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Chickpea and Orzo Salad Recipe
### A Flawless 20-Minute Dinner: Orzo and Chickpeas in a Rich, Creamy Tomato Sauce
When you’re short on time but desire a meal that’s both hearty and tasty, this scrumptious recipe featuring chickpeas and orzo in a creamy tomato sauce is your answer. This dish, often called “Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo,” is not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect pick for hectic weeknights.
#### What Makes This Recipe Exceptional
1. **Delectable Aromatics**: The mix of shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme forms a robust flavor foundation that enhances the dish.
2. **Rich Tomato Sauce**: The sumptuous tomato cream sauce takes center stage, offering a rich and fulfilling coating for the orzo and chickpeas.
3. **Superbly Textured Ingredients**: The orzo and chickpeas pair beautifully in both texture and flavor, ensuring each bite is a pleasurable experience.
4. **Rapid and Simple**: This recipe can be whipped up in a mere 20 minutes, making it ideal for those busy nights when you seek something tasty without the lengthy cooking time.
#### Ingredients
– **Main Ingredients**:
– Orzo pasta
– Canned chickpeas
– Shallots
– Garlic
– Fresh thyme
– Tomato paste
– Heavy cream
– Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative)
– **Optional Additions and Garnishes**:
– Sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
– Fresh spinach
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh herbs for decoration
#### Directions
1. **Sauté the Aromatics and Chickpeas**:
– Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
– Add diced shallots and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
– Stir in the chickpeas and tomato paste, cooking for an extra 2-3 minutes until the mixture darkens in color.
2. **Cook the Orzo**:
– Incorporate the orzo, chicken broth, and thyme sprigs into the pan.
– Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 7-9 minutes until the orzo reaches tenderness.
3. **Complete the Sauce**:
– Take out the thyme sprigs and keep the heat low.
– Mix in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and rich. Adjust seasoning as desired.
4. **Incorporate Optional Ingredients**:
– Stir in sun-dried or fresh tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
– Serve warm, decorated with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
#### Nutritional Advantages
This dish is not only fast and straightforward but also healthful. Chickpeas offer a great source of protein and fiber, while the orzo contributes carbohydrates for energy. The addition of fresh veggies and herbs boosts the nutritional value, making it a well-balanced meal.
#### Final Thoughts
“Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo” exemplifies how a simple blend of ingredients can create a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Featuring its creamy tomato sauce and pleasing textures, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Relish this delectable meal any evening of the week, and enjoy the flavors that meld in just 20 minutes!
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One-Pot Goulash Recipe: A Tasty Twist on Grandma’s Traditional Dish
# Simple Goulash Recipe: A Warm One-Pot Dish
This simple goulash recipe is a tasty meal that comes together swiftly, making it ideal for hectic weeknights. With ingredients you probably have available, this cozy dish includes ground beef and elbow macaroni cooked in a hearty tomato sauce, resulting in a warm one-pot creation that everyone in the family will enjoy.
## Flavor Profile
– **Hearty and Flavorful**: The blend of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices produces a familiar taste that many households love.
– **Beloved Family Classic**: This dish is frequently linked to home-cooked dinners and family celebrations.
## Skill Level
This recipe is perfect for novice cooks or anyone seeking an uncomplicated comfort food option. It’s simple and requires basic cooking skills, making it approachable for everyone.
## Ingredient Alternatives
Feel free to modify the recipe by swapping in different ingredients:
– **Meat Choices**: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef for a lighter choice.
– **Pasta Options**: While elbow macaroni is the standard, you can try other small pasta types like small shells, bowties, or ditalini.
## Simple Ingredients
1. **Ground Beef**: Opt for lean ground beef; it’s fine to use slightly more or less than the amount stated. Alternatives are Italian sausage, ground chicken, or turkey.
2. **Pasta**: American goulash generally features pasta rather than potatoes. Elbow macaroni is favored, but any small pasta shape works.
3. **Tomato Sauce**: Use store-bought tomato sauce or homemade marinara. Incorporating canned diced tomatoes improves texture and extends the meal.
4. **Seasoning**: Spice up the sauce with onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bay leaf. To save time, consider using minced garlic from a jar and dehydrated or frozen diced onions.
### Additional Flavor Suggestions
– Add chopped celery or red bell pepper to the meat sauce for enhanced flavor.
– Mix in Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of chili flakes for a flavor enhancement.
– Expand the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a drained can of beans.
– Garnish with Parmesan cheese or serve alongside cheddar cheese or sour cream.
## Next Day Goulash
– **Refrigerator**: Leftover goulash can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
– **Freezer**: Freeze cooled portions in zippered bags for as long as 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Cooking Directions
1. In a Dutch oven or large skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the elbow macaroni, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta becomes tender.
5. Discard the bay leaf. If desired, add cheese on top and reseal with the lid. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese has melted.
## Nutritional Information
– **Serving Size**: 2 cups
– **Calories**: 315
– **Carbohydrates**: 29g
– **Protein**: 17g
– **Fat**: 15g
– **Fiber**: 3g
This simple goulash recipe is not only tasty but also a wonderful way to gather the family for a comforting meal. Savor the rich tastes and the ease of this one-pot creation!
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