Vegetables Archives - Page 2 of 2

Israeli Couscous Recipe for Pasta Salad

06/22/202304/03/2015 by Chef Buck

This Israeli couscous recipe, also called pearl couscous or ptitim, makes a great pasta salad. It’s called “couscous”, but isn’t what I think of when I think of couscous, because it boils up into tiny pasta balls about the size of a blueberry. Toss pearl couscous into a salad with your favorite dressing and some fresh veggies and it makes a quick and healthy side dish, or even a full meal if you throw it on a bed of greens.

Israeli Couscous Pasta Salad Ingredients

1 pkg ISRAELI COUSCOUS (8.8 oz)
1 lg ENGLISH CUCUMBER (sliced)
1 CARROT (strings?…whatever, man)
2 cups PARSLEY (chopped)
TOMATO (sliced)
….and whatever’s in the fridge you need to get rid of.
dressing:
¼ cup OLIVE OIL
3 Tbsp LEMON JUICE (or vinegar)
2 tsp LEMON ZEST
2 tsp GARLIC (minced)
2 tsp GINGER (minced)
SALT and PEPPER to taste
(plus whatever you want)

Israeli Couscous Recipe

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add in the Israeli couscous. Check current prices for Israeli Couscous on Amazon. Salt and oil are not needed. Reduce heat down to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and strain the couscous. Rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and to keep the pasta from becoming too soft.

Slice fresh veggies. Use the ones I have listed above or use your favorites; and especially use whatever veggies you have in the fridge that you need to get rid of. Whenever I make a big salad, it’s almost always to utilize ingredients that are gonna go bad if I don’t do something with them soon–it’s a win-win, I end up not wasting food and getting something healthy to eat.

In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. I like to use fresh lemon juice because it’s awesome. but it’s also great to keep lemons on hand for the fresh zest–lemon zest adds a nice zing to salads and dressings. If you don’t have fresh lemon on hand, substitute vinegar.

In a bowl, toss together the couscous, veggies, and dressing. If you’re going to be serving and eating it all right away, go ahead and add tomato, but if you’re going to refrigerate some or all of the salad for later, just wait and add the tomato when you’re serving (refrigerated tomatoes are no fun).

Israeli (pearl) couscous is great in these kinda salads. I often use quinoa in these types of dishes, but this couscous makes a nice change of pace, so give it a go if you’re regularly eating salads and need to mix things up a bit.

Give this Israeli couscous recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty salad idea, try this Southwestern-Style Quinoa Salad Recipe.

a southwestern quinoa salad makes a tasty and healthy dinner choice.

Thanks for Watching our Couscous Recipe Video!

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Hearts of Palm Recipe with Beans

07/26/202403/13/2015 by Chef Buck

Hearts of palm are often used in salad recipes. Heart of palm is literally the edible core of a palm tree stem. It’s easily found sold in cans, but CG scored a fresh heart of palm, so we’ll take a look at this weirdo veggie and make a simple, but very tasty salad. Canned hearts of palm are not as crunchy as fresh heart, so be sure and add CELERY to this recipe when using canned hearts of palm.

Hearts of Palm Recipe Ingredients:

1 heaping cup sliced HEARTS OF PALM (check current prices for hearts of palm on Amazon)
15oz can MIXED BEANS
1 tsp GINGER (minced)
½ cup CILANTRO
½ cup GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
dressing:
2 Tbsp LEMON JUICE
½ tsp LEMON ZEST
1 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
1 Tbsp heavy OLIVE OIL
2 tsp SOY SAUCE
SALT and PEPPER to taste
if using canned hearts of palm, add ½ cup chopped CELERY
(and toasted nuts are never a bad idea, either)

Hearts of Palm Recipe Directions:

If using fresh heart of palm, slice away the bamboo-like outer hull and remove the heart. fresh heart of palm has a great texture, a little crunchy with a creamy after taste; this slight crunch makes fresh heart of palm ideal for salad–canned hearts of palm are not as firm, so be sure to add ½ cup celery to this recipe if using canned hearts of palm.
In a bowl, combine the beans, heart of palm, cilantro, ginger, and green onion. A mix of beans is ideal…different beans will add a variety of textures.
In a smaller bowl, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk well–super well!
Add the dressing to the salad and toss.
And that’s it.
We found this simple combo to be quite tasty. You can always add more ingredients, but sometimes simple is best.
Be sure to add celery for crunch if using canned hearts, and toasted nuts are always a great crunchy element for salads–plus they add protein to the dish as well.

Give this heart of palm recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit! Check out prices for HEARTS OF PALM on Amazon.

And for another tasty salad idea, check out this Black-eyed Pea Salad.

Click on Pic for Recipe

Thanks for Watching our Hearts of Palm Recipe

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If you’re new to home cooking, get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or try a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

Onions – Which Type of Onion Should You Use?

12/23/202102/13/2015 by Chef Buck

Different onions have different uses. What is the difference between types of onion? Bulb onions, like red, white, sweet, and yellow onions are similar, but have their own individual traits. All onions can be eaten raw, or cooked, but some are better suited for specific culinary uses.

Yellow Onions:

Strongest flavor
Great for soups, stews, roasting, and sauces
Best for long cooking times.
Most popular onion (more than 80% of onions grown are yellow onions…so often economically the best buy)
High in sulphur and sugar content, so best for caramelizing
Also called brown onion

Sweet Onions:

Strong flavor
Great for roasting dishes, frying (onion rings!)
Are generally named for the region they are grown.
Examples include the Vidalia, the Walla Walla, and Bermuda onion.
They are high in sugar, but contain less sulphur than yellow onion.
Good for caramelizing and cooking.
They have a high water content and a relatively shorter shelf-life.
To extend the onion, wrap in a paper towel and store in the refrigerator

Red Onion:

Milder flavor
Best onion for raw applications
Excellent for slicing thin and adding to salads or sandwiches
Great for pickling
Best for Grilling
Lower sugar and sulphur makes them poor for caramelizing

White Onion:

Strong flavor
Great for cooking, and raw uses
Thinner onion layers, crisp
Favored onion for salsas, chutneys, guacamole, and most Latin recipes
Best pizza topping

When buying, choose an onion that is firm, and heavy for its size. Avoid ones that are bruised or showing signs of mold. Store in a well ventilated, dry, cool area. Do not store onions with potatoes–this will reduce their shelf-life. Sweet onion is highest in water content and will spoil more quickly than dryer onions; to extend life, wrap a sweet onion in a paper towel and store in the fridge. Price onion storage ideas on amazon.

Cut onions when you are ready to use them. Onion flavor intensifies quickly after being cut, and once cut, can become overly strong over a short period (old onions!–blech!)

Nutritionally, onions are awesome. They provide vitamin C and valuable nutrients, are high in fiber, lower the risk of some cancers, promote heart health, and act as an anti-inflammatory. The greatest concentration of nutrition is in the outer layer of the onion, so peel away as little of the onion as possible when using–why waste it?

If you’re new to home cooking, just get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different ingredients and recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. You can check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon or just go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

Here’s one of my favorite ways to use onion: Check out this Pork Loin Chop with Onions Recipe.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out our beet green recipes, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

If you like what CG and I do, you can also support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We include affiliate links for products on our website. So, if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program. It provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Thai Rice Recipe …but with Quinoa!

10/13/202301/30/2015 by Chef Buck

What is more awesome than a Thai rice recipe? Thai quinoa! Quinoa provides a complete protein, so you’ll get more bang for your buck by substituting quinoa in this simple, yet delicious Thai-style dish.

Quinoa Thai Rice Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup QUINOA …check quinoa prices on Amazon
1 can COCONUT MILK
1 ONION (chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
1 Tbsp CHILI-GARLIC SAUCE
1-2 tsp LEMONGRASS (minced)
4-6 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp TURMERIC
CILANTRO (chopped)
ENGLISH CUCUMBER (chopped)
ROMA TOMATO (chopped)
2-3 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Quinoa Thai Rice Recipe Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3-4 minutes until ingredients begin to soften. Add chili-garlic sauce, turmeric, and salt to taste. Mix well and continue sautéing for another minute.
Add quinoa and stir well. Check here for current prices for quinoa on Amazon.

In a measuring cup, add one can of coconut milk, and then add additional water to bring the liquid to 2½ cups. Pour the coconut/water mixture into the skillet and mix well with the quinoa.
Stir in the minced lemongrass.

Raise the skillet temperature and bring ingredients to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let dish cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.

While the quinoa cooks, chop cucumber and tomato into a bowl. Use a cucumber with a thin, edible skin, it’s a great texture for this dish. Add fresh chopped ginger and cilantro, salt and pepper to taste, and a generous amount of rice vinegar; the tartness of the vinegar adds a great contrast to the coconut creaminess of the quinoa. Thoroughly mix the salad ingredients and set aside.

Once the quinoa has simmered for 15 minutes, remove from the heat and let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and add fresh chopped cilantro; if you’re not a fan of cilantro, basil makes an excellent substitute.
Serve quinoa in a bowl with the cucumber/tomato salad.

It’s a crazy creamy and awesome recipe. So simple and delicious, and makes a great meal. Definitely give this Thai rice quinoa recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another healthy Thai-inspired recipe, try this Quinoa Thai Curry Recipe.

Thanks for Watching Thai-Style Quinoa Recipe

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Black-Eyed Peas Recipe w/ Jalapeno and Bacon

09/05/202412/29/2014 by Chef Buck

This Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is yummy anytime, and a particularly delicious way to get your black-eyed peas fix on New Years Day. Bacon, jalapeno, and black-eyed peas are a tasty combo that cooks up super simple, and adding a touch of flour gravies up the dish nicely. It makes a great side dish.

Black-Eyed Peas Recipe Ingredients:

15 oz can BLACK-EYED PEAS
3 slices BACON
JALAPENO SLICES (to taste)
1 tsp FLOUR
1 tsp BUTTER (if lean bacon)
¾ cup WATER

Black-Eyed Peas Recipe Directions:

First thing, fry up the bacon. I like to use 3 strips of bacon for each 15 oz can of beans (black-eyed peas are beans, dude).
Use only 2 strips if you like–but I like mine bacon-y, and I bet you will, too.
Once the bacon is cooked close to your liking, remove from the skillet and slice into bite sizes.
Return bacon to the skillet, and add jalapenos to taste. Saute bacon and jalapenos for about 1 minute.
If there is a tsp or more of bacon fat in the skillet, add flour…if the bacon is lean, with little grease, melt 1 tsp of butter and then add flour.
Stir ingredients for about 1 minute.
Add 15 oz. can of drained and rinsed black-eyed peas to the skillet. Mix with ingredients and let cook 1 minute.
Stir in ¾ cup water. Bring skillet to a bubble, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes.
Add additional water as needed, but not too much.
The flour will thicken into a gravy.
And that’s it!
This dish makes a great side for pork chops, fish,–you name it! I like to pair it up with liver and onions–super delicious!

This is a super simple dish to prepare. You can check here for current Black-Eye Pea Prices on Amazon. Canned beans are already cooked, but dried black eyed peas will have to be cooked before adding to the recipe, just prepare the beans according to the package directions.

Give this black-eyed peas recipe a go and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another tasty black-eyed peas recipe, try out this Black-Eyed Pea Salad Recipe.

Thanks for Trying Our Black Eyed Peas Recipe

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Parsnip Recipe — Creamy Mashed Parsnips

02/01/202412/02/2014 by Chef Buck

Parsnips are delicious and can be cooked into a great mash, just like potatoes. You can make this parsnip recipe as smooth or chunky as you like; I like it a little chunky–and I throw in a potato, too, with the skin on! The skin adds a great texture. Mashed parsnips make a nice change from the same old potato dish.

What You Need For This Parsnip Recipe

2 lbs. PARSNIPS
1 lb. POTATOES
3-4 Tbsp BUTTER
3-4 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
HALF N HALF, CREAM, or MILK as desired
SALT and PEPPER to taste
½ cup PARSLEY (chopped)
and enough water or broth to
cover the simmering parsnips

How to Make a Mashed Parsnip Recipe

Wash the parsnips and potato.
I don’t peel either!–the skin adds great texture and nutrition (but you can follow your own heart).
In a mid-size pot, heat butter and oil.
Chop the parsnips and potatoes into chunks roughly ½ inch in size–they don’t have to be perfect, close
is close enough.
Add chopped parsnips and potato to the pot, mix with butter and oil and let cook 2-3 minutes, stirring as needed.
Add water to the pot, just enough to cover the parsnips. Sometimes I use broth instead of water–give it a go sometimes,
but it’s delicious either way. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a simmer, cover, and let simmer about 5 minutes.
Uncover and continue simmering until the liquid is reduced and parsnips are soft and break apart.
Add a little milk, cream, or half n half. This will make the dish super creamy; add to taste, but don’t add so much that the dish becomes soupy.
Stir over heat a minute or two until the dish reaches desired consistency; you can use a hand blender to puree the mix or leave it chunky
like a home-style mashed potato dish…it’s great both ways.

Give this Mashed Parsnip recipe a go and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another delicious parsnip dish, try this Parsnip Curry Soup Recipe.

Thanks For Watching Our Parsnip Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this quinoa salad recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Beet Greens Great over Quinoa or Rice

06/10/202011/06/2014 by Chef Buck

Try this easy beet greens recipe. I almost always buy beets with the beet greens still attached–you’re getting two great ingredients in one! Beet greens are quick to cook up, full of nutrients, taste great, and look great, too. Serve this recipe over rice or quinoa as an entree, or serve it all on it’s lonesome as a side dish.

Beet Greens Recipe Ingredients:

1 bunch BEET GREENS
1 bunch GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
1 can diced TOMATOES
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp VINEGAR
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER to taste
HOT PEPPERS (chopped, to taste)
serve over QUINOA or RICE

How to cook Beet Greens

Wash beet greens well and then separate the stalk from the leaves. Chop the stalk into bite-sized peices, and then rough chop the greens.
Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Check prices for a new skillet on Amazon.
Add garlic and, if desired, a little fresh hot pepper.

Let these ingredients cook for about a minute, and then add chopped green onion bottoms (reserve chopped green onion tops to add later)
Cook for 2 minutes and then add the chopped beet stalks.
Saute for 1-2 minutes and then add diced tomato. Bring the skillet back up to a simmer. Add salt and pepper and simmer for approx. 5 minutes.

Add in a little vinegar. I’m throwing in 2-3 Tbsp by the time the dish is complete, but adjust to taste. Add vinegar incrementally–it’s a lot easier to put in than to take out!
Simmer dish another 2 minutes.

Add in the leafy greens and most of the green onion tops–I reserve a little of the green onion tops for a garnish.
Cover and simmer 2 minutes.

And that’s it! Adjust the seasoning as desired, and get it off the heat. Serve the greens over rice or quinoa as an entree, or a side dish. Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.

Give this beet greens recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another great greens dish, try this Creamed Kale Recipe.

Thanks for checking out our beet greens recipe, and be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

We appreciate you watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program that provides a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Cook Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

12/17/202110/30/2014 by Chef Buck

How to cook quinoa with beets; a simple recipe that pairs quinoa with delicious roasted root vegetables. For this quinoa recipe, I roasted beets, carrot, and onion, but any root vegetable will do. I also added a little RAW ginger and garlic, to provide a flavor punch along with excellent nutrition. A complete protein, quinoa makes this dish an ideal vegetarian recipe. It’s a perfect side dish or main course.

Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup QUINOA
2 med. BEET ROOTS
1 med. ONION
1-2 Lg CARROTS
2 Tbsp GARLIC (minced)
2 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
½ cup PARSLEY (chopped)
HOT PEPPER (to taste)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
4-6 Tbsp VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to Cook Quinoa and Root Vegetable Recipe

Wash and then chop beet bulbs and carrots into roughly ½ inch pieces–bite size, but not too small.
Chop onion into similar sizes. Place chopped veggies in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.

On an ungreased baking sheet, spread veggies out into a single layer and then roast approx. 30 minutes in an oven pre-heated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halfway through the roasting, give the veggies a stir and return to the oven.
While the root vegetables roast, prepare the quinoa.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook quinoa …it’s just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water. Most quinoa sold in stores throughout the USA has been pre-washed, but check packaging for details. (Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.)

If desired, add a little chopped hot pepper in with the quinoa. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove pot from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Transfer quinoa to a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Mix well, and then add the roasted vegetables. Add the raw, minced ginger and garlic, and the parsley. Toss until all of the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This recipe makes an awesome side, but it also works well as an entree. Give this quinoa and beet recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another recipe featuring beets, Check out this Fresh Beet Greens Recipe.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out our beet and quinoa recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Baby Bok Choy Recipe with Quick and Easy Sauce

06/13/201910/09/2014 by Chef Buck

Try this simple baby bok choy recipe with a super tasty sauce that’s ready in minutes. This dinky cabbage can be steamed or sautéed to create many healthy and tasty dishes. Bok choy is easily found in markets and is sold in several shapes and sizes under the name bok choy, ranging from tiny baby bok choy to the larger size cabbages that are perfect for soups.

What You Need To Make A Baby Bok Choy Recipe

15-20 BABY BOK CHOY
HOT PEPPERS (finely chopped, to taste)
2 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
5-7 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
½ cup HOISIN SAUCE
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL for sauteing

How To Cook Baby Bok Choy

Wash the bok choy; bok choy tends to hold dirt around the stem bottoms, so soak and wash thoroughly.
Slice the bok choy lengthwise into even halves.

Steam bok choy for 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook. The stalks are fairly thin and do not require much steaming to soften them, and you don’t want the leafy tops to become overdone; by not
over cooking, you’ll preserve a crunchy texture in the stalk as well as more of the nutritional value.

In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add hot peppers, ginger, and garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the hoisin sauce and mix well.

Add steamed bok choy to the skillet and toss with the sauce until well coated.

If desired, top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts–it’s very tasty that way–but I like it just as well without.
This dish makes a complete meal when served with a rice or quinoa side.

Hope you like it! It’s well worth giving baby bok choy recipe a try.
Give this dish a go and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another delicious bok choy dish, try this Bok Choy Soup Recipe.

Thanks for checking out the recipe! If you enjoyed it, click some of the buttons below and share it.
I appreciate it!
–Chef Buck

Best Green Beans Recipe

01/29/202409/22/2014 by Chef Buck

I’m not a lover of green beans, but sometimes green beans insert themselves into your life and then you just have to deal with them. Seeds and garlic and ginger are 3 friends that will help in this fight. This is a quick recipe, very tasty, and an effective way to deal with the green bean “problem”.

Green Bean Recipe Ingredients:
1 lb. GREEN BEANS
3 ROMA TOMATOES (chopped, or substitute 15oz can diced tomatoes)
2 Tbsp GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
HOT PEPPERS (finely chopped, to taste–sub chili paste, hot sauce, sriracha, etc.)
½ tsp FENNEL SEEDS
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
SALT and PEPPER to taste
2-3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1-2 Tbsp BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Check current prices for a Non-Stick Skillet on amazon.

Green Bean Recipe Directions:
When buying, choose green beans that are firm and crisp, meaning that when you snap off the ends, they’ll make an actual “snap”. Which is the first thing you’ll do–snap off the ends and discard them. Wash your beans–and then blanch them.
To blanch, place beans into a pot of salted, boiling water and let them cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove beans from the hot water and transfer to an ice bath. Blanching prepares the beans so that they will cook easier and more quickly in the skillet.
Drain the beans and set aside
In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add cumin and fennel seeds and allow to cook for just a few moments (10-20 seconds). Seeds add great flavor and texture–do yourself a favor and stock your kitchen with seeds! Add garlic (lots of garlic!) and continue cooking. Add a little fresh, diced hot pepper if you like–jalapenos or chili peppers are nice–or if you like, just add some chili paste, or hot sauce later.
Cook garlic and peppers for about 1 minute and then add in the chopped tomatoes and ginger, and let cook another 2-3 minutes.
Stir green beans into the skillet.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook 3-5 minutes until the green beans are cooked to your taste, and that’s it.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar if you like–I do–the tang is quite nice with this dish.

Give these green beans a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for a green beans with an Asian flair, try this Asian-style Green Bean Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our Bean Recipe Video!

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Bok Choy Recipe for Healthy Bok Choy Soup

06/13/201909/11/2014 by Chef Buck

This bok choy recipe is one of my favorites. Bok choy is a type of cabbage, and quite versatile. It’s easily found in markets and is sold in several shapes and sizes under the name bok choy ranging from dinky baby bok choy to the larger size cabbages that I like to use for soups.

Bok Choy Recipe Ingredients

1 large BOK CHOY (rough chopped)
2 medium SWEET POTATOES (cubed)
1 medium ONION (chopped)
CHILI PEPPERS (to taste)
2 Tbsp GINGER (sliced, minced)
5-7 cloves GARLIC (chopped)
1 Tbsp CORIANDER POWDER
1 tsp MANGO POWDER
1 tsp LEMONGRASS POWDER (or fresh lemongrass)
1 can COCONUT MILK
½ cup fresh BASIL (chopped)
SALT and PEPPER to taste
WATER enough to cover ingredients

How to make Bok Choy Soup

If you need a nice soup pot for your kitchen, you can check here for current pricing for a soup pot on Amazon.

In a soup pot, heat oil on medium high heat and add the ginger, garlic, chili peppers (or jalepenos, or whatever your favorite heat is–or no heat if you wanna skip the bite), and onion.
Saute for a minute or two and then add in the coriander, mango powder, and lemongrass powder (if using fresh lemongrass, add in with onions). Mix well and saute for another minute.

Add in sweet potatoes, skinned and cubed into ½ inch peices.
Add one 13.5 oz can of coconut milk and 1 can of water.
Bring pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let cook for 5-6 minutes.

While pot simmers, separate the bok choy stalks from the leaves and wash well.
When the 5-6 minutes are up, add in the bok choy stalk bottoms and mix well. Add more water if needed. The water should be just enough to cover the soup ingredients, add sparingly.
Bring pot back to a simmer, cover and let cook for another 2 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the bok choy leaves and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the fresh chopped basil and remove from the heat.
And that’s it.

Soup is a great opportunity to clean out the fridge, so experiment with adding other veggies. I often add carrots and bell pepper. Give this bok choy recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another Asian inspired dish, try this Spicy Chinese Eggplant Recipe.

Chinese Eggplant Recipe with Sweet Sauce

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–Chef Buck

Fried Quinoa Recipe — Quinoa Fried “Rice”

06/13/201909/02/2014 by Chef Buck

This fried quinoa recipe is a quick and tasty take on Chinese fried rice. Quinoa makes a great substitute for rice in many recipes, especially quinoa fried “rice”. Quinoa is a complete protein, which makes this dish a complete meal, even if you leave out the egg–which is an easy way to make this a vegetarian recipe. Of course you can go the other route and throw in a little diced pork chop or ham if you like, but I’m quite happy with just a couple scrambled eggs thrown in.

Fried Quinoa Recipe Ingredients:
1 cup QUINOA (before cooking)
1 cup PEAS
1 CARROT (diced)
4-6 GREEN ONIONS (chopped, tops separate)
3-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
HOT PEPPERS (as desired, finely chopped)
2 EGGS (scrambled)
2-3 Tbsp OIL for sautéing
SOY SAUCE as desired
SESAME OIL 1-2 tsp
SALT and PEPPER to taste

Fried Quinoa Recipe Directions:
This is a great dish for leftover quinoa. The next time you’re making a pot of quinoa for another recipe, just make a little extra for this fried rice recipe knockoff! But if you don’t have any leftover
cooked quinoa handy, just prepare this quinoa a little ahead of time to give it time to cool down–this will keep the quinoa from easily overcooking and becoming mushy.

Quinoa is easy to prepare–just like rice, in fact! Rinse the quinoa if needed (many brands come pre-rinsed). In a pot, add 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce pot to a
simmer, and then cover and let cook 13 minutes (this will result in slightly al-dente quinoa, which is what you want for frying). Remove the quinoa from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
Then fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely (salt if desired).

For fried rice, I like to scramble my eggs first and then set aside. I Use two eggs for this recipe, but feel free to use 1, or 3, or none if you want a vegetarian fried quinoa. Whisk the eggs (add a
splash of milk if desired–makes scrambled eggs smoother). Heat oil in a skillet and quickly scramble eggs on med-high heat and then set aside for later.

In a large skillet, heat 2-3 Tbsp oil on medium.

Add raw, diced carrots (should be about pea size). Add chopped hot peppers, too–if desired. I like adding a little fresh red chili peppers for taste, but jalapenos would work just as well, or red
pepper flakes, or even just a little sriracha later, if desired–or no heat at all–it’s up to your tastes; follow your heart, but spicy food is good for you, right?

Sauté the carrot and peppers for a minute and then add the ginger, garlic, and chopped green onion bottoms (reserve the chopped tops for a flavorful garnish).

Continue sautéing another minute and then add in the quinoa. Stir fry until heated through, this won’t take very long.

Add sesame oil and peas. I like to use frozen peas (thawed), because they hold their texture better than canned peas. Stir until mixed. Add soy sauce to taste. Add fish sauce if desired. The
sauces will provide plenty of salt, but if you want a little black pepper, go ahead and throw that in now.

Mix up and then add the scrambled egg. Mix and fry for another minute and then remove from the heat.

That’s it.

This dish is ready pretty quick. Top the fried quinoa with chopped green onion, crushed peanuts, or both. Serve fried quinoa it’s own or with a veggie side (broccoli or bok choy or Thai eggplant
are nice).

Give this Fried Quinoa recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!
And for more tasty quinoa dishes, check out my Quinoa Video Playlist.

Boiled Peanut Recipe – A Southern Tradition

04/26/202108/28/2014 by Chef Buck

This boiled peanut recipe is a southern tradition and a delicious mess. You can readily find boiled peanuts sold along roadsides throughout the Southern USA. Boiled peanuts are a messy treat–and a little bit of work to eat–they’re kinda like eating pistachios in a soggy shell (not taste-wise, just work-wise). I love ’em–I don’t make them, ’cause I’m too lazy–but I’m always happy to eat them when CG boils up a batch, especially if she’s digging them out of the shells for me.

Boiled Peanut Recipe Ingredients

3 lbs RAW “green” PEANUTS
½ cup SALT
optional:
BAY LEAVES
CHILI POWDER
GARLIC fresh or dried
HOT PEPPERS fresh or dried
HOT SAUCE
flavored BOULLION (broth)
…pretty much any seasoning that you like!

southern boiled peanuts — southern style boiled peanuts

How to make a Boiled Peanut Recipe

Ideally you want to use raw “green” peanuts. Green peanuts are not green, that just means they’re minimally processed–pretty much just out of the ground. Use green peanuts quickly, because they will not keep long and are prone to mold. Green peanuts are ideal because they will more quickly and most readily absorb the seasonings during the boil. You can use peanuts that have been dried in the shell, but don’t use roasted peanuts.

Wash and rinse the peanuts thoroughly, and then place them in a large pot and cover with plenty of water.

Place on the stovetop, cover and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and allow the peanuts to cook for 2 hours. Add more water to the pot as needed. The peanuts should always be covered in plenty of water. At first the peanuts will float, but after time, the peanuts will sink.

After 2 hours, add seasonings (it’s in the latter part of the boil that the peanuts absorb the most flavor). Add salt, which is the primary ingredient–in fact salt is all you need; many folks JUST USE SALT–they’re plenty tasty that way, but we prefer to add other seasonings as well, which is generally called “cajun boiled peanuts”. For this batch we added several cloves of raw garlic, dried chili peppers, and ½ cup chili powder. But you can add whatever seasonings you like.

If you’re just getting into home cooking and don’t have a lot of seasoning choices, you can check out current pricing for a Complete Starter Spice Set on Amazon.

Cover, and allow the peanuts to continue bubbling on medium heat for 30 more minutes.

After thirty minutes, remove the peanuts from the heat and allow to sit in the seasoned water until they reach the desired flavor, anywhere from 2-5 hours. The longer they sit cooling in the pot, the more seasoned they will become. Give them a try every half hour until you’re happy with the flavor.

They are a mess to eat, but delicious and addictive. Once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop–they will go quickly! If you have leftovers, just drain them and store them in the fridge in ziplock bags. You can also freeze them in ziplocks for longer storage.

Give this Boiled Peanut Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

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And for another tasty southern style treat, try this Country Fried Steak Recipe.

Homemade Guacamole Classic Recipe

06/13/201906/23/2014 by Chef Buck

The guacamole you make at home from fresh ingredients will always be superior to store-bought guacamole–and it’s such a quick and easy dish to prepare!–so why wouldn’t you?

Classic Guacamole Recipe Ingredients

3 AVOCADO (ripe, pitted and skinned and diced)
1-2 Tbsp LIME JUICE (or sub lemon juice)
¼ cup ONION (chopped)
2 ROMA TOMATO (chopped)
1 clove GARLIC (minced)
1-2 Tbsp CILANTRO (chopped)
½ tsp CUMIN (optional)
dash of CAYENNE or HOT SAUCE as desired
½ tsp SALT …adjust to taste

How to make Homemade Guacamole

Choose ripe avocados!–an avocado is ripe if it’s soft (not too soft and not too firm–right in the middle) …a ripe avocado will give slightly when pressed. If it feels hard like a rock, then it’s not ripe…if it feels mushy, then it’s overripe. If the skin feels papery and dry (crackly)–then it’s too old. It’s not rocket science–just go through the avocados at the market and pick whichever one Goldilocks would pick.

Run a knife around the center of the avocado and pull it apart to reveal the pit. Remove the pit, cut the halves into quarters and peel away the skin. Dice the avocado and place in a bowl.
Quickly add the lime or lemon juice and toss well, coating the avocado–this will add a great flavor and more importantly keep the avocado from browning!

Add salt. If desired, add a little cumin, cayenne pepper, hot sauce for bite–but this is optional.

Mix the ingredients well and, with a fork, smash up the avocado–but not too much–the ideal guacamole is lumpy, not smooth.

Add chopped roma tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and garlic. Use fresh ingredients! –the key to a delicious guacamole is fresh ingredients.

Toss everything together and then cover and place the guacamole in the refrigerator until needed.

Give this guacamole recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Guacamole is the perfect accompaniment for this fantastic Family Style Burrito recipe.

cauliflower pizza crust recipe — click pic for video recipe

If you’re new to home cooking, get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and begin experimenting with different recipes. Cooking is a healthy hobby and skill that will save you money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

Thanks for checking out the recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Okra Curry Recipe – Spicy Indian Bhindi

01/28/202404/25/2014 by Chef Buck

This okra curry makes a great side dish or awesome entree when served over rice. Okra is a hearty, tasty, versatile vegetable which is relatively cheap and usually found in markets year-round. I like to cook okra whole in the pod, but for spicier dishes, I like to cut up okra and saute it with tomato and onion. This Indian bhindi recipe is easy and delicious, so give it a try.

Okra Curry Ingredients:

1 lb. OKRA (cut)
4-5 ROMA TOMATOES (chopped)
½ ONION (sliced)
3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp FENNEL SEEDS
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
1 tsp HOT PEPPER (finely chopped)
5-7 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
2 tsp CORIANDER
1 tsp TURMERIC
¼ CHILI PEPPER (or to taste)
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)

How to make Okra Curry

Select okra pods 1″ to 2″ in length. Okra gets huge if left overlong on the plant, but big okra can be woody and tough, so bigger isn’t always better. Choose firm, green pods–okra will blacken around the edges as it gets older, so use within a few days.

Wash and dry okra thoroughly. Slice off the ends and cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Heat oil in a skillet on medium high.

Once oil is hot, add cumin and fennel seeds. The seeds will begin to crack after about 30 seconds. Add garlic and ginger and saute another 1-2 minutes. Add onion slices and continue cooking another 2-3 minutes. If you want a little more spice, also add some fresh chopped chili peppers.

Add in coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir well for 1 minute and add tomato. I use 4 cut roma tomatoes, but use 1 can diced tomatoes if preferred. Add salt to taste.
Reduce heat to medium. You can check prices for Indian Spices on amazon.

Let tomatoes cook about 5 minutes.
Add okra.
The acid in the tomato helps to cut down on the natural “gooeyness” of okra. Some folks call it slime, but it’s just the juices in the okra. The gooeyness will reduce the longer the okra is cooked, so cook uncovered another 5-10 minutes depending on how well you like your okra done.

I cook mine about 8 minutes.
Sometimes I finish off the dish with a little garam masala for a more “Indiany” flavor, but this time I didn’t. Garam masala adds a little sweetness.
Serve this okra curry on its own as a side dish or serve over rice as an entree. It makes a nice vegetarian meal with a salad.

Give this okra curry recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another great Indian-style vegetarian dish, check out this meatless version of a “Chicken” Tikka Masala Recipe.

jackfruit recipe — Seasoned and baked Jackfruit makes a convincing faux chicken when added to this rich Indian inspired tikka masala.

If you crave okra info, here’s more in depth nutritional info than you’ll ever want about okra.

Thanks for checking out our okra recipes, and all of our cooking videos. Sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Thanks for Watching our Okra Recipe

Sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Thai Eggplant Recipe — Spicy Thai Curry!

07/14/202303/27/2014 by Chef Buck

What is a Thai eggplant? It’s a dinky little eggplant, man, and if you lop off the top and quarter them, they make a great ingredient in many dishes. Try this simple and delicious Thai eggplant recipe.

Thai Eggplant Recipe Ingredients

8-10 THAI EGGPLANT (quartered)
1½ cup ONION (chopped)
1 cup RED BELL PEPPER (chopped)
4 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp LEMON GRASS (finely chopped)
1 tsp CHILI PEPPERS (finely chopped)
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OR COCONUT OIL
1 14 oz CAN COCONUT MILK
2 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
2 tsp CHILI POWDER
1 tsp TURMERIC
½ cup THAI BASIL
1-2 Tbsp LIME JUICE
SALT to taste

how to cook eggplant — how to cook Thai eggplant

How to Make Thai Eggplant Recipe

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. We use coconut oil in this recipe, but substitute olive oil if you like. When oil is heated, add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, and hot peppers. Add as much or little hot pepper as your taste buds desire.

Saute these ingredients for 2-3 minutes and then stir in the coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt (salt to taste, as they say). Continue sauteing 1-2 minutes and then add the quartered Thai eggplant. If you’re just getting into home cooking, you can check out current pricing for a Complete Starter Spice Set on Amazon.

Stir 1 can of coconut milk into the mix. Allow dish to come to a bubble, and then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook away for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggplant is cooked to desired doneness; the eggplant skin adds a nice texture to the dish.

When the eggplant is cooked, turn off the heat and add chopped Thai basil and lime juice; substitute lemon juice if you like–but I prefer lime juice with this dish.

And that’s it.
It’s a yummy curry, pretty easy to make, and tastes great served over rice. Hope you like it.
Give this Thai eggplant recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another Thai inspired dish, try this Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe made with spaghetti squash “noodles”.

Thanks for Watching our Thai Eggplant Recipe Video!

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Edamame Brown Rice Recipe –A Great Vegetarian Dish

09/10/202302/13/2014 by Chef Buck

This edamame brown rice recipe is super flavorful, filling, a great side dish, and delicious hot or cold. If you buy frozen soy beans for this dish, make sure they are thawed before using –and shelled!– shelled edamame is called mukimame.

Edamame Brown Rice Recipe

2 inch GINGER, finely chopped
4-5 cloves GARLIC, finely chopped
16 oz bag MUKIMAME (shelled edamame)
¾ cup LONG-GRAIN BROWN RICE
2Tbsp fresh LIME JUICE
2 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
2 tsp SOY SAUCE
2 tsp SESAME OIL
½-1 tsp SUGAR
3-4 GREEN ONIONS
5 Tbsp CILANTRO, chopped
2 Tbsp SESAME SEEDS, toasted
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to make Make Edamame with Brown Rice

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Check current prices for a sauce pan on amazon.
Sauté ginger and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Remove garlic and ginger from pan and set aside (I’ve tried skipping this step, and just continued cooking the garlic and ginger along with the rice, but it’s not as flavorful, so it’s definitely worth setting the garlic and ginger aside to add to the dish later).
In same pan (without rinsing), bring 1½ cups lightly salted water to a boil. Add rice, reduce to a low simmer; cover and cook, 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, stir in thawed, shelled edamame (mukimame!); cover and cook until rice is tender and mukimame is heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine lime juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Remove rice and beans from the stove and add ginger, garlic, lime juice mixture, scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds.
Mix well and add additional salt and pepper as desired.

Give this edamame brown rice recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another great vegetarian dish, try this easy, awesome Quinoa Salad Recipe.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Thanks for checking out this edamame recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a new recipe. Also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Baked Quinoa with Celery Root

08/09/202312/09/2013 by Chef Buck

This baked quinoa recipe is tasty and versatile, and an terrific way to use celery root. I use zucchini and carrots in this video, but I’ve made the same dish using broccoli as the main veggie, so experiment with whatever you have on hand, just make sure to cut the veggies into smaller pieces to spread evenly.

Baked Quinoa Recipe Ingredients

1 cup QUINOA
1 CELERY ROOT (thinly sliced)
1 cup CARROT (shredded)
1 cup ZUCHINNI (diced well)
1-2 tsp HOT PEPPER (finely chopped)
½ ONION (chopped)
3-4 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 cup BLUE CHEESE
2 Tbsp BUTTER
½ cup ALMOND MILK (or Half N Half)
2 Tbsp ITALIAN SEASONING
1 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
½ cup BREAD CRUMBS
1-2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)

How to make a Quinoa Bake

In a pot, heat olive oil on med. high heat. Add mustard seeds, garlic, and a little hot pepper, if desired. Give these ingredients about a 30 second head start, and then add the onion. Stir and let cook for 2-3 minutes until onions begin to soften. Stir in salt.

Add quinoa and water and stir. Cover pot and allow the ingredients to come to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and allow the pot to cook for about 10 minutes.

Remove pot from the heat, if there is a little water left, that’s okay. Add Italian seasonings (or experiment with different seasonings!). Add in the zucchini and carrot (or experiment with different veggies!). Stir in the milk and mix all ingredients together well.

Butter a deep 1.5 quart baking dish. Check here to see current prices for a casserole baking dish on Amazon.

Spoon in and spread a layer of the quinoa/veggie mix along the bottom of the dish, about a ½” to 1″ thick. Top this layer with a single layer of thinly sliced celery root (celeriac). Add a sprinkling of cheese–as cheesey as you like it. I use blue cheese in the video, but try feta cheese and ricotta cheese, too (I’ve used all and any crumbly/melty white cheese is gonna work well with this dish).

Add and spread another layer of the quinoa mixture, and continue building the quinoa, celery root, cheese layers until the dish is almost full. Make the top layer quinoa/veggie.

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs w/ olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix, and spread over the top of the quinoa dish.
Cover with aluminium foil and bake for about 55 minutes in an oven pre-heated to 375 degrees F.

After 55 minutes, remove the foil and continue to cook another 5 minutes or until the bread crumb topping is golden brown.

The dish is finished when a knife can pass easily through the sliced celerey root layers.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes, and then serve.
Give this baked quinoa vegetable recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another casserole-style recipe idea, try this Broccoli Cheese and Cauliflower Gratin Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our Baked Quinoa Recipe Video

Home Fried Potatoes Crispy Breakfast Recipe

07/13/202111/21/2013 by Chef Buck

This crispy home fried potatoes recipe makes a tasty breakfast side. I use onion and hot pepper in this video/recipe, but a little added green bell pepper is nice, too.

Home Fried Potatoes Recipe Ingredients

1 large POTATO
2-3 Tbsp BACON FAT
1/3 cup ONION (finely chopped)
¼ cup GREEN BELL PEPPER (finely chopped, optional)
HOT PEPPER (to taste, finely chopped)
1 tsp SMOKED PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to Make Home Fried Potatoes

In a skillet, fry up 4-5 pieces of fatty bacon, this will give you enough grease to cook up your potatoes.
Peel your potato, which is something I hate to say, ’cause potato skin is so delicious, but the breakfast home fries I grew up with were peeled, so that’s how I gotta roll.
Dice your potato into dinky cubes; they don’t have to be exactly the same same, but mostly they do, so cut them as uniformly as possible.
Add your diced potato to the skillet of hot grease–and by hot, I mean that your potatoes start to sizzle and cook when they hit the pan–but not overly hot, ’cause it will take 20-25 minutes to cook these potatoes up just right. Medium-low heat is a good temp, keep the potatoes sizzling, they need to crisp on the outside, but they also need to cook through on the inside, otherwise you’ll end up with a bunch of crispy, raw potato; so go slow, amigo.
Mix your potatoes with the grease and spread them out in the skillet and let them brown for about 5 minutes.
Add finely chopped onion and hot peppers; if desired, also add a little finely chopped green bell pepper for taste and color…I usually do, but if I don’t have it on hand, it’s not the end of the world–it’s just breakfast, man.
Mix the ingredients well and spread out in the skillet and let cook another 5 minutes. If you don’t have a good pan, here are some current prices for cast iron skillets on Amazon.
Add paprika, stir and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are cooked through and done to the desired crispness.
The key is to not cook the potatoes too fast.

Give this home fried potatoes recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for a fancy pants breakfast dish, try this Baked Eggs Recipe.

Thanks for checking out the home fried potatoes recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list to never miss a new cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends, and follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

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Spinach Salad Recipe with Pear and Cheese

04/07/202411/12/2013 by Chef Buck

This is the easiest, best spinach salad recipe in the world. We first had one of these spinach, pear, blue cheese, walnut, raspberry dressing salads years ago at a little tapas place in Key West, and we’ve been making them ever since–especially if we have a pear on the edge–the riper, softer, and juicier the pear, the better the salad is gonna taste.

What You need for the Best Spinach Salad

SPINACH
1 PEAR (ripe, diced)
WALNUTS (toasted) current WALNUT prices on Amazon
BLUE CHEESE (crumbled)
dressing:
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp RASBERRY JAM
1 Tbsp VINEGAR
½ tsp ITALIAN SEASONING
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to Make a Pear Spinach Salad

Crumble and spread your walnut pieces on a baking sheet and toast at 300 degrees F for 5-10 minutes until the nuts are toasted to your liking. Keep an eye on them–nuts are easy to over-toast and it’s usually worth setting a timer so they’re not forgotten.
While your nuts toast, throw together your salad dressing–basically and oil and vinegar dressing with a little jam added for flavor.

I make this dressing with all kinds of jams, but raspberry and strawberry are my favorites–although definitely give raspberry a try with this recipe. Combine your oil, vinegar, jam, salt, and Italian seasonings. Mix well. Taste and adjust as needed to your liking. A little sugar can be added if desired, but I usually find that the jam adds plenty of sweetness, plus the pear will add sweetness to the salad as well.

Toss the dressing with your spinach leaves until all are well-coated. Divide spinach into serving bowls. Chop pear into nice chunks and add to salad. An overly-ripe pear works best. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad, then sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Lots of blue cheese. Or less. I like blue cheese. There are no ratios with this salad. Check prices for WALNUTS on amazon

And that’s it. This is the best spinach salad in the world. So it is written, so it shall be done.
Give this Spinach Salad recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another tasty salad idea, try this Kale and Beet Dish!

Thanks for Checking Out Our Spinach Salad

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Broccoli Recipe – Best Blue Cheese Broccoli

06/13/201911/01/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this super-quick and awesome broccoli recipe. If you like blue cheese then you’ll love this dish, in fact, you’ll actually love broccoli if you only just liked it before …I know, kinda confusing, but trust me, this is a pretty damn tasty broccoli dish–and healthy, too. So make it.

Bad-ass Blue Cheese Broccoli Recipe Ingredients:
5 cups BROCCOLI FLORETS
¼ cup CARROT strings
2-3 oz BLUE CHEESE crumbled
¼ cup SUNFLOWER SEEDS (shelled and toasted)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

directions:
Toast the sunflower seeds (already shelled). This can be done quite quickly in a hot pan or skillet. Heat pan or skillet on medium/med-low heat; not too hot or seeds will burn. Add sunflower seeds and spread them into a single layer. Do not use any oil or spray in the pan. Stir the seeds in the skillet for a couple of minutes until they begin to brown, lightly browned is perfect; they’re easy to over-toast, so don’t leave them too long. It will only take 2 minutes on medium heat.
Remove seeds from heat and set aside.

Cover the bottom of a pot with about ¼ inch of water, just enough for steaming the broccoli and carrots. Add The broccoli florets to the pot and top with the carrot strings. Raise the heat, cover the pot, and allow the veggies to steam for approx. 5 minutes; ideally the florets will be cooked through, soft but not soggy!

Turn off the heat and drain any remaining water in the sink. Add salt, pepper, the toasted sunflower seeds, and 2-3 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
Lightly toss ingredients together and serve while hot.
This dish is super-simple and amazingly delicious –as long as you like blue cheese.
Give this broccoli recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another great veggie dish, try this tasty Beet Greens Recipe.

Quinoa Salad Recipe – Vietnamese Bánh Mì Style

02/01/202410/24/2013 by Chef Buck

A quinoa salad recipe inspired by the tasty flavor combinations found in a Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich. Quinoa provides a complete protein, making this dish an ideal vegetarian recipe.

Quinoa Salad Recipe Ingredients

1 cup QUINOA (uncooked)
2 cups DAIKON/CARROT RELISH (chopped)
2-3 JALAPENOS (finely chopped)
2 cups SALAD CUCUMBER (diced)
1 cup chopped CILANTRO
3 Tbsp MAYONNAISE
1 small LEMON (zest and juice)
2 Tbsp rice VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER to taste
SALAD GREENS (I use a combo of Spinach and Red Leaf Lettuce, but use your favorite)

How to make a Bánh Mì Quinoa Salad

Cook up the quinoa just like rice: 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa and then set aside uncovered to cool.

Prepare the veggies: Dice 1 large salad cucumber, also called an English cucumber; these are great in a salad because the skin is thin and quite enjoyable to eat, and also adds a nice texture. Finely chop 2-3 whole jalapeno peppers, seeds and all. Chop 1 bunch of cilantro, including the stems. Chop 2 cups of pickled daikon and carrot.

Quinoa Salad -- Banh Mi Style — Quinoa Salad — Banh Mi Style

Prepare the dressing: Remove and mince the zest from 1 small lemon and place in a small bowl. Add the juice from the lemon, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth.

In a large bowl, place the cooled quinoa. Add ½ of the dressing, the jalapenos, cilantro, and daikon/carrot, and mix well. Add the diced cucumbers and toss. Add salt and pepper, and more dressing as desired. I also add a bit of the pickling solution from the daikon/carrot pickle.
Serve the quinoa salad over a bed of leafy greens and garnish with cilantro.

Give this banh mi quinoa salad recipe a try and let me know what you think!

For another Asian inspired vegetarian dish, try this Ramen Noodle Crunchy Slaw Recipe.

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Pickled Daikon and Carrot Relish –Vietnamese Style

06/13/201910/22/2013 by Chef Buck

Vietnamese Pickled Daikon and Carrot Relish

Vietnamese-style pickled daikon and carrot make a handy relish than can be used with salads, sandwiches, and all kinds of recipes. It’s a must have for making a banh mi sandiwich and I use it quite often as a salad topper and also dice it up to add to tuna, chicken, and quinoa salads. Keep a jar of pickled daikon and carrot in your fridge and experiment adding it to some of your favorite dishes.

Pickled Daikon and Carrot Ingredients:
2 cups cut DAIKON
2 Cups Cut CARROT
1-2 tsp SALT
¼ SUGAR
½ cup WATER (hot from tap)
½ cup VINEGAR

directions:
Daikon is a BIG radish. When buying, choose one that is firm–if the daikon has green tops attached, choose one without wilted leaves, but often the tops are not attached. The skin is thin and can be peeled off with a simple vegetable peeler. The same is true for carrots, although I generally leave the skin on the carrots, but follow your heart. Slice and cut the daikon and carrot into matchstick sizes and place into a bowl. Add salt to the bowl and mix well with the daikon and carrot so that the veggies are coated. This will draw water out of the vegetables and soften them. Set bowl aside.
In a smaller bowl, prepare the pickling solution. Combine warm tap water and sugar. Stir until dissolved and then add the vinegar. And that’s it!
In the larger bowl, the salt will have started drawing moisture from the daikon and carrot matchsticks. When they have softened enough, cram them into a storage container and add the pickling solution.
This pickled combo will keep in your fridge for 2-3 weeks. It’s a must have topping for Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and works well in all kinds of sandwiches. Use this relish as a topping for salads or chop it up to incorporate in whatever dish you desire (it’s great in a coleslaw or quinoa salad).
Give this pickled daikon and carrot relish a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And if you wanna see this relish in action, check out this deconstruction of a Banh Mi Sandwich.

Stamppot Boerenkool Dutch Meat and Potatoes

08/30/202409/30/2013 by Chef Buck

This kale hash recipe is a hearty and healthy way to get a tasty kale dish on the table for dinner. It’s based on a Dutch dish called Stamppot Boerenkool.

Kale Hash Ingredients

1½ bunches KALE
3 lbs POTATOES
1 lb SMOKED SAUSAGE (sliced)
1 bunch GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
2-3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp BUTTER
½ cup MILK
1 tsp CELERY SEEDS
1 BAY LEAF
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to make Stamppot Boerenkool

Clean your potatoes and get them cooking. I like to use red potatoes since it’s a nice contrast with the kale, and the skin is thin and tasty (but if you’re not a fan of potato skin, you can peel them). In a large pot, cover the potatoes with cool tap water (about an inch over the potatoes).

Add salt and a bay leaf and bring potatoes to a boil until they are cooked through–cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes–the potatoes I used in the video took approx. 25 minutes to cook; potatoes are cooked through once you can pierce them easily with a fork and the
potato slides off. While the potatoes cook, wash and cut the kale. Remove the kale stems and cut or tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. For three pounds of potatoes, use 1 to 2 bunches of kale, the kale will cook down quite a bit, so don’t be shy with it–ideally, you want an even kale/potato ratio.

Heat a large skillet on med. high heat and add the sausage (or for a vegetarian dish–just leave the sausage out…isn’t that genius?) . Saute for a a few minutes until the sausage begins to color. Add finely chopped garlic and chopped green onion bottoms. Mix with sausage and continue cooking 2 minutes. Add kale to the skillet. This will be a lot of kale, so don’t bother mixing the kale in at this point–just add ½ cup water and cover and allow the kale greens to wilt for 2 minutes.

kale and potato hash — Kale Hash Recipe (boerenkool)

Once the kale has began reducing and softening, add salt to taste and then mix with sausage, garlic, and onion. Add a little more water if needed, but be conservative, as the kale will continue to release water of it’s own. Cover and continue steaming 3-5 minutes, or until it is cooked to your taste.

When the potatoes are cooked through, drain off the hot water (reserve a small amount). Remove the bay leaf and mash the potatoes. Add butter, celery seeds, milk (optional–you can use the reserved hot potato water instead, or a mixture of the two), and add salt and black pepper to taste.

Mash the potatoes as smooth or chunky as desired and then add the kale/sausage mix. Add the green onion tops. Combine well…and that’s it, dinner is ready! We serve stamppot boerenkool with a side of mustard and it is fantastico!

For a classic meat and potato dish, try this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe.

Thanks for Trying Our Kale Hash Recipe

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Kale Salad – Tips for Using Raw Kale Greens

06/13/201909/19/2013 by Chef Buck

Why eat raw kale salad? Kale is a so-called SUPERfood chock full of big-time nutrition and very fashionable in salad circles, so if you wanna be one of the cool kids, ya gotta eat it. If the Popeye franchise is ever re-booted, I’m sure our vegetable-friendly sailor will be shunning spinach and downing kale by the bunches–not that there’s anything wrong with spinach, but at the moment the kale lobby is a juggernaut.

Check out this video for tips on making a raw kale salad:

Kale Nutrition and Fun Facts

Kale belongs to the same family as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and collards.
Kale is packed with antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
One cup of chopped raw kale provides more than 100% of the daily value of vitamins A, C, and K.
In fact, Kale has more vitamin C than an orange.
Free Radicals are a thing scientists made up to sound smart.
Baked kale becomes crispy and can be substituted for potato chips.
Kale freezes well for future use.
Kale is a great addition to a soup.
Kale is believed to promote cell repair and may block the growth of cancer cells.

Wow…doesn’t that sound terrific? Who could pass up on that! Too bad kale doesn’t taste like a slice of coconut cream pie, but you can’t have everything. It is a tasty addition to a salad, though–and utilizing raw kale will insure the greatest health benefit from this leafy superfood.

Raw kale salad with olives, artichoke, red leaf lettuce, and a carrot/daikon slaw.

Prepare fresh foods at home and have fun in the kitchen. Get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and begin experimenting with different recipes. home cooking is a healthy hobby that will save you tons of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

Green is the way to go for a healthy lifestyle. Check out this simple recipe trick for Getting Raw Broccoli Into Your Diet.

Thanks for checking out the recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We
appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Cook Chinese Eggplant Recipe with General Tso’s Sauce

06/13/201909/11/2013 by Chef Buck

Cook Chinese Eggplant for a terrific vegetarian meal that will not having you missing the meat. For this Chinese eggplant dish, I use a sauce similar to one I use making General Tso’s Chicken, so it’s a rich and filling eggplant dish, hearty and vegetarian at the same time.

ingredients to cook Chinese Eggplant Recipe

1½ lbs CHINESE EGGPLANT
4-6 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
3 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1-2 RED CHILIES (thinly sliced)
½ cup whole CASHEW NUTS
1 bunch GREEN ONIONS
1 Tbsp SESAME OIL
sauce ingredients:
1/3 cup SOY SAUCE
2 Tbsp HOISIN SAUCE
1 tsp SESAME OIL
2 Tbsp RICE VINEGAR
2-3 Tbsp BROWN SUGAR
1 Tbsp GINGER (minced)
2 Tbsp CORN STARCH
1½ cups WATER

how to cook Chinese Eggplant Recipe with General Tso’s Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all of the sauce ingredients. The fresh minced ginger is optional, but if you love ginger, why not? I also use 2 heaping Tbsp of brown sugar, but you can use more or less sugar depending on how much sweet you like–but the sweet is good with this recipe. Mix the sauce ingredients well and then set aside.
Cut your Chinese eggplant. You should buy firm eggplant with glossy, unblemished skins. Cut into pieces approx. 2″ long and ½” wide.
In a skillet or wok, heat olive oil on med. high heat. When the oil is hot, add eggplant. Saute eggplant 5-7 minutes. The eggplant will soak up the oil, so add more oil as needed or desired. Saute until the eggplant colors and begins to soften and then remove eggplant from the skillet. In the same hot skillet, add sesame oil and heat. Add garlic, hot pepper, and cashew nuts (or sub peanuts). Saute for 1 minute or until garlic colors. Add sauce and green onion bottoms. Stir sauce slowly. Because of the added corn starch, the sauce will quickly heat through, darken, and thicken. When the sauce has thicken to a a gravy/syrup consistency, return the eggplant to the skillet. Mix well, then cover the skillet and allow to simmer until the eggplant has finished cooking, 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the eggplant pieces. Stir in green onion tops. Fresh chopped cilantro also adds an excellent taste and garnish.
And that’s a very tasty way to cook Chinese eggplant.
Serve with rice, or without rice…and enjoy.
And for a tasty General Tso’s Chicken Recipe, click the pic below.

general tso chicken — click pic for recipe

Thanks for checking the recipe out. If you liked it, click a few buttons below and share it with your friends, I appreciate it.
–Chef Buck

Green Bean Recipe for people who hate green beans

06/02/202008/12/2013 by Chef Buck

This green bean recipe reminds me of the green beans we sometimes get out at Chinese restaurants; I’m not a fan of green beans, but if I gotta eat them, I like them like this or in a green bean casserole. This dish is pretty simple to make and has a lot of nice nutritional stuff in it–you can forego the butter if you want and just use oil–but you’re already eating green beans, so isn’t that punishment enough?

Green Bean Recipe ingredients

1 lb. GREEN BEANS
½ large ONION (sliced)
2 Tbsp GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
CHILI PEPPERS to taste (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp BUTTER
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
2-3 Tbsp SOY SAUCE
½ tsp SESAME OIL …current sesame oil prices on Amazon
SALT and PEPPER to taste
garnish w/ toasted SESAME SEEDS

Green Bean Recipe Directions

I’m not a fan of green beans, but this recipe is a quick way to make them edible.
First, trim the green beans by “snapping” off the ends–fresh beans will snap easily, and if there is a fiborous, stringy seam along the bean, this can be pulled off as well.

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Allow to cook 2-3 minutes, the longer the beans are in the water, the softer they will get, but why overcook them? They’re already awful green beans, so you might as well get some nutrition out of them.

Remove the beans from the hot water and place in an ice bath for 1 minute. This is called blanching–it stops the cooking process, keeps the beans crisp and maintains the bright, green color of the beans. After a minute, drain the beans.

While the beans drain, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add sliced onion, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers and saute for 2 minutes. Add drained green beans and continue cooking another 2 minutes. To finish, add soy sauce and sesame oil and mix well, then remove skillet from the heat. Check here for current pricing for a non-stick skillet on Amazon.

That’s it! Serve them hot and garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds for optimal flavor potential.
Enjoy.

For another nightmare ingredient from childhood, revisit a new and tasty way to eat raw The Horror That Is Broccoli!

Thanks for checking out our green bean recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

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Spicy Crispy Chickpea Recipe -great salad topping!

06/13/201906/06/2013 by Chef Buck

Here’s a quick, spicy chickpea recipe that makes a great salad topping and a so-so snack; it’s a lot easier on your teeth than baked chickpea snacks, which I find to be almost inedible (they tend to turn into tiny rocks).

ingredients:
15 oz can CHICKPEAS
2-3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp CURRY POWDER
½ tsp CUMIN
½ tsp PAPRIKA
dash CAYENNE PEPPER
SALT to taste

Rinse and drain a 15oz can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans). In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add chickpeas–be sure that they are drained well, since water and hot oil definitely do not mix. Saute chickpeas for 10-15 minutes; obviously, the longer they’re in the skillet, the crispier they will get, but it’ll take about 15 minutes to get them “crispy”. Once the chickpeas get near the doneness you desire, add salt, pepper, and spices. The spice combo in the recipe works well, but experiment with whatever spices you have–and don’t be shy with the spices–spice really makes this recipe work, and a good deal of the spice you use will remain in the skillet when you remove the chickpeas. Saute chickpeas and spices another 2-3 minutes and then remove from the heat.
Use them as a salad topping instead of croutons for a healthy crunch, or a just tasty snack, something to nibble on besides potato chips.
Enjoy!

Ever try Chickpea Curry(chana masala)? It’s a terrific Indian chickpea dish.

Edamame Recipe –Roasted Snack and Salad Topping

06/13/201905/07/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this roasted edamame recipe for a quick semi-healthy snack. The toasted Parmesan cheese will almost make you forget that you’re eating soybeans.

Roasted Edamame Recipe Ingredients:
10 oz frozen shelled EDAMAME (green soybeans)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp GARLIC POWDER (also add or substitute onion powder, chili powder)
SALT and PEPPER to taste
¼ cup shredded PARMESAN CHEESE

directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Mix frozen edamame beans (no need to thaw), olive oil, fresh-cracked black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese together in a large bowl. Try experimenting with different seasonings; substitute onion powder or chili powder for the garlic–or add them all–this is an easy snack food to change up for a little variety.
Spread mixture onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Place in oven and bake for 8-10 minutes and then remove from oven and stir. Spread edamame out again and cook another 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is toasted crispy and golden.
Add additional salt or garlic powder if desired.

Roasted edamame makes a great salad topping.

Eat as a quick snack–it is delicious hot out of the oven–or use as a topping for salads and whatnot.

Tastes great hot out of the oven--perfect for snacking. Try it as a movie treat instead of popcorn. — Tastes great hot out of the oven–perfect for snacking. Try it as a movie treat instead of popcorn.

Give this roasted edamame recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And for another quick and healthy salad topper, try this Spicy Chickpea Recipe.

Roasted edamame or chickpeas are both great components in a salad. A super-flavorful and healthy salad ingredient is kale. It’s extremely versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. Click on the video link below to discover some simple tips on using raw kale in your next salad.

avocado kale w/ chickpeas — raw avocado kale salad

Asparagus Recipe — Tangy Lemon Ginger Asparagus

06/13/201905/03/2013 by Chef Buck

Asparagus is one of those veggies you cook when you’re trying to impress–and this asparagus recipe will do the job. The lemon adds a nice zing while the whole fennel/mustard seeds add flavor and texture without overpowering the great taste of asparagus.

Asparagus Recipe Ingredients:
1½ lb. ASPARAGUS
1 small LEMON (zest and juice)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ tsp FENNEL SEEDS
½ tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
3-4 cloves GARLIC (or more…go for it, dude)
1 inch GINGER (which should end up being between 1-2 Tbsp thinly sliced)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

When buying asparagus, thin is better than thick. Choose firm spears. Avoid asparagus that have a wrinkled skin, or tips that are wet and greasy looking. Rinse and drain the asparagus spears, then chop into 1 inch pieces. When slicing, leave the tops of the spears intact so they don’t fall apart while cooking. Heat olive oil on medium heat in a skillet. When oil is hot, add mustard and fennel seeds and stir for 20-30 seconds–not long at all. Add garlic and ginger–a lot of ginger; I use about 1 inch, thinly sliced–about the size of a fish scale. Stir skillet 1 minute, lower heat if necessary.
Stir in asparagus. Add salt and pepper to taste. I like my asparagus to retain a bit of crunch–who likes mushy asparagus?–so this dish doesn’t take long to cook. Saute for about 4 minutes and the dish will be done. From the time you add the seeds to completion, the cooking time will only be about 5 minutes–of course you can extend the cooking time if YOU DO like softer asparagus (crazy!)–but everybody likes what they like, so namaste, man. About a minute before the dish is done, add the lemon zest. When the asparagus is crunchy or soft the way you like it, and you’re ready to get it off the heat, add the lemon juice, stir, and serve.
It’s a tasty asparagus dish and a perfect side for a nice steak (or whatever).
Give this asparagus recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

If you enjoy asparagus, you likely love this Brussels Sprouts Recipe.

Coleslaw Recipe with a Curry Twist

01/09/202404/24/2013 by Chef Buck

Chickpea curry and coleslaw are two of my favorite foods, so combining them is a win-win. This dish makes a perfect side for a spicy meal or a fancy-pants hamburger, so give chickpea curry coleslaw a go and let me know what you think.

Curry Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

1 tsp CORIANDER
½ tsp TURMERIC
½ tsp CUMIN
2 Tbsp SUGAR
1 tsp GINGER (minced)
1 tsp GARLIC (minced)
2 Tbsp VINEGAR (or substitute fresh lemon juice and zest–very tasty!)
¼ cup SOUR CREAM (or substitute plain yogurt)
¼ cup MAYONNAISE

Slaw:
14 oz can CHICKPEAS
½ small CABBAGE (shredded)
2 medium CARROTS (shredded)
½ cup CILANTRO (chopped)
SALT and PEPPER to taste

How to Make Coleslaw

In a small bowl, combine ingredients for dressing and whisk together until smooth. Be sure the ginger and garlic are minced well. I’ve sometimes substituted lemon juice for the vinegar and it tastes great; if using fresh lemon, also throw in a little (or a lot) of the zest.

In a larger bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and a 14oz can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained). Add dressing and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste (a dash of cayenne will add a little bite). Add cilantro.

Try this curry twist on a classic coleslaw, you’re going to love it.

For an Asian twist on slaw. try this Crunchy Ramen Noodle Slaw Recipe.

We Hope You like the Curry Coleslaw

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Quinoa Curry Recipe meets Thai Curry

10/13/202304/19/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this quinoa curry recipe with a tasty Thai influence. This is a helpful quinoa recipe to make when you’ve got a lot of vegetable odds and ends to out of the fridge.

Quinoa Curry Recipe Ingredients

½ cup QUINOA …check quinoa prices on Amazon
1 15 oz can COCONUT MILK
1 lg ONION (chopped)
1 inch GINGER (thinly sliced)
2 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 Hot Pepper (chopped, as desired)
1 RED BELL PEPPER (sliced)
¼ cup fresh BASIL (or CILANTRO) (chopped)
2 CARROTS (sliced)
½ small CAULIFLOWER (florets)
1 cup CABBAGE (chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
½ tsp CUMIN
½ tsp CHILI POWDER
½ tsp TURMERIC
OR, INSTEAD OF THE ABOVE SPICE COMBINATION, USE 1-2 Tbsp OF A PRE-MIXED CURRY
SALT and PEPPER, to taste
…and garnish with finely chopped PEANUTS

How to make a Quinoa Curry Recipe

In a small pot, bring 1/2 cup quinoa and 1 cup water to a boil.
Reduce heat and allow to simmer 13-15 minutes until water is absorbed.
Remove from heat, fluff with fork, and set aside. Check here for current prices for quinoa on Amazon.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium high heat and then add onion, garlic, and hot pepper and saute for 3-4 minutes.
Add spices and mix well, and if you are a slave to the spice, don’t be afraid to add a little more.
Add a can of coconut milk and stir thoroughly, mixing completely with the spices and onion.
Let the coconut milk heat through, and then add ginger, carrot, cauliflower, and bell peppers. Continue stirring, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the ingredients to a bubble, then reduce heat, cover, and allow skillet to simmer for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, uncover and add in the cabbage.
Add in the cooked quinoa.
Stir and allow another minute or two until veggies are cooked to your liking.
Add in fresh basil or cilantro and remove the skillet from heat.
Garnish with ground peanuts and serve immediately.

And that’s a quinoa curry recipe with a little taste of Thai thrown in for good measure. Give the recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

For another tasty twist on a Thai recipe, try this Pad Thai Recipe made with spaghetti squash.

Thanks for Watching our Quinoa Curry Recipe

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Chinese Eggplant Recipe – healthy, low-fat dish

06/13/201904/17/2013 by Chef Buck

This Chinese eggplant recipe is awesome because it’s purple–not purple like a black eye–but purple like Barney the Dinosaur, which is nice.

Choose eggplants that are firm and have a glossy skin. The skin is thin and tasty, and Chinese eggplants have smaller seeds than the black, bowling ball eggplant you might be used to preparing. They’re a great ingredient for a stir-fry and can stand in for meat without being as awful as tofu. So give ’em a try.

What you need for this Chinese Eggplant Recipe

3 small CHINESE EGGPLANTS
3-4 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 inch GINGER (thinly sliced)
2 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
1 Tbsp ground CORIANDER
1 bunch GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
1 JALEPENO or other hot pepper (sliced)
SALT to taste
— optional garnishes —
SOY SAUCE or CHILI GARLIC SAUCE

How to cook Chinese Eggplant

Heat oil in a skillet on medium high heat. If you need a nice skillet, you can check here for current pricing for a non-stick skillet on Amazon.

When oil is hot, add garlic and ginger. Add mustard seeds and coriander powder and sauté 2 minutes.

Add chopped green onion bottoms and reserve the chopped green onion tops for later. Add hot pepper and continue sautéing for a couple minutes.

Add sliced eggplant (with skin). Choose eggplants that are firm, glossy skinned, and heavy for their size. Slice into rounds no more than 1/4 inch thick. Add salt and stir eggplant. Stir for a few minutes.

Add water as needed, but not too much, the eggplant will release water as it cooks. Reduce heat, cover and cook 10-12 minutes, stiring as needed. The eggplant will be ready when it is soft, but not falling apart. Mix in green onion tops and remove from heat.

Add soy sauce or chili garlic sauce if desired. Serve as a main dish over pasta or rice (or on it’s own as a side dish). Give this Chinese eggplant recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

And for another Asian inspired recipe, try this Japanese-style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe.

chicken teriyaki recipe — teriyaki chicken recipe

Thanks for checking out the recipe, if you liked it, then click a button or two below and share it with your friends.
I really appreciate it, thanks!
–Chef Buck

Daikon Salad Recipe with Daikon Radish

10/23/202404/17/2013 by Chef Buck

This daikon salad recipe is crisp with loads natural flavors. Daikon radish has a mild flavor and adds great texture and crunch to a salad.

Daikon Salad Recipe Ingredients:
1 DAIKON RADISH (matchstick cuts, about 2 cups)
1 large CARROT (shredded)
3 salad CUCUMBERS (sliced)
1/2 SMALL CABBAGE (chopped)
1/2 cup Rice Wine VINEGAR
1/2 cup WATER
2-3 Tbsp SUGAR
3 GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
1 inch GINGER (finely chopped)
1/4 cup CILANTRO (chopped)
1 hot PEPPER (jalapeno, diced)
1/2 cup SLICED ALMONDS (toasted)
1 package RAMEN NOODLES (toasted)
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

Chop vegetables and place in 1 gallon size ziplock (except cilantro). Mix water, vinegar, sugar, and salt and pour over chopped veggies in ziplock. Seal and shake and then place in fridge, occasionally turning. On a baking sheet, spread out almond slices and broken ramen. Bake at 350 degrees F until toasted–watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Remove ziplock from fridge and place vegetables in bowl. Toss with toasted nuts, ramen, and cilantro.

For another awesome Asian-inspired salad, try this Thai Beef Salad Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our Daikon Salad Recipe

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Best Stuffed Squash Recipe –looks fancy, tastes great!

06/13/201904/17/2013 by Chef Buck

This stuffed squash recipe is easy to cook, yummy as hell, and looks pretty fancy-pants when you stuff it full of delectable goodies.

Try out the recipe below and let me know what you think. Hope you like it!

Stuffed Squash Recipe Ingredients:

2 ACORN SQUASH (halved, seeds removed)
2 tsp OLIVE OIL
3 cloves GARLIC (minced)
1/2 inch fresh GINGER (minced)
1 CARROT (peeled and chopped)
1 cup GARBANZO BEANS (drained)
1/3 cup RAISINS (or dried currants)
1 tsp ground CUMIN
1/2 tsp ground CINNAMON
[1/4 tsp ground GINGER, if didn’t use fresh]
SALT and freshly GROUND PEPPER, to taste
1 cup BROTH
3/4 cup instant COUSCOUS
1/2 cup SLIVERED ALMONDS (toasted)
2-3 GREEN ONIONS (white and green parts, chopped)
1/2 golden delicious APPLE (cored and chopped)

How to Make Stuffed Squash:

Preheat the oven to 400.
Toast the almonds.
Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a shallow pan with ¼ inch of water. Roast until the squash is easily pierced with a fork, about 30 – 40 minutes.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and carrots, and cook 5 minutes. Mix in the garbanzo beans and raisins. Season with cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and continue stirring for another minute.
Add broth, simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in couscous, cover pot, and turn off heat. Allow couscous to absorb liquid for 5 minutes.
Stir in the almonds, green onions, and apple. Spoon the filling into the roasted squash, mounding generously and serve.
You can freeze leftovers (or make extras). Freeze by mashing the squash on the bottom of the container then adding the couscous mixture on top.
And that’s that.
Give this stuffed squash recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Also, try this TERRIFIC SPAGHETTI SQUASH RECIPE!

Thanks for watching and sharing and subscribing, I appreciate it!

Wow! Healthy French Fries Recipe in the Oven

12/15/202304/17/2013 by Chef Buck

You can make French Fries without the guilt of eating French fries! Try this roasted vegetable fries recipe. It’s a super simple recipe that will maximize taste and nutrition.

Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots make delicious fries, especially with a little mustard and maple syrup thrown into the mix. You’ll need a baking pan for this recipe, and you can check out current prices for baking pans on Amazon.

Roasted French Fries Ingredients:

4 Tbsp OLIVE OIL (extra virgin)
3 Tbsp MAPLE SYRUP
3 Tbsp DIJON MUSTARD
SALT and PEPPER to taste

2 med-sized SWEET POTATOES (steak fry-sized pieces)
4 PARSNIPS (peeled, steak fry-sized pieces)
4 CARROTS (steak fry-sized pieces)
1 ONION (sliced)
GARLIC cloves (sliced in halves or whole)
fresh ROSEMARY

How to Make Roasted French Fries:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
When slicing the root veggies, leave on the skins if desired; it will add excellent taste and nutritional value and is less wasteful.
Place the sliced veggies in bowl large enough to mix.
In a smaller bowl, mix together the syrup, mustard, oil, salt and pepper.
Toss the chopped veggies with the syrup mixture, coating the fries well.
Spread the fries out in a single layer onto a baking pan, or use two pans if necessary. Make sure the veggies are not piled up or jammed together.
Allow the veggies to roast, turning occasionally, until brown and cooked through, about 25 minutes, but it will depend on volume and size of veggies. The longer you cook the fries, the crispier they will become.

These fries make a great side for chicken, beef, and pork entrees, or it’s a terrific way to transform a vegetarian meal into a hardy feast.
Give this roasted vegetable French fries recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

And for another tasty veggie side, try this Easy Okra Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our French Fries Recipe Video!

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Vegetarian Chili Recipe EVERYONE Will Love

06/13/201904/17/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this vegetarian chili recipe for folks who don’t like vegetarian chili!

It’s tatsy and easy to make, too; once you’ve chopped up the ingredients, you’re 90% done. Or at least 85% done. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

What You Need For This Vegetarian Chili Recipe

2 15 oz cans CHICK PEAS
2 15 oz cans KIDNEY BEANS
2 BELL PEPPERS (chopped)
1 ONION (chopped)
1 HOT PEPPER (diced)
6 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
2 SQUASH (cut into large pieces)
1 ZUCHINNI (cut into large pieces)
2 lg or 4 sm TOMATOES (chopped)
1 28 oz can CRUSHED TOMATOES
3-6 oz TOMATO PASTE
1/2 cup CILANTRO (chopped)
1 heaping Tbsp OREGANO
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp CUMIN
1/2 tsp CAYENNE PEPPER
2 Tbsp CHILI POWDER
SALT and PEPPER, to taste
WATER as needed…add slowly

How To Make Vegetarian Chili

Heat olive oil in large pot on medium high heat. Add onions, hot pepper, and garlic and saute 4-5 minutes. Add bell peppers and continue sauteing. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix ingredients well. Add beans and continue cooking. Add zuchinni and squash and oregano. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes and then add fresh tomatoes. Add canned crushed tomatoes. Slowly add water–not too much–as the vegetables will begin to release water as they cook. Cover and bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat and stir in the cilantro. Cover and allow to simmer approx. 45 minutes.
That’s it man. If you can make it a day ahead, then you’re lucky–chili aways taste best on the day after! But it’s good right away, too. Top with shredded cheese, or a dollop of sourcream, or a handful of corn chips–or all three–it’s gonna be delicioso!
Give this vegetarian chili recipe a try and I bet you’re gonna love it–and it’s a healthy chili choice, too.
Bon appetit!

For more vegetarian comfort food, try this Gluten-Free Tofu Lasagna.

Thanks for checking this vegetarian chili recipe out! If you liked it, click some of the buttons below and share it with your friends and family, I appreciate it.
–Buck

Baked Jalapeno Poppers for Party People

08/09/202304/17/2013 by Chef Buck

Baked jalapeno poppers are quick and cheesy and absolutely delicious. Check out this poppers recipe to see how easy it is to bake picture perfect stuffed jalapenos.

Thanks for watching, give it a go, and let me know what you think.

Ingredients for Baked Jalapeno Poppers

6 large JALAPENO peppers
8oz CREAM CHEESE
1 cup shredded CHEESE
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
about 1/4 cup CILANTRO (chopped)
1 tsp smoked PAPRIKA
1 tsp ONION POWDER
SALT and PEPPER, to taste
(dill, cumin, cayenne, and cajun mix
go well in poppers–experiment
with your favorite seasonings)

How to Make Baked Jalapeno Poppers

Set cream cheese out from fridge for at least 1/2 hour to allow time to soften.
Cut stems from peppers, but not enough to open the back of the pepper entirely, this shallow cut will leave enough of the top of the pepper in place to form a “wall” that will hold the cheese as it bakes.
With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and ribs; your jalapeno should look like a little rowboat (without oars or life jacket).
In a bowl, thoroughly mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, cilantro, and seasonings together.
Spoon cheese mixture into pepper boats. Fill each pepper entirely, but do not overfill–just to the top of each pepper–mounded cheese will only make a mess and disrupt the optimal cheese to pepper ratio.
In a skillet, on medium heat, melt 2-3 Tbsp butter.
Add garlic and stir 1 minute.
Turn off heat and add bread crumbs.
Stir until butter is absorbed and garlic is mixed well with bread crumbs. Or, if you don’t want to fool with garlic cloves–just substitute garlic powder.
Press peppers cheese side down into the crumb mixture, then turn over and mound extra crumb topping on the peppers.
Place peppers on a baking sheet and cook 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees F.
When the crumb topping is baked golden, remove and allow peppers to rest 5 minutes.

After that, you can do whatever your heart desires.
Give this baked jalapeno poppers recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

If you’re new to home cooking, just get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and start experimenting with different ingredients and recipes. It’s a healthy hobby that can save a lot of money in the long run. You can check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or just go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

If you liked these baked jalapeno poppers, then try a healthier Baked Chicken Tender Recipe. It’s less mess and a great appetizer or main meal.

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We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!If you like what CG and I do, support us on Patreon, or throw us a tip in our Paypal Tip Jar. We’ll happily enjoy a coffee on the road – Thanks! We appreciate all the support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Chard Recipe with Sweet Potato

12/08/202304/17/2013 by Chef Buck

Fresh rainbow or swiss chard greens are similar to beet greens, nutritious and very tasty prepared in this healthy chard recipe. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants and a healthier choice for your blood sugar levels than white potatoes.

Healthy Sweet Potato Chard Recipe:

2 large SWEET POTATOES
1 15 oz can CHICKPEAS, drained (or 1½ cups cooked)
4 cups CHARD (w/ spinach mixed, if desired)
1 15 oz can BROTH
1 15 oz can DICED TOMATOES
1 large ONION (chopped)
6 GARLIC cloves (chopped fine)
1 inch fresh GINGER (minced)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp PAPRIKA
1 tsp ground CUMIN
1 Tbsp ground CORIANDER
1 tsp ground TURMERIC
1/2 tsp ground CINNAMON
1/2 tsp SALT
1 tsp ground BLACK PEPPER
— Optional Accompaniments —
COUSCOUS, QUINOA
garnish of CUCUMBER, fresh CILANTRO and LEMON ZEST

chard with sweet potato — Chard and sweet potato make an excellent vegetarian meal.

How to make a Healthy Chard and Sweet Potato Dish

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot. Saute the onion for a few minutes minutes then add garlic, ginger, and stalk (if using chard), and saute a few minutes more until onions soften.
Stir in paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
Add diced tomatoes and broth.
Bring to a boil, then add sweet potato and chickpeas. Simmer 25 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Stir in roughly chopped chard leaves for last 10 minutes (if using spinach, add leaves last 2 minutes).
Serve over couscous, quinoa, or all on its lonesome with a garnish of cucumber, chopped cilantro, and lemon zest.
It’s especially good over quinoa, and the protein in the quinoa makes this recipe a great main dish for a vegetarian meal.

Check the current price for a Saute Pan on amazon.

Health benefits Of Chard

Chard is a source of vitamin C, A, and K, potassium, magnesium, fiber and iron.
A single serving contains more than 300% of your daily vitamin K needs.
Swiss chard is high in antioxidants.
It is low in calories.
This leafy green belongs to the same family as beets, chard, spinach, and quinoa.
helps regulate the blood sugar levels in our body.

And if you want to try another green, what about Beet Greens?

Thanks for Watching our Chard Recipe Video!

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Brussels Sprouts Recipe That Everyone Will Love

06/01/202004/17/2013 by Chef Buck

This is my absolute favorite Brussels Sprouts recipe. it’s super tasty, simple to make, and a healthy choice, too, so definitely give it a try.

Brussels Sprouts Recipe Ingredients

1½ lbs BRUSSELS SPROUTS
3-4 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
½ ONION (chopped)
4-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 LEMON zest and juice …current prices online for Kitchen Zesters
½ cup WATER
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Wash 1½ lbs sprouts. Cut off the ends and discard outer leaves. Slice sprouts into halves, or larger sprouts into 3rds.
Heat 3-4 Tbsp oil in a skillet on high heat–you want the skillet to be hot to sear the sprouts–and don’t be shy with the olive oil.
Add Brussels sprouts. They should start to sizzle and pop right away. Let set before stirring to get a seared edge. Turn sprouts and continue to sear.
After 4-5 minutes, stir in onion and garlic and continue to cook on high to med. high heat, searing and turning another 3-4 minutes.
Then reduce heat to medium and add water. Add seasoning.
Stir, cover, and let cook 4-5 minutes.
Then turn off heat, stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, and serve.

Need a nice skillet? Check current prices for skillets on Amazon.

Give this Brussels Sprouts Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and if you’re still in the mood for foods that start with “B”, try this Beet Recipe.

Brussels Sprouts Fun Facts

89% of all children despise Brussels Sprouts.
3/4 of all convicted felons do not eat Brussels sprouts.
Albert Einstein considered the Brussels Sprout to be the most compact cabbage, relatively speaking.
Even children who dislike the taste of Brussels sprouts appreciate the vegetable for it’s “slingshotability”
Every U.S. president has loved Brussels sprouts and eaten them routinely.

Thanks for checking out our Brussels sprouts recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

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Tofu Lasagna Recipe — Gluten Free Edition

09/02/202404/17/2013 by Chef Buck

The only thing that sounds worse than a tofu lasagna recipe is a gluten-free tofu lasagna recipe. However, this recipe is actually pretty tasty, and still gluten-free.

Camera Girl whipped up this dish and it was damned tasty. I’m not ready to start driving the tofu train, but I am enjoying the ride.

Tofu Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

The sauce:
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1/2 tsp RED PEPPER FLAKES (crushed)
1/2 large ONION (chopped)
3 cloves GARLIC (chopped)
15 oz can DICED TOMATOES
8 oz can TOMATO SAUCE
1 CARROT (chopped well)
1 stalk CELERY (chopped well)
2 tsp OREGANO
1/2 tsp BASIL
1 BAY LEAF
SALT & PEPPER, to taste
….or substitute 25 oz jar store-bought marinara sauce, but don’t do that :^(

The filling:
1 pkg gluten-free, rice LASAGNA NOODLES (you do not cook them prior to baking)
2 Tbsp extra-virgin OLIVE OIL
1/2 large ONION (chopped)
6 cloves GARLIC (minced)
16 ounce package EXTRA-FIRM, WATER-PACKED TOFU (not silken tofu)
3 cups fresh SPINACH (chopped)
1/2 cup PARMESAN CHEESE (shredded)
1/2 cup part-skim MOZZARELLA CHEESE (shredded)
2 Tbsp Kalamata OLIVES (finely chopped)
2 tsp dried OREGANO
1/2 tsp dried THYME
SALT & PEPPER, to taste

How to Make Tofu Lasagna

First thing, start making the sauce. Now, don’t buy pre-made sauce!–or do…maybe you’re busy, I don’t know.
Next, heat olive oil and red pepper in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 2 to 4 minutes. Add carrot and celery and continue sauteing.
Mix in the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes or longer, until flavors are blended, stirring routinely.

While sauce is simmering, heat oil in a large skillet and saute garlic and onion for lasagna filling. Add tofu and spinach to skillet and stir until spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through (2 to 3 minutes). Transfer skillet contents to a bowl and stir in parmesan, olives, seasonings, and 2/3 of the marinara sauce.

Spread half of the remaining sauce on bottom of 9 x 13 baking pan. If you need a decent oven-safe baking dish, check out some current pricing for a Pyrex dish on Amazon. Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles over sauce–if using the gluten-free rice lasagna, the noodles will not have to be cooked before using. Spread half of the tofu mixture over noodles. Repeat layers of noodle and tofu mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover dish and bake in a 350 degree F oven for about an hour.
Remove from oven and allow to rest 10 minutes.

Give this tofu lasagna recipe a try and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

If you like thinking outside of the box, try this vegetarian version of pulled pork Jackfruit BBQ Recipe

jackfruit pulled pork — Jackfruit BBQ is great over rice, on a sandwich, or all on its own.

Thanks for Trying Our Tofu Lasagna Recipe

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Jalapeno Poppers Recipe on the Stove Top

06/13/201904/16/2013 by Chef Buck

This is a kick-ass Jalapeno Poppers Recipe! Follow along with Chef Buck and he’ll show you how to whip up this tasty popper dish right on the stove top.

Jalapeno Poppers Recipe Ingredients

6-8 JALAPENO PEPPERS
4oz CREAM CHEESE
2 ONIONS (chopped)
1-2 tsp CUMIN
HERBS e.g. cilantro, dill, cilantro, to taste (minced)
SALT, to taste
¼ cup BREAD CRUMBS
2-3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL

How to Make Stove Top Jalapeno Poppers

Remove cream cheese from fridge to soften (about 30 min. early).
Slice off pepper tops and de-seed (a hand peeler makes this easy).
Mix cream cheese, herbs, cumin, and salt together.
Stuff peppers with cream cheese mixture. Dab the ends of the peppers into the bread crumbs to help seal the cream cheese inside.
Heat olive oil in skillet to med heat.
Add chopped onions (also add chopped red bell peppers if desired).
Gently add stuffed jalapenos to the skillet.
Stir onions and turn the peppers gently to cook on all sides. Some cream cheese may leak out, but it only makes the dish taste better.
Cook 10-15 minutes until peppers are sauteed to liking.
Give this jalapeno poppers recipe a go and let me know what you think, and bon appetit!

If you’re just getting into home cooking and your kitchen is lacking in the pots and pan department, you can check out some current Complete Cookware Set prices on Amazon.

Thanks for watching! Click a button or two and share the dish if you like it.
And for another tasty treat, Try this semi-healthy Baked Onion Rings Recipe.

onion rings recipe — How to make an Onion Rings recipe in the Oven.

Maki Sushi – Step-by-Step How to Make Sushi

04/26/202104/16/2013 by Chef Buck

Maki sushi is my favorite sushi (makizushi), or sushi wrapped in dried seaweed (nori). Check out the video for step-by-step instructions on how to make sushi quick and easy.

Maki sushi is one of the healthiest and most entertaining foods you can put on the table…and pretty easy to prepare. You will need a SUSHI ROLLER to easily make this recipe. They are available at many supermarkets, most health food stores and every Asian market. You can get one for around $2 to $4.

Maki Sushi Ingredients:
6 to 7 NORI (dried seaweed sheets)
2 cups RICE (do not use long grain rice! Japanese sushi rice can be used, but I prefer short-grain brown rice.)
1/2 cup VINEGAR (apple cider or rice)
SALT (to taste, I use very little)
Assortment of SLICED VEGETABLES, FISH, etc
Feel free to experiment with your choices. I generally use a mix of the following: AVOCADO, CUCUMBER, CARROT, GREEN ONIONS, RED PEPPERS, SALMON (I buy 3oz pre-packaged smoked salmon for convenience, since I use so little). I’ve also used SHRIMP, CRAB, CREAM CHEESE and ASPARAGUS (lightly steamed). Mix and match and find combos you enjoy. I find that I almost always use avocado.
Desired condiments e.g. SOY SAUCE, WASABI, PICKED GINGER SLICES
Optional: I like to sprinkle TOASTED SESAME SEEDS over my finished sushi—it adds a great taste and looks nice, too.

Prepare rice according to directions. Remove from stove and add vinegar. Gently mix and set aside to cool. Slice desired ingredients for filling. For a full dinner for two, I generally use 6-7 nori. Place nori shiny side down on your sushi roller. When rice is cool, spread desired amount over nori. I like heaps of rice in my maki sushi, approx. ¾ to1 cup. Spread so that the rice covers the nori leaving ¼ inch on the two sides and on the end closest to you. Leave 1 inch open on the far end of the seaweed sheet. Pull the nori flush with the back end of the roller. Lay the sliced fillings across the rice and, holding the ingredients in check with your fingers, use the roller to roll the seaweed over the ingredients and then press gently along the top and sides. The seaweed should form a nice wrap around the ingredients. Pull the seaweed roll to the back of the roller and roll forward once more until the nori is shaped entirely around the fillings. Use a sharp knife to slice into sushi, and wipe the knife frequently for a cleaner cut. I usually get 6-7 pieces per roll.
After I plate my sushi, I sprinkle lightly with toasted sesame seeds (optional) and serve with wasabi, soy sauce, plum sauce, and pickled ginger slices.
It’s an amazingly easy dish to prepare and a great way to impress a date or get yourself out of the doghouse (if you’re at that stage in your relationship). It kicks ass at parties and your friends will think you are more hip than you probably are –but only if you USE CHOPSTICKS!!!

For a great maki sushi recipe side, try a Calamari Salad Recipe.

Kale Beet Salad – Healthy Super Food Recipe

09/24/202304/16/2013 by Chef Buck

Doesn’t Kale Beet Salad sound like a dream come true? Beets are fun, kale is cool…very exciting stuff. Kale is a slightly rough and tough cabbagee-thingy that’s a little less than friendly in it’s natural state, but massaging salt into the raw leaves can turn Kale into a delicious salad green. Here’s a very tasty and nutritionally jam-packed raw kale recipe with beets.

What you need for Kale Beet Salad

8-10 KALE (leaves)
2 BEET ROOTS (medium-sized)
2 TOMATOES (small…I use plum tomatoes)
2 CARROTS
1/2 cup GOLDEN RAISINS
SALT (to taste…I use approx. 1 tsp.)
PEPPER (to taste)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
2 tsp BALSAMIC VINEGAR

How to make a Kale and Beet Salad

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove greens from beets and cut root bulbs into smaller pieces, about 1/2 inch squares. Spread the beet pieces onto a baking pan and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cook for 25-35 minutes, remove and allow to cool.

While beets are cooking, remove the spine from the center of the kale leaves and tear kale into salad pieces. Kale is rough, but adding salt to the greens will draw out moisture and soften the leaves, making them darker. Gently massage salt into the kale until it achieves a desirable consistency, this may take several minutes.

Grate carrots into the greens, add raisins, then toss and divide portions into salad bowls. In a separate bowl, add diced tomatoes and cooled beets, then add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper and mix together. Spoon beet/tomato mixture over kale greens and serve.

This is a delicious way to enjoy and optimize the benefits of raw kale. I’m not usually a big raisin fan, but I find the raisins work really well in this salad. I’ve contemplated tossing minced ginger into the mix, but haven’t gotten around to doing so, although I might next time I whip this dish up. If you give it a try, let me know what you think.

This is one of the healthiest dishes I routinely prepare, but be aware, eating beets can cause some rosy changes when you answer “the call of nature”. (Don’t be alarmed, you probably won’t be dying…in fact, you’ll probably be doing a lot better.)
Give this kale beet salad a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Have fun in the kitchen. Get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and begin experimenting with different recipes. home cooking is a healthy hobby that will save you tons of money in the long run.
Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon as well as Complete Starter Spice Kits. Or go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

And for another tasty salad idea, try this Black Eyed Pea Salad Recipe.

Thanks for Checking Out Our Kale Beet Salad

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Asian Jicama Salad Recipe

06/13/201902/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Jicama is a root vegetable that can be served raw. It is similar in appearance to a potato, but tastes more like an apple, although not quite as sweet; I find it has an “earthier” taste. Many folks compare the crisp texture of Jicama to that of a water chestnut. Jicama is especially good in this recipe because it takes on the flavor of the dressing very well.

Ingredients:
1 cup JICAMA (cut into 1 inch sticks)
1 cup SNOW PEAS (cut into ¼ inch widths)
1 cup NAPA CABBAGE (torn into salad-size pieces)
2 CARROTS
¼ cup SESAME SEEDS (toasted)
2 Tbsp VINEGAR (wine or rice)
2 Tbsp SOY SAUCE
4 tsp HONEY (or 2 tsp sugar)
1 tsp SESAME OIL
1-2 Tbsp WATER

Peel jicama root and cut into matchstick shapes. Tear cabbage into salad-sized pieces (substitute romaine lettuce if preferred, but I find the cabbage holds up better in the dressing). Slice snow peas into ¼ inch widths. Shred carrots. Combine all in a bowl and mix.

In a smaller bowl, add vinegar (red or white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used), soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and water (start with 1 Tbsp of water and add another if desired). Mix ingredients.

Combine dressing and vegetables and toss thoroughly. Serve as a side dish to add Asian flair to any meal—and it’s great with fish.

Bon Appétit!

How to Make a Great Hummus Recipe

10/24/202402/20/2013 by Chef Buck

The hummus you buy at the market will never be as good as the hummus you make at home, so make it at home! Here is a no-frills, classic homemade hummus recipe.

Hummus Recipe Ingredients

A food processor is key for a creamy hummus. Check here for current prices on a food processor on Amazon.

2 Tbsp TAHINI
2 Tbsp LEMON JUICE
1 – 3 cloves GARLIC

1 15oz can CHICK PEAS also called Garbanzo Beans
2 Tbsp EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
SALT to taste – I use about ¼ tsp

WATER as needed

How to Make Hummus

I use canned beans because it’s a lot less hassle and they’re fine in hummus. Drain and rinse one 15oz can of chick peas, also called Garbanzo Beans.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For a creamier hummus, it makes a difference which ingredients you add first. Add only the tahini, lemon juice and garlic to the food processor and mix until creamy, usually around 30-45 seconds. Start with only 1 garlic clove because your friends and family will appreciate it.

Add the chick peas, extra virgin olive oil and salt to taste. Blend for another 30 seconds or so. [ The extra virgin olive oil has a richer flavor than the varieties used for sautéing. ]

Water can be added. The amount really depends on the consistency of the hummus you’re trying to make. Start with a ¼ cup and add more water if needed. Blend ingredients until desired chunkiness or smoothness is attained. Taste. Add more oil, salt and/or other ingredients (additional ideas provided below), according to your liking.

Garnish with extra virgin olive oil, paprika, parsley or cilantro, etc.

Make Different Hummus Recipes

All manner of ingredients can be added to the basic recipe above. ROASTED RED PEPPERS make a tasty addition, especially those from a jar as they blend readily, but forego adding water since the peppers will have plenty.

Also try adding cucumber, hot peppers, cumin, dill, curry, green onions, etc.
The subtle flavor of the chick peas will pair nicely with most ingredients.

Serve hummus with warm pita bread, pita chips, crackers, or raw fruit and vegetables. It’s great in wraps and sandwiches. Hummus on a hamburger? Why not. It’s inexpensive, easy to make, delicious, and a healthy dining choice. Hummus fits perfectly into a healthy Mediterranean diet.

For a twist on a classic hummus dish, try our sweet potato hummus recipe or this cauliflower hummus recipe.

Thanks for watching our Hummus Recipe

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Kale Recipe -Ginger Stir-fry w/ Tahini Sauce

06/13/201902/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this easy stir-fry kale recipe. Kale is a cool cabbage that kicks broccoli’s ass (or at least in this recipe it does).

Kale Recipe Ingredients:
1 bunch KALE
1 inch piece fresh GINGER
1 medium ONION (cut into slices)
½ cup CARROT (thin cut or string cut)
1 hot PEPPER (finely chopped, optional)
1 Tbsp SESAME OIL
SALT (to taste)
1 Tbsp TAHINI
3-4 Tbsp SOY SAUCE

Divide a 1” piece of ginger into two halves. Finely chop one half to use in the sauce and thinly slice the other half and set aside to cook with the stir fry. In a small bowl, mix together the tahini and soy sauce until a thin peanut-buttery consistency is achieved. Mix the finely chopped ginger into the sauce and set aside.
Wash kale, remove spine, and cut or tear into mouth-manageable pieces. Heat the sesame oil on medium high and sauté onion slices and finely chopped pepper for 1 minute. Add a pinch of salt (not much salt will be needed because of the salt in the soy sauce). Add Ginger slices and cook for another minute. Reduce heat to medium and add the kale and carrots. Mix thoroughly with the onion, pepper, and ginger. Cover and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and add sauce. Toss well and serve hot (and it goes great with rice).
Give this healthy kale Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…
Bon appétit!

Kale Fun Facts:
Kale belongs to the same family as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and collards.
Kale is packed with antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
One cup of chopped raw kale provides more than 100% of the daily value of vitamins A, C, and K.
Free Radicals are something scientists made up to sound smart.

Want more kale recipe ideas? Try this Kale and Beet Superfood salad Recipe.

Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

04/26/202102/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Spring rolls are a nice appetizer when you go out to eat at a fancy-pants restaurant, and they’re just as nice when you eat them at home, and they’re easy to make. Briefly wetting the rice paper and placing it on a damp towel makes the delicate rice paper easier to handle. The rice paper softens while you place your filling–makes the process much easier–definitely give this technique a try!

All you need to make spring rolls are rice paper and some tasty ingredients to roll up inside. You can buy rice paper at any Asian food store, most health food markets, and in the ethnic foods section of many local grocery stores. It’s an economical buy. The last batch I bought was a package of 20 for $2.25 U.S. dollars. It comes in sheets, like paper, but usually round in shape; it doesn’t feel like paper, though—it feels more like plastic, almost like something you’d find at the hardware store, but don’t let that put you off, it softens quickly when wet. Despite its initial “plasticky” appearance, it’s not bad for you, or particularly good for you either—rice, tapioca, salt, and water are the prime components. How your spring rolls taste will be determined by the ingredients you roll up inside, and any dipping sauce you might like to serve them with. It’s a great vehicle for getting raw vegetables into your diet; I like to think of a spring roll as a cigar-shaped salad, but many pre-cooked meats and seafood work well in spring rolls, too.

What You Need to make Spring Rolls

Rice Paper and
Whatever the hell you wanna roll up in the rice paper.
Here are a few options I like to use:
cilantro (I ALWAYS USE CILANTRO), cucumber, basil leaves, lettuce, carrots, sprouts, rice noodles, steamed shrimp, stir-fried spicy pork, bell pepper, green onions, cabbage, and on and on and on…
there’s no end to what you can use.

How to Make a Fresh Spring Roll

Prepare your filling ingredients—mainly making sure the ingredients are chopped or sliced in a manner which will make them rice paper-wrapping friendly—this is especially true if you plan on slicing the spring rolls in half—your filling ingredients will tumble out easily if they’re too loose and tiny.
Wet the rice paper with warm tap water. Just a few seconds under a warm tap is plenty. Place the rice paper on a damp towel and gently press down. The rice paper will quickly soften and become pliable. Arrange your filling ingredients at one end of the sheet and roll them up in the rice paper like a burrito. Using basil or lettuce or cabbage leaves as your base ingredient will make the rolls structurally sound and easier to roll. It’s very important that the first rollover be tight—compact the ingredients as much as possible—a loosely rolled spring roll is a sad sight, and will quickly fall apart if sliced. The rice paper will be your friend. It will help. It is very sticky and will seal almost like an envelope around your stuffings. If you want a tasty spring roll, it’s as easy as rolling up a tasty combo of ingredients—a yummy dipping sauce will help, and here are two:

Peanut Dipping Sauce:
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil

Chili Dipping Sauce:
2 Tbsp Chili-Garlic sauce
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Sesame Seeds

And just plain old soy sauce works fine, too. Or maybe some hot mustard—I’ve never tried that, but it just popped into my head, so maybe next time I’ll give it a go.
Alright, that’s enough blabbing.
Give these spring rolls a try and bon appétit!

For another delicious Asian inspired dish, try a Seafood Pancake Recipe.

Red Potato Recipe w/ Garlic

07/22/202302/20/2013 by Chef Buck

If you like potato salad, then give this garlic red potato recipe a try. Is it potato salad? Or something better? If you’re looking for a tasty twist on a simple comfort food, then try this Red Potato Recipe.

Red Potato Recipe Ingredients

3 lbs petite RED POTATOES
3-5 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
½ cup GREEN ONIONS (chopped)
1 cup PARSLEY (chopped)
1 tsp DRY MUSTARD
2 tsp WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
½ cup OLIVE OIL
¼ cup VINEGAR
1 tsp PAPRIKA
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)

How to Make Red Potato Salad

Wash potatoes and remove any blemishes. Leave the skin on. Place in a large pot with water, add salt, cover and bring to a boil and allow potatoes to cook 20-25 minutes. They’ll be done as soon as a fork inserts easily into the potato center. DO NOT OVERCOOK the potatoes! –it will be a disaster if you do. “Disaster” might be too strong a word, but you do not want the potatoes to become too soft. As soon as the potatoes are cooked, pour the hot water off in the sink and refill the pot with cold water to stop the potatoes from overcooking and becoming mushy.
While the potatoes cool, finely chop the garlic and chop the green onions and parsley. I prefer using the hardier curly parsley over the leafier Italian parsley for this dish.
In a large bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, paprika, salt and pepper, and mix ingredients well. Add the garlic, onion, and parsley and mix into the dressing. Drain potatoes and cut into large pieces into the bowl.
Toss potatoes gently with the dressing until well covered. Serve right away or serve it later, it tastes great either way. Give this Red Potato Recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…
Bon appétit!

For more potato and root vegetable fun, try these Roasted Veggie Fries.

Thanks for Watching our Red Potato Recipe Video!

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Cauliflower Recipe -quick cook in the skillet

06/01/202002/20/2013 by Chef Buck

This quick cook cauliflower recipe is an easy way to get healthy veggies on your dinner plate–including lots of garlic, which is always a good idea, right? Lemon zest adds terrific flavor and nutrition to this dish. Cauliflower is a great ingredient because it brings tons of nutrition to the table without being overpowering, so it can be used in many different types of recipes.

Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients

1 head CAULIFLOWER (cut into florets)
1 bulb of GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 cup ONION (chopped)
½ cup PEPPERS (sliced)
3 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
zest of 1 LEMON …current prices online for Kitchen Zesters
2 Tbsp LEMON JUICE
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
WATER (as needed)

How to Cook Cauliflower Recipe

In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium high heat and add cauliflower florets. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the cauliflower hits the pan.
Sear the florets for 3-4 minutes —keep them moving enough not to burn, but let them rest long enough to get a nice seared edge where possible. The florets will soak up the oil pretty quick—add water sparingly when needed.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion. Mix and give the onion a minute head start before adding the garlic and peppers.
Add salt to taste and continue sautéing the vegetables for 1-2 minutes.
Then add ¼ cup of water, cover, and cook 2 minutes.
After 2 minutes, add black pepper, lemon zest and juice, mix, and remove from heat.

At this point, all of your cauliflower dreams will be coming true. Give this cauliflower recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…Bon appétit! Need a nice skillet? Check current prices for skillets on Amazon.

cauliflower potato salad — low carb cauliflower “potato” salad recipe

Cauliflower Fun Facts:

Cauliflower is a flower.
Cauliflower is very high in Vitamin C.
Kids pretend to hate cauliflower, but they actually love it.

If you like that cauliflower recipe, then maybe you’ll like a Brussels Sprouts Recipe, too.

Thanks for checking out this easy cauliflower recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Okra Recipe with Tomato Gravy

09/04/202002/20/2013 by Chef Buck

This tomato okra recipe features whole pod okra in a tomato gravy. It’s a terrific southern style okra dish that tastes great without the dreaded okra slime!

Tomato Okra Recipe Ingredients

1 lb OKRA (whole pods)
1 medium ONION (chopped)
1 cup TOMATO PUREE (or 2 chopped tomatoes)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
1 Tbsp CORIANDER POWDER
1 tsp CHILI POWDER
1 Tbsp white wine VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER (to taste)
¼ cup WATER

How to Cook Okra

Heat olive oil on medium heat and add onions.
Cook for 1 minute and add mustard seeds. Add coriander and chili powder and continue sauteing onions for another minute.
Stir in the tomato puree. Add salt. I like using puree because it’s thick and sweet and acts like a gravy. You can substitute fresh chopped tomato instead if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Add fresh okra. Fresh! Buy okra that’s bright green and firm, not soft and bendy. Small okra pods are best—1” to 2”. Okra won’t stay pretty in the fridge for too long, so use soon after buying (1-2 days). Trim the stems, but not too much—you don’t want to cut into the pod and release the watery goo. I say goo, but not in a bad way. Okra is a dry climate vegetable and stores a lot of moisture in its pod—it’s a kinda gooey moisture—that’s why cut okra is often used in soups and gumbos as a thickener. Mix the okra into the tomato gravy.
Add vinegar and continue sauteing another minute. The tomato and vinegar will cut the “slickness” of the okra.
Add ¼ water, cover pan and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add pepper and adjust salt as needed and serve.

That’s it! Give this tomato okra recipe a try and let me know what you think.

You know what goes great with this okra recipe? This crazy delicious Blackened Fish Recipe.

Have fun in the kitchen. Get a bunch of spices, pots and pans, and begin experimenting with different recipes. Home cooking is a healthy hobby that will save you tons of money in the long run. Check out current prices for Complete Kitchenware Sets on Amazon. Or go to a thrift store! I’ve found some of my favorite kitchen gear at second-hand stores.

If you crave okra info, here’s more in depth nutritional info than you’ll ever want about okra.

Thanks for checking out our okra recipes, and all of our cooking videos. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Thanks for watching our recipe videos!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Parsnip Soup with a curry twist…you’ll love it

02/01/202402/20/2013 by Chef Buck

If you’ve never tried parsnips before, this parsnip soup recipe is an easy introduction. Blended up, this dish is super creamy without a drop of cream, which is a healthy low-cal option and makes my belly happy on several levels. Parsnips are available year-round. They resemble carrots, but are paler and have a stronger flavour. Give this parsnip soup recipe a try—it’s guaranteed super delicious or your money back.

What You Need For This Parsnip Soup Recipe

1 lb PARSNIPS (chopped for soup)
1 large POTATO (chopped for soup)
1 medium ONION (chopped)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 Tbsp CURRY POWDER
1 tsp CUMIN POWDER
1 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
2 cups BROTH (chicken or vegetable)
2 cups WATER
SALT (to taste)
CORIANDER LEAVES (chopped, garnish)

How to Make Parsnip Soup

In a soup pot, heat olive oil on medium high heat and add onions and cook for 1 minute.
Add parsnips and potatoes and continue cooking until the onions are soft.
Add curry, cumin, and coriander powder and mix well. Add 4 cups of liquid— ½ broth and ½ water .
Bring contents to a boil, add salt, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
After a half hour the parsnips and potato should be quite tender. For a creamy texture, blend soup as desired—no milk or cream are needed. I like to leave a few chunks of potato unblended, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

And that’s it…give this parsnip soup recipe a try and let me know what you think!

Parsnip Fun facts:

In Roman times parsnips were believed to have been an aphrodisiac.
In Scotland parsnips are still known as White Carrots.
Are a favourite with gardeners because of the short growing season.
People used to believe that eating parsnips could relieve a toothache or tired feet.
Half of the carbohydrates in parsnips are sugar, and the rest is starch.
Parsnips were once used to sweeten jams and cakes before sugar was widely available.

For another super vegetarian recipe idea, try this No-Meat Vegetarian Chili Recipe.

Thanks For Watching Our Recipe Videos!

Gobi Matar Cauliflower Curry Recipe

04/16/202102/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Try this flavorful Indian gobi matar recipe with cauliflower and green peas. I use a mix of spices to create my own masala for this vegetarian recipe, but you can substitute a store-bought pre-made curry spice mix. This spicy vegan cauliflower curry makes a great side dish or entrée.

What You Need To Make Gobi Matar

1 CAULIFLOWER (cut into florets)
1 15oz can DICED TOMATOES (or 2 med tomatoes)
1 8oz can GREEN PEAS
1 large ONION (chopped)
1 HOT PEPPER (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp GINGER (finely chopped)
5-7 GARLIC cloves (finely chopped)
1 Tbsp CHILI POWDER (sub cumin powder for less heat)
1 Tbsp CUMIN SEEDS
1 Tbsp TURMERIC POWDER
1 Tbsp CORIANDER POWDER
2 tsp GARAM MASALA (optional)
3 Tbsp OIL for cooking
¼ cup WATER
SALT (to taste)

Check out current prices for Indian Cooking Spices on Amazon.

How To Make Cauliflower Curry

In a skillet or pot, heat oil on medium high heat.
Add cumin seeds. Seeds will brown and crack quickly, so almost immediately add onion.
Add onion and stir.
Cook 1 minute and then add ginger, garlic, and hot pepper.
Continue cooking until onions are soft.
Add turmeric, chili, and coriander powder and mix well.
Stir in tomatoes and continue cooking 4-5 minutes.
Add salt to taste.
Add tomatoes. If using fresh tomato, as tomatoes cook down I like to crush them with a spoon.
Stir in cauliflower florets.
Add water and bring dish to a bubble, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook 4-5 minutes. I don’t want to cook all the nutrients out of the cauliflower, and I like my florets to still have a bit of crunch to them, so I simmer my cauliflower for only a few minutes.
When the cauliflower is almost cooked to your liking, add garam masala and green peas.
Mix and continue cooking until peas are heated through.

And that’s it, your cauliflower and peas are transformed into a delicious vegetable curry.

Check out a variation on this Indian gobi matar recipe and watch me cook a complete Indian dinner.

Thanks for checking out our gobi matar recipe, and all of our recipes. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list and never miss a new Chef Buck cooking video, and also click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen! Check out the Chef Buck Youtube Channel.

Thanks for watching our Indian curry recipe!

We include affiliate links for products on our website, so if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, we may earn a commission which helps us produce more videos and drink more coffee :^) We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program providing a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, so we can make more videos.

Chole Palak Chickpea and Spinach Recipe

10/06/202302/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Chole Palak is an Indian-style spinach and chickpea recipe that’s super flavorful and a breeze to make. With a few ingredients in the cabinet, this tasty dish is always just a few minutes away.

What You Need to Make Chole Palak

SPINACH (13 oz can or frozen, or 3 cups chopped fresh)
CHICKPEAS (15 oz can, rinsed and drained)
TOMATOES (diced, 14 oz can—or 2 fresh tomatoes
HOT PEPPER (1 or 2, minced)
GINGER (1 Tbsp, minced)
OLIVE OIL (2-3 Tbsp)
CUMIN SEEDS (1 tsp)
ASAFOETIDA (¼ tsp)
CORIANDER (1 Tbsp)
CHILI POWDER (1 tsp)
TURMERIC (½ tsp)
GARAM MASALA (1 tsp)
SALT (to taste)
Check out current prices for Indian Spices on Amazon.

chole palak chickpea spinach — Chole Palak is a popular Spinach and Chickpea dish

How to Make Chole Palak

Heat olive oil on medium high heat and add cumin seeds and asafoetida. The seeds should sizzle when they hit the pan and will brown and crack quickly. Add the tomatoes, ginger, and peppers. Mix well and then add the coriander, chili, and turmeric powder.

Mix and allow the tomatoes to cook down 3-4 minutes. Add the spinach and salt and stir well. Add ¼ – ½ cup water—I like less water, but add as desired throughout the recipe. Cover and let cook 3-4 minutes.

Uncover and mix in chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans). Add another ¼ cup of water, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 5-6 minutes. At this point the chickpeas will be soft enough to smash easily with a fork, which you don’t have to do, but I prefer the consistency of the dish if I mush about half of them.

Add the garam masala and stir another minute or two, also adding more water if desired. And that’s it! Enjoy! When I prepare an Indian meal, I almost always serve this dish; it’s easy, healthy, and delicious, so why not? Give chole palak a try, let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another fantastic dish, try Baingan Bharta, an Indian-style Eggplant Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our Chole Plak Recipe Video!

Click a button below and share the spinach curry with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Shrimp Remoulade Recipe – Best Shrimp Salad

09/13/202402/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Shrimp remoulade salad is one of my all-time favorite dishes. I used to eat this all the time when I lived in New Orleans—and I never go back without making a stop at the Gumbo Shop for a taste. I don’t know exactly how the Gumbo Shop prepares shrimp remoulade sauce, but this recipe is how I throw it together. A lot of ingredients go into the sauce, but it’s worth the effort. Give it a try!

What You Need for Shrimp Remoulade

TOMATO PUREE (½ cup)
MUSTARD (¼ cup –creole, stone ground, or dijon)
HORSERADISH (2 tsp –prepared)
GREEN ONION (1 tsp, minced)
PARSLEY (1 Tbsp, finely chopped)
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE (½ tsp)
MAYONNAISE (3-5 Tbsp)
CELERY (1 Tbsp, minced)
GARLIC (1 clove, minced)
CHILI POWDER (1 tsp)
PAPRIKA (1 tsp, smoked)
SUGAR (1 tsp, optional
SALT (to taste)
HOT SAUCE (½ tsp)
LEMON JUICE (1 Tbsp)
OLIVE OIL (1 Tbsp)
VINEGAR (1 tsp)

Salad Ingredients:

SHRIMP (1 lb, boiled)
SALAD GREENS
TOMATO SLICES
GREEN ONION (chopped, optional)

How to Make Remoulade Sauce

A kitchen colander can be helpful for this dish; check current prices for colanders on amazon.

To make the sauce, just mix all the sauce ingredients together (really?!). I’m using tomato puree in this version, but I’ve also made this dish using ketchup or tomato sauce; it will be thinner if you use those two, but that can be a good thing, especially if you want to toss the greens in the remoulade sauce.

Sugar is optional and definitely not needed if you’re using ketchup, which is usually sweet enough. Sometimes I’ll add a teaspoon of onion powder. This is a great recipe to play with, but be judicious with the mayonnaise! Using fresh ingredients like parsley, garlic, green onion, and celery will really make this sauce shine.

You can definitely make and serve the sauce immediately, but making it hours ahead or even the day before will embolden the flavors. Embolden the flavors? I’m not sure if that’s the right way to say that, but you know what I mean.

Cooking The Shrimp

I’m using 1 pound of deveined shrimp in the shell. For this salad, the bigger the shrimp the better, but I usually get whatever’s on sale—any kind of shrimp is gonna be delish in this dish. Before boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water to cool the shrimp after cooking—this will keep the shrimp from becoming overdone (tough and rubbery).

Put a pot of water on the stove and add 2 bay leaves and a generous amount of salt. Bring the pot to a boil and add the shrimp. I find a pound of shrimp takes about 2 minutes, but this will vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the amount of water in the pot. For sure, they will cook fast. Do not ignore them—it’s not a good time to multi-task. When the shrimp turn pink, they’re done. Get ’em out of the hot water and into the ice bath—this will halt the cooking process, and your shrimp will be perfecto (and now that they’re cooked, they’ll be super easy to peel).

Toss the shrimp in the remoulade sauce and serve over a bed of fresh greens. I like to garnish the salad with green onion and fresh tomato. Serve with saltines or a loaf of French bread and soft butter.

For another tasty dish, try my Garlic Shrimp Recipe.

Thanks for Trying Our Shrimp Remoulade Recipe

Click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. You can also follow Chef Buck on Youtube. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!

Baingan Bharta Roasted Eggplant Curry Recipe

02/01/202402/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Roasted eggplant curry is easy to prepare and super-flavorful with this simple, classic Indian dish. Give this Baingan Bharta eggplant curry a try and let me know what you think.

What You Need to Make Eggplant Curry

Ingredients:
1 large EGGPLANT (roasted)
1 med/lg ONION (chopped)
3-4 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)
1 hot PEPPER (finely chopped)
1 14 oz can diced TOMATOES (or 2 fresh tomatoes)
1 cup chopped CILANTRO (coriander leaves)
1 tsp MUSTARD SEEDS
1 tsp CUMIN SEEDS
1 tsp CORIANDER POWDER
½ tsp TURMERIC
½ tsp GARAM MASALA
5-6 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
Check out current prices for Indian Spices on Amazon.

baingan bharta eggplant curry — Baingan bharta eggplant curry, a classic Indian dish.

How to Make Baingan Bharta

Slice the eggplant lengthwise down the middle into two halves, brush all surfaces with olive oil, place on a baking pan flat side down, and bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven. The eggplant will be very hot, so set aside to cool.
In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium high heat. Add mustard and cumin seeds and cook 20-30 seconds—not too long or they will overcook. A pinch of asafetida can be added as well, if desired.
When cumin seeds begin to open, add onions and sauté for a couple of minutes.
Add garlic and hot pepper and continue sautéing. Add coriander and turmeric powder and mix well. I like to go light on the spices, but feel free to add more if desired. If you like a spicier dish, add 1 tsp of chili powder. I like to take it easy on the spices so as not to overpower the flavor of the eggplant. Add salt to taste and continue cooking a couple more minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, reduce heat, and simmer 4-5 minutes. While tomatoes simmer, return to the eggplant.
At this point the roasted eggplant will be much easier to handle (although it may still be hot, so use care). Using a spoon, the meat of the eggplant can be easily scooped away from the skin. Discard the skin. Roughly chopped the eggplant and add to the skillet, mixing well with the tomato mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes and then add garam masala. Mix and continue cooking another couple of minutes.
Add 1 cup of chopped cilantro (coriander leaves). Mix and remove from heat.

And that’s it. Give this eggplant curry recipe a try, let me know what you think.

And for another great indian dish, try this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.

Thanks for Watching our Baingan Bharta Recipe

Spaghetti Squash Recipe — Mediterranean Style

06/13/201902/20/2013 by Chef Buck

I love this Mediterranean spaghetti squash recipe; its super tasty, and I can eat way too much without feeling too guilty. Watch the video and learn how to easily cook this squash. It’s a terrific ingredient; delicious and healthy. This Mediterranean style recipe is just one of many ways to use this versatile vegetable. Give it a try!

Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ingredients:

1 medium SPAGHETTI SQUASH

1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL

1 large ONION (chopped)

4-6 cloves GARLIC (finely chopped)

½ RED BELL PEPPER (sliced)

1 14 oz can ARTICHOKE HEARTS in water (chopped)

1 cup OLIVES, and olive juice to taste (chopped)

¾ to 1 cup PARMESAN CHEESE (shredded or grated)

1 tsp OREGANO

½ tsp THYME

1 tsp BASIL

SALT and PEPPER to taste

Mediterranean spaghetti squash recipe — Mediterranean spaghetti squash makes a great vegetarian meal

How to Make this Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Preheat oven to 350.

Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise (a good, sharp knife will be nice). Place each side, cut side down, in a shallow pan with about ¾ c water. Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes. Set aside to cool squash halves–enough to handle without causing death to the handler–but not completely cool.

You have time to chop up all your ingredients while the squash cooks. For the artichoke, you may want to remove some of the outer, tougher leaves.

For each half, use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and dark center strings. Use a fork to scrape out the squash into ‘spaghetti-like’ strands.

Heat oil over medium high heat. Saute onion and garlic 4-6 minutes. Add bell pepper. Turn heat to low, stir and cover for 2-4 minutes. Uncover, stir in spaghetti squash and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook til all ingredients are warm, about 7-10 minutes

Add 1 Tbsp of olive juice and any other seasonings to taste. Serve warm. And a little toasted bread on the side won’t hurt.

Give this spaghetti squash recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…

Bon appétit!

And for another great spaghetti squash recipe, try this Spanish-style Spaghetti Squash.

Thanks for watching, sharing, and subscribing to my videos, I appreciate it!

Turkey Pot Pie Recipe with leftover turkey

06/13/201902/20/2013 by Chef Buck

Make this turkey pot pie recipe! This dish will stick to your ribs; it’s simple, delicious comfort food like you like it, and a great way to use leftover turkey. Or substitute chicken for a chicken pot pie recipe.

Ingredients for Turkey Pot Pie Recipe

2 to 3 lbs. of cooked TURKEY (or chicken)
1 large RED ONION (chopped)
5 cloves GARLIC (minced)
2 cups BROCCOLLI FLORETS
1 med ZUCHINNI (chopped)
1 14 oz can ARTICHOKE HEARTS (chopped)(or experiment using veggies you love)
White Sauce:
2 Tbsp BUTTER
2 Tbsp all-purpose FLOUR
1/4 tsp SALT
1 cup MILK
2 cups CHICKEN BROTH
Casserole Topping:
1 tsp black PEPPER
1 ½ cup BUTTERMILK
1 ½ cup SELF-RISING FLOUR
1 ¼ stick BUTTER (melted)

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie

Cook turkey (or chicken) your favorite way, then allow to cool. Remove skin and bones and chop into casserole friendly pieces. If you have left-over turkey or chicken, then this is a great dish to utilize that extra bird when you’re fed up with eating sandwiches (definitely keep this dish in mind after Thanksgiving).

Chop veggies into casserole friendly pieces—definitely experiment with the types of veggies you use—whatever is on hand will usually work; isn’t cleaning out the fridge what a casserole does best?

Make the white sauce:
In a sauce pot, melt 2 Tbsp butter on low heat and slowly add 2 Tbsp flour, mixing until mixture is smooth. Add ¼ tsp salt. Slowly add 1 cup milk, stirring until all is smooth. Turn burner heat up to medium high and add 2 cups broth. Continue stirring until mixture is heated through, but do not bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat.

Arrange turkey on the bottom of a casserole dish and cover with the white sauce. Check here for current prices on a Pyrex Casserole Dish on Amazon.

Top turkey with the chopped veggies. Add additional seasonings if desired, but keep in mind that the broth may already be well salted.

In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups buttermilk, 1½ cups self-rising flour, 1¼ stick melted butter, and black pepper. Mix into a smooth batter.

Pour batter over the veggies; spread evenly over the casserole to form a smooth top layer.

Place Casserole in an oven pre-heated to 425 degrees F and cook approx. 35 minutes. Cook an additional 5-10 minutes under the broiler to brown the top crust.

Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes before serving, and then follow your heart.

That’s it, dudes. Giive this pot pie recipe a try and let me know what you think, and…

For another family-style recipe, try this Complete Roast Chicken Dinner.

Thanks for checking out the pot pie recipe. Be sure and sign up for our mailing list so you’ll never miss a Chef Buck cooking video, and click a button below and share the dishes with your friends. We appreciate all the kind comments and support, and we’ll see you next time in the kitchen!
–Chef Buck

Quick Salad Recipe Ideas for Spicy Foods

06/13/201902/19/2013 by Chef Buck

Two quick and cool salad recipe ideas: tomato and cucumber salad. These salads make perfect sides for a spicy meal. The tomato basil goes great with any blackened fish, and I love the creamy cucumber with spicy Indian fare. No cooking is required; simply combine the raw ingredients for an easy accompaniment to your favorite spicy dishes.

Tomato Basil Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
2 fresh TOMATOES (diced)
½ cup BASIL (chopped)
¼ cup FETA CHEESE (crumbled)
1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
1 tsp BALSAMIC VINEGAR
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients:
2 SALAD CUCUMBERS (diced)
½ LEMON (juice and zest)
¼ cup GREEK YOGURT
1 tsp DILL
SALT and PEPPER, to taste

Give these salad ideas a go and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

Want another salad idea? Try this Jicama Salad Recipe.

Beet Greens Recipe — Easy, healthy Dish!

12/17/202102/19/2013 by Chef Buck

This is a super simple beet greens recipe. If you purchase beets with the greens intact, don’t throw those greens away! You can cook up a tasty dish using the beet greens (and if you don’t buy beets with the greens, then you need to make an adjustment in your shopping habit).

Beet Greens Recipe Ingredients:

1 bunch BEET GREENS
½ RED ONION (chopped)
1/3 RED BELL PEPPER (chopped)
2 cloves GARLIC (thinly sliced)
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
SALT (to taste)
PEPPER (to taste)
LEMON JUICE or VINEGAR (optional)

How to make Beet Greens

Remove the greens from the root and wash thoroughly because greens always seem to need a good washing, especially beet greens. I like to separate the green leaf from the thicker stem since the leafy greens will need far less time to cook. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil on med-med high heat. When the oil is hot, add onions and garlic.

I chop the onion big and the garlic thin. Stir for a minute and then add the red bell pepper and stir for a few minutes more. I use about a third of a red pepper, not too much, because it’s more for color than to influence the taste of the dish. The stems are a nice contrast to the dark greens.

Add a little water if needed, but not too much, the greens will release plenty of water.
Add the beet green stems. These will soften pretty fast, so a minute or two will be plenty of time Remember, overcooked veggies are a drag, man! Add the leafy greens.

Initially, I don’t mix the greens with the ingredients. I just cover the skillet for a minute or two and give the greens time to wilt. Remove the lid and stir, then add salt and pepper to taste and stir a minute more. That’s about when they’re ready. Camera Girl likes to add a splash of lemon, and vinegar goes great with greens, too.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Beet greens make a great side, especially with chicken or a cheap cut of meat. I like to serve greens as a main dish over quinoa, which is a seed that acts like a grain and is an excellent source of protein. (Check current prices for quinoa on Amazon.)

These quick beet greens make a perfect side dish for all kinds of meals, especially quick cook dishes like fish and kielbasa, or if you want to be a little less carnivorous, pair these greens with a side of beans and top with a soft-yolk egg. The yolk makes a great sauce!

Give these healthy beet greens recipes a try and let me know what you think, and bon appétit!

For another beet dish, try this Roasted Beet and Quinoa Recipe.