Pita Chips Recipe for a baked, spicy, pita snack

spicy pita chips

Pita chips are easy to make and you can bake them up quickly using your favorite spices. You can’t have hummus without pita chips! I mean, you can, but…why? Pita chips go great with all kinds of dips and are excellent with salads or just as an alternative to your run-of-the-mill potato chip.

Pita Chips Ingredients:
1 pkg. PITA BREAD
OLIVE OIL
SALT
SPICES: curry powder, garlic powder, cajun seasonings, etc. (whatever you like)

Cut pitas into triangular chip shapes. Each pita will easily yield 12 chips. Soak one side of each pita triangle in olive oil and stack pitas so the soaked side of one is stacked against the unsoaked side of the next. Press stacked chips together—this will flatten the chips and suffuse the oil throughout.
Arrange chips on a flat baking sheet. Salt to taste. Add spices—the more the better, in my opinion. I usually bake three distinct batches. Curry is probably my favorite—just salt and lots of curry on a toasted pita chip, it’s delicious. Garlic is great, too. Try some Tony Chachere’s seasoning (or comparable cajun seasoning) on a chip—or simply add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper with Cumin. Whatever your favorite seasonings are, give them a try.
Bake the chips 8-10 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Oven cooking times vary, so keep an eye on your first batch to see how long it takes to toast them the way you like—they will burn quickly if forgotten. I like mine CRISP. One side of the pita will be thinner than the other side and some triangles may need to be removed from the oven before the other chips are done. You’ll figure it out.
Give this pita chips recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…
Bon appétit!

Want to make hummus right now? Check out this Classic Hummus Recipe.
spicy pita chips

Thanks for Watching our Pita Chips Recipe Video

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!

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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.

If you’re new to home cooking, get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or try a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

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Parsnip Soup with a curry twist…you’ll love it

curry parsnip soup

If you’ve never tried parsnips before, this parsnip soup recipe is an easy introduction.  Blended up, this dish is super creamy without a drop of cream, which is a healthy low-cal option and makes my belly happy on several levels. Parsnips are available year-round. They resemble carrots, but are paler and have a stronger flavour. Give this parsnip soup recipe a try—it’s guaranteed super delicious or your money back.

What You Need For This Parsnip Soup Recipe

1 lb PARSNIPS (chopped for soup)
1 large POTATO (chopped for soup)
1 medium ONION (chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp CURRY POWDER
1 tsp CUMIN POWDER
1 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
2 cups BROTH (chicken or vegetable)
2 cups WATER
SALT (to taste)
CORIANDER LEAVES (chopped, garnish)

How to Make Parsnip Soup

  • In a soup pot, heat olive oil on medium high heat and add onions and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add parsnips and potatoes and continue cooking until the onions are soft.
  • Add curry, cumin, and coriander powder and mix well. Add 4 cups of liquid— ½ broth and ½ water .
  • Bring contents to a boil, add salt, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • After a half hour the parsnips and potato should be quite tender. For a creamy texture, blend soup as desired—no milk or cream are needed. I like to leave a few chunks of potato unblended, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

And that’s it…give this parsnip soup recipe a try and let me know what you think!

If you’re new to home cooking, get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or try a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

Parsnip Fun facts:

In Roman times parsnips were believed to have been an aphrodisiac.
In Scotland parsnips are still known as White Carrots.
Are a favourite with gardeners because of the short growing season.
People used to believe that eating parsnips could relieve a toothache or tired feet.
Half of the carbohydrates in parsnips are sugar, and the rest is starch.
Parsnips were once used to sweeten jams and cakes before sugar was widely available.

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

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this quinoa salad 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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Chana Masala Indian Chickpea Curry Recipe

chana masala chickpea curry

Chana masala is a delicious Indian chickpea curry. It’s easy to make and a great introduction to Indian cooking.

What You Need to Make the Best Chana Masala

1 15 oz can CHICK PEAS (or 2 cups)
1 15 oz can DICED TOMATOES (or 2 fresh diced)
1 tsp GARLIC (minced)
1 tsp GINGER (minced)
1 HOT PEPPER (minced)
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp CHICK PEA FLOUR (also called besan)
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
1 tsp GARAM MASALA
1/8 tsp ASAFOETIDA (optional, also called hing)
½ tsp TUMERIC
SALT (to taste)
Check out current prices for Indian Spices on Amazon.

Many chana masala recipes include onion, but I think it’s fine with or without; I make so many Indian dishes with onions, it’s nice to have a few that are onion-free if desired. I do include asafoetida (hing) and besan (chick pea flour), but those can be optional, too.

Chana masala is a very flexible dish. If not using besan, just add ½ cup of water instead of 1 cup. The asafoetida is wonderful. It stinks, but it’s still wonderful. It’s also called “devil’s dung”, but that’s just when it’s raw, once you toss it into a simmering skillet, it transforms into a sharp, oniony weirdness that will pleasantly remind you of your favorite Indian restaurant.

I’ve only been able to find asafoetida at international food markets, but it’s worth acquiring—especially if you want to make a habit of cooking great Indian dishes at home. If skipping the asafoetida, try adding 1 finely chopped medium-sized onion between the cumin seeds and the tomatoes. Coriander powder is great in this dish, too. But the way I usually prepare it is like this:

chole masala
Make chana masala a side dish or your main meal

How to Make a Chana Masala Recipe

  1. In a skillet, heat oil on medium high heat.
  2. When the oil is heated, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Stir and allow to simmer for just a few moments.
  3. Once the seeds begin to crack, add the chick pea flour and continue stirring. The flour will absorb the oil.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic and hot pepper.
  6. Add the chili powder and turmeric.
  7. After the tomatoes have cooked 4-5 minutes, add the chick peas, garam masala, and salt to taste.
  8. Mix well and add 1 cup of water. Bring the dish to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and allow cooking for 10 minutes.
  9. 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 along with the chick pea flour added earlier.
  10.  Simmer uncovered to the desired consistency, remove and serve.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve with rice or on its own.
Give this chana masala recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Want to make another easy Indian Recipe? Try Baingan Bharta, a delicious Eggplant Curry recipe.

baingan bharta eggplant

Thanks for checking out the chana masala 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 Chana Masala recipe

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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Spicy Couscous Recipe …how to make a quick side dish

spicy couscous

Anyone up for a spicy couscous recipe? Couscous is a quick and simple dish, so naturally I love it. It makes a great pairing with fish, and both can be cooked up quickly. I usually start with plain couscous and spice it up myself, it is simple to do and much yummier than any overpriced pre-made couscous mix you’ll buy at the market.

What You Need To Make This Spicy Couscous Recipe

1 cup COUSCOUS
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 medium ONION (chopped)
3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 HOT PEPPER (finely chopped)
1 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
1 tsp PAPRIKA
½ tsp TURMERIC POWDER
1 tsp TOMATO PASTE
1 ½ cup WATER (or broth)
SALT (to taste)

couscous recipe
Spicy couscous makes a tasty side dish, and it is fast and easy to prepare …and did I mention cheap?

How To Make Spicy Couscous

Heat olive oil on medium high heat and then add onions.
Stir for 1 minute and add mustard seeds, hot pepper, and garlic.
Continue sautéing for a couple more minutes.
Stir in chili powder, paprika, and turmeric.
Add salt and tomato paste and mix well.

Pour in 1 ½ cups of water, stir, cover pot and turn up the heat and bring the pot to a boil.
After ingredients come to a boil, stir in the couscous and mix well. Cover and remove from heat and allow pot to sit for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes the couscous will have completely absorbed all the water.
Uncover and immediately fluff with a fork; this will keep the couscous for overcooking and becoming a sticky, starchy mess; couscous should be light and fluffy, and in this case, nice and spicy, too.
Give this spicy couscous recipe a try, and I hope you like it.
Bon appétit!

This couscous recipe goes great with this DELICIOUS BLACKENED FISH RECIPE!

blackened fish mahi mahi
Click image to watch this easy Blackened Fish recipe

Thanks for watching my couscous recipe video. If you liked it, then used the buttons below to share the recipe with your friends. Thanks!
-Chef Buck

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Quinoa Recipe — Spicy Spanish Style Quinoa

spanish quinoa

Try this spicy Spanish-style quinoa recipe; it’s vegetarian heaven. Quinoa is a versatile ingredient and an excellent source of protein. Quinoa is a grain-like superfood and a great substitute for rice, and just as easy to prepare. I use it often as an alternative to rice–even in rice pudding. Give this quinoa recipe a try; I’m sure you’ll be eating a whole lot less rice in the future, and not missing it at all.

What You Need For This Quinoa Recipe

  • 1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
  • 1 ½ cups QUINOA (check current prices for quinoa on Amazon)
  •  ½ cup RED ONION (minced, separated)
  • 3-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
  •  ½ large RED BELL PEPPER (minced, separated)
  • 1 14 oz can DICED TOMATO (reserve juice)
  • 1 15 oz can KIDNEY BEANS (drained, rinsed)
  • 1 tsp CUMIN powder
  • 1 tsp CHILI powder
  • 2 cups WATER, including drained tomato liquid
  • ½ cup CILANTRO (fresh, chopped)
  • 1 small CUCUMBER (diced, peeled if waxed)
  • 1 AVOCADO (seeded, peeled, diced)
  • 1/3 cup LIME JUICE (freshly squeezed)
  • SALT and PEPPER to taste

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

How to Make Spanish Quinoa

  • Open the canned tomato and drain the tomato liquid into a measuring cup. Add enough water to equal 2 cups.
  • Heat oil on medium high. Saute garlic, 2/3 of the onion and 1/3 of the red pepper for 2-3 minutes. [the rest of the onion and red pepper will be added raw at the end.]
  • Add quinoa.
  • Stir in tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, cumin and chili powder and water/tomato juice mixture.  Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce to medium low and cook approx. 15 minutes. The liquid will be absorbed.
  • Remove from the heat and let sit for about 10 minutes and then fluff with a fork. Allow quinoa to cool some, you want it to be warm, not piping hot when you add the rest of the ingredients.
  • After quinoa has cooled some, add in the remaining onion and pepper pieces, and the chopped cilantro.  Mix. Then add cucumber and avocado and lime juice (or sub lemon juice). Toss gently.
  • And then serve.
  • Give this spicy Spanish quinoa recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…

Bon appétit!

For another tasty vegetarian recipe, try this Easy Eggplant Burger Recipe.

veggie burger recipe
Veggie burger recipe with blackened eggplant

Thanks for watching and subscribing –And hit those buttons below to share this recipe. I appreciate it!

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Spaghetti Squash Recipe — Mediterranean Style

mediterrean spaghetti squash

I love this Mediterranean spaghetti squash recipe; its 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

Mediterranean spaghetti squash recipe
Mediterranean spaghetti squash makes a great vegetarian meal

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. Bake, 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

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Try the Best Moroccan Chicken Stew Recipe

moroccan chicken tagine

Wow! This is super flavorful Moroccan chicken stew recipe. The combo of lemon and olive add a tangy richness to the broth and add a nice twist to your expectations of a chicken stew. Chef Bill cooked up this wonderful Chicken tagine and we had the camera running to catch it all. Give this delicious recipe a try and you will not be disappointed.

Ingredients for Chicken Stew:

2 1/2 lbs CHICKEN Pieces (skinned)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 cup ONION (chopped)
2-3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 cup CHICKEN BROTH
2 cups pitted WHOLE GREEN OLIVES
1 tsp ground CINNAMON
1/2 tsp CUMIN
1/2 inch GINGER (minced–or substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
1-2 tsp LEMON ZEST
1/4 cup LEMON JUICE
1 Tbsp CILANTRO (chopped)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

chicken stew
Moroccan inspired Chicken Stew

How to Make This Chicken Tagine

Heat olive oil in a pot over high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and then place in pot. Brown chicken appox. 3 minutes each side and then remove from pot.
Add onion and garlic and saute in juices for a couple of minutes. Return chicken to pot and add Chicken Broth.
Add olives. Add cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. Stir, and bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, uncover, turn chicken, and let cook 15 more minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken and olives from pot and place in a serving dish. To the broth in the pot, add lemon juice, zest, and cilantro.
Serve the chicken and olives over rice or couscous and top with broth as desired. The olives are fantastic.
And the chicken is, too!
Give this terrific chicken stew a try and let me know what you think, and…
Bon Appétit!

And try this tasty Cornish Hen Recipe, too.

cornish game hen

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Quick Salad Recipe Ideas for Spicy Foods

tomato cucumber salads

Two quick and cool salad recipe ideas: tomato and cucumber salad. These salads make perfect sides for a spicy meal. The tomato basil goes great with any blackened fish, and I love the creamy cucumber with spicy Indian fare. No cooking is required; simply combine the raw ingredients for an easy accompaniment to your favorite spicy dishes.

Tomato Basil Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
2 fresh TOMATOES (diced)
½ cup BASIL (chopped)
¼ cup FETA CHEESE (crumbled)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp BALSAMIC VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
2 SALAD CUCUMBERS (diced)
½ LEMON (juice and zest)
¼ cup GREEK YOGURT
1 tsp DILL
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

Give these salad ideas a go and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Want another salad idea? Try this Jicama Salad Recipe.
salad recipe

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Beet Greens Recipe — Easy, healthy Dish!

beet greens

This is a super simple beet greens recipe. If you purchase beets with the greens intact, don’t throw those greens away! You can cook up a tasty dish using the beet greens (and if you don’t buy beets with the greens, then you need to make an adjustment in your shopping habit).

Beet Greens Recipe Ingredients:

1 bunch BEET GREENS
½ RED ONION (chopped)
1/3 RED BELL PEPPER (chopped)
2 cloves GARLIC (thinly sliced)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT (to taste)
PEPPER (to taste)
LEMON JUICE or VINEGAR (optional)

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

How to make Beet Greens

Remove the greens from the root and wash thoroughly because greens always seem to need a good washing, especially beet greens. I like to separate the green leaf from the thicker stem since the leafy greens will need far less time to cook. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil on med-med high heat. When the oil is hot, add onions and garlic.

I chop the onion big and the garlic thin. Stir for a minute and then add the red bell pepper and stir for a few minutes more. I use about a third of a red pepper, not too much, because it’s more for color than to influence the taste of the dish. The stems are a nice contrast to the dark greens.

Add a little water if needed, but not too much, the greens will release plenty of water.
Add the beet green stems. These will soften pretty fast, so a minute or two will be plenty of time Remember, overcooked veggies are a drag, man! Add the leafy greens.

Initially, I don’t mix the greens with the ingredients. I just cover the skillet for a minute or two and give the greens time to wilt. Remove the lid and stir, then add salt and pepper to taste and stir a minute more. That’s about when they’re ready. Camera Girl likes to add a splash of lemon, and vinegar goes great with greens, too.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Beet greens make a great side, especially with chicken or a cheap cut of meat. I like to serve greens as a main dish over quinoa, which is a seed that acts like a grain and is an excellent source of protein. (Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.)

These quick beet greens make a perfect side dish for all kinds of meals, especially quick cook dishes like fish and kielbasa, or if you want to be a little less carnivorous, pair these greens with a side of beans and top with a soft-yolk egg. The yolk makes a great sauce!

Give these healthy beet greens recipes a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another beet dish, try this Roasted Beet and Quinoa Recipe.

how to cook quinoa
Quinoa with roasted root vegetables.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out our beet green recipes, 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.

Share and Enjoy !