Quick Chicken Noodle Soup

Every once in a while I end up making a recipe that is so simple and classic that I wonder why in the world I haven’t attempted to do this before?  This Quick Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect in its simplicity while being light yet filling at the same time.  When it’s winter and cold outside, what’s a better meal to have than a warm bowl of soup?  And when you aren’t feeling good, what’s better than a warm bowl of comfort?

Chicken, noodles, carrot, celery and onion are mixed in one big pot with broth and water and the perfect pot of soup comes together.  Any pasta or noodle will work here, like rotini or orzo, but I chose to use no-yolk egg noodles which worked perfectly.  Also, I used precooked chicken but this would be a perfect use for leftover chicken breast since it makes the soup come together than much faster.  Flat leaf parsley added at the end brings a fresh flavor boost so I wouldn’t leave it out.  Flavored with nothing more than salt and pepper, this soup is a keeper which I will make over and over.

DSC04218

The ingredients:

DSC04213

Combine 2 cups water and chicken broth in a microwave-safe dish, and microwave at HIGH for 5 minutes.  While broth mixture heats, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add onion, celery, salt, pepper, and carrot; sauté 3 minutes or until almost tender, stirring frequently.

DSC04214

Add hot broth mixture and pasta; bring to a boil.  Cook 7 minutes or until pasta is almost al dente.

DSC04215

Stir in chicken; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

DSC04216

Stir in parsley.

DSC04217

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • No-yolk egg noodles
  • Precooked chicken strips

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Cooking Light Magazine

Cajun Hot Crab Dip

You know when you want to make a dish for a get-together and you don’t really have much time to get something made?  That’s when I turn to dips.  Whether you want a cold dip or a hot dip, they generally take the same amount of time to make (since cold dips need time in the fridge for the flavors to meld).  What’s especially great about dips is all the ingredients can usually be mixed together in one bowl and while it’s either chilling or baking, you can take care of whatever else needs to be done before the event.  This Cajun Hot Crab Dip is a warm, comforting dip which is perfect for any shindig.

Crab, shallots, garlic, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning and water are blended before being added to more crab, mayonnaise, cream cheese and lemon.  A crunchy topping of panko and chives (which I added later so it isn’t in the pics) gives this low-calorie dip a crunchy final coating.  Before buying Cajun seasoning, take a look online for homemade recipes because you might have everything you already need without adding another spice bottle in your cabinet.  Try this dip on baguette slices or with pita or pretzel chips.  One of my friends said this dip tastes like a crab cake so if you like crab cakes, you’ll probably like this.

DSC04212

The ingredients:

DSC04206

Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and coat pan with cooking spray.  Add shallots and garlic to pan; cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

DSC04207

Place 1 cup crab in a food processor.  Add the shallot mixture, 1/4 cup water, pepper sauce, and Cajun seasoning to crab; process until smooth.

DSC04208

Spoon mixture into a large bowl, and stir in remaining crab, mayonnaise, cream cheese, red pepper, salt and pepper.

DSC04209

DSC04210

Transfer the mixture to a 1-quart glass or ceramic casserole dish coated lightly with cooking spray.  Combine panko and chives in a small bowl; sprinkle over crab mixture.  Coat panko mixture with cooking spray. Bake at in a preheated 450°F oven for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving as this dip will be very hot.

DSC04211

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • Light mayonnaise

Overall Rating:  Like It

Source:  Cooking Light Magazine

Two-Bean Harvest Chili

Growing up, I always heard that you should eat ham and beans for New’s Years Day because it meant good luck.  But I don’t eat ham (well, maybe I do, that’s a story for another day) so I’m relying on beans to work their magic today.  After all, after the last year I’ve had, I could use all the luck in the world.  Beans are lucky, so they say, because they resemble coins and therefore promote fortune and wealth.  Similarly, cooked greens are also considered good luck because they resemble folded money.  Chicken, which I eat a ton of, is what you are not supposed to eat because they scratch backwards and can promote regret or dwelling on the past.  Who knew?  Luckily, this vegetarian Two-Bean Harvest Chili is full of beans and collard greens so it should be a perfect New Year’s Day good luck meal.

Black beans and pinto beans provide hearty comfort to this chili while fire-roasted tomatoes give a rich smoky flavor that permeates every bite.  Carrots, onion, and collard greens add some fresh bulk making this a satisfying and healthy meal to start to the New Year.  Rather than using one 28-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes, I used one 14-ounce can mixed with one 14-ounce can of plain diced tomatoes.  Fire-roasted pack a ton of flavor but a little goes a long way.  Collard greens, which are slightly bitter but can easily withstand heat without wilting too much, can easily be substituted with kale, escarole or spinach (just don’t leave it out – cooked greens are good luck!)  Whether you believe in tales of good luck and fortune or not, I hope the coming year treats you well and I wish each and every one of you a very happy and healthy New Year!  Now, show me the money!

DSC04204

The ingredients:

DSC04198

In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat.  Add onion, carrots, garlic,  and 1/4 teaspoon salt.  Cook 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring  occasionally.

DSC04199

Add collard greens and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until bright green and just tender, stirring.

DSC04201

Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook 1 minute, stirring.

DSC04202

Stir in tomatoes and beans.  Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

DSC04203

Divide among 4 bowls; top with sour cream or plain yogurt.

DSC04205

Additions:

  • Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (topping)

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

  • Fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Overall Rating:  Love It

Source:  Good Housekeeping Magazine

1 … 64 65 66 … 147
Blog at WordPress.com.