast.

Lower the spice rubbed roast into the baking pan or the crock pot. Cover the baking pan with foil or put the lid on the crock pot. Allow the roast to cook for 4 to 5 hours or until the meat is easily shredded with a fork.

Remove the roast from the pan or pot and place on serving platter. Scrape away any excess fat. Using two forks, shred the meat. Spoon some of the cooking liquid onto meat.
Serve with warm corn tortillas, Cabbage Salad and Pickled Onions.

Sort of Homemade Tomato Soup - Serves Four

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 slices good bread
2 garlic cloves, put through a press
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Cream or extra evaporated milk for drizzling

Directions: 

Make croutons by cutting the bread slices into cubes. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and add bread cubes. Cook the bread crumbs about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a soup pan. Add the garlic and basil leaves. Saute them for 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer for five minutes. Take off the heat. Stir in the evaporated milk. Pour into bowls and serve with croutons floating on top. Drizzle with some cream or extra evaporated milk if desired.

Jenn's Favorite Curried Chicken Salad & Chickpea Salad with Lemony Salted Yogurt and Plenty of Dill

Jennifer's Favorite Curried Chicken Salad 

 Ingredients for Four Servings:

2 cups cooked chicken

, cut into bite sized pieces
1 apple, diced (Granny Smith is best if you have it)
2 tablespoons diced celery
2 tablespoons dried raisins
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (pecans are great, but any or none will do)
2 tablespoons diced onion (white, yellow, red or green)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons sweet curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine the chicken, apple, celery, raisins, nuts  and onions in a bowl. Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, curry powder, salt and pepper. Add enough of the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken combination to coat it well, but not have the chicken be swimming in it. Serve on top of greens.

Chickpea Salad with Lemony Salted Yogurt and Plenty of Dill

Ingredients for Two Servings

1 (15 oz.) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 medium tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 medium cucumber, diced
1 tablespoon diced red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 bunch of fresh dill and pita bread for serving

Gently combine all chickpeas, tomato, avocado, onion, olive oil, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Divide chickpea mixture between two plates. Put 2 tablespoons of  yogurt mixture to side. Serve with pita and fresh dill.

Eggplant in Miso Seasoned Sauce & White Beans and Sausage with Chimichurri Sauce on Toast

Eggplant in Miso Seasoned Sauce

Ingredients and Directions for Four Servings

2 medium sized eggplants *

2 tablespoons vegetable oil plus more for brushing eggplant

Garlic salt, for sprinkling on the eggplant slices

1 white or yellow onion, peeled and sliced

4 garlic cloves, peeled and put through a press

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons white miso

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons soy type sauce such as tamari, Maggi or reduced sodium

Optional: Greek yogurt and parsley for serving

Wash, dry and cut the ends off the eggplants. Slice about 1/4 inch thick and brush each side with a little oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Either grill over medium heat about 5 to 7 minutes a side or bake in a 375 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.

While eggplant is cooking, saute the onion slices in 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat until tender - about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the pressed garlic and continue to cook for 30 more seconds. Pour in the beef broth. Whisk in the miso, apple cider vinegar and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes or so.

Cut the cooked eggplant slices into fourths and add to the miso broth mixture. Gently toss. Serve with a swoosh of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

*In the photo above, I used a combination of regular and baby eggplants.

White Beans and Sausage with Chimichurri Sauce on Toast

Ingredients and Directions for Two Servings

2 to 4 slices of good quality bread, toasted
1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 (15 oz.) can of white beans such as Great Northern or cannelloni
1 medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon diced red onion
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for cooking sausage
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Drain and rinse the beans. In a bowl, gently mix together beans, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, 2 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar, salt, garlic powder and pepper.

Place the toast on a serving plate. Ladle the bean mixture and browned sausage slices between the two servings of toast. Top each serving with a tablespoon or two of chimichurri sauce.