Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Chicken Mango/Pineapple Basil Stir Fry

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (substitute tamari for gluten-free)
  • 5 teaspoons cornstarch, divided (you’ll use part of it in the sauce and part for the chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (add more for extra heat)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable or coconut oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 large mango, peeled, pitted and diced or (1 to 1 1/2 cups pineapple)
  • 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced
  • 1 medium red onion, diced or cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces
  • Hot, cooked rice, quinoa or noodles for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the broth, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, vinegar, red pepper flakes and sugar until smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and remaining 3 teaspoons cornstarch.
  3. In a large 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the chicken, breaking up any clumps, and cook until it is golden brown on all sides and just barely cooked through (it will cook a few minutes longer later in the recipe). Scrape the chicken onto a plate, keeping as much liquid in the skillet as possible.
  4. Add the garlic, mango, bell pepper, and onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet over medium heat. Whisk the sauce quickly before pouring it into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, while the sauce simmers and thickens, 1-2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
  6. Sprinkle with basil and serve over rice, noodles, quinoa or by itself.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Margarita Pizza


3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (of course from your own garden is best!), chopped in large chunks
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tb olive oil
1/3 cup+ loosely packed fresh basil leaves, julienne cut
mozzarella cheese, shredded (fresh mozzarella is wonderful)
parmesan cheese, shredded
Combine all ingredients except cheese and toss lightly. Roll out pizza dough to 12 inch circle and place on hot pizza stone. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella on dough. Spoon on tomato mixture and spread evenly over cheese. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup parmesan on top. Bake in preheated oven at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is starting to brown and crust is a deep golden. Let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle additional 1-2 tablespoons of fresh basil over pizza before serving.