Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Experience Sunday royal dining with these meals

 

Indian chicken curry: Photo credit: foodiesfeed.com

Indian chicken curry: Photo credit: foodiesfeed.com


Making a tasty and nutritious Sunday supper for the family doesn't require being a queen, king, or wealthy. By focusing on careful planning and tasteful simplicity, taking influence from both tradition and pragmatism, you may feel regal on Sunday. Many people are miserable every Sunday at home because they are unable to prepare meals; this needs to change.

 

Many simple, tasty, and family-friendly recipes that emphasize taste and simplicity can be used to create delicious home meals. Many home cooks rely on reliable resources like Allrecipes, which offers a carefully chosen selection of well-regarded meal recipes like beef stir-fry, lasagna, chicken pot pie, and enchiladas. To prepare a nutritious meal, all you have to do is rely on a cookbook and carefully follow the directions.

 

Many people prefer to eat in restaurants, which is fine, but cooking at home is not only healthier but also saves a lot of money. If you're not good at cooking, use a cookbook as a guide to make the most of your Sundays. Easy and tasty recipes include slow cooker steak and noodles, crockpot Mexican street corn dip, and Dutch oven chicken breasts with vegetables, or concentrate on your choice of meal.

 

Cooking is now easier thanks to modern technology. Air fryers, sheet pans, and crockpots are examples of gadgets that reduce cleanup while producing delectable results, such as air fryer salmon bowls or sheet pan meals with sausages and vegetables. Comfort food is still a mainstay in many home kitchens; dishes like buffalo mac and cheese, chili dogs, and meatballs made with pork, apple, and sage provide warm, filling meals.

 

There are also plenty of vegetarian and low-fat choices, such as a hearty vegetarian chili and a straightforward fish pie that can be frozen for later use or portioned out for toddlers. Dishes like tikka masala, Japanese curry, and Tex-Mex-inspired recipes are appreciated for their robust flavors and simplicity of preparation by individuals who appreciate foreign flavors.

 

 

Cooking services like Deliciously Home Cooked and Craving Home Cooked provide users vetted, accessible recipes, such as a one-pot creamy kielbasa pasta recipe and imitations of popular dishes like Panda Express Kung Pao chicken. Whether cooking a large family meal or a small-batch dessert, these platforms inspire home cooks to fall in love with the kitchen by emphasizing clear, step-by-step directions.

 

Most African men have the same culinary skills as women. I'm glad to be one of them. We used to sit next to our mothers as they cooked, which is why. This improved my cooking skills, but more significantly, I learned how to make Continental cuisine while working in a variety of restaurants in Europe. Below are two delicious meals selected for today.

 

Indian chicken curry

 

The delicious and aromatic Indian chicken curry is made with tender chicken and a rich, spicy sauce made from onions, tomatoes, and a blend of toasted spices. It is usually served with rice, naan, or roti and can be prepared using a variety of techniques and ingredient combinations.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

½ kg (1.1 lbs) chicken (preferably bone-in, but boneless is acceptable): 500 g (1.1 lbs)

2 to 3 tablespoons oil: 30–45 mL

1 cup (3 medium) onions (finely chopped): 240 mL

1 to 2 green chilies (slit, optional for heat): 1–2

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or ¾ inch ginger, 3 cloves garlic minced): 15 mL

½ cup (2 medium) tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped): 120 mL

¼ cup yogurt (or 1½ tbsp cashew butter or 12 cashews powdered & pureed with ¼ cup water): 60 mL

½ to ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed): 2.5–3.5 mL

½ to 1 cup hot water (or light coconut milk): 120–240 mL

2 tablespoons coriander leaves (or mint leaves finely chopped): 30 mL

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder: 1.25 mL

1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or smoked paprika for less spice): 5 mL

1 teaspoon garam masala (½ tsp more if needed): 5 mL

1 teaspoon coriander powder: 5 mL

1 bay leaf (or 1 sprig curry leaves): 1 leaf

 

Instructions:

 

Wash the chicken breasts, pat them dry, and cut them into bite-size pieces. Set aside.


On a medium flame, heat oil in a deep pan. Add whole spices—bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamoms—and let them sizzle for a few seconds.


Stir in the chopped onions and chilies. Sauté until they turn deep golden, about 7 to 8 minutes.


Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute, until a fragrant aroma develops.


Add the tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.


Turn the heat to low, then stir in the yogurt (or cashew paste), red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.


Add the chicken pieces and coriander leaves. Fry on medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the chicken turns white or pale in color.


Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.


Meanwhile, heat 1 cup of hot water in a separate pot (using hot water prevents toughening of chicken).


Add the hot water to the pan and stir. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.


Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.

 

Fish curry with potato and tomato

 

Fish curry with potato and tomato is a popular dish across various Indian regional cuisines, known for its rich, spiced sauce and hearty combination of tender fish and starchy potatoes. It is commonly prepared with fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a variety of fish and is often served with steamed rice or flatbreads.


Fish curry with potato and tomato

Fish curry with potato and tomato. Photo credit: unitabhuyan.net

 

Ingredients:

 

Fish (skinless white fish fillets): 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into 3 cm (1.2 in) pieces

Potatoes: 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into 2 cm (0.8 in) cubes

Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced (approx. 250 g / 8.8 oz)

Tomatoes: 2 medium, coarsely grated or chopped (approx. 480 g / 1.06 lb)

Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated (approx. 25 g / 0.9 oz)

Garlic: 3 cloves, crushed (approx. 15 g / 0.5 oz)

Fresh curry leaves: 3 whole (optional, but traditional)

Ground cumin: 1 tbsp (approx. 10 g / 0.35 oz)

Ground coriander: 2 tsp (approx. 6 g / 0.21 oz)

Ground turmeric: 1 tsp (approx. 5 g / 0.18 oz)

Coconut milk (light): 400 ml (14 fl oz)

Sunflower or canola oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml)

Fresh coriander: 0.333 cup, coarsely chopped (approx. 25 g / 0.9 oz)

Fresh red chilli: 1 whole, finely chopped (optional for heat)

Yoghurt (99% fat-free, plain or natural): 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 oz)

 

Instructions:

 

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and curry leaves, and cook for 7 minutes or until light golden. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes more until well browned.


Add crushed garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant.


Add coarsely grated tomatoes, coconut milk, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are just tender.


Add the fish pieces and frozen peas (if using), and cook, covered, for 5 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.


Remove curry leaf sprigs. Serve the curry sprinkled with finely chopped red chili, fresh coriander, and a dollop of unsweetened yogurt.

 

Sunday, January 04, 2026

Elevate your healthy plates: Salmon with red lentil and chicken - mushroom noodles

 

Healthy recipes of chicken noodles with porcini mushrooms and Norwegian salmon with red lentil cutlets

Healthy recipes of chicken noodles with porcini mushrooms and Norwegian salmon with red lentil cutlets


Healthy recipes are essential for long-term health and wellness since they promote a balanced diet and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

 

Cooking at home using healthy recipes gives users control over their ingredients, which reduces the intake of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and excess sodium compared to eating at a restaurant or consuming processed foods.

 

Research shows that people who cook frequently at home consume fewer calories, less sugar, and fewer carbohydrates, even if they are not actively trying to lose weight. A lower risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes is linked to this practice.

 

Furthermore, cooking at home promotes the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods, all of which are essential for sustaining energy levels, bolstering the immune system, and promoting gut health.

 

Making meals at home also aids in recalibrating taste preferences, gradually increasing the satisfaction of naturally flavorful, less salty, or sugary foods. Additionally, learning to cook at a young age might result in improved nutritional results as an adult, such as lower intake of fast food and healthier eating habits.

 

A meal's nutritional worth can be greatly increased without compromising flavor by making even small recipe changes, including utilizing whole grains and low-fat dairy or swapping products to minimize fat and sugar.

 

All things considered, nutritious recipes enable people to adopt long-lasting, beneficial dietary adjustments that improve their physical and mental health. Below are two different health food recipes for physical and mental well-being.


Chicken noodles with porcini mushrooms


Chicken noodles with porcini mushrooms

Chicken Noodles with porcini mushrooms is a hearty, savory dish that combines tender chicken, rich porcini mushrooms, and noodles in a deeply flavorful sauce. Porcini mushrooms, known for their earthy, umami-rich flavor, elevate the dish with a gourmet touch, often enhanced by garlic, herbs, and a creamy or soy-based sauce.

 

It's a wholesome meal that combines protein from the chicken and nutrition from the mushrooms, making it both delicious and satisfying. While this soup may not be the quickest to prepare, the results are well worth the effort. The key to this dish lies in the homemade noodles.

 

Ingredients


Boneless chicken (breast or thigh), sliced thin

Dried or fresh porcini mushrooms

Egg noodles or wheat noodles

Garlic, ginger, green onions

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce

Sesame oil, vegetable oil

Optional: miso paste, chili oil, or cream for depth

Step-by-step instructions

Soak dried porcini mushrooms in warm water for 15–20 minutes; drain and slice (reserve soaking liquid for sauce).

Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain, rinse with cold water, toss with a little oil, and set aside.

Sauté minced garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant, then add chicken and cook until browned; remove and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté mushrooms (including rehydrated porcini) until tender and golden.

Return chicken to the pan, add reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strained), and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.

Add cooked noodles and toss everything together over medium heat until well coated and heated through.

Finish with chopped green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and optional chili crisp for heat.

 

Norwegian salmon with red lentil cutlets

 

Norwegian salmon with red lentil cutlets

Norwegian salmon with red lentil cutlets is a modern, nutritious dish that combines the rich, firm texture of Norwegian salmon with the earthy, protein-packed qualities of red lentil cutlets, creating a balanced meal that highlights both ingredients. This dish reflects Norway’s culinary tradition of emphasizing high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood paired with wholesome plant-based components.

 

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Temperature: 375°F (190°C) for baking lentil cutlets; medium-high heat for pan-searing salmon

Ingredients:

 

Norwegian salmon fillets (skin-on): 4 (6 oz each) ([170 g each])

Red lentils: 1 cup ([240 mL])

Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium (150 g)

Garlic, minced: 3 cloves ([15 g])

Fresh parsley, chopped: 1/4 cup ([15 g])

Cumin, ground: 1 tsp ([5 g])

Coriander, ground: 1 tsp ([5 g])

Chili powder: 1/2 tsp (2.5 g)

Lemon juice: 2 tbsp ([30 mL])

Olive oil: 3 tbsp ([45 mL])

Salt: 1 tsp ([5 g]), plus more to taste

Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 g)

Flour (for binding): 2 tbsp ([25 g])

Butter (for pan-searing): 2 tbsp ([30 g])

Lemon zest (optional): 1 tsp ([5 g])

Equipment needed:

 

Large saucepan (for lentils)

Baking sheet

Mixing bowls

Skillet (non-stick or cast iron)

Spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Paper towels

 

How to prepare it

 

Preheat the oven to 190°C, or 375°F. Add two cups (480 mL) of water, a teaspoon of salt, and red lentils to a pot. After bringing to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are soft and the majority of the water has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. After draining any extra liquid, allow it to cool a little.

 

In a large bowl, mash the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and flour. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.

 

Shape the mixture into 4 cutlets, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and firm to the touch.

 

While lentil cutlets bake, pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 15 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 1–2 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for medium-rare.

 

Remove lentil cutlets from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve salmon on top of or alongside the warm cutlets. Drizzle with additional olive oil or lemon zest if desired. Ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of at least 120°F (49°C) for safe consumption. Use separate cutting boards for raw fish and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.

 

Use green or brown lentils instead of red if preferred, though red cook faster and break down more. Substitute chickpea flour for regular flour for a gluten-free option. Replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version.

 

Store leftover cooked lentil cutlets and salmon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain texture. Patting the salmon dry before cooking ensures a crisp skin. Letting the lentil mixture rest for 10 minutes after mixing helps it bind better.


For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the lentil mixture or a splash of white wine to the salmon pan after flipping.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Beyond relaxation: Why sharing your weekend joy can transform others

The best of Italian minestrone soup.
 

I adore cooking "Minestrone," an Italian vegetable soup, every weekend. Photo credit: Freepik.


Everybody gets two days, Saturday and Sunday, to rest after a long weekend of labor. On the other hand, millions of individuals around the world are so used to their jobs that they don't even enjoy their weekends. The axiom states that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"; thus, this post will show you how to make your weekends worthwhile and pleasurable.

 

The same suggestions are made often in articles about how to spend a weekend: spend time with your family, clean up your house, go outside without a smartphone, and begin studying a foreign language. Although many of these are energy-intensive, they are all excellent concepts. To keep my weekends fulfilling, I have selected certain errands I have adopted for decades.

 

On weekends, a lot of people who love social life visit friends, go to the movies, take part in entertainment events, or attend museums or concerts. Since those aren't my areas of interest, I don't rely on any of these to make me happy in life. During my three years of employment at an Antwerp movie house, I watched only two movies. This sounds rare, but I mean it.

 

"Kill Bill" was one of the movies, while the other one is about the terrible experiences that Jews had under the Nazi regime. This is sufficient to demonstrate that I don't rely on viewing movies as a weekend pastime. I want to share a few things with the readers. Experiences abound in life, and everyone, from kids to adults, has a tale to tell.

 

There are lots of free blogs with simple themes for creating them. Just go online, choose one, and start blogging. When you start sharing your experience and readers start responding, you'll know that you're a happy person because, without even realizing it, you've gained readers or friends on social media who want to read the motivational and inspiring articles you are sharing on your blog.

 

Many people may be uncomfortable talking about or sharing their experiences, but doing so might help, inspire, and transform the lives of others in addition to helping you. In the future, these texts will serve as an additional source for book publication. 


Another issue is that I enjoy spending every weekend at the grocery store. Going out that morning or during the day provides you with a boost to relieve boredom or loneliness, even if you have everything and food in your home.

 

Many people have never been happy at home without dining out since they lack cooking skills. Never forget that you can always learn new things and develop the skills you lack. Look up "how to prepare your delicious meal" on the internet. For instance, I adore "Minestrone," an Italian vegetable soup. This soup is so good that I make it every weekend.

 

Some people are also skilled cooks, and they can post their recipes on whatever blogging site they like. Packing your automobile and riding a bicycle to specific locations is another weekend pastime that I find amusing. You will see that "Home sweet home" when you return to the house. Simply sit back and unwind on the couch while you watch your preferred shows.

 

Lastly, remain composed no matter what you are going through in life, whether from dishonest friends, family, adversaries, or other situations. Never react because your opponents will be happier the more you react. You should never wake up fighting your enemies because doing so means you are ruining your happiness. Let this article inspire everyone. Cheers and happy weekend!