Steak Quesadillas at Home

My steak quesadillas have become a fave of my son's. They are a nice change from taco night.

These are so simple to make. The filling can be used throughout the week if you do not eat all 6 at once. 

You may use chicken in place of steak if desired. 

Steak Quesadillas 

Makes 6 

6 large flour tortillas

1 Tbsp. olive oil

 1/2 lb. beef round stir fry strips

1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced

1 small onion, sliced

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp coriander

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup water

Shredded cheddar cheese

To serve: Shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, lime quarters

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add olive oil. Add beef strips and brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove to a dish.

In the same skillet, add green and red bell peppers and onion slices. Season with salt and pepper. Saute over medium high heat until soft. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and coriander. Return steak to the pan and add 1/4 cup water. Stir until well combined and heated through. Add more water if desired. Set aside until ready to assemble quesadillas.

To make quesadillas: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add tortilla to dry pan. Warm for a minute, flip. On one half of the tortilla, add a handful of shredded cheese spreading evenly. Top with 1/6 of the meat and pepper mixture. Top with little more cheese. Fold empty side of tortilla over the side with the fillings. Press down with tongs to seal the edges. Once browned, flip to brown the other side. Remove to plate. Cool for a minute, and cut in half.

Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. 

Serve with shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream and lime quarters.

Pasta with Turkey Sausage, Peas and Mushrooms

I so love this recipe: Pasta with Turkey Sausage, Peas and Mushrooms is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. This is perfect for those of you who don't groove on a saucy pasta. Of course, The Jersey Girl grooves on all pasta, but to each his own!

The recipe calls for farfalle aka bow ties, but orecchiette is what I had on hand, so that's what went in this dish. Any short pasta will due. I can see this going well with mezze rigatoni, too.

Please note I totally do not use as much salt as Giada calls for. 

I used baby bella mushrooms that were already sliced to save myself some time. Shortcuts are sometimes God's plan.

Here you go:

Farfalle with Turkey Sausage, Peas and Mushrooms

Makes 4 main-course servings

From "Everyday Italian" 

By Giada DeLaurentiis

Ingredients:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 lb. turkey sausages, casings removed

10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

3/4 tsp. sea salt, plus more to taste

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, defrosted slightly

1 lb. dried farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over a high flame. Add the turkey sausage and saute until golden brown, breaking up any large clumps, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside. Heat 2 more tablespoons of oil in the same pan. Add the mushrooms and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Saute until all of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 8 minutes. Add the peas and saute for 2 minutes. Return the sausage to the pan and cook until the sausage is heated through and the flavors have blended, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and add the meat mixture. Toss over medium heat to combine and heat through, adding enough of the reserved cooking water to moisten, about 5 minutes. Drizzle in the remaining oil. Season the pasta with more salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large bowl and serve.

Roasted Mexican Zucchini

This is a great recipe to have for when the zucchini crop is bumpin: Roasted Mexican Zucchini. It's simple and full of great, earthy flavors. The lime juice and fresh cilantro add a pop of brightness.

I always have garlic powder, onion powder and cumin in my pantry. If you can't get fresh cilantro, just use fresh parsley. I omit the cheese, but I'm sure it's fab.

This is perfect for Mexican night at home! My son absolutely loves zucchini prepared this way.

Roasted Mexican Zucchini

From Isabel Eats

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch half moon

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. black powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4tsp.ground cumin

Juice of 1/2 lime

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

2 Tbsp. crumbled cojita cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, add the diced zucchini, olive oil, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder and ground cumin. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly in a single layer.

4. Roast for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until zucchini is fork tender.

5. Top with lime juice and fresh cilantro and cojito cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Pomodoro Sauce, Baby

 

Oh, ok. Butter is a bit magical in a tomato sauce. 

Here is Pomodoro Sauce from Rachael Ray's "Everyone is Italian on Sunday." When I read the recipe, it seemed really interesting to me as it includes ingredients I never ever use in my marinara: butter and a cheese rind. Oh yes, and chicken broth?!

This sauce doesn't need a ton of time to come together, so it was a cinch to make after a day of teaching. I did add red pepper flakes and black pepper, because I do like a bit of spice. I also used 1 can of whole tomatoes and 1 can of crushed.

The sauce is very luxurious and is perfect with ravioli. Be sure to stir frequently and cook super low so that it doesn't stick to the pot and burn. For shame.

If you are curious as to what is the difference between marinara and a pomodoro it is as follows: Marinara is smooth; pomodoro is not. 

Here you go:

Pomodoro Sauce

Makes about 6 cups

From "Everyone is Italian on Sunday"

By Rachael Ray

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Salt

1 cup chicken stock

2 (28-to-32-ounce) cans San Marzano tomatoes

A few basil leaves, torn

Rind from a small wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese

Instructions:

In a pot, heat the oil (1 turn of the pan) over medium heat. Melt in the butter, and the onion and garlic, season with salt, and cook, partially covered, until very soft. 

Add the stock. Hand crush the tomatoes as you add them to the pot, then add the juice from the cans. Stir in the basil and add the cheese rind. Reduce the heat, partially cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes. Adjust the salt. Remove the rind before serving.

Please note: The Jersey Girl used 1 can of San Marzano tomatoes and 1 can of crushed tomatoes. She added 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes and 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper to the sauce, as well.

 

Mushroom Ragu

This Mushroom Ragu is fabulous for a meat free main night. I served it over fettucine, but I think it would work well over a short-cut pasta like rigatoni or over creamy polenta.

The recipe calls for mixed mushrooms, but I just used a package of baby bella mushrooms. Easy peasy.

I used red wine instead of Marsala, because that's what I had. I also used beef broth instead of chicken broth, because I feel like beef broth compliments mushrooms better.

I also added 1/3 cup half and half to the sauce before tossing over the pasta for a little creaminess.

Mushroom Ragu

From Everyday Italian

By Giada DeLaurentiis

Makes about 3 cups, serves 4 over a pound of pasta or as a first course

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini, oyster, stemmed shitake), chopped

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1 cup Marsala

2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

5 fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Optional: 1/3 cup half-and-half

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion until tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute. 

2. Add the mushrooms, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Increase the heat to high and saute until the mushrooms are tender, about 8 minutes. 

3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Marsala. Return the pan to the heat and simmer until the Marsala evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and simmer until the sauce has reduced by half, about 30 minutes. 

4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in cheese, basil, parsley. Season the ragu with more salt and pepper to taste. (The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before using).

Please note: The Jersey Girl used the sauce immediately. She used red wine in place of Marsala and beef broth instead of chicken broth. She added 1/3 cup of 1/2 and 1/2 to the ragu before tossing over cooked fettucine. To make the sauce thinner, add a ladle or two of pasta water. 

Beans and Greens Chicken Chili

I love a one-pot situation that is full of flavor and health, so I came up with this awesome chicken chili recipe recently. I call it Beans and Greens Chicken Chili. I used black beans, cannellini beans and baby kale to up the healthy factor. Frozen corn adds a pop of color.

You could easily swap out the chicken for ground turkey. Spinach could replace the kale if you aren't a fan. 

This is easy to freeze as well, so double the batch if you would like!

Please note the recipe does not call for any salt. This is due to the Goya Adobo seasoning, which already contains salt. If you wish to swap out the Adobo seasoning for salt and black pepper, feel free! You may also add more salt during your cooking process. I tend to use a lot less salt than most recipes call for. Just a personal taste.

Beans and Greens Chicken Chili

Makes 4 big servings

Ingredients:

 1 onion

1 jalapeno

4 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. ground chicken

1 tsp. Adobo seasoning

1 tsp. cumin

1 Tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp. coriander

flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 19-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

5 ounces baby kale

1/2 cup frozen corn

1/2 cup- 1 1/2 cups of water, if desired

Lime juice, chopped scallions, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips to serve

Instructions:

In a dutch oven, add olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeno, saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, saute for a minute. Add ground chicken. Stir until well browned. 

Add Adobo, cumin, chili powder, coriander. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add flour. Stir until well blended.

Add broth, 1/2 cup water, cannellini beans, black beans, corn and kale. Simmer over low heat partially covered for 15 minutes. Stir. Add another 1/2 cup of water if desired, simmer for another 15 minutes. For the third and final time, stir and add another 1/2 cup of water if desired. 

Let chili rest. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice, scallions, shredded cheese and/or sour cream, if desired. 

Pasta with Marinated Grape Tomatoes

Pasta with Marinated Grape Tomatoes is a total necessity. I make this all year, but it's really a blessing for the summer when you don't feel like cooking a big thing but need your pasta fix.

The beauty of the dish is it requires zero cooking time or energy for the sauce. Just toss all the ingredients together in a serving bowl and set aside for at least 30 min. Cook the pasta, add it the sauce with some pasta water and voila! Perfection. 

Top with mozzarella or goat cheese if you like.

Pasta with Marinated Grape Tomatoes

Makes 4 side dish servings

 1/2 pound orecchiette or other short pasta

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. fresh basil, minced, plus more for garnish

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for garnish

Fresh mozzarella, diced, or crumbled goat cheese

In a medium serving bowl, combine grape tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, black pepper, salt, basil and olive oil. Stir gently. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook orecchiette as directed by the package. Once cooked, transfer cooked pasta with a spider ladle to the bowl of marinated tomatoes. Add a ladle or two of pasta water.  Drizzle with olive oil, check for seasonings and garnish with more basil, if desired.

Serve hot or at room temperature with mozzarella or goat cheese, if desired.