Happy Saturday! This is an especially happy day because it's the first weekend in almost 8 weeks that I don't have to work. To say I'm grinning is an understatement.I was wondering what to post today because, as you might imagine, I have a big case of weary brain. In addition, this is a week of holidays (Passover and Easter), and most people will be cooking traditional dishes for family and friends.
Just to give myself a break and because I wonder how many of you will be online today, I'm going to share three successful dinners from the last few weeks. I guarantee these are all doable after a long day of work. They are BFR tested!
Mediterranean Chicken and Bulgur Skillet (Cooking Light)
We really liked this Mediterranean Chicken and Bulgur Skillet from this month's Cooking Light. For a change, I followed the recipe exactly, but I'd make it again with whatever quick-cooking grain or pasta I had on hand. We like bulgur, but I think quinoa or couscous would be good too. The red onion, chopped herbs, and red pepper add color and flavor, and the feta is the perfect salty finish. (Photo is from the Cooking Light website.)
Herbed Ricotta, Asparagus, and Phyllo Tart (Cooking Light)
I also made Cooking Light's Herberd Ricotta, Asparagus, and Phyllo Tart. I know a lot of people shy away from phyllo, but I'm not sure why. It's not all that difficult to work with, and nothing else will give you that delicate shattering crust. I didn't follow the recipe exactly. First, I used melted butter instead of olive oil. Second, I mixed an egg into the ricotta because I wanted the tart to set after baking. This was delicious and made a nice dinner with a tossed salad. It would also be a good side dish with grilled meat or fish. (Photo is my own.)
Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew (Rachel Ray Every Day)
The third recipe we liked was Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew from Rachel Ray's magazine. Lentils are so quick and easy to cook and sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals. If you don't like cilantro, just leave it out or substitute parsley. I made this dish in the pressure cooker, but lentils are usually done in under a half hour, so stovetop cooking on a weeknight won't slow you down. I added a poblano chili (I had one on hand to use up), and we topped ours with some of my homemade plum chutney. (Photo is from the Rachel Ray Every Day website.)
I've pinned all of these to my Tried and Liked Pinterest board so you (and I) can find them later.
These all look great. I am one of those who avoids phyllo, but it is because I don't like it - a rare reaction to pastry for me!
ReplyDeleteYour recipe choices are delightful, especially the curry. I used some home-made plum chutney in my Passover chicken dish from an Ottolenghi recipe -- it's a wonderful condiment and I bet it's great with your dish.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Congrats on time off! We are starting a vacation today too. Headed to St George Island in a few hours. I love it when the temps aren't too hot but the chill of winter is behind us.
ReplyDeleteLovely meals you posted her. I love that tart, it's a work of art!
Oh my gosh, I want that tart! It looks delicious!!
ReplyDeleteThree yummy-sounding choices. I especially have my eye on that asparagus tart. No phyllo fear for me. :)
ReplyDeleteWe've had some real homey meals this week!
ReplyDeleteThat lentil and sweet potato stew looks yummy! Stick to your ribs, but also pretty healthy!
ReplyDeleteThe lentil and sweet potato stew looks delicious, it is time for lentils around here, thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteI love phyllo! I love the idea of a savory tart though I might change it up a bit because asparagus and I aren't friends. The Mediterranean Chicken and Bulgur Skillet looks fantastic! I love red onions and feta and I think the bulgur sounds perfect with this.
ReplyDeleteThey all look pretty good, but as with others I have a hard time with phyllo. Every time I've attempted it the dough breaks apart and or clumps together.
ReplyDeleteYay to a weekend off for you--here's to lots of reading and relaxing--you deserve it! ;-) All of your dinner's look fabulous. That tart is so pretty and the stew has lots of my favorite ingredients. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI saw that Mediterranean Chicken recipe too and want to try it.
ReplyDeleteThey all look like great recipes especially the lentil with sweet potato. I'm a huge sweet potato fan.
ReplyDeleteThe asparagus tart looks delicious. One of my guests is bringing an asparagus tart tomorrow. I think it would also be good with a goat cheese bottom. Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteLove Cooking Light recipes! I've never tried the Mediterranean skillet, it looks delicious 😋
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