Try a New Recipe
Well, it’s almost the new year, and resolutions are in the works. I don’t know about you but every year I try and make the commitment to cook more meals at home, eating healthier meals, and maybe even be more organized when it comes to meal planning.
Eating healthy can be a tad too boring when there are limited options. Like there is in Alaska in winter, or due to Covid shortages. You might also not enjoy cooking because you’re making the same food on a weekly basis. That is why it is recommended that you try out new recipes which will make you enjoy cooking again.
5 Benefits of trying a new recipe
1. It’s exciting
2. Creates variety in your diet and routine
3. Expands your skill set
4. Learn about new cultures (Try using our new RAIS Cookbook it’s full of wonderful recipes)!!
5. Feelings of accomplishment
Now I don’t want to influence you to try things on my list, but I thought I would share a few things I’ve been wanting to try out.
Feel free to share any recipes you have been eyeballing with your coworkers and friends today and get some feedback, maybe someone in your cohort has tried it and has some ideas to help you!
1. German Spaeztle Dumplings
This first one is not new to me or my family, as we make it every holiday we can, and sometimes just because we love it so much. However, I have never been brave enough to make it on my own. So this year I am making a resolution to make Spaeztle for my hubs and I whenever I have the urge!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup milk
2 eggs
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch freshly ground white pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 gallon hot water
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Mix together flour, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg. Beat eggs well, and add alternately with the milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
Press dough through spaetzle maker, or a large holed sieve or metal grater.
Drop a few at a time into simmering liquid.
Cook 5 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Saute cooked spaetzle in butter or margarine. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve.
2. Steak Pies
I have a very English and Scottish family tree and my grandmother used to make Scottish Steak Pies. I’ve never found the courage to make it yet but perhaps this year I will!
I follow this one Scottish Cook on Youtube and here’s her recipe for Steak stand up pies.
Ingredients
1 .5 lb (24oz) Braising steak/Casserole steak/chuck steak - cut into chunks
1 Onion –
Diced 2 Garlic cloves - Chopped
2 Tablespoons plain/all purpose flour
200ml (7 fl oz) Beef stock/broth
400ml (13.5 fl oz) Red wine (I used Merlot)
1 Tablespoon tomato puree/paste
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Bay leaves (optional)
Olive oil for frying
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 Sheet ready made shortcrust pastry (for the pie cases)
1 Sheet ready made puff pastry (for the pie lids)
1 Beaten egg
Directions
Just head on over to the YouTube video and follow along!
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
for 5 servings
CHICKEN MARINADE
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons paprika
SAUCE
3 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced ginger
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato puree
3 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 ¼ cups water
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup fresh cilantro, for garnish
cooked rice, for serving
naan bread, for serving
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Bamboo or wooden skewer
Preparation
· Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Combine the cubed chicken with the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, garam masala, and paprika and stir until well-coated.
· Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
· Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a high-sided baking pan or roasting tray with parchment paper.
· Place the marinated chicken pieces on bamboo or wooden skewers, then set them over the prepared baking pan, making sure there is space underneath the chicken to help distribute the heat more evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, until slightly dark brown on the edges.
· Make the sauce: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onions, ginger, and garlic until tender but not browned. Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and garam masala and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree, tomato sauce, and 1 ¼ cups of water, then bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Pour in the cream.
· Remove the chicken from the skewers and add to the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice or alongside naan bread.
· Enjoy!
4. Yorkshire Pudding
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Eggs
2 Egg White
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Drop 1 teaspoon olive oil each into 6 muffin cups.
Step 2
Beat eggs, egg whites, and milk together in a glass bowl until smooth.
Step 3
Heat egg mixture in microwave oven until warmed, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Stir flour into the egg mixture until completely incorporated into a batter.
Step 5
Heat muffin cups in preheated oven until the oil is smoking, 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6
Stir cold water into batter. Pour 1/4 cup batter into each muffin cup.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until risen and cooked in their centers, about 25 minutes.
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