Sausage, Kale and Veggie Soup {Low Carb / Keto}

Sausage-Kale-Veggie-Soup

Whenever it’s cold outside, I crave a big pot of #soup or stew to warm my bones and forget that its Winter outside…I’m used to the NY Winters I grew up with, but down here in Florida it’s a little crazy for it to be so chilly right now!

Sausage-Kale-Veggie-Soup-3

So I made a big pot of this #delicious Sausage, Kale and Veggie Soup, which seemed perfect for a major binge-watching session of Bridgerton on Netflix. (Have you seen it yet!? #OMG I am in #love with that show! No time for a full review here but I’ll talk more about that later in my Winter #2021 Things I Love post coming up next week..A must see if you like historical dramas!)

Sausage-Kale-Veggie-Soup-2

Not only is this soup super comforting, but it’s #healthy, #lowcarb and #keto-friendly and quite filling too! I made it with some spicy ground Italian sausage (you can also use sweet sausage instead if you like less heat), a few big handfuls of fresh baby kale, and sautéed lots of fresh veggies too – carrots, celery, garlic, onions, parsley and zucchini. Then I simmered it all together with some beef broth, Everglades seasoning, Italian seasoning, olive oil + red pepper flakes into a big pot of goodness.

Sausage-Kale-Veggie-Soup-4

I topped it off with more fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese and went. to. TOWN. And of course served it with a glass of crisp white wine to go with.

Feel free to substitute #vegan sausage, white cannellini beans, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, a few halved baby potatoes or cauliflower florets / cauliflower rice instead of the Italian sausage if you want to make the soup #vegan or #vegetarian…but you might want to add more seasonings and a little more olive oil if not using sausage to amp up the flavors. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage if you prefer… (not vegetarian but a little healthier and less fat). And it’s just as delicious with chicken broth or veggie broth too.

Anyway you make it, I hope you enjoy and stay warm! What better way to spend a weekend afternoon than a good show and some comfy soup? 🙂

Sausage + Kale Veggie Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: Serves 8

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

This is a super delicious and comforting soup for the Winter made with Italian Sausage, Baby Kale, and lots of veggies like carrots, celery, garlic, onions, and zucchini all simmered together into a big pot of goodness. Topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese - all you need is some crusty Italian bread and a glass of crisp white wine to make it a healthy meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 carrots, chopped or sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sea salt and pepper, to taste
  • 5 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Everglades seasoning (or seasoned salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2-3 cups fresh baby kale, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté 1 pound ground Italian sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven for about 5 minutes until sausage was no longer pink; remove from pot with a slotted spoon into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add the carrots, onion, celery, and garlic into the same pot with additional tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste), and cook for another 5 minutes until veggies are soft.
  3. Add the cooked sausage back in to the pot and add the broth, sliced zucchini, Everglades seasoning (or seasoned salt), garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), tomato paste, Italian seasoning; bring soup to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer the soup over medium-low heat for 10-15 mins. Add two large handfuls of fresh baby kale (about 2-3 large cups), and chopped fresh parsley; simmer another 5-10 mins until the kale is wilted.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese at the end and serve hot with a little more cheese on top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with a glass of wine and crusty Italian bread, if desired.

Notes

You can sub vegan sausage, white cannellini beans, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, a few halved baby potatoes or cauliflower florets/rice instead of sausage to make it vegetarian...you might want to add more seasonings to taste, and add a little more olive oil if not using sausage for amped up flavors.

You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage if you prefer. (not vegetarian but a little healthier and less fat).

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2021/01/sausage-kale-and-veggie-soup-low-carb-keto/

More soup recipes you may enjoy: 

Classic Minestrone Soup

French Lentil Vegetable Soup

Veggie and Bean Soup

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Beef Vegetable Soup

Beef Vegetable Soup

Fall is finally upon us and its my favorite time of year! I especially love cozy soups and stews when it starts to get chilly outside. One of my favorites is this lovely Beef Vegetable Soup made with chunks of beef roast and tons of healthy and colorful veggies like carrots, onions, celery, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes and baby peas cooked in a flavorful beef broth with a hint of red wine vinegar and fresh herbs that will fill your belly and warm your toes.

First sear the beef in a large pot over high heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven for a few minutes. Remove the beef to a large plate, then add the veggies and fresh herbs and sauté them for about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook a few more minutes. Then pour in the beef stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cover, and let it bubble and simmer for about an hour and a half on low heat until the meat and veggies are meltingly tender and all the flavors meld together into a big pot of savory, delicious goodness.

Add zucchini and peas

Add the pre-cooked zucchini and frozen baby peas in the pot the last 10 minutes of cooking (so they don’t get too mushy. Look at all the goodness going on in there!

 

Serve the soup with some garlic butter Texas toast for dipping along with a glass of red wine for double coziness and maximum comfort.

Beef Veggie Soup

Enjoy!

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 10

Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup

Calories per serving: 209

Fat per serving: 7g

This Beef Vegetable soup is super healthy and filling and perfect for Fall. Chock full of veggies like onions, garlic, carrots, zucchini, peas and celery cooked with chunks of chuck beef roast, tomatoes and tomato sauce and beef broth. Great served with fresh parsley and a side of garlic butter Texas Toast for dipping!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or grapeseed oil
  • 2 3/4 pounds stew beef or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt
  • 2 cups yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cups celery, chopped or thinly sliced
  • 2 cups carrot, chopped or sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced and halved
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 4 1/2 cups beef broth (or more for thinner soup)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup frozen baby peas
  • Fresh Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Garlic Butter Texas Toast, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over high heat. Season beef with pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt, and add half of the beef, sautéing until browned on all sides but still pink in the center; transfer to a plate or bowl. Add additional tablespoon of oil to the pot and repeat with the rest of the beef.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-high and heat additional tablespoon of oil. Saute the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini and garlic until soft and tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt, dried oregano, fresh thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt and cook for another minute. Remove zucchini and set aside to add back in later.
  3. Add red wine vinegar and cook over medium-high for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add beef broth, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cover the pot, letting the soup simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and tender. Add frozen baby peas and sautéed zucchini in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and garlic butter Texas toast for serving. Goes great with a glass of dry red wine like Merlot of Cabernet.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2020/09/hearty-beef-vegetable-soup/

Other Beef Veggie soup recipes you might enjoy: 

Vegetable-Beef Soup, NY Times

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup, Taste of Home

Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup, Southern Living

Rock Star Chili

Rock Star Chili

It’s that time of year again where all i really want to do is stay in and cook some hearty comfort food and watch Netflix with my kitty under a big fluffy blanket. Chili is one of my fav recipes to make because it’s super easy, all in one pot, and a little spicy and savory and oh-so-good.

It’s a simple mix of ground beef, onions and garlic, chili seasoning, beans, stewed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili beans, beef broth and a dash of hot sauce all simmered into a lovely big pot of chili goodness. Simply top it with all your favorite toppings like a dab of sour cream, some shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese, jalapeños, cilantro and then serve some corn chips or tortilla chips along side for the perfect cozy dish, game-day ready!

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

The chili can also be prepared a few days ahead. Let the chili cool then cover with foil and keep in the refrigerator. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Rock Star Chili

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 8-10

Serving Size: Approx 1 cup

This is a super easy and super delish rock star chili recipe - you can adjust the heat by adding additional jalapeños, diced green chilies and/or hot sauce. Perfect cozy one-pot dish for a gloomy Winter day!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds ground beef (80/20) - ground chuck***
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • One packet Chili-O seasoning mix or homemade chili seasoning (see post for recipe)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • One 8-ounce can stewed tomatoes
  • One 8-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped
  • One 8-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with chilies
  • One 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, add to taste)
  • One 8-ounce can red kidney beans
  • One 8-ounce can prepared chili beans
  • Garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, corn chips or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot and add ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease from pot. Stir in the chili seasoning, salt and pepper.
  2. Add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent, stirring often, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute or so.
  3. Pour in the broth, all the tomatoes, tomato paste and hot sauce and simmer the chili over low heat until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for at least an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
  4. Mix in beans. Simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir together. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve.
  5. To serve ladel into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeños and corn or tortilla chips, if desired.

Notes

Feel free to play with this base chili recipe and make it your own! You can add a 12-ounce bottle of beer along with the tomatoes and broth in the beginning of cooking for a more complex flavor. If you want to amp up the heat factor, add some chopped jalapeños and a few tablespoons of the jalapeño juice into the chili towards the end, adjusting to heat level desired. A few chopped up chipotle peppers and dash of sauce will also give a smoky flavor to the chili without the heat. Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika in the chili seasoning for some smoky flavor as well.

To make homemade chili seasoning (rather than premixed) use this recipe:

Ingredients- 5 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions- Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste. 

DO AHEAD Can be prepared 3 days ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/12/rock-star-chili/

Mississippi Pot Roast + Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Mississipi Pot Roast

I was craving some serious comfort food yesterday – specifically some roast beef and potatoes with gravy like my mom used to make when I was a kid. As part of my effort to eat low carb/keto for awhile,  I went on a search for a new recipe without all the potatoes, carrots and onions – which although are delicious and healthy, not necessarily low carb.

Mississipi Pot Roast

My friend sent me a link to a low carb Mississippi Pot Roast made in the crockpot which sounded intriguing, because it’s totally zero carbs and I’ve heard rumors that this recipe is the BOMB. I decided to make it with a little twist of my own and seriously guys, you have to try this one.

Mississippi Pot Roast

It’s so easy to make – all you do is get a 3-4 pound pot roast (chuck roast or outside round), throw it in a crockpot with some butter, beef broth, pepperoncini and spices along with some of the pepperoncini juice. I added little bit of Chardonnay white balsamic vinegar to it as well for a touch of sweetness to  balance out the tangy, vinegary butter broth.

Homemade Ranch seasonings

And instead of using the recommended Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (which has a lot of carbs in it), I made my own spice mix with onion powder and garlic salt, some dried Italian seasoning, dried dill seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper. I added a dash of Everglades Heat seasoning (the spicy one) for little extra flavor and heat but you can totally leave this out if you prefer or just add a little cayenne or Creole seasoning like Tony Chacere’s.

Mississippi Pot Roast

You cook it on low for about 8 hours in the crockpot (or 4-5 hours on high) and then remove the roast from the crockpot, shred it into chunks with a fork, then put it back into the juices (you can add a little cornstarch or xanthan gum to thicken the gravy too) and you have a big pot of melt-in-your-mouth, buttery deliciousness.

Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

And instead of mashed potatoes I made some buttery Cheesy #Cauliflower Mash – which is so easy –

Cauliflower

Simply cut your cauliflower into large chunks, then microwave it with some cream and butter for about 12 minutes, stirring to coat halfway through. You can also steam the cauliflower too if you wish.

Blitz in a blender

Then blitz it in a blender with some butter and shredded cheese and you’ll forget what mashed potatoes even are, for reals. So good!

Mississippi Pot Roast

I seriously think I’ve discovered my favorite recipe of the century. OMG. This stuff is crack in a crockpot. I could eat this meal forever. Well, maybe not forever, but repeatedly, with no shame.

Enjoy – and you’re welcome 🙂

Mississippi Pot Roast + Cheesy Cauliflower Mash

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours, 30 minutes

Serving Size: Serves 6-8.

This is a melt in your mouth delicious Pot Roast recipe for the slow cooker, made with a buttery, pepper and vinegar beef broth served over mashed cheesy cauliflower. It's totally low carb, keto and gluten-free and absolutely delicious and worth the wait!

Ingredients

  • Pot Roast:
  • 3-4 pounds beef roast (chuck or outside round)
  • 10 ounces beef broth
  • 6 pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini pepper juice
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dill seasoning (dried)
  • Dash of Everglades spicy seasoning (optional)
  • freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower:
  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons half and half or cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • garlic salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pot Roast:
  2. Combine all the dried seasonings in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Coat the beef and rub on all sides with the spices. Place in slow cooker.
  4. Pour the broth into the slow cooker and add the pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, and balsamic vinegar over the beef.
  5. Place a stick of butter on top of the beef, cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours (lower is better but you can do on high if you don't have the time to wait!)
  6. Remove the beef from the crockpot onto a large plate or baking pan and shred the meat with 2 forks.
  7. Stir a little bit of cornstarch or no starch thickener (low carb/gluten free) into the juices to thicken it up a little bit.
  8. Place the beef back into the pot with the juices and serve over Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower (recipe follows).
  9. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower:
  10. Clean and trim the cauliflower, break up into small to medium-sized pieces. Place in a microwave-safe dish.
  11. Add the cream and butter and microwave the cauliflower on high for 6 minutes.
  12. Stir the cauliflower with the cream and melted butter, and microwave again for another 6 minutes.
  13. Place the cauliflower in a power blender or food processor, add a little more butter and some shredded cheddar cheese and blitz it until you get a smooth creamy puree.
  14. Season with garlic salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can substitute any cheese you like for the mashed cauliflower, and if you prefer to use pre-made Ranch salad dressing mix you can save time by using that but it has carbs so it won't be low carb if you do.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2019/01/mississippi-pot-roast-cheesy-cauliflower-mash/

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

It’s a cold, rainy Fall day in NYC, and what better than to make a big pot of cozy comfort food for the soul?

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free / TresOmega Pasta}

I was invited to join the TresOmega Blogger Recipe Challenge and I thought my One Pot Chili Mac Soup recipe would be the perfect thing to make with their gluten free pasta incorporated. This recipe is a cross between chili, tacos, mac and cheese and soup – all mixed together into a delicious pot of goodness..trust me, you’re gonna love this!!!

TresOmega Gluten Free Pasta

TresOmega Gluten Free Quinoa Elbows Pasta is made with a unique blend of Organic Royal Bolivian Quinoa – a nutrient packed superfood, organic amaranth, an ancient grain rich is vitamins and minerals, and organic white rice. The pasta is gluten-free, corn-free and certified organic and GMO-free, and has 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein in each serving.

Tresomega Pasta + Coconut Oil

First I cooked the pasta and tossed it in some TresOmega Virgin Coconut oil  to add to the soup later.

Brown beef, garlic and onions

Next I browned the ground beef, garlic and onions in a little more coconut oil and added some taco seasoning to the mixture in a large dutch oven.

Add veggies and beans and chiles to the pot

Then I added all the delicious veggies to the pot – corn, three types of beans, tomatoes, and chiles, and mixed it all together with the ranch seasoning. Just cover the pot and let simmer on low for about an hour, adding the cooked pasta in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Guys, this is so easy..and soooo good!

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

You can top this soup with whatever your heart desires – sour cream, jalapeños, shredded Mexican cheese, green onions, corn chips, maybe even a little parsley or cilantro for some extra green…go nuts!

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

This one-pot recipe is so simple to make and so delicious and best of all gluten free! So you can have a big pot of comfort food without all the guilt and feeling weighted down. Although on a cold rainy day like today, it might just warrant taking a nice nap afterwards. Enjoy 😉

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

One Pot Chili Mac Soup

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Yield: 1 bowl

Serving Size: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Tresomega Virgin Coconut oil, divided
  • 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can pinto beans
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can black beans
  • One 15 1/2-ounce can kidney beans
  • One 8.75-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • One 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with chiles
  • Two 4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chiles
  • One 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
  • One 1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
  • One package Tresomega Gluten Free Elbows
  • Corn chips, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Shredded Mexican cheese blend, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Pickled jalapenos, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat one tablespoon of Tresomega Coconut Oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, onions and garlic and brown for about 5-7 minutes; drain the excess fat. Transfer the mixture to a large stockpot or Dutch oven, stir in taco seasoning.
  2. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles and ranch dressing mix, and simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in the pot on the stove.
  3. Meanwhile, cook Tresomega Elbows according to package directions, drain, toss with a tablespoon of Tresomega Coconut Oil and set aside.
  4. Add cooked pasta to the pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  5. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with corn chips, sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, green onions and jalapenos.

Notes

Note - you can also cook the soup in a slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/11/one-pot-chili-mac-soup-gluten-free/

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

To find out more info and purchase Tresomega Nutrition products, visit their website or visit them on social media:

Pinterest

Twitter

Facebook

You can also purchase their products at: Sams.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com”

#TookTheChallenge #Tresomega #OrganicsForLife

#glutenfree #HealthyFood

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by TresOmega Nutrition as part of their Blogger Recipe Challenge. I did not receive compensation for this post but did receive products to develop this recipe and all opinions, recipes, photos and text are my own. Please do not use any images without my granted permission. Do feel free to share this post on social media with a link back to the original post and credit to Kristen Hess/The Artful Gourmet. 

One Pot Chili Mac Soup {Gluten Free}

Sausage, Corn & Orzo “Jambalaya”

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

On gray rainy days in New York (esp. at the beginning of so-called “Spring”), there’s nothing better than staying home and cooking up a big pot of comfort food. It seems to make the rain almost pleasant to listen to and watch, knowing that you’re tucked up indoors away from the rest of the world, cooking something cozy and #delicious.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

One of my favorite things to make is spicy #Cajun and #Creole food (New Orleans is one of my fav cities ever..the best food and cocktails on the planet!) and I had grand visions of creating a kickass recipe this week for my blog. And considering it’s going to be a rainy week and we’re all stuck indoors from this #quarantine, why not make a big pot of something wonderful to savor while I’m at it?

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

I had some Aidell’s Andouille Sausage on hand and tons of bell peppers, garlic, onions and tomatoes in the pantry so I decided to make a big pot of Jambalaya for my afternoon project. I also had some Flour City Pasta ‘Bon Vivant Orzo’ I’ve been dying to try, so I decided to whip up a twist on ordinary Jambalaya using that instead of rice. The orzo is multi-colored small pasta that looks like rice, with wild mushroom, saffron, spinach and cayenne – and I thought it would add some more layers of flavor to the dish.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

First I cooked the sausage until lightly browned in a big Dutch oven with a little olive oil. Then I added the vegetables and sautéed everything together with some spicy Creole seasoning (Tony Chacere’s is the bomb!). I also threw in some Kroger brand Zesty Seasoning Blend which is a savory blend of herbs and spices like onion, black pepper, chili pepper, parsley, oregano, basil, savory, marjoram, bay, thyme, rosemary, garlic and cumin and added a dash of hot paprika for an extra kick of spiciness and flavor. You can also substitute some dried thyme and oregano or whatever dried herbs you like instead if you can’t find something similar.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

Then I added the broth and tomatoes and orzo and brought everything to a boil, and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes or so until the orzo was cooked through. The pasta will soak up the liquids and get thicker the longer it sits, so be careful not to overcook it or it will get mushy. If you’re using rice instead, let the ingredients simmer for longer, about 20 minutes.

Once it all comes together with a consistency you like, serve it with some chopped green onions and fresh parsley with a dash of hot sauce (traditional Frank’s RedHot or Crystal are my favs) and freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.

Sausage Orzo Jambalaya

All I know is I have a long holiday weekend to savor my delicious #Jambalaya, along with lots of naps and #Netflix.

Let it rain. J

Sausage & Orzo Jambalaya

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6-8

Serving Size: 1 cup

This Sausage Orzo Jambalaya is a twist on traditional Creole Jambalaya using multi-colored orzo instead of rice, with the addition of some corn. It has a medium-spice heat to it with lots of veggies including red, yellow, orange and green peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes - a savory, heartwarming dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds Andouille sausage cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups onion, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, orange, green)
  • 1 cup yellow corn kernels
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (Tony Chacere’s)
  • 2 teaspoons Zesty Seasoning Blend (Kroger)- optional
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups orzo
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Hot sauce, for garnish (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven or pot. Add the sausage and cook for about 8 minutes until browned on all sides about 8 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
  2. Add the onions, peppers, corn, garlic and bay leaves along with the herbs and spices and saute over medium-high for a few minutes. Add the broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the orzo and reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for about 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked through and soft.
  4. Garnish with sliced scallions and chopped fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce and freshly ground black pepper, to taste for an extra kick.

Notes

Note: you can also substitute traditional white rice for the orzo, just cook it in the pot longer, about 20 minutes instead of 10 minutes.

You can also add chicken or shrimp to the recipe, swapping out 1 pound for the andouille sausage.

Recipe adapted from Southern Living Magazine.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/05/sausage-orzo-jambalaya/

Chile Chocolate Braised Short Ribs

Short Ribs

There’s nothing more comforting and heartwarming on a crazy cold day than braised short ribs with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. Can we say heaven in a bowl?

These short ribs take a while to make but they’re worth the wait (I promise!) – I made them a little bit spicy with dried chile peppers, garlic and onions, fresh rosemary and thyme, and a chipotle infused olive oil (I love 7 Barrels brand!) along with a dash of cocoa powder (the super intense Dutch red kind made by Guittard is my fav). They’re braised in broth, a full bottle of red wine (you’re welcome), and topped with fresh parsley.

Once they’re done cooking they will be falling off the bone – then I made a reduced sauce with a knob of butter at the end to make it super silky and delicious. I served these with roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower (simply roast them in olive oil and sea salt on 375 for about 45 minutes, tossing them every 15 minutes until crispy and delicious), but I recommend serving them with some creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles as well (or even some crusty French bread) to mop up that delicious spicy-savory-chocolate-chile-wine sauce. OMG.

Go ahead, indulge. You can always work it off tomorrow. Besides, a big bowl of comfort food and Netflix is more fun anyways 🙂

Chile Chocolate Braised Short Ribs

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours

Yield: 6-8

A classic Winter comfort food dish, these delicious braised short ribs are made with chile peppers, chocolate, red wine and lots of fresh garlic, onions and herbs. Super savory and tasty, served with roasted veggies, and either mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Ingredients

  • 2 large dried chile peppers, stemmed and deseeded
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 5 1/2 pounds center cut short ribs, on the bone
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chipotle olive oil (or regular EVOO if you prefer less spicy)
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Dutch red cocoa powder (Guittard)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 3 small onions, chopped
  • One bottle red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot or Cab Sauv)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • A few sprigs of fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)
  • Knob of unsalted butter (1-2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, for serving
  • Mashed potatoes or egg noodles, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Adjust rack to lower third.
  2. Cover chopped chile peppers with boiling water and let sit, covered for about 20 minutes until soft.
  3. Meanwhile, sprinkle short ribs on both sides generously with kosher salt and pepper and let rest to room temperature about 15 minutes while peppers are soaking.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook short ribs in batches, searing evenly on both sides until golden brown crust forms (about 7 minutes per side/15 minutes per batch).
  5. Once all short ribs are seared, place on a platter tented with foil and set aside.
  6. In a blender or food processor, add the chiles, water, stock, tomato paste, cocoa, garlic, onions, and a little dash of salt and mix thoroughly together until smooth.
  7. Pour the red wine in the Dutch oven and scrape the brown bits up from the bottom of the pan (deglazing the pan) and turn heat up to high bringing to a boil for 2-3 minutes, then reducing heat to a simmer, letting wine reduce by half (about 20 minutes).
  8. Add the pureed chile-onion mixture, balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs to the pot and boil together for a few minutes. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover tightly with a lid and braise in the oven for about 2 1/2 hours until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
  9. Place the ribs back on to a large platter and tent with foil to keep warm while making the sauce.
  10. Put the Dutch oven on the stove and heat over medium-high for another 10 minutes or so until sauce thickens and reduces. Remove from heat and add a knob of butter into the sauce to make it extra silky and smooth.
  11. Add the ribs back into the sauce and coat thoroughly. Serve on plates with sauce on top along side roasted veggies and mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

You can also substitute hard cider or a dark lager beer for the red wine.

https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2017/01/chile-chocolate-braised-short-ribs/

 

Favorite Game Day Recipes for the Super Bowl!

Super Bowl Snack Stadium

So the big day is right around the corner – the Super Bowl, yay! I’m not really partial to either team and am not even a huge football fan, but i LOVE LOVE LOVE the Super Bowl simply because of the fun parties, the commercials, and the food and drinks, of course.

So in spirit of the football party season, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite game day recipes that are perfect for a crowd. Finger foods, appetizers, dips and spreads and small bites to party in style!

Check out this link for some amazing Football Snack Stadiums like the one above

Here’s to #FOOTBALL #FOOD and may the best team win! 🙂

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

Sloppy Joes

Devishly Good Sriracha Jalapeño Honey Sloppy Joes

buffalo chicken dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Amazing Macaroni and Cheese

Amazing Macaroni and Cheese

Sriracha Mango Wings

Sriracha Mango Lime Chicken Wings 

Parmesan-Garlic-Artichoke-Dip

Parmesan Garlic Artichoke Dip

Taco Pizza

Seriously Delish Taco Pizza

Fried Chicken Biscuits

Fried Chicken Biscuits with Hot Honey

Spicy Cajun Chili

Spicy Cajun Chili

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Beef Enchilada Tortilla Casserole

Meatball Madness!

Meatball Madness!

Chicken Pot Pie Handpies

Chicken Pot Pie Handpies

Cheesy Beef Goulash

Cheesy Skillet Beef Goulash

Homemade Rustic Pizzas

Homemade Rustic Pizza

Chili Rub Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Chili Rub Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Mini Tarts

Sweet and Savory Mini Tarts

Chic Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Orange Tart

Glazed Chocolate Orange Tart

Click here to find some more great celebrity chef #recipes to celebrate the Super Bowl on NFL.com

And some more game day recipe ideas on Food Network!

Southern Living Ultimate Super Bowl Recipes

Red Curry Beef w/ Zucchini Noodles

   Red Beef Curry

Since the holidays are coming soon, we all know what THAT means..lots of holiday parties with food and drinks, and with that in mind, I’ve decided to commit to eating healthier and lighter the next few weeks.

Zucchini Noodles Action

I absolutely love my KitchenAid® Spiralizer Attachment that goes with my KitchenAid® Stand Mixer – and I’m so excited to make some healthier low-carb meals! It comes with five different blades for peeling, coring and slicing and is perfect for fresh fruits and vegetables. I love pasta and rice, but spiralized veggies are such a great substitute when I want to lighten up my recipes and eat low carb.

Red Curry Beef Zoodles

I thought a delicious comfort food dish with a healthy twist would be perfect for the cooler months, and decided to make a Red Curry  Beef with Zucchini Noodles.

Red Curry Beef ingredients

I used lots of fresh, organic ingredients: beef, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic and green beans, and then made a lovely curry sauce with coconut milk, red curry paste, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, some beef broth and a dash of Sriracha to spice it up.

Cutlery and Veggies

I used my Professional Series 3.5″ Paring Knife that came with the 7-piece Professional Series Cutlery set, for chopping my onions and garlic, Thai chilies and basil.

Chop beef into large chunks

The larger Chef’s knife was great for cutting up the large chunks of beef and sweet potatoes with its sturdier grip and large super sharp blade.

Add veggies to curry sauce

My heavy duty KitchenAid ceramic cast iron pot is perfect for making this dish – it cooks evenly and is large enough to make a large pot of curry or stew, and is ovenproof to 500 degrees!

Saute zucchini noodles

The KitchenAid spiralizer attachment is also easy to use! All you need to do is attach it to the KitchenAid mixer, and the spirals come right out perfectly cut. Then you just briefly cook them in a saucepan with some olive or peanut oil, season them with some salt and pepper.

Red Beef Curry

Top the #zoodles with this luscious and creamy curry – lots of great flavors and textures, sweet and spicy – all in one pot. Delish!

Red Beef Curry

This is such a great Winter comfort food dish to make and it’s so easy to make with all the right tools… You’ll definitely want to make this Red Curry Beef  Zucchini Noodles for dinner – tonight!

Red Beef Curry with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients

  • INGREDIENTS
  • 3-4 medium zucchini
  • 2 1/2 pounds lean stewing beef, (chuck or round), cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup red curry paste
  • 2 cans (13.5 ounce) unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 large handful French green beans, trimmed
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into medium chunks
  • 1 (8 ounce) can sliced bamboo shoots, drained
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped or torn, for garnish
  • 1-2 Thai green chilies, sliced fine, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Attach the KitchenAid® Spiralizer Attachment to your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer and choose your desired spiralizing blade. Attach the vegetable skewer to the Spiralizer and secure it to the zucchini. Move the spiralizing blade to the end of the zucchini and turn on the Stand Mixer to low (level 2) to make the spiralized zucchini noodles. Make sure you place a bowl underneath to catch the zucchini noodles as they fall. Set the noodles aside or keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. Cut the beef into 1 1/2 inch large chunks and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in your KitchenAid® 6.0Qt Cast Iron Cookware and brown the beef in two batches until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and transfer to a bowl, set aside.
  4. Add the onion and garlic to the same pot and sauté over medium heat for about a minute. Add the curry paste, stirring into the onions and garlic, until lightly fragrant, for about 30 seconds. Add the coconut milk, and deglaze the pan, stirring up all the crispy brown bits with a wooden spoon. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, beef broth, Sriracha (if using) and bring the liquid to a boil.
  5. Add the green beans and sweet potatoes and stir into the liquid. Next add the browned beef back in and stir together well. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about an hour and 45 minutes. Add the bamboo shoots into the curry and let simmer for another 15 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your 10? Skillet from the KitchenAid® Stainless Steel 8-Piece Set over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles, with some salt and pepper to taste, and sauté for a few minutes until the noodles are soft.
  7. Serve the noodles in bowls topped with the Red Beef Curry, garnishing with fresh chopped basil, sliced Thai green chilies and peanuts.
https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2016/01/red-curry-beef-zucchini-noodles/

CLICK HERE TO VIEW STEP BY STEP VISUALS ON THE KITCHENTHUSIAST BLOG!

Red Beef Curry

Enjoy!

Classic Comfort Food :: Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon

So Old Man Winter is finally back in town, despite the crazy warm weather we’ve been having lately in New York City. Temperatures drop and there’s nothing better than a big pot of comfort food and a bottle of red to make a girl happy, right? Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make everything OK…(*sigh). So I did just that this weekend, and made a huge batch of some classic Beef Bourguignon..you know, the classic French braised beef stew with veggies and red wine that Julia Child made famous.

Beef Bourguignon

I made it in a large 6-quart ceramic Dutch oven (KitchenAid brand is my fav!), and it’s chock full of savory deliciousness – sautéed pancetta, braised beef, shallots, garlic and carrots sautéed into a roux with some flour, flambeed brandy (my secret ingredient!), a whole bottle of red (yes, really!) and some beef stock, along with a bouquet garni of fresh herbs (1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 3 sprigs of rosemary wrapped in cheesecloth) slow cooked in the oven for 2 hours.

Beef Bourguignon

The finishing touch of mushrooms and caramelized Cippolini onions sautéed in butter are added in at the end to add tons of buttery, savory flavor to the stew. YUM.

Beef Bourguignon

I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything so delicious in my life – and I’m quite sure if Julia was still alive, I would make her damn proud, if I do say so myself.

Beef Bourguignon

It’s a flavor bomb in a bowl, my friends, and perfect for a lovely  holiday dinner party for a crowd. Serve in big bowls garnished with fresh Italian parsley over mashed potatoes, polenta or egg noodles, of course accompanied with a bottle of red (Pinot Noir or Burgundy) and some crusty French bread to mop up the sauce. All around a big table of friends and family to partake in all the goodness.

Happy Holidays! 

Beef Bourguignon

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Yield: 10 to 12 servings

This is a delicious heartwarming French Beef Stew made with beef chuck, red wine, brandy, fresh herbs, shallots, garlic, cippolini onions, carrots and pancetta. Perfect one-pot dish for Winter or the holidays!

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds beef chuck, cut into medium-large cubes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 pound pancetta, diced
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 5 large shallots, finely diced
  • 3 large carrots, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 bottle dry red wine (Pinot Noir or Burgundy)
  • 4 cups beef or veal stock
  • 1 bouquet garni (1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs thyme, 3 sprigs Italian parsley)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 5-7 small to medium Cippolini onions, quartered
  • 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (White button or Cremini)
  • Flat leaf Italian Parsley, minced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place beef in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and season with a couple teaspoons of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat for several minutes to get it hot.
  4. Add pancetta and cook until crispy and browned, drain on paper towels and set aside.
  5. Increase the heat to high and add the beef in to the pot in a single layer and brown on all sides, turning with tongs (be careful not to crowd or overfill the pot as you will need to cook beef in batches to get a nice browning).
  6. Place the browned beef back on to the baking sheet and set aside.
  7. Add the oil and diced shallots and carrots to the Dutch oven and cook for a few minutes. Lower the heat to medium-high and continue to saute until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
  8. Add the brandy and flambe (light it in the pan with a long lighter or match) and let the flames keep going for as long as possible, until they go out to burn off alcohol.
  9. Reduce heat to medium, add flour and stir together with the vegetables for a few minutes to make a roux base for the stew.
  10. Next deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine, a little bit at a time, stirring well to incorporate and remove any lumps, scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan (these babies are full of flavor!)
  11. Add 3 3/4 cups of the stock, browned meat and bouquet garni and bring to a boil over high heat.
  12. Remove pot from the heat, cover and cook the stew in the oven for 2 hours, until meat is fork tender. (The meat should shred/fall apart easily when you pierce it with a fork - if not, place it back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes).
  13. While stew is cooking, caramelize the onions in a medium saute pan with 1 tablespoon of butter and salt and pepper, until the onions are lightly browned.
  14. Add the remaining 1/4 cup stock and cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and glazed and liquid is evaporated.
  15. Transfer onions to a bowl and set aside.
  16. In the same pan, turn the heat up to high. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, the mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste, sear over high heat until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and mix into the caramelized onions, set aside.
  17. Remove the stew from the oven and gently stir in cooked pancetta, mushrooms and onions. Adjust seasonings (salt and pepper to taste).
  18. Serve the stew in bowls with a sprinkling of fresh parsley over mashed potatoes, polenta or egg noodles, with a glass of red and crusty bread to mop up the sauce of course!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Mother's Best Comfort Food Cookbook.

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https://www.theartfulgourmet.com/2015/12/classic-comfort-food-beef-bourguignon/

Beef Bourguignon

Other Beef Bourguignon recipes you may enjoy:

Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon

Slow-Cooked Beef Bourguignon The Kitchn

Martha Stewart Beef Bourguignon