Turkey, Squash, Black Bean Chili

If you’re having any doubts about straying from your classic Super Bowl chili, don’t, this one is definitely super bowl worthy. In a large pot sauté two medium chopped onions until translucent then add a pound of the fattiest ground turkey you can find breaking it up into small pieces with a large spoon as it cooks.

After five minutes stir in three chopped garlic cloves, a ¼ cup of chili powder, a tablespoon of cumin, and some hot pepper to taste such as chipotle, ancho, or cayenne and cook for another five minutes. Next, add a large can of chopped tomatoes, a small can of tomato paste, and four cups of chicken or veggie stock. While that’s simmering peel and seed a small butternut squash and cut into half inch cubes.

Depending on your bean ratio preference add one or two cans of drained black beans and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another fifteen minutes before adding the cubed squash, bring to a boil then turn down and simmer for 40 minutes or until the squash is tender. Before serving stir in a handful of chopped cilantro and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and or avocado. 

 Go Pats!

Cacio e Pepe

What I love about Italian food is that it’s often the simplest dishes that are the most satisfying; this creamy combination of pasta, cheese, and black pepper is one of my favorites. Boil a pound of noodles until el dente making sure to save a cup of the pasta water just before draining.

Dump the noodles into a strainer and put the pasta pot back on the stove over low heat. Melt a half a stick of butter in the pot then add the drained pasta and toss. Stir in a tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper followed by the reserved pasta water and a cup and a half of parmesan, pecorino, or a combination of both. Mix together until the pasta is completed coated by the butter and cheese then salt to taste and serve immediately.

Pork Ricotta Meatballs

Ricotta makes lots of things just that much better and these pork meatballs are high on the list. Whether you’re craving spaghetti and meatballs, meatball soup, or fried meatballs give these ricotta enhanced meatballs a try.

In a large bowl stir together a cup of ricotta, a third of a cup of grated parmesan, a half cup of panko, a lightly scrambled egg, a teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Mix in a about a pound and a half of ground pork and a splash of milk then form into balls. Brown completely in a hot pan then add to your tomato sauce, soup, or deep fryer to finish. Comfort food at it’s best!

Curry Poached Cod

The holidays are over and I need a break from butter, heavy cream, bacon, sweets, alcohol, and cooking…and not necessarily in that order. This dish takes a little cooking but not much, the most demanding part is making the rice.

In a large pan heat a can of coconut milk and your favorite curry paste or spices. Cut your cod or other white fish into two inch slices, salt both sides, then add to the simmering sauce. Cook for four to five minutes on each side and serve in a bowl along with some sauce and a scoop of rice. If you have any energy left you could garnish with some chopped cilantro.

Cheers to another year of eating!