Source: Closetcooking.com

Robust Curried Red Lentil Soup with Chickpeas and Quinoa

Curried Red Lentil Soup with Chickpeas and Quinoa

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

A nutritious and filling soup made from lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa flavored with curry spices.

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, grated/minced/chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated/minced/chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry spice blend
• 1/2 cup dry red lentils
• 1/3 cup quinoa
• 6 cups chicken stock (link) (or vegetable stock (link))
• 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (like sambal oelek) (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, diced
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and curry powder, and cook until aromatic, about a minute.
3. Incorporate the lentils, quinoa, stock, tomatoes, chickpeas, and chili sauce, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the lentils and quinoa are cooked, around 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in the cilantro and add salt and pepper to taste.

Option: Substitute the curry powder with: 1 tablespoon garam masala + 1 teaspoon turmeric.
Option: Serve topped with yogurt or sour cream!

Green Pickle Salsa

Pickle Salsa Verde

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 8(approximately 2 cups or 8 1/4 cup servings)

A delicious salsa verde featuring pickles!

ingredients

• 1 pound tomatillos, husked
• 1 jalapeno pepper, halved and seeded
• 1 small onion, in quarters
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 pound pickles
• 1/4 cup pickle brine
• 1 lime, juice and zest
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• salt to taste

directions

1. Roast the tomatillos, jalapenos, onion, and garlic under a broiler, over an open flame, or in a heavy pan on high heat until they’ve charred lightly on all sides.
2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Option: Add additional jalapenos for extra spice!
Option: Omit the first step and use them raw!
Option: Incorporate an avocado for added creaminess!

Slow Cooker Chicken topped with Pickle Salsa Verde

**Slow Cooker Pickle Salsa Verde Chicken: A Tasty and Effortless Recipe**

If you’re in search of an easy yet flavorful meal that needs little effort, the Slow Cooker Pickle Salsa Verde Chicken is an excellent option. This recipe merges the zesty and spicy tastes of pickle salsa verde with tender, slow-cooked chicken, making it a flexible addition to your cooking collection.

**Ingredients:**
– Chicken (breasts or thighs)
– Pickle salsa verde

**Instructions:**
1. Add the chicken to a slow cooker.
2. Drizzle pickle salsa verde over the chicken.
3. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is soft and thoroughly cooked.
4. After cooking, shred the chicken with a fork and blend it with the salsa for uniform flavor.

**Serving Suggestions:**
This flavorful chicken can feature in numerous dishes. Think about serving it in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. It pairs nicely with rice or can serve as a topping for nachos.

**Why Pickle Salsa Verde?**
Pickle salsa verde provides a distinctive spin on classic salsa verde. Its tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile enhances the chicken’s taste, making it a notable component in this dish.

**Conclusion:**
The Slow Cooker Pickle Salsa Verde Chicken is a straightforward and adaptable dish that delivers bold flavors to your table with little effort. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or in need of a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is bound to impress.

Recipes for Honoring Mother’s Day

**A Compilation of Quick and Simple Recipes for a Memorable Mother’s Day Celebration**

Mother’s Day is approaching, and one wonderful method to express your affection is through homemade cooking! Begin the day on a high note for mom with breakfast in bed or a delightful brunch, and then continue with some delicious snacks in the afternoon followed by a swift and simple dinner that is guaranteed to satisfy! You don’t have to be a culinary expert to pamper mom with some homemade delights on Mother’s Day; most of these recipes are incredibly easy to prepare and she will truly value the effort! Whether you dazzle mom with a complete day of home-cooked dishes or simply one item, you can’t miss with any of these recipes, and each one will ensure this Mother’s Day is unforgettable for her!

**Breakfast in Bed: Fluffy Pancakes with Fresh Berries**

Kickstart Mother’s Day with a traditional breakfast in bed. These fluffy pancakes are airy, tasty, and quick to prepare.

*Ingredients:*
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Maple syrup

*Instructions:*
1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
5. Cook until bubbles appear, flip, and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve with fresh berries and maple syrup.

**Midday Brunch: Avocado Toast with Poached Egg**

This straightforward yet sophisticated avocado toast is ideal for a brunch indulgence.

*Ingredients:*
– 2 slices of whole-grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs
– Fresh herbs (optional)

*Instructions:*
1. Toast the slices of bread.
2. Mash avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the avocado mixture onto the toast.
4. Poach eggs in simmering water for about 3 minutes.
5. Place poached eggs atop the avocado toast.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

**Afternoon Snack: Caprese Skewers**

These Caprese skewers make for a fresh and effortless snack that is as visually appealing as it is tasty.

*Ingredients:*
– Cherry tomatoes
– Fresh mozzarella balls
– Fresh basil leaves
– Balsamic glaze
– Skewers

*Instructions:*
1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze prior to serving.

**Dinner Delight: Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta**

Conclude the day with a rapid and delightful dinner that will surely dazzle.

*Ingredients:*
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped

*Instructions:*
1. Cook spaghetti according to the package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Incorporate shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink.
5. Mix in lemon juice and the cooked spaghetti.
6. Toss to combine and garnish with parsley.

These quick and simple recipes will assist you in crafting a memorable Mother’s Day celebration filled with affection and delicious food. Celebrate the special day with your mom!

Receta de Frijoles Charros al Estilo Mexicano

**Mexican Style Simmered Beans with Chorizo Sausage and Bacon: A Flavorful Delight**

Frijoles charros, often referred to as charro beans, are an iconic Mexican dish that embodies the spirit of traditional cooking with its deep flavors and substantial ingredients. This dish is a tribute to simplicity and richness, where dried beans are transformed into a delectable treat by slowly simmering with bacon, chorizo sausage, chilies, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings.

**The Art of Simmering**

The journey starts with soaking dried beans overnight, an essential step that guarantees they cook uniformly and absorb the essence of the other ingredients. The following day, the culinary adventure proceeds with frying bacon and chorizo sausage, which impart their smoky and spicy characteristics to the dish. Onions, chilies, garlic, and cumin are incorporated into the mix, creating a fragrant foundation that prepares the way for the beans.

After the aromatics are ready, the soaked beans are added to the pot, along with broth and tomatoes. This combination is then allowed to simmer gently, permitting the beans to soften and become creamy. The slow cooking process is where the allure emerges; the beans soak up the flavors of the meats and spices, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor.

**Versatility at Its Best**

Charro beans are exceedingly adaptable. They can be served as a filling side dish or enjoyed solo as a light meal. The dish can be presented in a bowl with a spoon, ideal for relishing the broth and tender beans. Alternatively, you can reduce the broth to reach a thicker texture, making it perfect for stuffing into tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos.

**A Culinary Experience**

The charm of frijoles charros lies in their capacity to unite people, providing a taste of Mexican culture and tradition. Whether you’re enjoying them at a family gathering or a casual dinner, the dish is bound to impress with its bold flavors and comforting essence. So, the next time you’re seeking a straightforward yet fulfilling meal, think about preparing charro beans and enjoy the delightful blend of beans, chorizo, and bacon.

Commemorating 19 Years of Closet Cooking

**Honoring 19 Years of Closet Cooking: A Tale of Taste and Imagination**

Closet Cooking, an adored culinary blog, celebrates its 19th year of bringing joy to food lovers with an abundance of scrumptious recipes and cooking inspiration. In almost two decades, Closet Cooking has established itself as a trusted reference for home chefs in search of creative and appetizing meals.

Looking back on the previous year, Closet Cooking has once again provided a varied selection of recipes that appeal to diverse tastes and preferences. From substantial main courses to delightful side dishes, the blog has served a feast of culinary wonders. Appetizers, desserts, breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, pastas, and breads have all made appearances in the blog’s vast collection, highlighting flavors from different international cuisines.

The last year has been especially thrilling, featuring new recipes that have won the hearts and taste buds of its audience. The blog’s creator has shown excitement for the culinary journeys that await, keen to investigate and share even more inventive recipes in the upcoming year.

Below are some of the standout recipes from the past year that have become favorites among Closet Cooking’s supporters:

1. **Spicy Korean Beef Tacos**: A blend of Korean and Mexican tastes, these tacos include tender beef infused with a spicy marinade, crowned with fresh veggies and a zesty slaw.

2. **Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars**: A dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, uniting the classic flavors of lemon and blueberry in a smooth cheesecake bar.

3. **Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta**: A heartwarming dish featuring juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a decadent, creamy sauce served over pasta.

4. **Thai Peanut Salad**: An invigorating salad with crunchy vegetables, dressed in a savory and mildly spicy peanut sauce.

5. **Sourdough Bread**: A homemade bread recipe that has become essential for many, delivering an ideal combination of a crispy crust and a soft, chewy texture.

As Closet Cooking commemorates this achievement, it continues to motivate and empower home cooks to experiment with novel flavors and techniques. With a dedication to sharing delightful food and recipes, the blog remains a beloved asset for culinary enthusiasts globally. Here’s to another year filled with tasty discoveries and culinary imagination!

White Chili Chicken Burrito Bowls Prepared in a Slow Cooker

Experience all the delicious flavors of white chili chicken, prepared in a slow cooker, presented in a delightful burrito bowl.

White chili chicken is a dish featuring chicken, green chilies, and cream; it’s among my favorites, and you can’t miss by preparing it in a slow cooker before adding it to a burrito bowl! This recipe captures all the essence of white chicken chili and transforms it into a rice bowl that’s bursting with flavor! The chicken is slow-cooked together with salsa verde, green chilies, onions, garlic, cumin, and once finished, cream cheese is stirred in. The bowl is then crafted according to your preferences, including ingredients like: cooked rice, lettuce, beans, corn, avocado, cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, cilantro, and more. Naturally, you could also utilize the slow cooker white chili chicken in an actual burrito, or in tacos, quesadillas, etc.

Don’t hesitate to prepare some burritos!

Slow Cooker White Chili Chicken Burrito Bowls

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes Servings: 8

Experience all the delicious flavors of white chili chicken, prepared in a slow cooker, presented in a delightful burrito bowl.

ingredients

For the slow cooker white chili chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup salsa verde (link)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (link) (or water)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (or sour cream)

For the burrito bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cheese (such as cheddar or jack)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (or pickled)

directions

For the slow cooker white chili chicken:

1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, poblano, jalapeno, garlic, cumin, salsa verde, and broth, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
2. Take out the chicken and shred or pull it apart.
3. Add the cream cheese into the sauce in the slow cooker, stir, and allow it to melt into the sauce.
4. Return the chicken to the sauce and enjoy!

For the burrito bowl:

5. Assemble the burrito bowls and dig in!

Note: You can adjust the heat level with the salsa verde, poblano, and jalapeno. For a milder taste, just use the salsa verde; for a spicier kick, include all or even add more!
Option: Swap the poblano and jalapeno for a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
Option: Create burritos, tacos, quesadillas, etc., with the slow cooker white chili chicken!
Option: Utilize your favorite burrito fillings/toppings in the bowl!

Nutrition Facts: Calories 347, Fat 18g (Saturated 7g, Trans 0.3g), Cholesterol 114mg, Sodium 635mg, Carbs 35g (Fiber 6g, Sugars 5g), Protein 36g