Pico De Gallo

Pico De Gallo

Pico De Gallo is just one of those versatile salads that goes well with just about anything! This version can be use on tacos, Chips or just by itself. This side dish works as a great appetizer and makes a wonderful late night healthy snacks with multigrain chips!

Pico De Gallo

Ingredients

• 1/2 a head of thinly shredded green cabbage
• 1/4 a head of thinly shredded purple Cabbage
• 1/4 cup of thinly sliced sweet yellow onion
• 1 Diced roma tomato
• 1 stem of spring onions, thinly chopped
• 1/2 cup of of chopped Cilantro
• 1 thinly julienne sliced or diced Jalapeno, seeded
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 juice of lime

Cooking Directions

In a large bowl, Add in the green and purple shredded cabbages, yellow onions, julienne/diced jalapeno and toss it a couple of times. Follow by the diced tomato, spring onions and cilantros. Give it another couple of tosses.

Drizzle on the olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, black peppers, paprika and squeeze on the fresh lime juice. Toss all the ingredients together untill everything combines.

Green Mango Herb Salad

Green Mango Herb Salad

 Green Mango Herb salad is a scrumptious and healthy side dish that goes very well with baked or fried fish. One bite and you will fall in love with the flavors and dances in your mouths. This is on of my favorite side dish when I was a kid. I also included a video tutorial below. 

Green Mango Herb Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes


Ingredients

Thai chili peppers & Spring Onions

• 2 cups of shredded Green Mango
• 2 to 3 handful of Herbs
• 1 Stem Sliced spring onions
• 1 minced garlic
• 3 to 4 minced Thai chili peppers ( more or less depends on your level of preferred spiciness)
• 3 teaspoons of sugar
• 5 tablespoons of fish sauce Squid Brand Fish Sauce, 24-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 2)
• 2 teaspoons of Msg (optional)

Fish Sauce

Green Mango

Herbs

Cooking Directions

Shredded Green mango

1. In a large bowl, Add in the shredded green mango, toss in the herbs and spring onions. Follow by the minced galic and minced chillis peppers.
2. In a small bowl, add in the fish sauce, sugar and Msg. Stir in the garlic and minced Thai chilli peppers. Stir the sauce until the sugar dissolves.
3. Drizzle the dressing gradually and toss the salad until the dressing compeletly cover the salads. Serve well with baked, fried or grilled fish.

Video Tutorial

Quinoa with Mix Brown Rice

Quinoa with Mix Brown Rice

More info for Organic Quinoa: truRoots Organic Quinoa 100% Whole Grain Premium Quality

Or truRoots Organic Sprouted Rice and Quinoa Blend Bag, 3 lbs

Quinoa with Mix Brown Rice  is a healthy replacement and alternative to the traditional steam jasmine white rice. This has many benefits to your health such as gluten free, Zinc, Riboflavin, Fibre,  Iron, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B3. It is also an excellent pair with SEAFOOD and many other varieties of main dishes. 

Quinoa with Mix Brown Rice

Ingredients

• 2 Cups of Mixed Brown Rice, Rinsed and soak for about an hour.
• 1 cup of Quinoa , Rinsed
• A pinch of Salt
• 6 Cups of water or Chicken stock
• 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

Cooking Directions

1. In a strainer, Rinse the Quinoa until the water runs clear. Then Rinse the Mixed Brown rice until it runs clear. Soak for about an hour.
2. In a large sauce pan, Mix the Brown Rice and Quinoa together. Add in 6 cups of water and a pinch of salt.

3. Cover and Boil on high heat.

 Once the water starts to boil for about 5 minutes lower your heat, add in about 2 tablespoons of Olive oil, Stir.  Let it simmer until all the water evaporate. Serve as a side to your favorite dish.

Healthy Spicy 3 beans with Chicken Salad

Spicy 3 Beans with Chicken Salad

Add some zesty flavorful salad to your diet with this Healthy Spicy 3 Beans with Chicken Salad. Great as a side dish or a main course. This salad is great for BBQ's or gatherings. A TUTORIAL VIDEO is included at the below.

Spicy 3 Beans with Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped or shredded chicken breast
• 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of garbanzo bean, drained and rinsed
• 1 tomato diced
• 2 cups of shredded cabbage
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 seeded jalapeno, sliced thinly
• 1/3 cup of diced onion

Dressing of with these INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro
• 2 to 3 table spoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black peppers
• 3 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1/2 a lime juice
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 2 tablespoons of chopped spring onions

Directions:

In a large bowl add 2 cups of shredded cabbage, follow by 2 cups of chopped or shredded chicken breast, add in 1 can of red kidney beans,1 can of pinto beans,1 can of garbanzo bean and give it a couple of toss. Then add 1 tomato diced, 3 cloves of minced garlic, the sliced thinly jalapeno, 1/3 cup of diced onion and toss it a few times.

Lastly, add in 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped cilantro, drizzle in 2 to 3 table spoons of olive oil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black peppers, toss it a couple times. Then drizzle 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1/2 a lime juice, 2 teaspoons of paprika,and another couple of tosses. Finally add 2 tablespoons of chopped spring onions and toss it once of twice. Serve as is or refrigerate until it's ready to serve.

TUTORIAL VIDEO

Braised Red Potatoes Thyme and Chives

Braised Red Potatoes and Chives

15% of starch Braise red potatoes & chives

Braised Red Potatoes and chives is a quick and easy side dish. Perfect with steaks!

This side dish is takes as little as 10 minutes.  Simple and delicious! Tutorial Video is at the bottom of the post!

 

Braised Red Potatoes and Chives

Ingredients

• 3 springs of Thyme
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of water
• 3 tablespoons chives
• 1 teaspoon teaspoons ground black pepper
• A dash of paprika

Cooking Directions

1. Start by cutting the potatoes in halves. 
2.  Rinse and place down flat on a large skillet. 
3. Add the fresh thyme follow by butter and garlic. 
4. Add the water, pinch of salt and cover. 
5. Let the liquids boil until the water evaporates.

Once the water evaporates, uncover and remove the thyme and garlic.


 Let the potatoes caramelize for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped chives and black pepper follow by a dash of paprika, stir and serve.

Tutorial Video 

Braised Brussels Sprouts in Red Wine

Braised Brussels Sprouts in Red Wine

    This Braised Brussels sprouts is not just a healthy way of eating but a simple and scrumptious recipes for a special occasions such as the romantic valentines day. A nice touch of red wine gives this Brussels sprouts a great combination of flavors without the bitterness that most of us dislike. This splendid side-dish makes a great pairing with steaks and ribs, also seafood. 

Ingredients:

Ground Ginger

• 1 lb clean cut in halves Brussels sprouts

•  half an onion, diced

• 3 to 4 cloves of minces garlic

• 1 teaspoon of ground black peppers

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

•  4 tablespoons of  olive oil, divided

• 1/2 cup of chicken stock

• 1/2 cup of dessert wine.*

2013 Casa de Fruit Santa Rosa Plum 750 Ml

***Sweet wine is slightly sweet, dessert wines is much sweeter.***

Direction:

In a small skillet on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Saute the dice onions, a pinch of salt and garlic until caramelized. Take off the heat and set aside.

In a large skillet on medium heat, add the olive oil and place the Brussels sprouts face down. Sprinkle on the salt,black peppers and ground ginger.
Add the saute mixture on top of the Brussels sprouts.

Pour in about 1/2 cup of red wine and 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Let it boil until the liquids evaporate. Once the liquids starts to evaporates, cover the lid for about 2 minutes and let it caramelize. 

Stir a couple of times to mix in the reduces sauce and serve it as a side along with your preferred meals.

Savory Vinaigrette & Cranberry Mango Salad

Cranberry Mango Salad

   Looking for something healthy but tasty? Here is a salad that will wake up your taste buds! The Cranberries gives you a little bit of tartness but the mangoes gives a splendid touch of sweetness. This salad works perfectly with a sweet and sour vinaigrette that is drizzled on to the bed of mix springs lettuce, simple lunch.

• chopped cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken breast works well
• Mix spring greens
• 1/2 cup of chopped champagne mangoes 
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 -3 teaspoons of Roasted crushed peanuts or almonds

Ingredients for sweet & sour vinaigrette:

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 cup of fish sauce
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3 cups of water
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 
  

If you like it spicy add these ingredients:

• 3 red peppers
• 3rd a cup of shredded carrots
• Crushed roasted peanuts

    

 In a large pot on MEDIUM heat, combine vinegar, water, sugar, fish sauce and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool down for about 10 minutes. Then ground the garlic and peppers together and stir into the liquid. Stir in the shredded carrots. Stir 1 Teaspoon of sriracha hot sauce (for extra spiciness).  This sauce can be used as a vinaigrette and dips for all kinds of food. It can also be stored in a plastic container for about 6 months.

Arrange the salad with mix greens, then top it off with chopped chicken breasts along with sprinkles of dried cranberries and chopped champagne mangoes. Roasted peanuts are optional but adds a nice touch. Drizzle on the vinaigrette right before serving.   

Garlic Fried Chicken

GARLIC FRIED CHICKEN

 

 How about a easy and quick juicy fried chicken for dinner tonight? Full of bursting flavors as you bite into the crunchy outer skin but tender and juicy inside. These little fried portion wings works great as appetizers or snacks during a football game or any parties.

GARLIC FRIED CHICKEN

Ingredients

• About 2-lb of chicken portions
• 3 teaspoons of salt
• 4 tablespoons of chicken granulate (low or no sodium)
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic
• 2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of ground dried ginger
• 2 teaspoons of ground dried onion
• 1/2 a package tempura flour

My favorite brand

Bot Chien Ga (Fried Chicken Batter Mix with Garlic & Pepper) - 8oz (Pack of 6)  

• Electric fryer is recommended
• 1 large plate line with a couple of paper towels

IN a large bowl, rinse your portion wings and add all the spices in except for the tempura flour. Once everything is very well mixed, cover and store in refrigerator for about 30 min - 1 hour to marinade.


Set the marinaded chicken portion outside for about 5-10 minute.


Heat frying oil to 375 f. Best method is to use a electric fryer. Spread the tempura flour evenly on the marinade, mix in well. 


Drop about 6 - 10 chicken portions in the fryer at a time to prevent from sticking to each other, cover. After about 5 minute, rotate the portion wings and cook for another 2- 5 minute until nice and golden. 


Drain and place on a prepared dish lined with a couple of paper towels, this way it will absorb the excess oil. Serve as a great appetizer or side meal.
  

Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Butternut Squash

Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Butternut Squash

 

 Here's a simple and easy recipe for roasted sweet potatoes & butternut squash. This side-dish is healthy and delightful with full of autumn flavors alongside of a thanksgiving feast. From the vibrant colors of the butternut squash to the simple pearl onions, this dish makes a beautiful side-dish for the holiday seasons.

 INGREDIENTS

 Vegetables

• 1 cup of cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup of cubed sweet potatoes 
• 1/2 sliced or diced onions
• 3-4 whole garlic cloves
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 4-6 peeled pearl onions
• 1 cup of baby carrots

 Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons of tarragon
• 2 teaspoons of rosemary
• 2 teaspoons of  thyme
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 chicken stock, low sodium
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil

DIRECTION

 

In a medium to large roasting pan, mix all vegetables and spread thoroughly. In a bowl, combine the chicken stock, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt and olive oil. Whisk the seasons together until well blended. Drizzle the seasoning thoroughly over the vegetables.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until the butternut squash is tender.

Loaded garlic mash potatoes

LOADED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Make this holiday feast a memorable one! Nothing beats a Loaded garlic mash potatoes that has full of flavors. Add a sprinkle or two  bacon bits for a crunch, a side of sour cream and you got yourself a loaded mash potatoes that will amaze your friends and family this season.

LOADED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients

• 3-4 small potatoes,peeled & cubed
• 3 to 4 garlic cloves
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk
• 1/2 cup of grated cheese
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped onions for garnish
• Serves about 4-5

Direction:

Boil the potatoes along with the garlic together. Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain. In a mixer, add your potatoes & garlic, butter and blend or whisk on medium. Once its well blended, set your mixer to low, add salt, black pepper and gradually add the milk until it looks nice and fluffy. Add the green onions in and blend a few times more.

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Scoop the mash potatoes into a microwavable serving dish, sprinkle the grated cheese evenly and microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the cheese is melted. 

Toppings: Sprinkle the bacon bits and green onions evenly. Serve along side the sour cream. 

Spicy green beans

Spicy Green Beans

Here's a healthier and also quick & easy alternative recipe to that green beans casserole. Bring in a little spice to the green beans for your thanksgiving holiday side dish with that delicious Turkey. After all, we don't want to feel guilty of eating everything loaded with calories.

GODIVA CHOCOLATES

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INGREDIENTS

• about 1 lb of fresh cut green beans 
• 3 minced garlic or 2 teaspoons of granulated garlic
• 2 teaspoons of granulated onion or 4 tablespoons of diced onions
• 1/2 teaspoon of tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary
• 1/4 cup of chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of grounded black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

In a small bowl, add the chicken stock and whisk in the tarragon, rosemary, paprika, black pepper,salt.

On a large to medium skillet, add olive oil, dice onions and minced garlic. Caramelize the onion and garlic on medium to low heat. Once it starts to caramelized, add in the green beans. Drizzle about half of the seasoned chicken stock gradually on to the green beans, stir and cover for about 5 minutes or until its nice & tender. Add more of the seasoned stock if theirs not enough moister. Serve as a side with that delicious Turkey or with any main dishes.