Month: July 2016

Meat Ball Pulao (Pilaf)

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Some of you may remember I had made giant meatballs last week in a tomato sauce when I was cooking for my Super who was retiring.

I had made so many and I decided to make a rice dish with the left overs.IMG_4934.jpgI do this with many left over dishes – rice is comfort food for me and it can take on so many forms.

In Indian food rice is never a side dish – it is easily the main star.

Start with sauteing an onion in oil.

At this stage I would’ve added some whole spices like cloves, cinnamon stick and cardamom but the meatballs were plenty seasoned and there was also the tomato sauce.

After browning the onions, I added the sauce of the meatballs and then about 2 cups of Basmati Rice.  Brown the rice for a couple of minutes and then add 3 cups of water.

Next add place the meatballs on top of the rice and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to a simmer and cover.

In about 20 minutes you have a glorious meal.

I hope you try this and change your leftovers around or make it a brand new dish.

 

Until I cook again!

Quick Sauted Chicken with Asparagus and Artichoke over Barley

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I cook a lot – I really do.  Both professionally and at home for myself and my family.

Many a night I want to get in and out of the kitchen quickly and yet have a delicious meal.

This is one of those meals.

Saute asparagus ends and a couple of tomatoes in olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, decide what starch you want to serve the dish with – I used barley and put the water to boil for that.

IMG_4719.jpgNext, I sliced up a chicken breast thinly and seasoned it with salt and cayenne pepper.  I like the color and flavor it gives to the chicken.

I made room in the pan to sear the chicken – you can do it separately – remember, I am trying to be quick here.

Next I added the asparagus tips and some artichokes packed in oil.

A couple of cloves of garlic crushed, a quick squeeze of lemon juice and a half cup of water.

Simmer and taste for seasoning.

Garnish with a fresh herb like mint, cilantro or parsley.

IMG_4726Serve hot over rice, pasta, potatoes, crusty bread or like in my case barley.

IMG_4734.jpgEnjoy – until I cook again!