Month: October 2024

  • Caprese Zoodle Stir-Fry

    Caprese Zoodle Stir-Fry Recipe

    Looking for a fresh, quick, and healthy dish that packs the punch of classic Italian flavors? This Caprese Zoodle Stir-Fry combines zucchini noodles (‘zoodles’) with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, for a light yet satisfying meal. Gloriously gluten-free and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe takes just minutes to prepare and cook!

    Ingredients:

    • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
    • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine), halved
    • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
    2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften.
    3. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, until the zoodles are just tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    4. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the halved fresh mozzarella balls and fresh basil. Let the residual heat slightly melt the cheese.
    5. Serve immediately, drizzled with balsamic glaze if desired for an extra burst of flavor.

    Pro Tips:

    • To prevent soggy zoodles, do not overcook them; they should be al dente, just like pasta.
    • For added crunch, sprinkle some pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
    • Make it a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
    • For a vegan version, swap out the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast flakes for a cheesy flavor.

    Enjoy this beautiful medley of zesty zoodles, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in your very own kitchen – buon appetito!

  • Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza Recipe

    Get ready to delight your taste buds with a creamy and satisfying twist on a traditional favourite. This Chicken Alfredo Pizza merges the rich flavours of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken pieces, all spread on a golden pizza crust for a luxurious yet easy-to-make dinner option.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
    • 1 cup Alfredo sauce, homemade or high-quality store-bought
    • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
    • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Optional toppings: sliced mushrooms, spinach, diced tomatoes

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
    2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
    3. Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal or parchment paper if you’re using a pizza stone. If not, place it on a prepared baking sheet.
    4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the surface of the dough to add flavour.
    5. Evenly spread the Alfredo sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
    6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the cooked chicken pieces. Add additional toppings if desired.
    7. Season with a little salt and pepper and then finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
    8. Transfer the pizza to the hot oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
    9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
    10. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Chicken Alfredo Pizza!

    With every bite of this Chicken Alfredo Pizza, you’ll enjoy a blend of creamy, cheesy, and savoury flavours. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings to tailor the pizza to your liking, making every pizza night a special one.

  • Refreshing Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    Warm weather calls for meals that are light yet satisfying and these chicken lettuce wraps fit the bill. They’re easy to make and packed with flavors, making them an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious and healthy meal in about 30 minutes.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 bell pepper, diced
    • 1 zucchini, diced
    • 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
    • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
    • Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
    2. Add in the chopped onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, making sure not to burn the garlic.
    3. Mix in the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
    4. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
    5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
    6. Assemble the lettuce wraps by taking a leaf of lettuce and spooning a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts, if desired.
    7. Repeat with the remaining lettuce and chicken mixture. Serve immediately.

    Tips and Variations:

    • Add crunch to your wraps by including water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.
    • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
    • Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes.
    • Dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or a peanut sauce can add an extra zing.

    These chicken lettuce wraps can be prepped ahead of time for easy assembly. Keep the chicken mixture and lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat, to maintain the lettuce’s crispness. This recipe is adaptable, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying the lighter side of meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Enjoy your homemade chicken lettuce wraps!