Chermoula Sauce

This is the Middle-Eastern version of Chimichurri sauce, major changes being half & half parsley/cilantro instead of just parsley as well as some additional Middle-Eastern spices. Also, the red wine vinegar is swapped for fresh lemon juice and zest.

This also differs from Chimichurri sauce in that it is run through the food processor. So, while the sauce should remain textured, it is more of a finishing sauce than a braising & finishing sauce.

Chermoula Sauce

adapted from The Mediterranean Dish

Ingredients:

1 bunch parsley (1 cup chopped)

1 bunch cilantro (1 cup chopped)

1 lemon, juice & zest

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp. ground coriander 

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. paprika 

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. saffron threads (optional)

3/4 cup olive oil 

Instructions:

1. Remove stems from parsley, and roughly chop using the food processor. Scrape out into a medium bowl and set aside.

2. Remove stems from the cilantro, and roughly chop using the food processor. Scrape lut into the medium bowl and leave aside. 

3. Add garlic cloves to the empty food processor bowl and mince using the pulse setting. 

4. Re-add herbs to the food processor bowl along lemon juice, lemon zest, and all spices. Do not add olive oil yet & pulse to combine.

5. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly.

6. Serve overeat, tish, vegetables, pasta salad, etc. Enjoy!

Chimichurri Sauce

Absolutely incredible, authentic Chimichurri recipe from Uruguay. Use it to baste your steak while cooking, then drizzle over top to serve.

This sauce can  can be prepared earlier than needed, and refrigerated for 24 hours, if needed.

Chimichuri Sauce

from Santiago in Uruguay

Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 cup parsley, finely chopped

6-8 cloves garlic, minced

4 small red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped  (~1 tablespoon chopped)

1.5 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. coarse salt

1 tsp. pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to release flavors into oil before using. Ideally, allow to rest for 2 hours if time allows.

Boursin Cream Sauce

 

Delicious easy flavorful cream sauce. Serve with fish, chicken, pork chops, or whatever else you'd like!

Boursin Cream Sauce

adapted from Salt & Lavender

Ingredients:

1 Tbs. butter

1 Tbs. olive oil

1/2 onion, finely diced

1 - 5.2 oz. (150 g.) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herb cheese

3/4 cup chicken broth

2 Tbs. parsley, finely chopped 

1 tsp. lemon juice

Instructions:

1. To a skillet, add butter and olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat until butter is melted.

2. Add onions, and cook until soft. 

3. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and the Boursin to the skillet. Stir until sauce is smooth.

4. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes, then stir in the chopped parsley. Cook for a few more minutes until desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tartar Sauce

 

Delicious tartar sauce I've been making with my fish frys. I happened to have some chopped chives that I added, although the recipe doesn't call for it.

Tartar Sauce

adapted from Natasha's Kitchen

3-4 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup real Mayonnaise

1/3-1/2 cup pickle relish, to taste

1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp sugar

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients. Enjoy!

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Chicagoan coworker with strong Italian roots introduced me to this recipe. He recommends halving the meat, and I don't disagree! But posting the original.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (shells, elbows, or bowtie)
4 oz. Genoa salami chopped
4 oz. pepperoni, chopped
8 oz. Asiago or sharp Italian cheese, diced
1 can (6 oz. dry weight) black olives, drained and chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 packet (0.6 oz) Italian dressing mix e.g. Good Seasons
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs. dried orageno
1 Tbs. dried parsley
1 Tbs. Parmesan, grated
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, salami, pepperoni, cheese, peppers, and tomatoes. Sprinkle on the envelope of powdered dressing. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate.
3. To prepare the dressing in a small bowl whisk together EVOO, balsamic, orageno, parsley, Parm, salt and pepper. Just before serving, pour dressing over the salad and mix well.

Ham and Bean Soup

Delicious and dead simple meal. Perfect to use up your Easter or holiday ham leftovers.

Ham and Bean Soup
from Genius Kitchen

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. smoked ham or ham hock
- 1 lb. dried beans
- 1 large onion, chopped coarsely (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 Tbs. parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 6 cups. broth

Instructions:
1. Soak beans overnight.
2. Rinse beans, and add to crockpot along with all other ingredients.
3. Cook for 8 hours on low, or until beans are tender.
4. Skim fat, if necessary, before serving.