Cheesy Chili Cups

Freezer Friendly, MAIN DISHES, Meat, Recipes
/
 by

These Cheesy Chili Cups are going to become a family favorite recipe.

cheesy chili cup on a white plate

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Cabot Cheese and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Hello everyone! My name is Corinne Levy and I’m working with Julie to complete my internship. I am a senior studying culinary nutrition at Johnson & Wales University. I absolutely love cooking especially if the dishes I make help others feel happy and healthy! By working for Julie I’m looking forward to learning more about how I can get people excited to be in the kitchen and understand that all foods fit.

As a kid, sitting down as a family for dinner was always important, but throughout time as schedules changed it did become a bit of a challenge. Luckily, we always had some easy meals that brought us together and one of them was a classic Sloppy Joe Cup. It was a simple and fun excuse for us to play around with biscuit dough!   

In honor of it being Family Meals Month, this recipe is an upgrade to Corinne’s old family Sloppy Joe Cup recipe into Cheesy Chili Cups. The base is a simple biscuit with Cabot Habanero Cheddar folded in to give some subtle heat. Instead of sloppy joe, the filling is a one-pot turkey chili with lots of fun veggies hidden in it and topped with Cabot Pepper-Jack. This is a nice hearty and cheesy recipe that the whole family can enjoy together.

Why family meals are important

September is Family Meals Month! The goal of this initiative is to show the positive effects of eating with loved ones has on our behavior. Eating as a family usually results in more at home cooking which then leads to healthier habits. It also saves you money compared to frequently buying takeout. By sitting down and sharing a meal with the ones we care about, we are allowing ourselves to build a positive relationship not just with people but also our food.

Budget-friendly shopping strategies

  • Look at what items are on sale and what coupons are available. 
  • Try to plan meals ahead of time then make your shopping list. Sticking to a list helps prevent impulse buys from getting into your cart.
  • Stock up on frozen produce! They’re often cheaper and last a long time in the freezer.

Strategies for making quick and healthy meals

  • One-pot meals are simple, involve less clean up, and are a great opportunity to use up produce.
    One-pot meal recipe inspiration
  • Sheet pan recipes can be a breeze. Chop up some veggies, season your meat or plant-based protein, toss it all in the oven, and ta-da!
    Sheet pan recipe inspiration
  • Mise en Place: by staying organized and prepared for a recipe the process of cooking will go smoother.
  • Make what you can ahead of time. Marinade things overnight, cut veggies the night before, and store them in the fridge. That way when you’re ready to cook most of the prep is done already.
cheesy chili cup cut in half with the filling falling out on a white plate

How to make cheesy biscuits

Step One: Preheat the oven to 350℉. While that’s heating up assemble all your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) into a large bowl. Make sure the flour isn’t packed or else you’ll end up with a dense biscuit!

Step Two: Cut the butter into the dry ingredients. This is a common technique in baking where instead of totally creaming together the fat into the mix, you break the butter down into small pieces throughout the dough. This way when you bake them the butter will melt leaving nice air pockets that make the biscuit fluffy.

Step Three: Mix in the shredded cheese and milk until the dough is evenly mixed. For this recipe, we used the Cabot Habanero Cheddar to add a little heat. Cabot cheese is naturally aged cheddar that comes in a huge variety of flavors so you can customize what cheese will best suit your family dinner. Cabot’s cheese also melts nicely in the dough giving a nice rich flavor to what would normally be a simple biscuit.

Step Four: Knead and roll the dough out flat. Cut the dough out into circles (I usually end up with about 24 pieces) and place them into muffin tins or spaced out on a lined baking pan. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Chili Cups

Cheesy Chili Cups

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 chili cups (6-8 servings)
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Filling:
½ lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola oil)
1 medium bell pepper, small dice
½ medium onion, small dice
½ medium zucchini, shredded
1 (15 oz.) canned tomato sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup Cabot pepper-jack cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Biscuit Cups:
4 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup Cabot habanero cheddar, shredded

Instructions

  1. Starting with the filling: In a shallow pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of oil. Then add the ½ lb of ground turkey over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
  2. Toss in all of the onion, zucchini, and pepper. Cook for about 5 more minutes until the onions are translucent
  3. Mix in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all of the spices. Let the tomato sauce reduce for another 5 minutes to get a nice thick chili. Set aside until it’s time to fill the biscuit cups.
  4. For the Biscuit Cups: Preheat the oven to 350℉. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Cut the butter into the flour until the butter is in small pea-size pieces and evenly distributed throughout.  For this, you can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your hands.
  6. Slowly incorporate the milk and shredded cheese until a solid yet slightly sticky dough has formed.
  7. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a minute. Then, roll it out into a ¼” sheet. Cut circles out of the dough to fit into muffin tins.
  8. Fill the muffin tin with the dough circles and make sure the dough lines the wall of each tin. The goal is to make these into little cups. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes 
  9. Take the biscuits out of the oven. Then make a well in each cup with a spoon to put in the filling. Once the filling is in the cup and topped with Cabot shredded pepper jack, put them back in the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and biscuits are finished baking.

Notes

Recipe development support by Corinne Levy, JWU culinary nutrition intern.

Keywords: chili, biscuits, Cabot cheese, cheddar cheese

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

FAQ

Can I use pre-made dough? 
Yes absolutely! If I’m in a time crunch Immaculate Baking or just a simple Pillsbury biscuit will do.

How long will these last in the refrigerator?
Like most leftovers, they’ll last in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Do these cheesy chili cups freeze well?
Yes, bag them up and freeze away! Just reheat them in the oven so the biscuit maintains a good texture.

How can this recipe be changed to be vegetarian?
You can switch the turkey out with a combination of beans and chopped mushrooms. The beans will be a good source of protein and the mushrooms will help get that umami flavor!

Does this recipe accommodate dairy allergies?
This is actually why Cabot cheese fits so well for this dish! Cabot cheese is naturally lactose-free thanks to its cheese-making process.

Other recipes you may enjoy

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup

Spruced Up Cheese and Crackers: 3 ways, with 3 ingredients each

Game Day Appetizer Recipes

Cast Iron Seared Steaks with Garlic Seasoned Salt

30 minutes or less, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, MAIN DISHES, Meat, Nut Free, One pot/dish, PREP, Recipes
/
 by

No grill, no problem! Learn how to perfectly cook steak in your cast iron skillet.

sliced medium rare steak

This post is sponsored by the New York Beef Council in collaboration for their first-ever #BeefTogether Virtual Steak Night. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog possible!

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a virtual cooking class with the New York Beef Council to learn more cooking techniques to perfectly cook a steak on the cast iron skillet. I picked up a few new tips. 

Lean beef can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle and is a nutrient-dense food. Beef is a source of important nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc. Iron carries oxygen to our brain and body and zinc boosts our immune system.

Intimidated by cooking steak at home? Don’t be! Plus, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Create a simple dry rub and grab your cast iron skillet. Simply follow these steps to create a delicious steak at home.

How to cook steak on a cast-iron skillet:

This cooking technique first sears the steak stovetop, then finishes the cooking process in the oven.

Step One:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. The cook time for medium-rare (145 degrees F) can range anywhere from 7-15 minutes of cook time in the oven. There are many variables that can cause such a range, like if the steak is cold vs. room temperature or the thickness of the steak.

Instead of basing the cooking on time, shift the focus of the cooking time depending on the internal temperature.

strip steak on wooden cutting board

Step Two:

Allow the steak to come to room temperature – no longer than 30 minutes. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This will promote more even browning and the rub to stick on better. Trim off excess fat, if desired. Rub seasoning blend on both sides evenly.

strip steak with dry rub

Step Three:

Place cast-iron skillet stovetop over high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil (or avocado oil) and allow to heat until shiny and glistening.
Note: Start the cooking process with oil as it has a higher smoke point than butter. If you want to add butter at the end, you can always baste it on top.

Step Four:

Using tongs, place the steak in the center of the pan. (Using tongs can help prevent any oil splattering on your hands.) Sear for about 1 minute, until a nice browned sear and the steak is easily able to move in the pan. If the steak is sticking to the pan, it’s not ready to be flipped. Don’t force it. Let it continue to cook then flip when ready and sear the other side.

Step Five:

Using oven mitts, transfer the steak in the cast-iron skillet into the oven. Cook for 7 minutes and take the temperature by placing the instant-read thermometer horizontally from the side so it penetrates into the thickest part of the steak.

temping a streak

Step Six: 

For medium-rare, pull out of the oven when the thermometer reads 140 degrees, then allow to rest to factor in carryover cooking to reach an optimal temperature of 145 degrees F. Using tongs, remove steak from the pan onto a clean cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and allow steak to rest 5-10 minutes.

tenting a steak in foil

Step Seven:

Slice the steak across the grain and serve immediately. And most importantly, enjoy it!

sliced medium rare steak

Tips for using dry rubs:

  • Dry herbs consist of herbs, spices, and other seasonings.
  • Rubs can be applied just before cooking or up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerated until cooking time.
ingredients for a spice blend

When to use dry rubs:

Trouble deciding if you should use a dry rub or marinade? Dry rubs are used for tender cuts of meat. Marinades are used for less tender cuts of meat, as the acid in the marinade helps tenderize the meat.

Cooking tips:

How to properly temp a steak:

Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally from the side so it penetrates the thickest part of the center of the steak.

Thawing a frozen steak:

For best quality, defrost beef in the refrigerator. (Never at room temperature!) Place the frozen package on a plate or tray to catch any juices.

For ½ to ¾ inch steaks, allow for approximately 12 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
strip steak cooked to medium rare, sliced

Cast Iron Seared Strip Steaks with Garlic Seasoned Salt

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minute
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: dinner
  • Method: stove top to oven
  • Cuisine: american
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 (about 8–10 ounces each) boneless Strip Steaks, cut 1-inch thick
1-2 tablespoons canola oil (or avocado oil)

Garlic Seasoning Salt:
4 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion granules
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
4 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Allow steak to rest for up to 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 
  2. In a small food processor or spice grinder, pulse the rosemary, oregano, and onion granules to break them down to a similar size as the kosher salt. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, oregano, onion granules, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Trim off excess fat, if desired. Rub seasoning blend on both sides evenly.
  4. Place cast-iron skillet stovetop over high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil and allow to heat until shiny and glistening. Using tongs, place the steak in the center of the pan. Sear for about 1 minute, until a nice browned sear and the steak is easily able to move in the pan. Then flip and sear the other side until browned.
  5. Using oven mitts, transfer the steak in the cast-iron skillet into the oven. Cook for 7 minutes and take the temperature by placing the instant-read thermometer horizontally from the side so it penetrates into the thickest part of the steak. Cook for temperature vs. time. The USDA recommends cooking until 145 degrees F for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time until the desired temperature is reached.
  6. Using tongs, remove steak from the pan onto a clean cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and allow the steak to rest 5-10 minutes.
  7. Slice the steak across the grain and serve immediately.

Keywords: steak, strip steak, beef, dinner, cast iron

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

FAQ:

Where does the strip steak cut come from?

Strip steaks are cut from the short loin of a cow, which is located behind the rib area with the tenderloin.

anatomy of a cow
(image source: unknown)

What temperature should I cook the steak to?

Medium-rare: 145 degrees F
Medium: 160 degrees F
Well Done: 170 degrees F

What qualifies beef as “lean”?

Beef can only be claimed as “lean” if the cut of beef is less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams or less saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving per 100 grams (about 3 ¾ ounces by weight).

What other ways can I use this Garlic Seasoned Salt?

  • Roasted vegetables
  • Popcorn
  • Homemade pita chips

Other recipes you may enjoy

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

Ultimate Greek Burger

Mediterranean Cod En Papillote

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, MAIN DISHES, Nut Free, One pot/dish, Recipes, Seafood
/
 by
/
2 Comments

Step up your culinary game with this surprisingly easy Mediterranean Cod En Papillote made with Norweigian cod.

Mediterranean Cod En Papillote

This post is sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog possible!

During this time, we are staying inside and limiting the number of trips to the grocery store. Rethink the protein choices on your grocery list. Add seafood! Build recipes around lean fish with pantry ingredients you have on hand. Just starting out cooking seafood? Simple is best! Only a few ingredients and seasonings are needed to make fish delicious.

Being strategic when grocery shopping and relying on pantry staples is key. Here in New Jersey, there are limits on amounts of certain proteins like chicken and eggs. At the grocery store, there is a whole department dedicated just to seafood. Don’t skip it!

Health benefits of eating more fish

Eating seafood two to three times per week reduces the risk of death from any health-related cause by 17 percent. New to adding seafood into your menu repertoire? Start with a mid-flavored, firm fish like cod. Norwegian cod to be exact!

Tips for buying fish

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to seafood – both wild and farmed. The origin of the seafood is something you should be looking out for, as every country has completely different practices.

Sustainability has been one of the main objectives of the Norwegian fishing industry, and they are committed to producing seafood in a safe, controlled, and sustainable manner. And I know this because I actually traveled to Norway myself with the Norwegian Seafood Council and saw how seriously Norway takes sustainability and how strict regulations that maintain fish supply are meticulously upheld.

According to the USDA, Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a consumer labeling law that requires retailers (grocery stores and supermarkets) to identify the country of origin on certain foods, including wild-caught fish, farm-raised fish, and shellfish.

What does “en papillote” mean?

Don’t be intimidated by this recipe, en papillote is a culinary technique that any home cook can master in their kitchen. 

The term en papillote (pronounced: ON pah-pee-YOHT) means “in paper” or “in parchment”. It is a moist-heat cooking method because it is the steam from within the package where the food is enclosed by parchment paper that cooks the food. More delicate proteins, such as fish or chicken, are more commonly cooked en papillote as they can be quickly cooked by this steaming method.

Steaming en papillote requires no special equipment other than parchment paper. The food won’t stick and parchment paper is easy to seal not allowing any liquid to escape. Just make sure to tightly seal the edges. Plus, clean up is easy – just toss the parchment when you’re done!

How to build flavors

The key to creating a flavorful en papillote dish is building flavors. When cooking en papillote, there are usually vegetables as the base with herbs and seasonings, topped off with the protein. The vegetables contain moisture and during the cooking process generate steam, which cooks the protein enclosed in the parchment pouch. Additional herbs and seasonings are used to build flavors.  Mediterranean flavors inspired this recipe creation. 

Mediterranean ingredients on parchment paper

Get cooking together

This recipe is the perfect way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

  • Raid the pantry to play around with different spice and herb blends
  • Get the family involved – everyone makes their own signature creation
  • Little hands (kids) can help make this meal. Have them help stack the ingredients, wrap the parchment paper, etc.
Mediterranean Cod ingredients layered on parchment

Health Benefits of Cod

Norwegian Cod is a lean fish. It contains only up to 3% fat and almost no carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of:

  • Protein
  • Vitamins (such as B12)
  • Selenium
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (a meal-sized portion of cod delivers the recommended daily intake)
  • Iodine
step by step guide for Mediterranean Cod En Papillote recipe
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
baked cod on top of mediterranean vegetables

Mediterranean Cod En Papillote

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2
  • Category: seafood
  • Method: En Papillote
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
Print Recipe

Description

Step up your culinary game with this surprisingly easy Mediterranean Cod En Papillote made with Norweigian cod.

Ingredients

Scale

2 (5-ounce) pieces of Norwegian cod (or other white fish like snapper, grouper, or monkfish)
salt
pepper
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
2 pieces of parchment paper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Pat cod dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside. 

Fold the parchment paper in half. On one side of the parchment paper layer the tomatoes, olives, capers, onion, pepper, and garlic. Top with fillet, drizzle with olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using) and place lemon slices on top.

Fold the other half of the parchment paper on top and seal the edges making a small fold every 1/2-inch all the way around to create a half-moon shape.  Repeat with another piece of parchment and remaining ingredients. 

Place both pouches on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the parchment paper, has puffed up and fish is cooked through.  Transfer to a plate and cut with scissors or unroll, being careful of the hot steam that will escape.

Keywords: cod, seafood from norway, En Papillote, fish, seafood recipe

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Other ways to prepare cod

  • Baked
  • Broiled
  • Fried
  • Sauteed
  • Steamed
  • Poached

Other recipes you may enjoy

Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod

Sheet Pan Miso Salmon and Green Beans

Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Avocado Broccoli Slaw

White Bean Shakshuka

30 minutes or less, Beans & Grains, Breakfast & Brunch, Gluten Free, MAIN DISHES, Nut Free, One pot/dish, PREP, Quick & Easy, Recipes, Vegetarian, Vegetarian
/
 by

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy.

Whip up this one-pan smoky White Bean Shakshuka for a weekend brunch, but it is just as good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

cast iron skillet with white bean shakshuka with a piece of bread

What is Shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a Mediterranean meal of poached eggs in a simmering tomato sauce with spices.

The beauty of this dish is that you can play around with the ingredients to customize it for your preference. I’ve even made a green shakshuka before!

Why you should always keep a well-stocked pantry.

Writing this blog post now, we are in the midst of COVID-19. We are taking fewer trips to the grocery store and may need to rely on pantry staples to create nutritious meals around. Mealtime inspiration is just a can opener away.

cast iron skillet with shakshuka

Is canned food healthy?

Canned foods are an easy, cost-effective way to eat healthy year-round. They are a simple, realistic way people can incorporate nutrients into meals.

Nutritionally speaking, canned food is comparable to its cooked fresh and frozen counterparts. Canned fruits and vegetables are packed at their peak of harvest, which means they are packed at their peak nutrient value. Crops that go directly from the field to the processor often retain vitamins better than those that travel hundreds of miles across the country and sit for days in produce bins. (resource)

portion of white bean shakshuka on a ceramic plate

What ingredients give this shakshuka a smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor mainly comes from two ingredients in this recipe – the fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika.

  • Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
    Fire-roasted tomatoes are made by charring the tomatoes over a flame before they’re diced and canned. You may even see little black flecks within your can. That is from the tomato making direct heat with the flame creating that smoky flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika
    Smoked paprika is made from pimiento peppers that have been dried and smoked over an oak fire, then ground into a fine powder, creating that earthy and smoky taste.
Cast iron skillet with a brunch recipe scooped with a wooden spoon

What equipment you need to make shakshuka:

  • Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan* (see FAQ below if you don’t have one!)
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander
plate of tomato sauce mixture with an egg and bread

FREE Cooking Class:

This recipe was featured as part of Virtual Teaching Kitchen’s FREE virtual cooking classes. Click here to learn more about the Virtual Teaching kitchen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

White Bean Shakshuka

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4
Print Recipe

Description

Whip up this one-pan smoky White Bean Shakshuka for a weekend brunch, but it is just as good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups packed baby spinach
4 large eggs
Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste
1/4 cup feta crumbles
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes, if desired
Crusty bread or pita, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet, preferably cast-iron over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until tender and translucent. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
  2. Add the smoked paprika, oregano, and tomato paste, consistently stirring for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. 
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices, beans, and spinach. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to give the flavors time to come together and spinach has wilted.
  4. Turn off the heat. Use the back of a spoon to make a well in the tomato/bean mixture and crack the egg directly into it. Gently spoon a bit of the tomato mixture over the whites to help contain the egg. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. 
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. They’re done when the egg whites are an opaque white and the yolks have risen a bit but are still soft. They should still jiggle in the centers. (Keep in mind that they’ll continue cooking after you pull the dish out of the oven.) Cook to preferred doneness.
  6. Transfer the hot skillet to a heat-safe surface like the stove. Top with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve in bowls with crusty bread or pita on the side.

Notes

Don’t have an oven-safe pan or cast-iron pan? No problem! Once you have cracked the eggs into the skillet, lower the heat and place a lid on top and cook until the desired doneness.

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
plate of white bean shakshuka with poached egg and a slice of bread

FAQ:

What if I don’t have a cast-iron pan?

Not a problem! Once you have cracked the eggs into the skillet, lower the heat and place a lid on top and cook until the desired doneness.

What if I can’t find fire-roasted tomatoes?

You can use regular crushed tomatoes for this recipe! If you are looking for an extra smoky flavor, then add a little extra smoked paprika.

What if I don’t prefer the smoky flavor?

Use plain crushed tomatoes and paprika (not smoked).

Other recipes you may enjoy

Make PERFECT Hard Boiled and Soft Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot

Crispy Garlic Chickpeas

Pasta with Swiss Chard Walnut Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes

Salmon Burgers with Lemon Dill Horseradish Sauce

30 minutes or less, Dietary, Dips, Sauces & Spreads, Freezer Friendly, MAIN DISHES, Nut Free, PREP, Recipes, Sandwiches & Burgers, Seafood
/
 by

Rethink the classic burger with a seafood twist. Add these salmon burgers with lemon dill horseradish sauce to your menu rotation.

salmon burger with creamy sauce on a brioche bun

Salmon is one of the most popular species consumed. With the high demand, the safest and most efficient way to feed the population is with farm-raised salmon. Norway is the world leader in the production of ocean-farmed sustainable salmon.

opened face salmon burger with creamy dill sauce

Understanding aquaculture

Aquaculture provides safeguarding to the environment and fish stocks for the future is the only way its aquaculture industry can remain sustainable. Sustainability has been one of the main objectives of the Norwegian fishing industry, and they are committed to producing seafood in a safe, controlled, and sustainable manner with strict regulations.

seafood from norway

Seafood from Norway

In Norway, salmon farmers monitor fish conditions carefully, control the salmon’s feed, and keep parasites out. This farmed environment helps resist disease. In Norway, farm-raised salmon live in their natural habitat and have plenty of room to swim. One of the myths about salmon farming is that the fish lives in crowded pens. The fact is, Norwegian salmon has plenty of space to grow as the pen holds 97.5% water and just 2.5% fish. Their pens are designed to ensure optimal growth and living conditions for the dish. Norwegian aquaculture industry sets the standard for high-quality, safe, and sustainably farmed salmon.

salmon burgers in a cast iron skillet

FREE Cooking Class:

This recipe was featured as part of Virtual Teaching Kitchen’s FREE virtual cooking classes. Click here to learn more about the Virtual Teaching kitchen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
salmon burger with creamy sauce on a brioche bun

Salmon Burger with Lemon Dill Horseradish Sauce

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillets skin and bones removed, chopped
3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
canola oil for frying (can also use olive oil)

Yogurt-Dill Sauce:
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
1/4 cup dijon mustard
1/4 cup dill, chopped
1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons) and zested (about 1 teaspoon)
1 tablespoon horseradish

To serve:
Brioche buns
Butter lettuce

Instructions

  1. In a food processor add salmon. Pulse a few times until the salmon breaks down into small pieces. (Tip: Pulse a few times vs. running the food processor)
  2. In a large bowl, combine salmon, breadcrumbs, egg, dill, salt, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well, but make sure to not overwork the mixture. Shape into 6 burgers.
  3. For the yogurt-dill sauce: In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mustard, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and horseradish. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add salmon burgers and cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F.
  5. To serve: Place a few pieces of butter lettuce on the bottom half of the bun, top with a burger, and a generous dollop of the yogurt-dill sauce.

Keywords: salmon, salmon burger, burger, seafood, omega3, heart healthy

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
salmon burger with creamy sauce on a bun

FAQ

Can I freeze these salmon burgers?

Yes! Form the salmon into patties. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (so they don’t freeze to the pan!) and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap each individually with plastic wrap, then foil, then store in a freezer bag removing as much air as possible.

Can I grill these salmon burgers?

Yes, of course! I like using a cast-iron skillet to get a good sear, but grilling works great too! Tip for if you decide to grill – After forming the patties, refrigerate them for 10-20 minutes so they firm up a little to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.

How else can I use the salmon burgers?

These salmon burgers as leftovers are delicious! Here are a few suggestions:

  • Add to leafy greens
  • Crumble and scramble with eggs
  • Chop and add to a wrap
  • Serve with a sunny side egg on top

What else can I use the lemon dill horseradish sauce with?

Utilize this sauce any way you would utilize any other condiments! This pairs well with many foods.

bowl of lemon dill horseradish sauce

Other recipes you may enjoy

Instant Pot Lemon Ginger Salmon

Smoked Salmon Avocado Flatbread

Sheet Pan Miso Salmon and Green Beans

This post contains affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.

Ultimate Greek Burger

MAIN DISHES, Meat, Nut Free, Recipes, Seasonal, Spring, Summer
/
 by

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy.

Serve these Ultimate Greek Burgers at your next barbecue. Highlighting fresh Greek-inspired flavors, this recipe will kick your burger game up a notch.

Greek Burger on a toasted bun with tzatziki sauce and tomato salad

This post is sponsored by the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog possible!

How these Ultimate Greek Burgers will step your burger game up a notch

There is nothing better than a juicy burger right off the grill. A beef patty is a classic, but after hosting and attending so many barbecues, it’s time to switch things up! Don’t worry, we are keeping the beef patty, but enhancing it with Greek-inspired flavors. As a chef, I love Mediterranean flavors and as a dietitian, I love the health benefits that come along with following a Mediterranean style diet.

bite taken out of a Greek burger

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean-style eating pattern encompasses a wide variety of foods and flavors from the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. While the cuisines of each country differ slightly, they all have a few things in common. To build a healthy Mediterranean plate, start with fresh vegetables and fruits, add lean protein and whole grains, and enhance with dairy and healthy fats.

Why lean beef is included in the Mediterranean Diet

The eating pattern allows a wide variety of proteins (including fresh lean beef, pork, poultry, and fish) that support heart health. Lean beef contains important nutrients, like protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins that your body needs.

What does “lean beef” mean?

Beef can only be claimed as “lean” if the cut of beef is less than 10g total fat, 4.5g or less saturated fat and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100-gram serving.

overhead image of greek burger topped with tzatziki sauce and tomatoes

What’s different about this Greek Burger?

Ripe summer produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs are essential to Greek cooking. Flavors are incorporated within the lean beef as well as adding layers of additional flavors and textures as you build the burger.

Why I love this recipe

Can’t go wrong with a delicious burger, am I right? I love the fact the burger is stuffed with spinach and onion, along with plenty of seasonings. I’m not a fan of raw onion on top of my burger (caramelized onions – that’s a different story!), so the addition of them minced within the burger adds a subtle flavor vs. overpowering. The addition of the added veggies helps keep the lean burger moist and juice.

I kind of kept traditional burger toppings on here. The tomato salad adds a tanginess while the tzatziki adds a cooling creamy effect. I never said this wasn’t going to be a messy eating kind of burger!

Chef’s Tips

  • Invest in a digital thermometer. DO NOT cut open the burgers to check their doneness. This will release all their juices leaving you with a dry burger.
  • Take the time to squeeze out the excess liquid from the cucumbers. This will prevent your tzatziki sauce from being watery.
  • Oil your grill grates. Dip a bunched-up paper towel into a high-heat cooking oil (such as canola oil or olive oil). Be careful not to saturate the paper towel. You want enough oil on it to coat the grill grate, but you don’t want it dripping everywhere. Using an oven mitt and tongs, carefully wipe the paper down on the grill grate.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Greek Burger on a toasted bun with tzatziki sauce and tomato salad

Ultimate Greek Burger

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 12
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: Greek
Print Recipe

Description

Serve these Ultimate Greek Burgers at your next barbecue. Highlighting fresh Greek-inspired flavors, this recipe will kick your burger game up a notch.

Ingredients

For the tomato salad:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tzatziki sauce:
1 English cucumber
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the burgers:
1 lb. 93% lean ground beef
1 cup spinach, finely chopped
½ small red onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 hamburger buns

Instructions

For the tomato salad:

  1. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, parsley, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the tzatziki sauce:

  1. Using a cheese grater, grate the English cucumber. Using a thin dish towel or paper towels, press out any excess liquid. 
  2. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Fold in the cucumber.

For the burgers:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grease grill grates.
  2. In a large bowl, combine beef, spinach, onion, garlic, dill, feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Do not overwork the meat mixture. Form into 4 beef patties.
  3. Grill the burgers for approximately 4-6 minutes then flip over and grill another 4-6 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F.
  4. Add burgers to a bun and top with tzatziki sauce and tomato salad.

Notes

  • Invest in a digital thermometer. DO NOT cut open the burgers to check their doneness. This will release all their juices leaving you with a dry burger.
  • Take the time to squeeze out the excess liquid from the cucumbers. This will prevent your tzatziki sauce from being watery.
  • Oil your grill grates. Dip a bunched up paper towel into a high-heat cooking oil (such as canola oil or olive oil). Be careful not to saturate the paper towel. You want enough oil on it to coat the grill grate, but you don’t want it dripping everywhere. Using an oven mitt and tongs, carefully wipe the paper down on the grill grate.

Keywords: burger, Greek recipe, Greek burger, beef

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

This post contains affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.

FAQ

How do I know when the burgers are done?

See the chef tip above. Invest in a digital thermometer. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F.

What can I serve these burgers with?

You can’t go wrong with serving fries with these Ultimate Greek Burgers! If at a BBQ other ideas can be veggie sticks, seasonal fruit, like watermelon or grilled pineapple, potato salad, or a simple mixed green salad.

How else can I use lean ground beef?

Ways to repurpose this Greek burger

  • Greek burger salad. Add the tomato salad and other veggies you have on hand, a heated patty, quinoa (or a different whole grain), and add the tzatziki as a salad dressing.
  • Greek pita. Ran out of burger buns? No problem. Crumble up a burger and stuff it in a pita with the tomato salad and tzatziki sauce.

Other recipes you may enjoy

Greek Pasta Salad

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

Resources:

O’Connor LE, et al. A Mediterranean-style eating pattern with lean, unprocessed red meat has cardiometabolic benefits for adults who are overweight or obese in a randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2018, nqy075.
https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ajcn/nqy075/5036105

Leidy HJ,et al. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;101:1320S-9S

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. USDA National Nutrient Database for
Standard Reference Legacy Release, April 2018. Available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl

Pear Walnut Muffins

Baked Goods, Breakfast & Brunch, Freezer Friendly, Make ahead, Recipes, Snacks, Vegetarian
/
 by

Enjoy as part of breakfast or alone as a snack. These Pear Walnut Muffins are simple to make with big flavor.

Pear walnut muffins stacked on top of each other
pear walnut muffins stacked on top of each other on a cooling rack

How to know if a pear is ripe

Remember to “check the neck”. Pears are one of the few fruits that don’t ripen on the tree. Pears are harvested when they reach maturity, and when left at room temperature pears slowly ripen from the inside out.

Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe.

What’s different about green anjou pears?

Anjou pears have a more egg shape appearance. Their dense flesh holds up well in heated applications like baking, poaching, roasting, or grilling and they are delicious when sliced fresh in salads or eaten as an out-of-hand snack.

pear walnut muffin cut in half on a white plate

How to make Pear Walnut Muffins

The recipe for these pear walnut muffins is pretty much a straight forward muffin recipe.

  1. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
  2. Fold in mix-ins.
  3. Bake!

Recipe Notes:

Why sift flour?

Sifted flour is much lighter than unsifted flour and easier to mix into other ingredients when forming a cake or muffin batter. When flour is sifted with other dry ingredients, it helps combine them evenly before they are mixed with other ingredients.

Be mindful of the size.

When chopping ingredients to mix into the batter, be mindful of the size. Chop ingredients in an even size. For the pears in this recipe, think about each bite of the muffin – big enough to note the taste and texture but not too big that it takes over.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pear walnut muffins stacked on top of each other

Pear Walnut Muffins

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10
  • Category: muffin
  • Method: baking
Print Recipe

Description

These pear walnut muffins are the perfect addition to a breakfast or enjoy alone as a snack. Learn baking tips to create perfect muffins every time!

Ingredients

1 large ripe pear peeled, cored and diced (preferably d’Anjou)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped walnuts

Optional topping:
coconut sugar or coarse sugar
chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together diced pears, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and granulated sugar. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. 
  4. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the egg, Greek yogurt, apple cider, butter, and vanilla, until smooth. 
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
  6. Add the walnuts and pear mixture and any accumulated juice to the batter. Gently fold with a spatula until the pecans and pears are incorporated.
  7. Divide the batter between the muffin wells. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins generously with coconut sugar and chopped walnuts. Allow the muffins to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before baking.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter.
  9. Cool the muffins in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Why sift flour? Sifted flour is much lighter than unsifted flour and easier to mix into other ingredients when forming a cake or muffin batter. When flour is sifted with other dry ingredients, it helps combine them evenly before they are mixed with other ingredients.

Keywords: pear, walnut, muffins, baked goods, baking

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

How to freeze muffins and prevent freezer burn

Cool muffins completely before wrapping and freezing. To freeze, wrap securely in foil or freezer wrap, or place in freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much excess air within the bag as possible. Muffins can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Dairy Free, Egg Free, Instant Pot/Slow Cooker, MAIN DISHES, Make ahead, Meat, Nut Free, PREP, Recipes
/
 by
/
9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy.

Revamp taco night with a kick of spice with these Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos. This flavorful meat is deliciously seasoned and cooked until perfectly tender. Layer it in tortillas with all your favorite toppings your next taco night!

open-faced tacos with beef barbacoa

This post is sponsored by the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative a subcontractor to the Beef Checkoff. Thank you for supporting brands that make this blog possible!

Did you get gifted an Instant Pot this holiday season? The Instant Pot is a single appliance that does the job of seven (yes, seven!) different kitchen appliances. It can handle the tasks of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and a warming pot. Think of all those appliances taking up space in your kitchen that can be replaced by one.

Don’t be intimidated by this new appliance. Read up on these 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Instant Pot before you get started.

Beef barbacoa in the Instant Pot

What is barbacoa?

Barbacoa refers to the method of cooking meat. Barbacoa is an authentic Mexican dish typically made with a cut of beef head meat, like beef cheek. When cooked long and slow it becomes extra tender. It is traditionally seasoned with dried chilies and spices and slowly cooked.

Barbacoa is now used to refer to a seasoned beef, that has been slow-cooked. 

open-faced beef barbacoa taco on a flour tortilla

Choosing lean beef

Forget about sacrificing taste for nutrition. These lean beef cuts are chock-full of flavor and 10 essential nutrients. Beef can only be claimed as “lean” if the cut of beef is less than 10g total fat, 4.5g or less saturated fat and less than 95 mg of cholesterol per 100-gram serving.

Beef chuck

Beef chuck is a primal cut that comes from the shoulder area and yields cuts known for their rich, beefy flavor. Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking to yield tender beef.

beef barbacoa tacos with toppings
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
open-faced taco with Barbacoa Beef

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: meat
  • Method: instant pot
  • Cuisine: mexican
Print Recipe

Description

Revamp taco night with these Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Tacos! This flavorful meat is deliciously seasoned and cooked until perfectly tender. Layer it in tortillas with all your favorite toppings your next taco night!

Ingredients

For the beef barbacoa:
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 chipotle peppers (from a can in adobo sauce – reserve sauce), chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 pounds beef chuck, fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 bay leaves

For the tacos:
Tortillas, soft or hard shells
Sliced avocado
Pickled onions
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Press the “saute” setting on the Instant Pot. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until heated and shimmering. Add the onion and garlic, saute for 1-2 minutes until the onion begins to turn translucent. Add the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Press “cancel” to turn off the heat.
  2. Remove contents from the Instant Pot into a food processor and add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Pulse until smooth and set aside.
  3. Press the “saute” setting on the Instant Pot. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil until heated and shimmering. In batches, add beef and brown all sides. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Repeat until all beef is browned. Press “cancel” and turn off the heat.
  4. Add all the beef, bay leaves, and reserved sauce in the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine. Close lid securely and set vent to “sealing”. Press “manual”, then press “Pressure” until the light on “High Pressure” lights up, then add 60 minutes of cook time.
  5. When cook time is complete, very carefully, turn the vent to “venting” for quick release, and wait until all of the steam has released.
  6. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaves. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Stir shredded beef with the juices so it can soak up all the flavor.
  7. Assemble tacos by layering beef barbacoa on a tortilla and top with avocado, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge on the side.

Keywords: beef, tacos, barbacoa, instant pot

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

This post contains affiliate links. Read full disclosure here.

Other ways to use beef barbacoa

This Instant Pot barbacoa beef is so flavorful and tender, and it’s so versatile!

  • Tacos
  • Burritos (wraps or bowls)
  • Salads
  • Nachos
  • Quesadillas
  • Enchiladas
  • Or just about any other use, you can think of for spicy shredded beef

Other recipes you may enjoy

Understanding Beef Labeling + Pineapple Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Beef and Barley Soup

Sheet Pan Cajun Chicken With Vegetables

Edamame Avocado Hummus

Appetizers, Dairy Free, Dietary, Dips, Sauces & Spreads, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian
/
 by
/
15 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy.

Move over chickpea hummus. There’s a new hummus in town – Edamame Avocado Hummus. 

Edamame Avocado Hummus ingredients in a food processor

I recently did a presentation about smart snacking. One thing I like to mention about smart snacking is to opt for real food first. Snacking is an opportunity for nourishment. 

Yes, grabbing a bar is quick (some bars do pack in great nutritional value), but really think about your snacks throughout the day. How many of them are real food vs. processed foods?

Edamame Avocado Hummus in a small white bowl

I’ve been challenging myself to include more veggies into my snacks. I go through snacking phases, and raw veggies have fallen out of my routine a little bit.

Snacking is more fun when you are dunking. I love dunking my veggies into hummus, but I decided to switch it up a bit and use edamame as the base instead of chickpeas. Edamame, a plant-based protein is a young soybean that has been harvested before the beans have had a chance to harden.

Edamame Avocado Hummus in a white bowl with carrots and crackers

Adding avocado to the edamame helps make this dip creamy. Avocados can act as a booster to help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from the foods eaten with them, like vitamin A. Vitamin A foods, like carrots, contain carotenoids, which not only promote healthy skin but benefit the heart and immune system as well. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals. So, pair carrot sticks with this delicious dip!

carrot being dunked into green dip
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Edamame Avocado Hummus in a white bowl

Edamame Avocado Hummus

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: dip
  • Method: no-cook
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • 1/2 large avocado
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon tahini
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (can sub olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Add edamame, avocado, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, onion powder, pepper and salt in a food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds and scrape down sides.
  2. Slowly drizzle in oil while motor is running and pulse until reach desired consistency.

Keywords: hummus, avocado, edamame, dip

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Other recipes you may enjoy

Cheesy Spinach Hummus Dip

Baba Ganoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip)

Smoked Salmon Avocado Flatbread

Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod

30 minutes or less, Egg Free, MAIN DISHES, PREP, Recipes, Seafood
/
 by
/
7 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy.

It is recommended to enjoy seafood two to three times per week. The keyword enjoy – don’t keep making the same recipe over and over again. Try this Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod.

Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod on a baking sheet

Too many times I hear consumers they only eat fish when they are out to eat because they don’t know how to cook it at home. Fish and seafood are some of the simplest proteins to cook. It’s quick, quite forgiving, and there are so many different flavor combinations to pair with.

Why you should make this Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod recipe

I may be biased, but this Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod is delicious! Plus, the simplicity of it is great for getting dinner on the table during busy nights. The added bonus – eating more fish includes a lot of health benefits.

Why dietitians want you to eat more seafood

Fish literally saves lives. Eating seafood two to three times per week reduced the risk of death from any health-related cause by 17 percent.

Seafood sits among the highest- quality proteins (like eggs, meats, poultry, and dairy) and offers additional health benefits. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, can help during pregnancy to help the child develop a healthy brain, and improve memory and sharpness.

Health benefits of cod

Cod is the leanest protein available, meaning the protein to calorie ratio beats out any other food.

Cod is a low fat flaky white meat fish that is a good source of protein, phosphorus, niacin, and Vitamin B-12. An individual 100 g (raw) portion of cod has less than 90 calories, less than one gram of fat, and 17 grams of protein.

pistachio crusted cod with spinach and orzo on a white plate

Tips for baking fish

Medium-to-fatty fish with a firmer texture and richer flavor (like cod, salmon, or swordfish) are perfect grilling, baking or broiling because they can withstand the heat.⁠

Lean, mild-flavored fish with tender, white or pale flesh, such as sea bass, flounder or grouper are usually delicate, so this cooking method works well.⁠

When do you know when fish is done?

Many types of fish are delicate and tender, so you want to avoid overcooking them. The best way to tell if a fish is done is by testing it with a fork. Insert the fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it’s done, and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance.⁠

See more culinary nutrition tips
Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Using pistachios as the crust

Poor pistachios. I feel like they are a totally underrated nut. Pistachios are versatile in the kitchen and just as many nuts can be used with both sweet and savory applications. The caution for using nuts as a crust is they have a tendency to burn. Since the cooking process for fish is usually shorter and this Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod recipe is baked vs. seared, it will not burn.

Health benefits of pistachios

The green and red-purple hues in pistachios come from antioxidants. Pistachios are known for their fiber and protein content. Nearly 90% of the fat in pistachios are from heart-healthy (good-for-you) fats.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
piece of pistachio crusted baked cod with orzo and spinach

Pistachio Crusted Baked Cod

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 14
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: seafood
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: american
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), or other firm white fish
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
1/2 cup whole-grain Panko breadcrumb
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cod on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the cod fillets with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper.

In a food processor, pulse pistachios, panko, garlic, and remaining salt, for about 10-15 seconds until a crumbly texture is reached.

In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, mustard, and lemon zest. Using a pastry brush or mini spatula, evenly spread the yogurt mixture in top of each fillet. Evenly, gently press the pistachio mixture on top. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets. (Alternatively use and olive oil cooking spray.

Bake until fish is opaque throughout, approximately 12 to 14 minutes.

Keywords: cod, pistachio, fish, dinner

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Sources:
https://www.seafoodnutrition.org/
https://www.seafoodhealthfacts.org/

Other recipes you may enjoy

Sheet Pan Miso Salmon and Green Beans

Mediterranean En Papillote

Instant Pot Lemon Ginger Salmon