After falling in love with a Cuban-inspired crockpot chicken, tonight I'm cooking along the same vein with a beef and pepper braise that conjures up images of dinner in Havana.
I'll serve the fork-tender flank steak and bell pepper medley over steamed white rice, avocado, and my favorite herb, cilantro. Ready to make your own one-pot Latin meal? Then keep reading.
When I was dining at El Pescador in Costa Rica, the waiter placed a jar on the table and said, "chilero." It was a container of small red chile peppers. I asked him how hot they were, and he simply replied, "yes hot." Always an adventurous eater, I decided to taste one to determine their spiciness. I tried to get my sister and dad to eat one with me, but both refused. How about you?
When we asked you what your culinary resolutions for 2010 were, Filmgirl81 said that she hopes to "cook more fish" because it's way "cheaper to make at home and very healthy." I couldn't agree with her more, and that's why I found this delectable-sounding poached halibut recipe. Thick fillets are simmered in a light liquid of white wine and water. Red bell peppers provide a pop of color and permeate the dish with a subtly sweet flavor. The resulting fish is flaky and moist. For a midweek pick-me-up, serve with mixed greens lightly dressed with dijon vinaigrette and a glass of the leftover white wine. Look at the simple but satisfying recipe after the jump.
Tonight, surprise your loved ones with a homemade version of a ballpark classic, sausage and pepper sandwiches. No grill is necessary, all you need is an oven.
The veggies and sausages are roasted while the bread gets toasty and the cheese melts. The ingredient list calls for bottled balsamic dressing, but if you have the time and skills, why not whisk your own quick vinaigrette?
Serve with mixed greens and a cold beer. To make this mid-week pick-me-up, get the recipe after the break.
Padron Peppers
Also known as pimientos de Padrón, these small green chili peppers are native to Padrón, Spain. Most have a sweet mild taste, but some are hot and spicy. The only way to determine the heat of the pepper is to eat it. Padróns are in season between June and September. Traditionally they are fried in olive oil and seasoned with coarse salt.
In an article last week, the New York Times takes a good look at green peppers and why they've fallen out of favor compared to other bell varieties. Though its opponents often describe the pepper as overly aggressive, vegetal, and bitter, it has its longtime fans, too, who believe the green ones have a grassy, versatile taste.
With their chickpea, orzo, and spinach filling, these stuffed peppers are a delightful vegetarian meal. Although there are several steps, this recipe is quick and uncomplicated. The pepper shells are flash cooked in the microwave, but if you prefer to throw them on the grill instead, do so. The stuffing mixture is adaptable, so you can take advantage of ingredients you already have at home: goat cheese can replace feta and fresh tomatoes stand in nicely for sun-dried tomatoes. To learn the technique, read more
In the warmer months, take advantage of the grill and use it to infuse smoky flavor into vegetables. Grilled veggies are great in everything from salads to sandwiches to pasta, as is the case with this recipe.
Thick chunks of charred red onions and bell peppers are tossed with hearty rigatoni. Spinach provides a crispness and basil gives the pasta a summery, farm-fresh quality.
Don't be limited by the ingredient list; if onions and peppers aren't your thing, substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli rabe. Check out the satisfying, meatless recipe when you read more
Looking for a low-key Sunday night meal? Look no further than tender, slow-cooked red bell peppers, stuffed with a Greek-inspired filling of fiber-rich cannellini beans, crumbled feta cheese, scallions, and herbed couscous.
Like many Mediterranean specialties, this meal is satisfyingly hearty, yet light and nutritious at the same time. For a low-carb or gluten-free version, consider swapping out the couscous for a grain like quinoa. To make this for your next meal, read more
If you're a fan of poblanos stuffed with rice or any stuffed peppers, you'll love this new twist on the classic: Roasted peppers are filled with spaghetti instead of rice. The pasta is tossed in olive oil with pine nuts, olives, raisins, and capers.
This Mediterranean-inspired meal can be on the table in under an hour. To make it tonight, read more
