Pupusa Recipe for a Sweet Easy Dessert

pupusa recipe

Try this sweet twist on a pupusa recipe that turns gluten-free corn flour into a quick dessert treat. Pupusas are a traditional Latin American dish of corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, peppers and meat, but you can use any combo of ingredients you like to cook pupusas, including sweet ingredients to make a variety of delicious dessert pupusas.

What you need for Dessert Pupusas

CORN FLOUR and warm water to create the dough
CINNAMON
BROWN SUGAR and/or POWDERED SUGAR
PEANUT BUTTER crunchy or creamy
CHOCOLATE CHIPS plus whatever other sweet filling you like!
OIL for cooking

for the creamy topping:
plain GREEK YOGURT
MAPLE SYRUP

and top the dessert pupusa with a sprinkling of
POWDERED SUGAR and
FRESH FRUIT

pupusa recipe

How to make a Dessert Pupusa Recipe

This pupusa dessert is super easy and almost foolproof. I’m not going to use ingredient amounts, because it’s really all to taste. Check here for current Corn Flour pricing on Amazon.

  • In a bowl, combine corn flour, sugar, and cinnamon. For measurements, it will be hard to make a bad ratio, just follow your heart. If you must have something to work with, try 1 cup of flour with 2 Tbsp of sugar and 1 Tbsp of cinnamon, but really, you can use twice as much sugar and cinnamon and it will still taste great. It’s dessert! Nobody wants to do math! The dough is easy to make, and the pupusas can be any size you like.
  • To make the corn dough you simply combine the corn flour mixture with warm water and mix by hand until you achieve a doughy consistency. If the dough is too dry, add more water, and if it’s too wet, add more flour.
  • Mix in a large ball and then divide into smaller golf ball sizes.
  • Flatten each ball into a flat disc shape and spread lightly with peanut butter.
  • Add chocolate chips, or any flavor chips, or meltable candies. Marshmallows? Sure! Although I find it to chewy with marshmallow, but you might love it!
  • Close the flat flour disc around the peanut butter and fillings and shape into a ball again.
  • Now flatten the ball, but with the fillings now inside. If some of the filling peeks through, it’s no big deal. A little leakage is fine.
  • Heat a skillet and about 1 Tbsp of coconut oil on medium low heat.
  • When the oil is heated, add each pupusa to the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes on each side. The longer they cook the crunchier the pupusa will get, because it’s corn flour just the same as used to make tortillas. Cook lightly to make a soft cookie consistency, or cook longer for a crunch.
  • After cooking, set pupusas aside on a paper towel.
  • For the creamy topping, I simply combine a rich Greek yogurt with Maple syrup, and sometimes I even use maple syrup to make the pupusa dough instead of sugar. Mix the yogurt and syrup well, and that’s it. Or simply use whipped cream!
  • To serve, place a dollop of cream on each pupusa. If desired, top with sliced fruit and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. This will make the desert look extra fancy pants with very little effort.

Give this sweet dessert pupusas recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit! And for a savory version, check out this Traditional Pupusa Recipe.

pupusas recipe
A pupusas recipe can be cooked quickly on a lightly greased skillet or griddle.

Thanks for checking out the pupusa recipe. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

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Vegetable Soup Recipe with Rutabaga

vegetable soup

Try a tasty vegetable soup featuring rutabaga. Rutabaga is a healthy root vegetable you can use like a potato, but with less than half the calories and carbs of potato. Rutabaga is like a larger version of a turnip, only sweeter. It’s related to cabbage, and has a mild cabbagy taste, but not the “scary” cabbagy taste. Rutabaga is great in soups, and I love it simply seasoned and roasted in the oven. Like most produce, when buying rutabaga choose one that’s firm and seems heavy for it’s size, because that means it’s not too old, or dried out. Next time you’re at the market, pick up a rutabaga and give this vegetable soup a try and let me know what you think.

What you need for this Rutabaga Vegetable Soup Recipe

1 large RUTABAGA
1 ONION
2 stalks of CELERY
2 CARROTS
4-6 GARLIC
HOT PEPPER as desired
OIL for sauteing
CUMIN and FENNEL 1-2 tsp
(seeds optional)
1 Tbsp GARLIC POWDER
1-2 Tbsp CURRY POWDER
1 Tbsp SMOKED PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER to taste
(I use water in the soup if making ahead of time, or ready-made broth if eating soon)
Also, it’s soup; so add whatever else you want and clean the odds and ends out of your fridge.

vegetable soup
rutabaga is like a turnip on steroids, but sweeter

How to make a Vegetable Soup with Rutabaga

  • Slice the ends off the rutabaga and cut away the outer skin with a knife.
  • Chop rutabaga into large cubes, approximately 1/2″ squares, but err on larger pieces.
  • In a large soup pot, heat oil on medium heat.
  • Add seeds and cook about 20 seconds.
  • Add garlic, hot pepper, and onion and saute for another 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in seasoning and mix well.
  • Add carrot, celery and rutabaga and mix well.
  • Fill pot with enough broth or water to cover veggies (use veggie or chicken broth instead of water if eating soup the same day, use water if sitting overnight), cover with a lid, and bring pot to a
    boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer on low for 40-50 minutes until rutabaga is fork tender.

That’s it!
Give this easy rutabaga soup recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

vegetable soup
Rutabaga soup is like The Eagles, and the veggies are the groupies (if you were born after 1990, The Eagles are an American Rock band)

Is Rutabaga Healthier than Potato?

  • Rutabaga has LESS THAN HALF the calories of potato.
  • Rutabaga has 60% FEWER CARBS than potato.
  • Rutabaga contains about the same amount of Dietary Fiber as potato.
  • Potato wins the vitamin count; rutabaga provides more Vitamin C than potato,
    but overall, is less nutrient rich than potato.

So, don’t give up on potatoes, but add rutabaga into your menu rotation and you’ll find it makes a great change-up from the regular potato routine. If you want to jazz up your breakfast, you can start with this Hash Browns Recipe with Rutabaga, or get down to basics
with this Roasted Rutagaba dish.

rutabaga recipe
Roasted rutabaga makes a great alternative to a potato side dish.

For another super vegetarian recipe idea, try this No-Meat Vegetarian Chili Recipe.

Thanks for checking out this rutabaga soup recipe, and if you liked the dish, click a button or two below and share it with your friends.
I appreciate it, thanks!
–Chef Buck

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Vegetarian Chili is not just for Vegetarians!

vegetarian chili

Here’s a satisfying and hearty vegetarian chili recipe that’ll put a little pep in your step. If you’re a die-hard carnivore, then your initial reaction is probably NOPE, but you should give meatless chili a try. I love a good meat chili, and when I get chili at a restaurant I generally order a meat and bean chili, but at home I’m vegetarian chili all the way. Vegetarian chili just tastes great, and I don’t miss the meat, plus it’s a perfect way to clean out all the veggie odds and ends in your fridge. The key to a hearty meatless chili is lots of seasoning, onions, and peppers. I like to add at least two kinds of beans, and the veggies can be whatever you like, so be creative!

What You Need to Make a Great Vegetarian Chili

15 oz can CHICK PEAS
15 oz can KIDNEY BEANS
1 BELL PEPPER (chopped)
Lg ONION (chopped)
JALAPENO PEPPER (diced, very optional)
2-3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 ZUCHINNI (cut into large pieces)
1 cup CAULIFLOWER (chopped)
2 ROMA TOMATOES (chopped)
28 oz can CRUSHED TOMATOES
1 heaping Tbsp DRIED OREGANO
1 Tbsp CUMIN
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
1 Tbsp CHILI POWDER
1 Tbsp SMOKED PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER, to taste
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL for sauteing
WATER as needed…add slowly
I also add a little leftover RUTABAGA to this recipe, but that is very optional. A vegetarian chili is a great way to clean out the fridge of all those veggie odds and ends, so use what you have.

vegetarian chili
pot o’ meatless chili for good times

How to Make Easy Vegetarian Chili

  • Slice, dice, mince, and chop all your ingredients. Prepping this dish is the most labor intensive part of this recipe. Once your ingredients are ready, it’s pretty eazy peezy.
  • Heat some oil in a large pot on medium heat.
  • Add in the onion and hot pepper and saute for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in the rest of the peppers, garlic, and seasoning, then mix and saute for another couple minutes.
  • Add in everything else, plus about ½ a can of water. Be conservative with the water. The dish might seem overly thick, but a lot of water will be released from the veggies as the chili cooks. You can always add more water later.
  • Cover and bring the pot to a bubble, reduce the heat down to a simmer, and cook covered for about 45 minutes, adding water as needed and desired.
  • After 45 minutes give the dish a taste test and adjust seasoning, but remember, the flavor of the chili will intensify on its own as it sits.

Like any soup or stew or chili, it’s ideal if you make the recipe ahead of time, because the dish will get exponentially better as the days pass, so be sure to make a big pot of chili so you’ll have plenty of leftovers.

vegetarian chili
hearty vegetarian chili recipe…try it!

That’s it! Hope you like it, and if you’ve got a bigger pot, CLICK HERE for a double-sized variation of this vegetarian chili recipe.

If you want jalapeno corn muffins to pair with chili, here’s a recipe that tastes great and is a breeze to make.

vegetarian chili
make a batch of corn muffins for a great chili sidedish

Jalapeno Corn Muffin Recipe

¾ cup cornmeal (whole, medium grind)
1¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chipolte (or regular chili powder)
½ tsp salt…unless the corn or butter already contain salt
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp oil (alternative butter, melted)
3 Tbsp honey
1 large egg
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
¼ cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
¼ onion, minced
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus ¼ cup for topping)
optional: 1 jalapeno (deseeded and sliced for topping)

Place rack in middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
Grease 12 muffin pan cups or line with parchment paper baking cups; set aside.
Combine dry ingredients in bowl.
Combine remaining ingredients in another bowl (minus topping, jalapeno). Add to dry ingredients and stir until ingredients are moistened.
Fill prepared muffin cups evenly.
Top with remaining jalapeno rings and cheese.
Bake 20-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and muffins are golden brown.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from muffin tins.
Serve warm or cold. Serve with butter or honey butter.
HONEY BUTTER:
½ cup butter, softened
2 Tbsp honey

I hope you like these recipe ideas. Give this healthy chili recipe a try and let me know what you think, and for more hearty meat-free options, try this very easy blackened eggplant Veggie Burger Recipe or this fantastic faux pasta made with Zucchini Zoodles.
Or visit my Vegetarian Recipe Playlist over on The Chef Buck Youtube Channel.

Thanks for Watching our Vegetarian Chli Recipe!

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

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We include affiliate links for products on our website. Making a purchase after clicking on our links and we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Hash Browns Recipe w/ Rutabaga and Zero Potato

hash browns recipe

Try a no potato hash browns recipe with rutabaga. Rutabaga is a root vegetable you can use just like a potato, but it’s a healthier choice with less than half the calories and carbs of potato. Rutabaga is like a larger version of a turnip, but a bit sweeter. It’s related to cabbage, and has a very mild cabbage taste. Rutabaga is great in soups, and I love it simply seasoned and roasted in the oven. Rutabagas look sorta like turnips, but they’re usually bigger. Like most produce, when buying rutabaga choose one that’s firm and seems heavy for it’s size. Give rutabaga a try and let me know what you think.

What You Need for a Rutabaga Hash Browns Recipe

2 cups shredded RUTABAGA
2 chopped GREEN ONIONS (separate white bottoms from green tops)
some chopped HOT PEPPER
1 EGG
shredded CHEESE (optional)
SALT to taste, for flavor and drawing out the water
season to taste, I like:
SMOKED PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER,
CHIPOTLE, BLACK PEPPER, etc. …use flavors you like
OIL for sauteing

hash browns recipe
Top rutabaga hash browns with an over easy egg for instant sauce

How to make Hash Browns Recipe with Rutabaga

  • Slice the end off the rutabaga and cut away the outer skin with a knife.
  • Shred about 2 cups of rutabaga using a hand grater or food processor.
  • Place rutabaga in a colander and lightly sprinkle with salt. Mix and let sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients, this will give the salt time to draw out the water.
  • Squeeze excess water from the rutabaga and place in a bowl.
  • Add green onion bottoms, peppers, egg, and seasoning. Mix well.
  • Heat a skillet and oil on medium heat.
  • Add in the rutabaga mix and cook until browned, turning occasionally.
  • When near completion, stir in green onion bottoms and cheese.

hash browns recipe
Skip shredding and cut rutabaga into cubes for tasty breakfast hash.

That’s it!
Give an easy Rutabaga Hash Browns Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another breakfast hash recipe idea, try out this canned Jackfruit Breakfast Hash Recipe.

canned jackfruit
Jackfruit and potato hash topped with fried egg; the yolk makes a nice sauce.

Thanks for checking out this rutabaga hash brown recipe and video, if you liked the dish, click a button or two below and share it with your friends.
I appreciate it, thanks!
–Chef Buck

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Pad Thai Recipe with Spaghetti Squash Noodles

pad thai recipe

Try a tasty Pad Thai recipe with a spaghetti squash twist. Spaghetti squash is a lowfat low carb ingredient with a terrific texture and a mild flavor that allows it to work well in a variety of recipes, including this easy Pad Thai Recipe. A few simple ingredients are all you need to cook this healthy faux noodle vegetarian recipe.

What You Need to Make Pad Thai Recipe w/ Spaghetti Squash

SPAGHETTI SQUASH
4-6 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
2-3 GREEN ONIONS chopped, bottoms separated from tops
1 RED BELL PEPPER chopped
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp SESAME OIL
1-2 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
1- 2 Tbsp SOY SAUCE
1-2 Tbsp PEANUT BUTTER
FISH SAUCE (optional) 1 or 2 EGGS
1 tsp CHILI PEPPER
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Garnishes:
chopped PEANUTS
chopped CILANTRO
BEAN SPROUTS

The measurements above are just loose suggestions, and really need to be adjusted to your own tastes. The size of the spaghetti squash and how much squash noodles you dig out will determine how much of the other ingredients you need; they are simple and fresh ingredients, so there really is no wrong way to make this dish.

best spaghetti squash
When cooked spaghetti squash pulls apart into “noodley strings”

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Make Pad Thai

  • When buying a spaghetti squash, choose one that seems heavy for its size.
  • Carefully slice the squash into halves. Cut the squash across instead of lengthwise; this will make for longer “noodles”.
  • Place cut sides down in shallow water in a roasting pan.
  • Bake for about 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check on the squash after 30 minutes; the cooking time will vary according to the size of the squash. It’s important not to overcook the squash, slightly crunchy strands of squash add great texture to a dish, and overcooking the squash will make the ingredient mushy.
  • Remove squash from the oven and carefully turn halves over to check for doneness –the water will be hot and steam will be trapped under the squash, so be cautious.
  • Allow squash to sit 5-10 minutes to cool slightly for easier handling.
  • Insert a fork and twist out strands of “spaghetti”. Once the fork has done its job, use a spoon to scrape out the remaining squash; it’s edible all the way to the rind, so don’t waste any!

On the stove top…

  • Heat a skillet on medium heat and add sesame and olive oil. You can check here for current pricing for a non-stick skillet on Amazon.
  • Add chopped green onion bottoms, chopped garlic, and chopped bell pepper and saute cook 1-2 minutes. If you like a bit of heat with your dish, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chopped hot peppers.
  • Add in salt and chili pepper and continue sauteing.
  • Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter. Add fish sauce if you’re a hardcore pad Thai aficionado. Add a bit of water to thin the sauce, if desired.
  • Cook for 1 -2 minutes. Then, add in the spaghetti squash and mix well with the sauce.
  • Make a well in the center of the squash and add in the whisked eggs. Once the eggs set, give them a stir and scramble, then mix scrambled eggs in with the rest of the dish and get it off the heat.
  • Top with fresh chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts and serve.
  • Add fresh bean sprouts, too, if you be cray.
pad thai recipe
Pad Thai with spaghetti squash noodles

And that’s it.
This recipe makes a nice twist on a traditional pad Thai recipe.
Give this spaghetti squash recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And for another healthy veggie noodle dish, try this handmade Zucchini Zoodles Recipe.

zoodles recipe
Handmade zoodles are easy to make and a nice change from a heavy pasta dish.

Thanks for checking out our spaghetti squash pad Thai recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Egg Bake Italiano with Spinach and Tomato

egg bake

An egg bake recipe is one of the easiest and least expensive meals to prepare, and an Italian egg bake is one of the tastiest. I’ll often clean out the fridge and use odds and ends to make a random egg casserole recipe, but an egg bake doesn’t always have to be a random mishmash of ingredients. If I have fresh spinach and sun dried tomato on hand, then an Italian Egg Bake is a cinch to make. It’s almost like a lasagna, but a whole lot easier and less expensive to prepare. An egg bake is an easy way to feed a family or gathering, and a casserole travels very well, so it’s a perfect recipe for a potluck or dinner party or any event where you need to bring a dish.

What You Need to Make an Italian Egg Bake

(ideal ingredients for a 1½ quart baking dish)

7 EGGS
8-10 oz SPINACH
1 med ONION (chopped)
SUN DRIED TOMATOES (chopped) …smoked sun dried tomatoes are my favorite!
6-10 cloves GARLIC (minced)
½ tsp dried ITALIAN SEASONING
1 cup shredded PARMESAN
or ROMANO CHEESE
½ cup MILK or YOGURT
SALT and PEPPER and
seasonings to taste, like:
garlic powder
onion powder
chili powder
paprika
…add others, or leave some of
these out.
OIL for sauteing

egg bake
It’s like an easier, less expensive lasagna

How to Make an Italian Egg Bake

  • In a large bowl, crack the eggs, add milk and dried Italian seasonings, and whisk well. Set bowl aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet on medium high heat.
  • Into the skillet add the onion, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes and saute 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in the seasoning and continue sauteing 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in spinach. Stir until spinach wilts and cooks down, which will happen quickly.
  • Lightly spray a 1½ quart baking dish and line the bottom with freshly shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese.
    You don’t need a lot of cheese, line the bottom of the dish and whatever is left reserve to melt on top of the dish later. Check here for current prices on a Pyrex Baking Dish set on Amazon.
  • Remove the sauteed skillet ingredients and spread them evenly over the cheese layer.
  • Gently pour over the whisked egg and milk.
  • Slide the baking dish into an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake about 20 minutes or until the egg is firm.
  • Remove from the oven. If desired, top with more shredded cheese and return dish to the oven for about 5 more minutes.
egg bake
I like to use smoked sundried tomatoes for this egg bake recipe…give them a try.

And that’s all there is to this egg casserole.
An Italian egg bake tastes great right out of the oven, but will taste even better the next day.
Serve hot or cold. I actually prefer it cold or at room temperature, so this egg bake recipe makes a great snack, or perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner; or even brunch, if you’re one of those kinda people.

And that’s it! Give this easy Italian Egg Bake Recipe a try and let us know what you think. And for another breakfast or brunch recipe idea, check out this Fancy Oven-Baked Eggs Recipe.

baked eggs
Baked eggs are an easy way to impress folks for breakfast.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this Egg Bake recipe, and all of our recipes. Sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. Making a purchase after clicking on our links and we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Jicama Recipe for Easy Breakfast Hash

jicama recipe

Try a tasty breakfast hash made from fresh jicama. Jicama makes an easy hash recipe because jicama is crunchy and can be eaten raw, just cook it long enough with the other ingredients to impart flavor and heat the jicama through. I like lots of onion and peppers in this jicama recipe, but experiment with other ingredients as well. A hash is a great dish for cleaning out the fridge. Jicama root is like the offspring of a potato and an apple; the root is white and crunchy and can be eaten raw, it has a very mild flavor, and is not too sweet, so it makes an ideal ingredient for many recipes. Give this jicama recipe a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients for this Jicama Recipe

1 JICAMA diced into cubes
chopped ONION
chopped BELL PEPPERS
chopped HOT PEPPER
finely chopped GARLIC? why not.
seasonings:
SALT for jicama
PAPRIKA
CHIPOTLE
GARLIC POWDER
BLACK PEPPER
but use whatever
seasonings you like
…sometimes I use dried
ITALIAN SEASONING
…give it a try

jicama recipe
Jicama root is super mild and crunchy and can be eaten raw and used in many recipes. Give it a try!

How to make a Breakfast Hash with Jicama

  • Buy jicama with an unblemished, unbroken skin, one that seems
    heavy for its size since jicama is mostly water, just like you.
  • Wash and cut the skin of the jicama off with a knife.
  • Dice jicama into cubes and toss in a bowl with salt and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and add in the onion, peppers, and garlic.
  • Saute for 2-3 minutes and then add in seasonings to taste, but don’t be shy.
  • Continue sauteing another 2-3 minutes.
  • Dry salted jicama with a paper towel and add into the skillet.
  • Saute jicama with the other ingredients as desired.
  • Once the jicama is heated through, the dish is ready!

jicama recipe
Jicama hash with just onions and seasoning…make a super simple hash for a quick breakfast side dish.

Give this easy jicama recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another vegetarian breakfast dish idea, try out this canned Jackfruit Hash Recipe.

Thanks for checking out the jicama recipe and video, if you liked this quick breakfast hash idea, click a button or two below and share it with your friends.
I appreciate it, thanks!
–Chef Buck

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Jackfruit Recipe Meatless Chicken Tikka Masala

jackfruit recipe

Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian inspired dishes in the world, because it’s fantastic, but you can easily make a tasty and meatless version of a tikka masala using this canned jackfruit recipe. Young green jackfruit is versatile and very easy to use. Green jackfruit’s mild flavor and rich texture make young green jackfruit an excellent faux meat. It’s popular in mock BBQ pork dishes, and also a favorite of my own in a meatless breakfast hash. When seasoned and baked in the oven, jackfruit handily mimics the texture of baked chicken, and it makes an ideal substitute in this tikka masala recipe. I’m using as few ingredients as I can in order to make this jackfruit recipe super easy.

Ingredients for a Meatless Tikka Masala Jackfruit Recipe

1 20oz can JACKFRUIT (use only young green jackfruit! …don’t buy sweet ripe jackfruit in syrup!)
15oz can TOMATO SAUCE
15oz can CRUSHED TOMATO
½ cup PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
1 medium chopped ONION
6-8 cloves finely chopped GARLIC
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
2-3 Tbsp pre-mixed CURRY (or make your own!)
SALT to taste
½ tsp CHILI POWDER
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER
OIL for sauteing
CILANTRO or green onion

jackfruit recipe
When buying canned jackfruit, notice that there are often two types for sale: a ripe sweet jackfruit in syrup, and young green jackfruit. Use young green jackfruit for this mock chicken tikka masala recipe.

How to Make a Meatless Chicken Tikka Masala with Jackfruit

  • For this jackfruit recipe, rinse and drain the jackfruit and cut into smaller, bite-sizes. You can buy jackfruit online. Check current canned jackfruit prices on Amazon.
  • In a bowl, toss the jackfruit with chili and garlic powder.
  • Spread the seasoned jackfruit out on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit
    for about 20 minutes.
  • In a skillet, heat oil on medium high heat.
  • When the oil is heated, add the cumin seeds, stir and allow to simmer for just a few moments.
  • Once the seeds begin to crack, add the finely chopped garlic.
  • Saute for a few moments and add in the onion.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and stir for approx. 2-3 minutes and add the curry powder. Use a premixed curry, or your own mixture. Mix well and continue to saute for 1-2 more minutes.
  • Add in the canned tomatoes. Mix well, raise the temperature and allow the ingredients to come to a bubble.
    Reduce the pot to a simmer, cover, and allow cooking for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, turn the heat off.
  • Blend the ingedients in the pot smooth with a hand blender; this step isn’t crucial, but it will help give the dish the creaminess of a restaurant style chicken tikka masala.
  • Stir in yogurt and mix well.
  • Add in the baked jackfruit and mix well.
  • Serve with rice or on its own.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves or chopped green onion tops.
jackfruit recipe
Use young green jackfruit for a tasty meatless “chicken” tikka masala recipe.

Give this easy meatless “chicken” tikka masala recipe a try and let me know what you think. If you’re a fan of chicken tikka masala, definitely try this jackfruit recipe version out.
The dish cooks up super quick with much less effort than you need to make a traditional chicken tikka masala, and I think you will be very happy with this meatless version. Cook it up and try it out on your friends and family–don’t tell them it’s jackfruit!–tell them it’s chicken tikka masala and see if they notice the difference.

For more easy Indian recipe ideas, check out my Complete Indian Meal Tutorial where I cook up an entire dinner.

how to cook indian food
how to cook indian food

Thanks for checking out the canned jackfruit recipe, and all of our recipes.

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Chole Masala Recipe with the fewest ingredients!

chole masala

Chole masala is an Indian chickpea curry recipe. For this simple chole recipe, I’m using the fewest ingredients I can. I do add Garam masala and cilantro to this version of chickpea curry; for a super simple version of chole masala, these two ingredients can be optional, but certainly use them if you have them on hand. I’m leaving out the asoefetida and besan (chickpea flour), and also the onion, which I will often cook into a chana masala. Chickpea curry is a delicious Indian staple, and a great introduction to Indian cooking.

what you need to make Chole Masala

1 15oz can CHICKPEAS
1 15oz can DICED TOMATO
3-5 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
½ tsp CUMIN SEEDS
1 tsp CUMIN POWDER
½ tsp TURMERIC POWDER
1 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
½ tsp GARAM MASALA (optional)
fresh chopped CILANTRO (optional)
OIL for sauteing
Check out current prices for Indian Spices on Amazon.

chole masala
Chana masala is a great introduction to Indian cooking

how to make Chole Masala

  • In a skillet, heat oil on medium high heat.
  • When the oil is heated, add the cumin seeds, stir and allow to simmer for about 20 seconds.
  • Once the seeds begin to crack, add the finely chopped garlic.
  • Stir for approx. 1 minute and then add the diced tomatoes. Mix well and allow the tomatoes to bubble.
    As the tomatoes cook down, you can crush them with your stirrer for a smoother chana massala.
  • Stir in the chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and cumin powders (or substitute a premade curry mix instead).
  • Mix in the chickpeas and add ½ can of water.
  • Bring the dish to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and allow cooking for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, the chick peas will be soft. Use a fork or potato masher to smash some of the chick peas, this will help thicken the chana masala.
  • If desired, add garam masala and then simmer uncovered to the desired consistency, remove and serve.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
    Serve with rice or on its own.

Give this easy chole masala recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for more easy Indian recipe ideas, check out my Indian Recipes Playlist.

chole masala
click pic for easy Indian cooking recipes

Thanks for checking the chole masala recipe out, if you like it, then click a button or two below and share the dish with your friends, I appreciate it.
Thanks,
–Chef Buck

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Easy Kale Recipe Idea — Mexican Kale

easy kale recipe

Here’s an easy kale recipe with a South of the border flair. We make a lot of dishes with fresh kale. Kale is a versatile, nutrient packed leafy green that we alternate often with spinach. Spinach and kale are interchangeable in most recipes. We call this recipe Mexican Kale since it has corn, beans, and cilantro, with spices that lend it a flavor you might find in a healthy restaurant featuring a Southwestern style menu.

Ingredients for Easy Kale Recipe

8-10 KALE leaves and stems
1 bunch CILANTRO chop and roughly divide leaves and stems
1 large ONION chopped
1 RED BELL PEPPER chopped
5 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
14oz can CORN rinsed and drained
15oz can BLACK BEANS rinsed and drained
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
2 tsp CUMIN POWDER
SALT and PEPPER to taste
OIL for sauteing

easy kale recipe
Steaming the kale at the end of the recipe preserves the nutrition

How to Make Mexican Kale

  • Wash kale thoroughly; kale leaves can hold a lot of dirt and grit in the leaves!
  • Separate the kale leaves from the stem.
  • Tear or chop the leaves into rough salad sizes, and chop the stems into ¼ inch pieces, or smaller.
  • Set stem pieces aside, and in a bowl, massage the kale leaves with about about a ¼ tsp of salt, or less.
  • Set kale aside.
  • Heat a skillet with oil on medium high heat.
  • When hot, add the onion, bell pepper, and kale stems and saute for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add in the corn, beans, cilantro stems, and garlic.
  • Add in the seasonings, but go lightly on the salt, since salt has already been added to the kale leaves.
  • Mix ingredients well, cover and continue cooking 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet lid and top the skillet mixture with the cilantro and kale leaves. Spread leaves evenly.
    Replace the lid, turn off the heat, and let the leaves steam for 3-5 minutes.
  • Uncover, mix well, and serve hot as a healthy side dish or entree.

easy kale recipe
Turn a simple kale side dish into a kale entree for a healthier dinner

That’s it, hope you like it.

Give this Mexican kale recipe a try and let me know what you think. For more easy kale recipe ideas, check out KALE RECIPE PLAYLIST.

easy kale recipe
click pic for more kale recipe ideas

Thanks for watching. If this easy kale recipe was helpful, please click a button or two below and share it with your friends, I appreciate it!
— Chef Buck

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Egg Salad Recipe …spicy like you likey

egg salad recipe

Try a spicy egg salad recipe for a flavorful twist on a traditional boring, bland egg salad. Most egg salads are a snooze fest, but sauteing up a little onion, pepper, and spices will put a little zing in your thing, and added nuts will give your egg salad a sorely needed crunch.

Spicy Egg Salad Recipe Ingredients

8 BOILED EGGS [link to Best Way to Boil Eggs ]
3-5 cloves GARLIC finely chopped
chopped HOT PEPPER as desired (I generally use a whole jalapeno pepper with the ribs and seeds removed)
2 tsp GINGER minced
½ to 1 cup CASHEWS (or if nuts ain’t your thang, sub some chopped celery)
1 small RED ONION chopped
¼ cup MAYONNAISE
½ cup chopped CILANTRO
½ cup chopped PARSLEY
10-12 CHERRY TOMATOES cut into quarters
LEMON zest and juice
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
1 Tbsp PAPRIKA
1 tsp TURMERIC
SALT and PEPPER to taste
OIL for sauteing

egg salad recipe
Perfectly boiled eggs make the best egg salad

How to Make This Egg Salad Recipe

The key to any egg salad are the eggs; you don’t want overdone boiled eggs that are dried out with that tell-tell greenish tint. But no fear! Fool proof boiled eggs are super easy to prepare.
HOW TO MAKE PERFECT HARD BOILED EGGS:

  • In a pot, cover the eggs with cold water.
  • Cover and bring the pot to a boil.
  • Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat and allow the eggs to sit in the hot water for 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, transfer the eggs to an ice water bath.
  • Peel eggs when cooled.
  • In a skillet, heat a little oil on medium high heat.
  • Add in the garlic and hot peppers and cook for 1 minute then
  • add in the onion and ginger and continue cooking until onions begin to soften.
  • Stir in the spices and then the cashews. Substitute peanuts if you prefer, or if you’re not into nuts, add chopped celery; a little crunchiness makes for a more interesting egg salad dish.
  • Saute ingredients for 2-3 more minutes, then set skillet aside to cool.
  • In a bowl, combine the peeled eggs and mayonnaise and mash into a lumpy mixture.
  • Add in the cooled ingredients from the skillet, and mix well.
  • Add lemon juice and zest, and stir in some fresh herbs, like parsley, cilantro, or dill.
  • And finally, stir in some quartered cherry tomatoes; cherry tomatoes are best because the tomato skin will help keep them from falling apart.
    And that’s it!–serve warm or cold, all by itself or as a salad or bread topping or a hearty egg salad sandwich.

egg salad recipe
Top egg salad on a green salad, use as a sandwich filling, or spread on a crostini or cracker

Give this spicy egg salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty salad idea, try this Southwestern Quinoa Salad Recipe.

southwestern quinoa salad
a southwestern quinoa salad makes a tasty and healthy dinner choice.

Thanks for checking the egg salad recipe out. If you liked the dish, then click a button or two below and share it with friends…I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Yuca Recipe – How to Cook Cassava Root

yuca recipe

Check out this easy yuca recipe. Yuca is a starchy root that makes a terrific change up from a potato dish. We have been cooking up yuca roots with garlic and onion for years, inspired by our favorite Cuban restaurants in Florida. The combo of yuca, with plenty of garlic, onion, and cumin will knock your socks off. So, check out the video and give this delicious yuca recipe a try.

Ingredients for this Cuban-Inspired Yuca Recipe

YUCA (about 1 lb.)   In the video we use fresh yuca, but you can use frozen in the same way.
1-2 large ONION (diced)
5-10 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
OIL for sauteing the onion and garlic
RED PEPPER FLAKES to taste
2-3 Tbsp CUMIN
½ cup OLIVE OIL total (1/4-1/2 to saute onion & garlic, rest to drizzle on top)
zest and juice of 1 LEMON
SALT to taste
CUMIN SEEDS (1 tsp, optional) I like using Badia seeds ’cause they’re a great buy, and you can check current prices for Cumin Seeds on Amazon.

I’ve got lots of yuca in the video, so I’m doubling this recipe.

yuca recipe
Yuca is a popular root that can be used much like a potato

 

How To Cook Yuca Recipe

  • Using a sharp knife, cut the yuca into manageable sizes to carefully cut away the outer skin of the yuca root. The skin is inedible and should be discarded. [One advantage of using frozen yuca is that the outer skin is already removed.]
  • Place yuca pieces into a pot of water and bring to a boil. Yuca should NEVER be eaten uncooked.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes or until yuca root can be pierced easily with a fork. 
  • Do NOT overcook! Yuca pieces should not be mushy.
  • Zest lemon; squeeze lemon juice.
  • Drain yuca and cool with water.
  • Remove fibrous stem from center of root and cut into 1 inch chunks (or smaller, if you want to taste more of your seasonings).
  • Heat oil in a skilleton medium high heat.
  • Add cumin seeds for just a few moments, then add garlic and onion and let simmer for a several minutes. 
  • Turn down to medium heat. Add red pepper flakes, cumin powder, and salt to taste.
  • Next, add yuca.
  • Mix and allow all to simmer for 5 minutes. Give the yuca an occasional stir. Add a bit of water if needed, but not too much.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Finally, add lemon juice and zest. Drizzle a bit of oil on top (extra virgin olive oil is a great topping).

Have Fun with Yuca!

yuca recipe
Cook yuca by removing the skin and boiling the root in water

And that’s it!

Yuca is an excellent substitute for potato. It goes great with any meat entree and makes a great vegetarian meal when paired with stuffed peppers and a crisp green salad.
Give this yuca recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And, if you wanna try out the stuffed peppers with yuca, check out this recipe as well.
Jalapeno Peppers Recipe
kick ass jalapeno poppers

Thanks for checking the yuca recipe and video out. If you liked it, click a few buttons below and share it with your friends and family. I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

And here’s a LO-FI video version of this yuca recipe I made back before I knew what a haircut was.

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We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^)                                    Also, we are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce Recipe

zucchini noodles

This zucchini noodles and marinara sauce recipe is super simple to cook. The marinara sauce will pair great with any pasta, even a gluten free faux zucchini pasta, which is really just raw zucchini cut into noodles, but your taste buds will trick your brain into believing otherwise. Thin sliced ribbons of zucchini will act just like egg noodles, except when it comes to racking up the calories.

What You Need To Make Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce

2-3 ZUCCHINI
1 lb ground SAUSAGE
1 ONION
crazy amount of GARLIC
½ GREEN BELL PEPPER
1 15 oz can DICED TOMATO
1 15 oz can TOMATO SAUCE
2-3 tsp ITALIAN SEASONING
RED PEPPER FLAKES (to taste)
½ up PARSLEY (chopped, optional)
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
OIL for sauteing

zucchini noodles
Add thin sliced raw zucchini to hot marinara for a great gluten free faux pasta

How To Make Marinara Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

  • In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat.
  • When pan is hot, add sausage. Sometimes I’ll shape sausage into meatballs before adding to the skillet and other times I’ll just divide the sausage once it’s in the pan; whatever works for you is the right way.
  • Brown the sausage for a few minutes and then add the onion, garlic, and peppers.
  • Continue sauteing for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add herbs and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add canned tomato and about ½ can of water.
  • Mix well and bring the skillet up to a bubble.
  • Reduce to a low simmer and cook 20-30 minutes. Add water as desired.
  • While sauce simmers, wash and peel 2-3 zucchini into thin noodles. I find a simple vegetable peeler to be the easiest method for slicing zucchini into thin, egg noodle like strips.
  • After sauce simmers, adjust seasoning as desired and stir in the chopped parsley. The parsley is optional, but adds a great color to the sauce, especially if you’re serving the marinara sauce over traditional noodles.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir sliced zucchini noodles into the marinara sauce.
  • The thin zucchini will readily heat through in the hot marinara sauce and no more cooking is required.
  • Serve immediately (and top with Parmesan cheese if you like!)

zucchini noodles
raw ribbons of zucchini make a perfect pasta substutute

Give this very tasty marinara sauce with zucchini noodles recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another great noodle dish, check out this Gluten Free Tofu Lasagna
gluten free tofu lasagna

Thanks for checking out the recipes. If you like what you see, share it with your friends and family on social media, I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Salmon Cakes Benedict w/ Hollandaise Sauce

salmon cakes

Canned salmon is perfect for making delicious salmon cakes. You can use salmon cakes for a variety of dishes, including salmon burgers. I generally make extra patties when I cook up salmon cakes, and one of my favorite uses for these leftover salmon cakes is in a variation of Eggs Benedict. Check out the recipe video below to see how to make this super tasty breakfast recipe.

Ingredients for Salmon Cakes Eggs Benedict

leftover SALMON CAKES
fresh SPINACH
thick sliced TOMATO
EGGS
HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

How to Make Salmon Cakes Eggs Benedict

This is a terrific way to use leftover salmon cakes (detailed salmon cake recipe below), in fact, it’s best to use leftover salmon cakes for this recipe; no sane person wants to open a can of salmon first thing in the morning.
On a plate, arrange a bed of spinach and top with a thick slice of tomato.
In a skillet, re-heat a leftover salmon cake.
While the salmon cake heats through, whip together a quick blender Hollandaise sauce (recipe below).
In another skillet, fry an over easy egg (or poach an egg, if you prefer).
Top the sliced tomato with the heated salmon cake, and then top the salmon with the fried egg.
Cover the egg with Hollandaise sauce and serve immediately.

salmon cakes
use leftover salmon cakes to make a terrific variation of Eggs Benedict!

How to Make a Quick Hollandaise Sauce

¼ cup melted BUTTER
2 EGG YOLKS
1 Tbsp LEMON JUICE (or substitute vinegar)
½ tsp DIJON MUSTARD (or substitute creamy wasabi or a little hot sauce)

In a bowl, combine two egg yolks, lemon juice, and mustard…also add a sprinkling of black pepper if you like. Melt the butter until it is bubbling, then slowly add the butter into the egg mixture while blending the eggs with a hand blender. Be sure to add the hot butter slowly, so the eggs don’t harden.
Blend for about 5-10 seconds. Use the sauce immediately, or hold in a bath of hot water until ready to use. This recipe makes just enough for two servings; when I want lots of Hollandaise sauce, I’ll double this recipe, with the exception of the egg yolks…instead of 4 yolks, I’ll just use 3 yolks.

Salmon Cakes Ingredients:

14oz canned SALMON (red or pink)
¼ – ½ cup ONION (finely chopped)
HOT PEPPER (finely chopped, to taste)
1 to 2 EGGS (beaten) …I generally use 1 egg for a fancy salmon cake entree and 2 eggs when
making salmon cakes for sandwiches.
SALT and PEPPER to taste
OIL for sauteing (3-4 Tbsp…salmon will soak up the oil)
1 Tbsp CURRY POWDER (optional)

salmon cakes
I make 4 salmon cakes from one can of salmon, and often prepare 8 cakes at a time so that I’ll have leftover salmon cakes for sandwiches and salmon Benedicts.

How to Make Salmon Cakes:

Traditional canned salmon will come with skin and bones still intact . The skin and bones are soft and edible. You can remove the skin and bones if you like; I used to remove them, but now I’m too cheap, and I don’t want to miss out on the extra nutrition, either.

  • Place drained salmon in a bowl.
  • Add ¼ – ½ cup onion depending on how much you like onion. Make sure the onion is finely chopped; smaller pieces will help keep the patties from falling apart. If desired, add some finely chopped hot pepper. If you don’t have fresh pepper, add a little chili powder or hot sauce.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add one or two beaten eggs. I like to use two beaten eggs because it helps to keep the patties together better; I don’t like my burgers to fall apart while I’m eating them.
  • Mix all the ingredients together well.
  • Shape into patties. I usually get 4 patties out of a 14oz can, but make as many as you like–bigger or smaller–depending on how big you want your burger to be. Here’s some current prices for canned salmon if you like to do your fishing on the internet.
  • Heat oil in a skillet. I like medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the patties, but not so hot that the patties will cook too quickly; you want the patties to get a nice cooked side before turning them, this will keep then from breaking apart.
  • Cook 5-7 minutes and then turn gently when the patties are golden brown.
  • Cook another 3-4 minutes and then remove from skillet and drain salmon patties on a paper towel.

I like to serve salmon patties on a toasted bun with sliced tomato, onion, lettuce and mayo.
It’s a nice break from hamburgers, and just as tasty.
Sometimes I’ll add a Tbsp of curry powder into the mix to make Curried Salmon Burgers, which you should definitely try sometime.

Give this canned salmon recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another canned salmon recipe, check out this Salmon Meatballs Recipe.

canned salmon
Salmon meatballs in a rich curry sauce.

Thanks for checking out our salmon cakes recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list to never miss a new cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends, and follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, support us on Patreon, or throw a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road, or maybe even pay a bill or two!–Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Tzatziki Sauce Recipe – Greek cucumber yogurt dressing

Tzatziki Sauce recipe

It’s super easy to make a healthy Greek tzatziki sauce recipe. It’s fairly quick to prepare tzatziki sauce, but it takes a little time to reach it’s full flavor potential, so make it a few hours ahead of time before serving. Tzatziki is a mild cucumber yogurt dressing that pairs very well with spicy falafel or lamb. The sauce can be used as a dressing or dip, especially for stuffed pitas, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tzatziki Sauce Recipe:

2 cups GREEK YOGURT
2 cups fresh CUCUMBER
3-4 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 small LEMON zest and juice
or substitute 1-2 Tbsp
WHITE WINE VINEGAR
½ cup (or more) chopped HERBS
…like dill, mint, or parsley
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)

tzatziki sauce recipe
Greek Tzatziki Sauce, a cucumber yogurt dressing

How To Make a Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe:

I prefer using English cucumbers (also called hothouse cucumbers), or using smaller, japanese cucumbers.
These cucumber types have a lot of flavor, are less watery, and the skin is thin enough to be eaten and enjoyed (although I generally peel them when making tzatziki).
When making a tzatziki sauce, start by preparing the cucumber; this will give the cucumber time to drain while you prepare the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Peel your cucumber and grate with a hand grater, or use a food processor if you enjoy cleaning appliances.
Chop the cucumber into smaller pieces, if desired, but don’t over-process, since chunks of cucumber make a tzatziki quite nice.
Place the grated cucumber into a strainer over a bowl to allow the cucumber to drain.
Mix a bit of salt to help draw out the water. Set bowl aside and prep the other ingredients.
Into a mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and fresh chopped herbs.
If you don’t have a lemon on hand, substitute a mild rice or wine vinegar.
Mix ingredients well.
Return to the cucumber. Quite a bit of water will have drained into the straining bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to press out more water, and then add the strained cucumber to the yogurt mixture.
Mix well, and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2+ hours before serving; this will give the flavors time to maximize.
Serve as a dip or dressing/sauce.
it’s great with pita chips or fresh sliced veggies; or serve with spicy lamb–especially as a sauce in stuffed pitas, or as a condiment on lamb burgers.
Or as a dressing for a fresh salad.
Greek tzatziki is healthy, versatile, and an easy recipe worth giving a go.
Give this Greek tzatziki sauce recipe try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!
For another Greek inspired dish, check out this Hummus Recipe

hummus
click pic for video recipe

Or this very tasty Pita Chips Recipe …that goes great with tzatiki
spicy pita chips
Thanks for checking out the recipes. If you like what you see, share these dishes with your friends and family on social media, I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Cook Spaghetti Squash for a Healthy, Low-fat Diet

best spaghetti squash

Cook spaghetti squash for a healthy addition to a low-fat diet. It’s mild flavor and hardy texture makes spaghetti squash ideal for a variety of recipes.

How to cook Spaghetti Squash

This is a basic spaghetti squash recipe :
Slice squash into halves.
Place cut sides down in shallow water in a roasting pan.
Bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove squash from the oven and carefully turn halves over to check for doneness –the water will be hot and steam will be trapped under the squash, so be cautious.
Allow squash to sit 5-10 minutes to cool slightly for easier handling.
With a fork or spoon, remove the meat of the squash.
The squash will pull away into strands that resemble spaghetti, although this squash will taste nothing like spaghetti.

cook spaghetti squash
When cooked spaghetti squash pulls apart into “noodley strings”

Here’s one of my favorite spaghetti squash recipes —

Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Recipe

This dish is super tasty, and I can eat way too much without feeling too guilty. Watch the video and learn how to easily cook this squash. It’s a terrific ingredient; delicious and healthy. This Mediterranean style recipe is just one of many ways to use this versatile vegetable. Give it a try!

Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ingredients:

1 medium SPAGHETTI SQUASH
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 large ONION (chopped)
4-6 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
½ RED BELL PEPPER (sliced)
1 14 oz can ARTICHOKE HEARTS in water (chopped)
1 cup OLIVES, and olive juice to taste (chopped)
¾ to 1 cup PARMESAN CHEESE (shredded or grated)
1 tsp OREGANO
½ tsp THYME
1 tsp BASIL
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to Make this Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Preheat oven to 350.
Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise (a good, sharp knife will be nice).  Place each side, cut side down, in a shallow pan with about ¾ c water. Cook spaghetti squash uncovered for 45 minutes. Set aside to cool squash halves–enough to handle without causing death to the handler–but not completely cool.
You have time to chop up all your ingredients while the squash cooks.   For the artichoke, you may want to remove some of the outer, tougher leaves.
For each half, use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and dark center strings.  Use a fork to scrape out the squash into ‘spaghetti-like’ strands.
Heat oil over medium high heat.  Saute onion and garlic 4-6 minutes.  Add bell pepper. Turn heat to low, stir and cover for 2-4 minutes.  Uncover, stir in spaghetti squash and remaining ingredients.  Cover and cook til all ingredients are warm, about 7-10 minutes
Add 1 Tbsp of olive juice and any other seasonings to taste. Serve warm. And a little toasted bread on the side won’t hurt.
Give this spaghetti squash recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…
Bon appétit!
And for another great spaghetti squash recipe, try this Spanish-style Spaghetti Squash.

spaghetti squash recipe
click image to check out this recipe

Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing to my videos, I appreciate it!

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Best Southwestern Quinoa Salad Recipe

southwestern quinoa salad

Everywhere you turn, there’s a Southwestern quinoa salad, and for good reason.  It’s delicious, easy to make, and a great choice for a healthy meal. Since quinoa is a complete protein, this Southwestern inspired salad makes an ideal vegetarian recipe, doubly so since this quinoa is paired with black beans.

What you need to make a Southwestern Quinoa Salad

2 cups COOKED QUINOA (check current prices for quinoa on Amazon)
1 15 oz can BLACK BEANS
10-15 sliced CHERRY TOMATOES
1 AVOCADO
½ diced YELLOW BELL PEPPER
3-5 chopped GREEN ONIONS
¼ cup chopped, pickled JALAPENO
½ cup chopped CILANTRO
1 LEMON …juice and zest
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER to taste

southwestern quinoa salad
southwest quinoa salad recipe

How to make a Southwest Quinoa Salad

Cook up the quinoa just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa and then set aside uncovered to cool.

While the quinoa cools, prepare the veggies:

Dice ½ a yellow bell pepper, or any color pepper, but if you’re like me and you’re making a corn-free southwest quinoa salad, then using a yellow pepper will make your quinoa salad more lovely to look at. Slice some cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes have a great flavor, and the hardiness of the tiny tomato makes it the perfect choice for a salad.

Remove and mince the zest from 1 small lemon, and then slice the lemon in half. Check current prices for a lemon zester on Amazon.

Chop up some green onions, and cilantro. If you like a little heat, chop up some pickled jalapeno, too, and reserve a Tbsp of the jalapeno pickling juice for added kick and flavor.

When the quinoa cools:

Add 2 cups of the cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
Rinse and drain the black beans and add them to the bowl.
Add the yellow pepper, jalapeno pepper, onion, cilantro, lemon zest, olive oil, juice from half the lemon, and salt and pepper.
Mix ingredients thoroughly.
Add tomato.
Slice avocado and add to salad.
Take the remaining lemon half and squeeze its juice over the cut avocado, this will preserve the vibrancy of the avocado.

Gently mix the salad and serve.

This Southwestern quinoa tastes great on it’s own, as a healthy side dish, or served over a bed of fresh greens for a super salad topping.

Give healthy southwest quinoa salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another healthy option with a southwestern flair, check out out this meat-free Vegetarian Chili Recipe that even carnivores will love.

vegetarian chili
pot o’ meatless chili for good times

Thanks for checking out our Southwestern quinoa salad recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Thanks for watching our cooking videos!

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Potato Cake Recipe — How To Make Sweet Potato Latkes

potato cake recipe

Check out this simple potato cake recipe. Or do you call them potato pancakes? Or potato latkes? I like to use sweet potatoes because they are less starchy and cook up quicker than white potatoes, plus sweet potatoes just taste great, and they are a good nutrition and energy source.

Ingredients to Make A Sweet Potato Cake Recipe :

1 med SWEET POTATO
ONION (½ as much as potato)
Fresh HOT PEPPER (optional)
2 EGGS
2 Tbsp FLOUR
1 tsp CURRY POWDER
½ tsp CHILI POWDER (optional)
……or whatever seasonings you prefer!
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
OIL for cooking

potato cake recipe
Are they potato latkes, potato pancakes, or potato cakes? What do you call them?

How to Make Sweet Potato Latkes :

    • Shred sweet potato into strings, and thinly slice onion into stringy lengths.
    • I like to also thinly slice a jalapeno pepper; the pepper adds a nice zing, flavor, and color, but you can skip the pepper if you’re a “fraidy cat”.
    • In a bowl, combine the potato, onion, and pepper with the flour until well coated.
    • Beat two eggs and add into the mix, stirring well.
    • Add seasonings as desired. I like a lot of seasoning, and the potato and onion like it, too, so be liberal with the salt, pepper, and flavors you prefer; it’ll make for tastier cakes.

potato cake recipe
thinly sliced sweet potato, onion, and pepper make for a sturdy, tasty, potato cake.

  • Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat and spoon the potato mixture into the skillet and press and shape into patties. The potato cakes should be about the size and thickness of a nice ¼lb burger, but not too thin.
  • Don’t crowd the skillet. I use a ten-inch skillet and get two batches of three patties each, which is a terrible sentence, and almost sounds like math, so sorry for that.
  • Cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning carefully.
  • Adjust the burner temperature as needed; reduce heat to cook each potato patty for 3-4 minutes without burning.
  • Cook until nicely colored, then remove potato cakes from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.

It’s a great dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Give this simple potato cakes recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit.

And for another yummy potato dish, check out this classic Home Fried Potatoes Recipe.

home fried potatoes recipe
home fried potatoes

Thanks for watching. If you like the potato cake recipe, use some of the share links below to share the dish with your friends and family.
I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Canned Mackerel Recipe for Meatballs

canned mackerel recipe

Try this canned mackerel recipe and cook a healthy Italian-style meatball dish. Mackerel provides a ton of nutrition, and is a wild caught fish full of healthy oils. It’ a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Canned mackerel is inexpensive, super convenient, and an ideal ingredient to have around the house.

What You Need to Make a Meatball Canned Mackerel Recipe

1 can MACKEREL
1 EGG
1 Lg ONION
4-5 cloves GARLIC
4-5 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
14oz can TOMATO SAUCE
14oz can CRUSHED TOMATO
½ GREEN BELL PEPPER
1 RED or YELLOW BELL PEPPER
½ cup grated ROMANO CHEESE
1 Tbsp ITALIAN SEASONING
2 tsp CHILI POWDER
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
some fresh parsley…and serve over rice or noodles

How to Make Canned Mackerel Meatballs

  • Open the canned mackerel and pour fish into a bowl. Like canned tuna, the mackerel has already been cooked during the canning process. The skin and bones are edible, in fact they are quite nutritious.
  • Remove some of the juice that was in the can, but leave about a ¼ cup of juices.
  • The larger vertabrae, while quite chewable, can be a little distracting in a meatball.
    Using your hands, break the fish up, smashing as much of the bone matter as convenient.
  • Into the bowl add salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. You’ll also add some of these spices into the marinara sauce as well.
  • Add the freshly grated Romano cheese, or substitute Parmesan cheese.
  • Add one egg, and about 1 Tbsp each of finely chopped onion, garlic and green bell pepper.
  • Thoroughly combine all of the ingredients in the bowl and then form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a ping pong ball. The bowl should yield 12-14 meatballs.

Time to Cook the Meatballs!

  • Heat a skillet with oil on medium high heat.
  • Brown the meatballs on all sides. Be gentle, the mackerel meatballs will be moist and quite soft. The meatballs will likely not keep their round shape, but that’s fine. Use tongs and turn them gently in the hot oil. The browning will help the meatballs to keep their shape later in the marinara sauce.
  • Brown meatballs for 5-7 minutes and the remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Into the skillet add the remaining onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Saute for several minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add more salt, pepper, and hot pepper as desired. Use fresh hot peppers if you like!
  • Add in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
  • Stir in the dried Italian seasonings.
  • Bring skillet to a bubble and the reduce to a simmer and cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, add fresh parsley and then return the meatballs to the skillet.
  • Gently mix the meatballs with the sauce and let cook for another 5 minutes.

And that’s it! Serve the sauce and mackerel meatballs over pasta or rice.
Give this canned mackerel recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

If you can’t find it at the store, you can check out canned mackerel prices on Amazon.

canned mackerel recipe
Canned Mackerel is packed with nutrition, super convenient, and relatively inexpensive.

And for another canned seafood recipe, try this delicious Salmon Burger Recipe.

Thanks for watching the video and checking out the recipe. If you enjoyed it, then click some of the share buttons below and introduce your friends to the joy of canned mackerel! I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

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Garlic Quinoa Recipe …instead of garlic rice

garlic quinoa

This garlic quinoa recipe makes a terrific side dish. I use quinoa often to provide the protein in vegetarian meals, but quinoa is also a smart choice to serve with other proteins. This garlic quinoa side is filling and tasty, and a great accompaniment for many meat and fish dishes.

Garlic Quinoa Recipe Ingredients:

2 cups QUINOA
3 cups WATER
3-4 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER to taste
and add chopped PARSLEY …if you like, man

garlic quinoa
garlic quinoa makes a great side dish

Garlic Quinoa Recipe Directions:

In an oven proof dish, add 3 cups of water.
Add in the olive oil, or melted butter.
Add the quinoa.
Add finely chopped garlic. I find 3-4 cloves to be plenty (this is one of those rare dishes where I have found too much garlic to be too much).
Add salt and pepper to taste.
If you want to add a little heat, add some finely chopped red chilis (it adds a nice color, too), or just a little cayenne pepper.
Stir the ingredients together well and place top or foil covering over the baking dish.
Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes. No attention to the dish is required while baking.
After 90 minutes, remove the dish from the oven, uncover and let set for a few minutes.
Fluff with a fork and serve.
It’s a great side dish for meat, fish, and vegetarian meals.
Any leftovers can be used to make quick quinoa salads.
Give this Garlic Quinoa Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

raw quinoa
uncooked quinoa…looks like a grain, but it’s a seed.

Quinoa is a terrific ingredient to incorporate into your diet for many reasons, here are a few:
1) It is a complete protein (provides all essential amino acids).
2) High in fiber and nutrition.
3) High in magnesium and iron.
4) Is low on the Glycemic Index, making it a good choice for blood sugar regulation.
5) it can easily be substituted for rice in many recipes

For more quinoa inspired recipes, check out my QUINOA PLAYLIST.
spanish quinoa

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Hearts of Palm Recipe with Beans …healthy and tasty!

hearts of palm

Hearts of palm are often used in salad recipes. Heart of palm is literally the edible core of a palm tree stem. It’s easily found sold in cans, but CG scored a fresh heart of palm, so we’ll take a look at this weirdo veggie and make a simple, but very tasty salad. Canned hearts of palm are not as crunchy as fresh heart, so be sure and add CELERY to this recipe when using canned hearts of palm.

Hearts of Palm Recipe Ingredients:

1 heaping cup sliced HEART OF PALM
15oz can MIXED BEANS
1 tsp GINGER (minced)
½ cup CILANTRO
½ cup GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
dressing:
2 Tbsp LEMON JUICE
½ tsp LEMON ZEST
1 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
1 Tbsp heavy OLIVE OIL
2 tsp SOY SAUCE
SALT and PEPPER to taste
if using canned hearts of palm, add ½ cup chopped CELERY
(and toasted nuts are never a bad idea, either)

hearts of palm
Fresh heart of palm and salad.

Hearts of Palm Recipe Directions:

If using fresh heart of palm, slice away the bamboo-like outer hull and remove the heart. fresh heart of palm has a great texture, a little crunchy with a creamy after taste; this slight crunch makes fresh heart of palm ideal for salad–canned hearts of palm are not as firm, so be sure to add ½ cup celery to this recipe if using canned hearts of palm.
In a bowl, combine the beans, heart of palm, cilantro, ginger, and green onion. A mix of beans is ideal…different beans will add a variety of textures.
In a smaller bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk well–super well!
Add the dressing to the salad and toss.
And that’s it.
We found this simple combo to be quite tasty. You can always add more ingredients, but sometimes simple is best.
Be sure to add celery for crunch if using canned hearts, and toasted nuts are always a great crunchy element for salads–plus they add protein to the dish as well.

Hearts of palm
Hearts of palm in a can

Give this heart of palm recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty salad idea, check out this Black-eyed Pea Salad.
black eyed pea salad
Click on Pic for Recipe

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Beet Greens Great over Quinoa or Rice

beet greens recipe

Try this easy beet greens recipe. I almost always buy beets with the beet greens still attached–you’re getting two great ingredients in one! Beet greens are quick to cook up, full of nutrients, taste great, and look great, too. Serve this recipe over rice or quinoa as an entree, or serve it all on it’s lonesome as a side dish.

Beet Greens Recipe Ingredients:

1 bunch BEET GREENS
1 bunch GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
1 can diced TOMATOES
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp VINEGAR
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER to taste
HOT PEPPERS (chopped, to taste)
serve over QUINOA or RICE

beet greens

How to cook Beet Greens

Wash beet greens well and then separate the stalk from the leaves. Chop the stalk into bite-sized peices, and then rough chop the greens.
Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Check prices for a new skillet on Amazon.
Add garlic and, if desired, a little fresh hot pepper.

Let these ingredients cook for about a minute, and then add chopped green onion bottoms (reserve chopped green onion tops to add later)
Cook for 2 minutes and then add the chopped beet stalks.
Saute for 1-2 minutes and then add diced tomato. Bring the skillet back up to a simmer. Add salt and pepper and simmer for approx. 5 minutes.

Add in a little vinegar. I’m throwing in 2-3 Tbsp by the time the dish is complete, but adjust to taste. Add vinegar incrementally–it’s a lot easier to put in than to take out!
Simmer dish another 2 minutes.

Add in the leafy greens and most of the green onion tops–I reserve a little of the green onion tops for a garnish.
Cover and simmer 2 minutes.

And that’s it! Adjust the seasoning as desired, and get it off the heat. Serve the greens over rice or quinoa as an entree, or a side dish. Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.

Give this beet greens recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another great greens dish, try this Creamed Kale Recipe.

kale
A lot of kale isn’t always a lot, kale contains a high water content and will cook down quite bit.

Thanks for checking out our beet greens recipe, and be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We appreciate you watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Cook Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

how to cook quinoa

How to cook quinoa with beets; a simple recipe that pairs quinoa with delicious roasted root vegetables. For this quinoa recipe, I roasted beets, carrot, and onion, but any root vegetable will do. I also added a little RAW ginger and garlic, to provide a flavor punch along with excellent nutrition. A complete protein, quinoa makes this dish an ideal vegetarian recipe. It’s a perfect side dish or main course.

Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup QUINOA
2 med. BEET ROOTS
1 med. ONION
1-2 Lg CARROTS
2 Tbsp GARLIC (minced)
2 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
½ cup PARSLEY (chopped)
HOT PEPPER (to taste)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
4-6 Tbsp VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste

how to cook quinoa
Chop root veggies into bite-size pieces (but big bites!)

How to Cook Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe

Wash and then chop beet bulbs and carrots into roughly ½ inch pieces–bite size, but not too small.
Chop onion into similar sizes. Place chopped veggies in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

On an ungreased baking sheet, spread veggies out into a single layer and then roast approx. 30 minutes in an oven pre-heated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halfway through the roasting, give the veggies a stir and return to the oven.
While the root vegetables roast, prepare the quinoa.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook quinoa …it’s just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. Most quinoa sold in stores throughout the USA has been pre-washed, but check packaging for details. (Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.)

If desired, add a little chopped hot pepper in with the quinoa. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove pot from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Transfer quinoa to a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Mix well, and then add the roasted vegetables. Add the raw, minced ginger and garlic, and the parsley. Toss until all of the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This recipe makes an awesome side, but it also works well as an entree. Give this quinoa and beet recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another recipe featuring beets, Check out this Fresh Beet Greens Recipe.

beet greens recipe
Buy beet roots with the greens for two great ingredients.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out our beet and quinoa recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, you can also support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. So, if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Watermelon Salad Recipe –or how to save a sad melon

watermelon salad

Watermelon Salad is simple to throw together and a tasty way to save a crappy melon. CG loves watermelon, but once in a while she brings home a dud that just doesn’t make the cut; so what does one do with an unsweet, flavorless melon? Turn it into a savory salad dish!

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients:
6 cups crappy, unsweet, seedless WATERMELON
1-2 Tbsp fresh MINT (chopped)
¼ cup RED ONION (chopped)
¼ cup FETA CHEESE crumbles
½ cup toasted ALMOND SLIVERS

dressing:
¼ cup BALSAMIC VINEGAR
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp DIJON MUSTARD
1 Tbsp MAPLE SYRUP (or substitute honey)
1 clove GARLIC (minced)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

watermelon salad
Turn crappy watermelon into happy watermelon! (sorry)

Watermelon Salad Directions:
This salad works best with a seedless melon–’cause it’s a salad–and no one wants to dig seeds out of a salad.
Wash your melon and cut away the rind. Slice the red flesh into hearty, but mouth-sized pieces. If it’s sweet–then you’re set! Chow down, because that’s what a melon is for! –but if it’s not sweet, if it’s a flavorless lump that sits in your mouth like play-doh, then don’t despair…it’s salad time.
First thing, make the dressing.
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup (or substitue honey), garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix together and set aside.
In a larger bowl combine cut watermelon pieces, mint, red onion, feta cheese, and almond slivers. I’ve suggested some ingredient measurements–but that’s just a loose guildeline, man. It’s a salad…follow your heart (and taste buds).
Add salad dressing to taste and toss.
Boom.
That’s it, dude.
Your crappy melon has been transformed into a delicious salad.

Give this Watermelon Salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty salad recipe, try this Black-eyed Pea Salad Recipe.

black eyed pea salad

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Bok Choy Recipe for Healthy Bok Choy Soup

bok choy recipe

This bok choy recipe is one of my favorites. Bok choy is a type of cabbage, and quite versatile. It’s easily found in markets and is sold in several shapes and sizes under the name bok choy ranging from dinky baby bok choy to the larger size cabbages that I like to use for soups.

Bok Choy Recipe Ingredients

1 large BOK CHOY (rough chopped)
2 medium SWEET POTATOES (cubed)
1 medium ONION (chopped)
CHILI PEPPERS (to taste)
2 Tbsp GINGER (sliced, minced)
5-7 cloves GARLIC (chopped)
1 Tbsp CORIANDER POWDER
1 tsp MANGO POWDER
1 tsp LEMONGRASS POWDER (or fresh lemongrass)
1 can COCONUT MILK
½ cup fresh BASIL (chopped)
SALT and PEPPER to taste
WATER enough to cover ingredients

bok choy recipe
bok choy cabbage

How to make Bok Choy Soup

If you need a nice soup pot for your kitchen, you can check here for current pricing for a soup pot on Amazon.

In a soup pot, heat oil on medium high heat and add the ginger, garlic, chili peppers (or jalepenos, or whatever your favorite heat is–or no heat if you wanna skip the bite), and onion.
Saute for a minute or two and then add in the coriander, mango powder, and lemongrass powder (if using fresh lemongrass, add in with onions). Mix well and saute for another minute.

Add in sweet potatoes, skinned and cubed into ½ inch peices.
Add one 13.5 oz can of coconut milk and 1 can of water.
Bring pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let cook for 5-6 minutes.

While pot simmers, separate the bok choy stalks from the leaves and wash well.
When the 5-6 minutes are up, add in the bok choy stalk bottoms and mix well. Add more water if needed. The water should be just enough to cover the soup ingredients, add sparingly.
Bring pot back to a simmer, cover and let cook for another 2 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the bok choy leaves and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the fresh chopped basil and remove from the heat.
And that’s it.

Soup is a great opportunity to clean out the fridge, so experiment with adding other veggies. I often add carrots and bell pepper. Give this bok choy recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another Asian inspired dish, try this Spicy Chinese Eggplant Recipe.

Chinese Eggplant Recipe with Sweet Sauce
Chinese Eggplant Recipe with Sweet Sauce

Thanks for checking the recipes out! Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss a new recipe video, we appreciate it.
–Chef Buck

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Fried Quinoa Recipe — Quinoa Fried “Rice”

fried quinoa recipe

This fried quinoa recipe is a quick and tasty take on Chinese fried rice. Quinoa makes a great substitute for rice in many recipes, especially quinoa fried “rice”. Quinoa is a complete protein, which makes this dish a complete meal, even if you leave out the egg–which is an easy way to make this a vegetarian recipe. Of course you can go the other route and throw in a little diced pork chop or ham if you like, but I’m quite happy with just a couple scrambled eggs thrown in.

Fried Quinoa Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup QUINOA (before cooking)
1 cup PEAS
1 CARROT (diced)
4-6 GREEN ONIONS (chopped, tops separate)
3-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
HOT PEPPERS (as desired, finely chopped)
2 EGGS (scrambled)
2-3 Tbsp OIL for sautéing
SOY SAUCE as desired
SESAME OIL 1-2 tsp
SALT and PEPPER to taste

fried quinoa recipe
Quinoa Fried “Rice”

Fried Quinoa Recipe Directions:
This is a great dish for leftover quinoa. The next time you’re making a pot of quinoa for another recipe, just make a little extra for this fried rice recipe knockoff! But if you don’t have any leftover
cooked quinoa handy, just prepare this quinoa a little ahead of time to give it time to cool down–this will keep the quinoa from easily overcooking and becoming mushy.

Quinoa is easy to prepare–just like rice, in fact! Rinse the quinoa if needed (many brands come pre-rinsed). In a pot, add 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce pot to a
simmer, and then cover and let cook 13 minutes (this will result in slightly al-dente quinoa, which is what you want for frying). Remove the quinoa from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely (salt if desired).

For fried rice, I like to scramble my eggs first and then set aside. I Use two eggs for this recipe, but feel free to use 1, or 3, or none if you want a vegetarian fried quinoa. Whisk the eggs (add a
splash of milk if desired–makes scrambled eggs smoother). Heat oil in a skillet and quickly scramble eggs on med-high heat and then set aside for later.

In a large skillet, heat 2-3 Tbsp oil on medium.

Add raw, diced carrots (should be about pea size). Add chopped hot peppers, too–if desired. I like adding a little fresh red chili peppers for taste, but jalapenos would work just as well, or red
pepper flakes, or even just a little sriracha later, if desired–or no heat at all–it’s up to your tastes; follow your heart, but spicy food is good for you, right?

Sauté the carrot and peppers for a minute and then add the ginger, garlic, and chopped green onion bottoms (reserve the chopped tops for a flavorful garnish).

Continue sautéing another minute and then add in the quinoa. Stir fry until heated through, this won’t take very long.

Add sesame oil and peas. I like to use frozen peas (thawed), because they hold their texture better than canned peas. Stir until mixed. Add soy sauce to taste. Add fish sauce if desired. The
sauces will provide plenty of salt, but if you want a little black pepper, go ahead and throw that in now.

Mix up and then add the scrambled egg. Mix and fry for another minute and then remove from the heat.

That’s it.

This dish is ready pretty quick. Top the fried quinoa with chopped green onion, crushed peanuts, or both. Serve fried quinoa it’s own or with a veggie side (broccoli or bok choy or Thai eggplant
are nice).

Give this Fried Quinoa recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!
And for more tasty quinoa dishes, check out my Quinoa Video Playlist.

quinoa salad

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Boiled Peanut Recipe – A Southern Tradition

boiled peanut recipe

This boiled peanut recipe is a southern tradition and a delicious mess. You can readily find boiled peanuts sold along roadsides throughout the Southern USA. Boiled peanuts are a messy treat–and a little bit of work to eat–they’re kinda like eating pistachios in a soggy shell (not taste-wise, just work-wise). I love ’em–I don’t make them, ’cause I’m too lazy–but I’m always happy to eat them when CG boils up a batch, especially if she’s digging them out of the shells for me.

Boiled Peanut Recipe Ingredients

3 lbs RAW “green” PEANUTS
½ cup SALT
optional:
BAY LEAVES
CHILI POWDER
GARLIC fresh or dried
HOT PEPPERS fresh or dried
HOT SAUCE
flavored BOULLION (broth)
…pretty much any seasoning that you like!

southern boiled peanuts
southern style boiled peanuts

How to make a Boiled Peanut Recipe

Ideally you want to use raw “green” peanuts. Green peanuts are not green, that just means they’re minimally processed–pretty much just out of the ground. Use green peanuts quickly, because they will not keep long and are prone to mold. Green peanuts are ideal because they will more quickly and most readily absorb the seasonings during the boil. You can use peanuts that have been dried in the shell, but don’t use roasted peanuts.

Wash and rinse the peanuts thoroughly, and then place them in a large pot and cover with plenty of water.

Place on the stovetop, cover and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and allow the peanuts to cook for 2 hours. Add more water to the pot as needed. The peanuts should always be covered in plenty of water. At first the peanuts will float, but after time, the peanuts will sink.

After 2 hours, add seasonings (it’s in the latter part of the boil that the peanuts absorb the most flavor). Add salt, which is the primary ingredient–in fact salt is all you need; many folks JUST USE SALT–they’re plenty tasty that way, but we prefer to add other seasonings as well, which is generally called “cajun boiled peanuts”. For this batch we added several cloves of raw garlic, dried chili peppers, and ½ cup chili powder. But you can add whatever seasonings you like.

If you’re just getting into home cooking and don’t have a lot of seasoning choices, you can check out current pricing for a Complete Starter Spice Set on Amazon.

Cover, and allow the peanuts to continue bubbling on medium heat for 30 more minutes.

After thirty minutes, remove the peanuts from the heat and allow to sit in the seasoned water until they reach the desired flavor, anywhere from 2-5 hours. The longer they sit cooling in the pot, the more seasoned they will become. Give them a try every half hour until you’re happy with the flavor.

They are a mess to eat, but delicious and addictive. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop–they will go quickly! If you have leftovers, just drain them and store them in the fridge in ziplock bags. You can also freeze them in ziplocks for longer storage.

Give this Boiled Peanut Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Thanks for watching! Click a button or two and share the dish if you like it.
And for another tasty southern style treat, try this Country Fried Steak Recipe.

country fried steak
Cube steak is a hammered and tenderized cut of round or top sirloin steak

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Cashew Coconut Energy Balls — Power Bars in a Ball!

Cashew Coconut energy Balls

Cashew Coconut Lemon Bites! or Balls! A quick energy bar in a ball snack recipe! Very easy to make, and super flavorful.  These power balls are like a mini desert, but full of semi-healthy stuff that will put a little pep in your step.  And you get the extra energy without the drastic sugar crash.

Cashew Coconut Energy Balls Ingredients:

2 cups raw CASHEWS
1 cup pitted DATES
1 Tbsp COCONUT OIL
1 Tbsp MAPLE SYRUP
1 tsp VANILLA EXTRACT
¼ tsp SALT
½ cup SHREDDED COCONUT
juice and zest of 1 small LEMON

energy snack
power snack in a yummy treat!

Cashew Coconut Energy Balls Directions:

You’ll need a food processor for this recipe. In fact, you can do the entire recipe in a food processor.  However, my processor is pretty small, so I just use it for chopping up the cashews and dates.  I do the rest of the mixing in another bowl.

Place the raw cashews in a food processor and chop for a few moments. Your cashews should be chopped fine. Then, add pitted dates and chop to same size.
Add coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the cashew/date mixture.
Zest one small lemon. Now, mince the zest and add it to the mixture.
Slice the lemon and squeeze all of the juice into the mix.
Mix thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into ball shapes. Make whatever size you like for snacking! I think grape size is best.
Next, roll the balls in shredded coconut to coat the outside.
And that’s it! Snack away!
The balls can be stored in the fridge until desired.  In fact, they taste best right out of the fridge!

This super easy recipe makes a tasty treat. And it’s a great alternative to sugary candy bars and ice cream.

Keep Checking Back For New Recipe Ideas:

So, give this Cashew Coconut Energy Balls recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty, sweet treat, try this semi-healthy and awesome BERRY COBBLER RECIPE

blackberry cobbler
blackberry cobbler

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How to make a Fancy Herb Omelet

How to make an omelette

This is how to make an omelette recipe the easy way…it’s simple and cheap, and throwing in a few chopped herbs makes it super delicious –a fancy-pants omelette! Do you spell it omelet or omelette ? it’s a perfect egg dish for breakfast, brunch or a lazy man’s dinner. I like to use tarragon, parsley, and chives, but sage and basil are great choices, too.

Omelette Recipe Ingredients:

2 EGGS
1 Tbsp PARSLEY (chopped)
1 tsp CHIVES (chopped)
½ tsp TARRAGON (chopped)
¼ cup HAVARTI CHEESE (shredded)
BUTTER enough to cover the bottom of the pan
SALT and PEPPER to taste
—the cheese and herb measurements are
just suggestions…follow your heart.

Omelette Recipe Directions:

In a skillet, heat butter on medium heat. Check here for current pricing for a non-stick skillet on Amazon. Use enough butter to coat the bottom of the skillet. Medium is a good heat–not too hot, not too cold–enough to allow the eggs to cook and set without overcooking; an omelet should be soft, not crusty and overcooked–avoid too high a heat and browning the eggs!–that’s my preference of course, but give it a try. Don’t rush an omelet!–hell, it doesn’t take long anyway.

In a small bowl, crack two eggs. Add chopped herbs. I like to use tarragon, parsley, and chives, but sage and basil are great choices, too. Mix and match herbs and amounts and find your favorite combo. Adding fresh herbs to an omelet is great way to add flavor without adding complication to the omelet making process, which is especially nice if you’re making multiple omelets for hungry folks looking for breakfast.

How to make an omelette
omelet recipe

Whisk the herbs and eggs together and pour into the skillet. Give the skillet a shake to spread the egg out.
And then leave it alone.
The eggs should cook gently.
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
Let the eggs set and cook around the edges until the eggs move easily in the pan–this will take 1-2 minutes depending on how hot your skillet is.

Once the omelet can be moved easily, flip or turn the eggs over gently with a spatula. Immediately turn off the heat, the pan will be hot enough to finish off the omelet.

Add a little shredded cheese to one side and fold the eggs in half over the cheese, making a half moon. I prefer havarti cheese, but any creamy, easily meltable cheese will be ideal.
And that’s it–a super easy and delicious omelet!

Give this omelette recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another eye-popping breakfast dish, try this Fancy-Pants Baked Eggs Recipe.

baked eggs
Baked eggs are an easy way to impress folks for breakfast.

Thanks for checking out the recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We
appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

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Best Burrito Recipe – Family Style

Cheesy baked burritos

Try this family-style burrito recipe–it’s enough for a family or perfect for anyone who loves leftovers. We like to use roasted peppers in the filling, which is optional, but well worth the effort.

What You Need To Make The Best Burrito Recipe

TORTILLAS (about 7″ diameter)
2 cups SHREDDED CHEESE
¾ lb GROUND BEEF
1 can KIDNEY BEANS (15oz)
1 can REFRIED BEANS (15oz)
3 Lg ROASTED PEPPERS (chopped)
2 cups ONION (chopped)
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp CHILI POWDER
2 Tbsp CUMIN
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
OIL (for greasing pans)
1 cup SALSA for topping
and some HOT SAUCE (optional)

Is this the best burrito recipe ever? It sure looks like it!

Baked burrito recipe
Family-Style Baked Burritos

How to Make A Family-Style Burrito Recipe

You don’t HAVE TO roast peppers for this recipe–but it’s tasty if you do.

We like to use 3 large peppers, get whatever kind you like–we usually use two poblano and one green bell pepper for a mix of flavors. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. Place the peppers cut side down on a greased pan and bake uncovered in the oven at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes. As the peppers roast, they will darken and begin to bubble.

After half an hour, remove the peppers from the oven and cover the pan while the peppers are still hot. Let the peppers steam in their own heat for 10-15 minutes–this will loosen the skin and make it easy to peel away. Once the skin is removed you’ll have roasted peppers! They’re a tasty ingredient for many dishes; since we’re using all three peppers for the burrito filling, dice them all and set aside.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat and brown the ground beef. As the beef begins to cook and release it’s fat, add the onion and garlic (if it’s too fatty, drain a little of the grease). Stir until the beef is lightly browned–no need to overcook, ’cause the beef will continue to cook in the oven.

Remove the skillet from the heat and add the kidney beans and re-fried beans. Add ¾ of the diced roasted peppers and reserve ¼ to use later as a topping.

Add the salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder–and if you want some heat, throw in a little hot sauce to taste.

Mix ingredients well, and that’s the burrito filling!

Cheesy baked burritos
Awesome Burrito Recipe

Grease an oven safe baking dish.  If you don’t have a good-sized dish, here are some current prices for Pyrex baking dishes on Amazon.

We use medium size tortillas, about 7″. Put as much filling as you think is appropriate–we like two heaping spoonfuls–top the filling with cheese and roll the burrito up and place in the baking dish; repeat until the baking dish is full.

If you have any filling remaining, spoon it thinly over the top of the burritos. Spoon hearty salsa over the top of the dish–chunky salsa!–not too wet. Sprinkle the top with the remaining roasted peppers and some shredded cheese (a mix of monterey jack and cheddar is best).

Bake uncovered in a 400 degree F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges of the burritos begin to brown.

Turn the oven to broil and finish by toasting the top of dish for 3-5 minutes–be careful not to burn it!–keep an eye on the dish and remove it when it reaches toasty-cheesy perfection.

Spoon burritos onto a plate and serve with sides of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. It pairs great with rice!

Give this burrito recipe a try and let me know what you think.

If you enjoyed the dish, hit some of the buttons below and share this slice of burrito heaven with friends and family. Thanks for watching, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty Mexican inspired recipe, why not try the best Nachos Grande Recipe in the world.

nachos supreme
World’s Best Nachos Recipe

Thanks for checking out the recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We
appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

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Edamame Brown Rice Recipe –A Great Vegetarian Dish

edamame

This edamame brown rice recipe is super flavorful, filling, a great side dish, and delicious hot or cold. If you buy frozen soy beans for this dish, make sure they are thawed before using –and shelled!– shelled edamame is called mukimame.

Edamame Brown Rice Recipe

2 inch GINGER, finely chopped
4-5 cloves GARLIC, finely chopped
16 oz bag MUKIMAME (shelled edamame)
¾ cup LONG-GRAIN BROWN RICE
2Tbsp fresh LIME JUICE
2 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
2 tsp SOY SAUCE
2 tsp SESAME OIL
½-1 tsp SUGAR
3-4 GREEN ONIONS
5 Tbsp CILANTRO, chopped
2 Tbsp SESAME SEEDS, toasted
SALT and PEPPER to taste

edamame
Mukimame with Brown Rice Recipe

How to make Make Edamame with Brown Rice

  • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Check current prices for a sauce pan on amazon.
  • Sauté ginger and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Remove garlic and ginger from pan and set aside (I’ve tried skipping this step, and just continued cooking the garlic and ginger along with the rice, but it’s not as flavorful, so it’s definitely worth setting the garlic and ginger aside to add to the dish later).
  • In same pan (without rinsing), bring 1½ cups lightly salted water to a boil. Add rice, reduce to a low simmer; cover and cook, 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, stir in thawed, shelled edamame (mukimame!); cover and cook until rice is tender and mukimame is heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine lime juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove rice and beans from the stove and add ginger, garlic, lime juice mixture, scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds.
  • Mix well and add additional salt and pepper as desired.


Give this edamame brown rice recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

edamame
Frozen Mukimame (shelled edamame)

And for another great vegetarian dish, try this easy, awesome Quinoa Salad Recipe.

southwestern quinoa salad
a southwestern quinoa salad makes a tasty and healthy dinner choice.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this edamame recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, you can also support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. So, if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Spinach Salad Recipe with Pear and Cheese

Best Spinach Salad

This is the easiest, best spinach salad recipe in the world. We first had one of these spinach, pear, blue cheese, walnut, raspberry dressing salads years ago at a little tapas place in Key West, and we’ve been making them ever since–especially if we have a pear on the edge–the riper, softer, and juicier the pear, the better the salad is gonna taste.

What You need for the Best Spinach Salad

SPINACH
1 PEAR (ripe, diced)
WALNUTS (toasted) current WALNUT prices on Amazon
BLUE CHEESE (crumbled)
dressing:
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp RASBERRY JAM
1 Tbsp VINEGAR
½ tsp ITALIAN SEASONING
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Best Spinach Salad
Best Spinach Salad

How to Make a Pear Spinach Salad

Crumble and spread your walnut pieces on a baking sheet and toast at 300 degrees F for 5-10 minutes until the nuts are toasted to your liking. Keep an eye on them–nuts are easy to over-toast and it’s usually worth setting a timer so they’re not forgotten.
While your nuts toast, throw together your salad dressing–basically and oil and vinegar dressing with a little jam added for flavor.

I make this dressing with all kinds of jams, but raspberry and strawberry are my favorites–although definitely give raspberry a try with this recipe. Combine your oil, vinegar, jam, salt, and Italian seasonings. Mix well. Taste and adjust as needed to your liking. A little sugar can be added if desired, but I usually find that the jam adds plenty of sweetness, plus the pear will add sweetness to the salad as well.

Toss the dressing with your spinach leaves until all are well-coated. Divide spinach into serving bowls. Chop pear into nice chunks and add to salad. An overly-ripe pear works best. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad, then sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Lots of blue cheese. Or less. I like blue cheese. There are no ratios with this salad. Check prices for WALNUTS on amazon

And that’s it. This is the best spinach salad in the world. So it is written, so it shall be done.
Give this Spinach Salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another tasty salad idea, try this Kale and Beet Dish!

kale beet salad

Thanks for Checking Out Our Spinach Salad

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. Making a purchase after clicking on our links and we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Broccoli Recipe – Best Blue Cheese Broccoli

Broccoli with Blue Cheese

Try this super-quick and awesome broccoli recipe. If you like blue cheese then you’ll love this dish, in fact, you’ll actually love broccoli if you only just liked it before …I know, kinda confusing, but trust me, this is a pretty damn tasty broccoli dish–and healthy, too. So make it.

Bad-ass Blue Cheese Broccoli Recipe Ingredients:
5 cups BROCCOLI FLORETS
¼ cup CARROT strings
2-3 oz BLUE CHEESE crumbled
¼ cup SUNFLOWER SEEDS (shelled and toasted)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Broccoli with Blue Cheese
Broccoli with Blue Cheese Recipe

directions:
Toast the sunflower seeds (already shelled). This can be done quite quickly in a hot pan or skillet. Heat pan or skillet on medium/med-low heat; not too hot or seeds will burn. Add sunflower seeds and spread them into a single layer. Do not use any oil or spray in the pan. Stir the seeds in the skillet for a couple of minutes until they begin to brown, lightly browned is perfect; they’re easy to over-toast, so don’t leave them too long. It will only take 2 minutes on medium heat.
Remove seeds from heat and set aside.

Cover the bottom of a pot with about ¼ inch of water, just enough for steaming the broccoli and carrots. Add The broccoli florets to the pot and top with the carrot strings. Raise the heat, cover the pot, and allow the veggies to steam for approx. 5 minutes; ideally the florets will be cooked through, soft but not soggy!

Turn off the heat and drain any remaining water in the sink. Add salt, pepper, the toasted sunflower seeds, and 2-3 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
Lightly toss ingredients together and serve while hot.
This dish is super-simple and amazingly delicious –as long as you like blue cheese.
Give this broccoli recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another great veggie dish, try this tasty Beet Greens Recipe.
beet greens saute

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Spicy Crispy Chickpea Recipe -great salad topping!

Here’s a quick, spicy chickpea recipe that makes a great salad topping and a so-so snack; it’s a lot easier on your teeth than baked chickpea snacks, which I find to be almost inedible (they tend to turn into tiny rocks).

ingredients:
15 oz can CHICKPEAS
2-3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp CURRY POWDER
½ tsp CUMIN
½ tsp PAPRIKA
dash CAYENNE PEPPER
SALT to taste

chickpea recipe

Rinse and drain a 15oz can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans). In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add chickpeas–be sure that they are drained well, since water and hot oil definitely do not mix. Saute chickpeas for 10-15 minutes; obviously, the longer they’re in the skillet, the crispier they will get, but it’ll take about 15 minutes to get them “crispy”. Once the chickpeas get near the doneness you desire, add salt, pepper, and spices. The spice combo in the recipe works well, but experiment with whatever spices you have–and don’t be shy with the spices–spice really makes this recipe work, and a good deal of the spice you use will remain in the skillet when you remove the chickpeas. Saute chickpeas and spices another 2-3 minutes and then remove from the heat.
Use them as a salad topping instead of croutons for a healthy crunch, or a just tasty snack, something to nibble on besides potato chips.
Enjoy!

Ever try Chickpea Curry(chana masala)? It’s a terrific Indian chickpea dish.

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Edamame Recipe –Roasted Snack and Salad Topping

Try this roasted edamame recipe for a quick semi-healthy snack. The toasted Parmesan cheese will almost make you forget that you’re eating soybeans.

Roasted Edamame Recipe Ingredients:
10 oz frozen shelled EDAMAME (green soybeans)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER (also add or substitute onion powder, chili powder)
SALT and PEPPER to taste
¼ cup shredded PARMESAN CHEESE

directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Mix frozen edamame beans (no need to thaw), olive oil, fresh-cracked black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese together in a large bowl. Try experimenting with different seasonings; substitute onion powder or chili powder for the garlic–or add them all–this is an easy snack food to change up for a little variety.
Spread mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Place in oven and bake for 8-10 minutes and then remove from oven and stir. Spread edamame out again and cook another 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is toasted crispy and golden.
Add additional salt or garlic powder if desired.

Roasted edamame makes a great salad topping.
Roasted edamame makes a great salad topping.

Eat as a quick snack–it is delicious hot out of the oven–or use as a topping for salads and whatnot.

Tastes great hot out of the oven--perfect for snacking.  Try it as a movie treat instead of popcorn.
Tastes great hot out of the oven–perfect for snacking. Try it as a movie treat instead of popcorn.

Give this roasted edamame recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And for another quick and healthy salad topper, try this Spicy Chickpea Recipe.

chickpea snack recipe
chickpea snack recipe

Roasted edamame or chickpeas are both great components in a salad. A super-flavorful and healthy salad ingredient is kale. It’s extremely versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. Click on the video link below to discover some simple tips on using raw kale in your next salad.

avocado kale w/ chickpeas
raw avocado kale salad

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Asparagus Recipe — Tangy Lemon Ginger Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those veggies you cook when you’re trying to impress–and this asparagus recipe will do the job. The lemon adds a nice zing while the whole fennel/mustard seeds add flavor and texture without overpowering the great taste of asparagus.

Asparagus Recipe Ingredients:
1½ lb. ASPARAGUS
1 small LEMON (zest and juice)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp FENNEL SEEDS
½ tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
3-4 cloves GARLIC (or more…go for it, dude)
1 inch GINGER (which should end up being between 1-2 Tbsp thinly sliced)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

When buying asparagus, thin is better than thick. Choose firm spears. Avoid asparagus that have a wrinkled skin, or tips that are wet and greasy looking. Rinse and drain the asparagus spears, then chop into 1 inch pieces. When slicing, leave the tops of the spears intact so they don’t fall apart while cooking. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a skillet. When oil is hot, add mustard and fennel seeds and stir for 20-30 seconds–not long at all. Add garlic and ginger–a lot of ginger; I use about 1 inch, thinly sliced–about the size of a fish scale. Stir skillet 1 minute, lower heat if necessary.
Stir in asparagus. Add salt and pepper to taste. I like my asparagus to retain a bit of crunch–who likes mushy asparagus?–so this dish doesn’t take long to cook. Saute for about 4 minutes and the dish will be done. From the time you add the seeds to completion, the cooking time will only be about 5 minutes–of course you can extend the cooking time if YOU DO like softer asparagus (crazy!)–but everybody likes what they like, so namaste, man. About a minute before the dish is done, add the lemon zest. When the asparagus is crunchy or soft the way you like it, and you’re ready to get it off the heat, add the lemon juice, stir, and serve.
It’s a tasty asparagus dish and a perfect side for a nice steak (or whatever).
Give this asparagus recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

If you enjoy asparagus, you likely love this Brussels Sprouts Recipe.
brussels sprouts

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Brussels Sprouts Recipe That Everyone Will Love

brussels sprouts

This is my absolute favorite Brussels Sprouts recipe. it’s super tasty, simple to make, and a healthy choice, too, so definitely give it a try.

Brussels Sprouts Recipe Ingredients

1½ lbs BRUSSELS SPROUTS
3-4 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ ONION (chopped)
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 LEMON zest and juice …current prices online for Kitchen Zesters
½ cup WATER
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

brussels sprouts recipe
Sear Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet for exceptional taste!

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

  • Wash 1½ lbs sprouts. Cut off the ends and discard outer leaves. Slice sprouts into halves, or larger sprouts into 3rds.
  • Heat 3-4 Tbsp oil in a skillet on high heat–you want the skillet to be hot to sear the sprouts–and don’t be shy with the olive oil.
  • Add Brussels sprouts. They should start to sizzle and pop right away. Let set before stirring to get a seared edge. Turn sprouts and continue to sear.
  • After 4-5 minutes, stir in onion and garlic and continue to cook on high to med. high heat, searing and turning another 3-4 minutes.
  • Then reduce heat to medium and add water. Add seasoning.
  • Stir, cover, and let cook 4-5 minutes.
  • Then turn off heat, stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, and serve.

Need a nice skillet? Check current prices for skillets on Amazon.

Give this Brussels Sprouts Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and if you’re still in the mood for foods that start with “B”, try this Beet Recipe.
brussel sprouts recipe

Brussels Sprouts Fun Facts

  • 89% of all children despise Brussels Sprouts.
  • 3/4 of all convicted felons do not eat Brussels sprouts.
  • Albert Einstein considered the Brussels Sprout to be the most compact cabbage, relatively speaking.
  • Even children who dislike the taste of Brussels sprouts appreciate the vegetable for it’s “slingshotability”
  • Every U.S. president has loved Brussels sprouts and eaten them routinely.

Thanks for checking out our Brussels sprouts recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

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Tofu Lasagna Recipe — Gluten Free Edition

gluten free tofu lasagna

The only thing that sounds worse than a tofu lasagna recipe is a gluten-free tofu lasagna recipe. However, this recipe is actually pretty tasty, and still gluten-free.

Camera Girl whipped up this dish and it was damned tasty. I’m not ready to start driving the tofu train, but I am enjoying the ride.

Tofu Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

The sauce:
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES (crushed)
1/2 large ONION (chopped)
3 cloves GARLIC (chopped)
15 oz can DICED TOMATOES
8 oz can TOMATO SAUCE
1 CARROT (chopped well)
1 stalk CELERY (chopped well)
2 tsp OREGANO
1/2 tsp BASIL
1 BAY LEAF
SALT & PEPPER, to taste
….or substitute 25 oz jar store-bought marinara sauce, but don’t do that :^(
The filling:
1 pkg gluten-free, rice LASAGNA NOODLES (you do not cook them prior to baking)
2 Tbsp extra-virgin OLIVE OIL
1/2 large ONION (chopped)
6 cloves GARLIC (minced)
16 ounce package EXTRA-FIRM, WATER-PACKED TOFU (not silken tofu)
3 cups fresh SPINACH (chopped)
1/2 cup PARMESAN CHEESE (shredded)
1/2 cup part-skim MOZZARELLA CHEESE (shredded)
2 Tbsp Kalamata OLIVES (finely chopped)
2 tsp dried OREGANO
1/2 tsp dried THYME
SALT & PEPPER, to taste

gluten free tofu lasagna

How to Make Tofu Lasagna

First thing, start making the sauce. Now, don’t buy pre-made sauce!–or do…maybe you’re busy, I don’t know.
Next, heat olive oil and red pepper in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 2 to 4 minutes. Add carrot and celery and continue sauteing.
Mix in the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes or longer, until flavors are blended, stirring routinely.

While sauce is simmering, heat oil in a large skillet and saute garlic and onion for lasagna filling. Add tofu and spinach to skillet and stir until spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through (2 to 3 minutes). Transfer skillet contents to a bowl and stir in parmesan, olives, seasonings, and 2/3 of the marinara sauce.

Spread half of the remaining sauce on bottom of 9 x 13 baking pan. If you need a decent oven-safe baking dish, check out some current pricing for a Pyrex dish on Amazon. Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles over sauce–if using the gluten-free rice lasagna, the noodles will not have to be cooked before using. Spread half of the tofu mixture over noodles. Repeat layers of noodle and tofu mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover dish and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about an hour.
Remove from oven and allow to rest 10 minutes.

Give this tofu lasagna recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

If you like thinking outside of the box, try this vegetarian version of pulled pork Jackfruit BBQ Recipe

jackfruit pulled pork
Jackfruit BBQ is great over rice, on a sandwich, or all on its own.

Thanks for checking the recipes out! Click some of the buttons below and share it with your friends and family, I appreciate it.
–Buck

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