All posts in November 2024

Homemade Chili

Homemade Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans (and or white beans)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 can or half a frozen bag of corn
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 cup water, or as needed depending on preferred consistency
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
  • 1 pinch garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: jalapeno, diced fresh tomato, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, Fritos, raw diced onion, bread, mini quesadillas

Instructions:

Step One: Place ground beef and onion in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; cook and stir until meat is browned and onion is tender, about 5 minutes

Step Two: Stir in tomato sauce, beans, and stewed tomatoes with juice. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add water. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes

Step Three: Turn off heat and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add toppings

Notes: Swap out beef for turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.

Story: Drew and I recently decided to try and eat more beans. Extra protein, anti-oxidant properties, and reduced cancer risk are all great reasons to eat more beans! This is an approachable recipe, and the bean flavor is not over the top. Hopefully, I can find more recipes with beans that we both like.

Velveting Meat (Chinese Stir Fry)

Velveting Meat (Chinese Stir Fry)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef flank steak or chuck steak (sliced against the grain)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Water 1/4 cup per pound
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons oyster sauce or soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Wine (Optional)

Instructions:

Step One: Add baking soda and water to the sliced beef and massage with hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand 1-2 hours

Step Two: Add oil, oyster sauce/soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), and cornstarch to the meat. Set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes, and then your beef is ready to use

Story: This method can be used for any protein (shrimp, chicken, beef). Leave the marinade on the protein overnight if you can. Using this method, this Orange Chicken recipe is one of the best!

Mandi Greek Salad Dressing

Mandi Greek Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 1 large clove of garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Step One: Pour all ingredients into a blender and blend for 30 seconds until well combined

Notes: Store covered in the fridge for 2 weeks

Story: Mandi made this dressing with a grilled steak wrap that had feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers for my 30th birthday! It was so good and definitely felt like Cava at home.