Tag Archives: Oregano

American Black Bean Chili with IPA Beer

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Black_Bean_Chili (1 of 1)Chili is a popular go-to comfort food in this household, especially when the snow is as deep as f#$^%$! and the temperature is constantly below f*^%k!. I have many recipes for chili, and this is a combination of the things I like the best about each. Additionally, I’ve added IPA (India Pale Ale Beer) and allspice, which I think help to create a fantastic depth of flavor for this version. I hope you’ll try it next time you are wanting comfort food!
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, very finely grated or minced
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground allspice
2 Tbsp tomato paste
2 Tbsp brown sugar
3 – 5 dried Thai (or similar hot) chilies, cut with scissors into 1/8 pieces, seeds and all
3 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 28-oz whole peeled tomatoes, squeezed to a pulp in a bowl by hand
3 15-oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 12-oz bottle beer (preferably IPA)
Sour cream for garnish
Grated white cheddar for garnish
Diced fresh tomato for garnish
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Tabasco sauce (optional) for garnish

Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, beef and bell pepper. Cook for 8 minutes.

Stir in the next 8 ingredients (chili powder through ground black pepper) and cook 1 minute.

Stir in the beans, squeezed tomatoes and beer. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 1 hour. Remove lid and simmer an additional 30 minutes, or until chili has thickened. Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Adjust seasoning (I added an additional 2 1/2 tsp salt, which seemed good). Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing each with a dollop of sour cream, cheddar cheese, diced tomato, parsley and a few drops of Tabasco sauce. I like to serve with fresh, crusty bread.

Serves 6.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Fresh Oregano, Lemon and Feta

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Grilled_Chicken_Sandwiches_with_Fresh_Oregano6 (1 of 1)This is one of my outdoor chicken recipes that I always have the ingredients for, from spring to fall. It’s simple, fresh, and it’s not time-consuming to prepare. Made this last evening when I returned home from work (it was a beautiful, warm evening here, so I had to fire up the grill!).

 

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch)
Juice of one lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp fresh, chopped oregano
4 hamburger (or similar) buns
Lettuce
1 small onion, sliced
1 tsp fresh, chopped parsley
4 tsp crumbled feta cheese

Place the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano in a small bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well-incorporated.

Place chicken and the lemon juice mixture in a plastic zip-lock bag. Seal bag and move around so that the ingredients are combined. Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour.

Meanwhile, prepare the grill.

Grill the marinated chicken on one side for about 9 minutes, then about 4 minutes on the other.

Remove chicken from grill. Slice each breast in half crosswise, so that you end up with 4 even pieces. Assemble the sandwiches with the buns (I like to butter them and toast a bit on the grill), lettuce, chicken, parsley, onions and a teaspoon each of the feta. Serve.

Serves 4.

Corn Chowder with Fresh Oregano and Dijon Croutons

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Corn_Chowder_33 (1 of 1)Most vegetable dishes are best when prepared with fresh ingredients. I love corn chowder, however fresh local corn is not available in New England until late summer. Luckily, this delicious recipe calls for frozen corn, so I make it at any time of the year (I use name-brand sweet corn). Yesterday was a beautiful spring day, which got me in the mood again for this chowder. I hope you’ll try it!

1/2 lb red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into a 1/4-inch dice
2 slices hickory-smoked bacon, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped scallions, white and pale green parts (slice dark green part and use as garnish)
1/2 cup celery, chopped (about 1 large rib)
1 lb frozen corn
2 1/4 cups whole milk
2 Tbsp sour cream
1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
1 Tbsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 fresh baguette
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Place potatoes in a sauce pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, but not falling apart. Total time from when you turn the heat on should be about 15 minutes. Strain and set aside.

Heat bacon in a Dutch oven. Cook until crisp. Remove bacon from pan (leaving drippings behind) and set aside.

Add the scallions and celery to the pan, and saute on low for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, set 1 cup of the corn aside. Place remainder into a blender, together with the milk, sour cream, oregano, salt and pepper. Blend to a puree, then add to the scallion mixture in the Dutch oven. Add the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and season with additional salt and ground black pepper.

To prepare the croutons, slice baguette cross-wise into 1/4-inch slices. Lay the slices out on a cookie sheet, and spread the top of each with a good amount of Dijon mustard. Place under the broiler and cook until golden brown (not black!)

Garnish each serving of the chowder with the some of the bacon, sliced scallions and cheddar cheese. Serve with the croutons.

Serves 4.