Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
4 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon turmeric
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup chicken stock

In a saucepan, saute onions and garlic in extra-virgin olive oil until tender over medium-high heat. Next, add tomatoes, turmeric, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and chicken stock. Allow to simmer, covered, for approximately 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves when finished cooking.

Chicken Curry

This traditional North Indian-style dish makes for a delicious and easy ethnic meal. Also, because there is a small amount of cream, it makes for a hearty, yet light meal. The spiciness may also be altered, by using more or less curry powder, so all of your guests or family will be sure to love this dish.


Chicken Curry

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 tablespoon curry powder (1-2 teaspoons more for a spicier dish, 1 teaspoon less for less spiciness)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup heavy cream
salt
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 medium-sized onion, chopped
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup dry brown rice

Cook rice according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a stockpot, saute onions in olive oil until tender over medium-high heat. Next, add garlic, and saute for another 2-3 minutes, or until garlic is tender. Then, add chicken stock and water, and when stock begins to boil, add cubed chicken. After 4 minutes, add salt and curry powder. Simmer until chicken is thoroughly cooked, or for about 10 more minutes. Next, add heavy cream, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, add tomato paste, stir, and turn up heat to high, and allow to simmer until mixture is slightly thickened, or for about 10 minutes. Serve over rice.

Serves approximately 4.

Tomato Basil Spaghetti

This dish combines the delicious trio of tomato, basil, and mozzarella. It also has the lightness of a salad, but the richness of a heavier meal without the unhealthy fats, and will be as pleasing to the eyes as it will be to your appetite!

Tomato Basil Spaghetti

16 oz. spaghetti
5 roma tomatoes
1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper
8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese

Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente.

Meanwhile, chop tomatoes into small pieces, and mozzarella into cubes.

When spaghetti has cooked, allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, or until it is only slightly warm (to assure the cheese will not melt in the pasta). Next, add tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and basil. Toss. Then, add extra-virgin olive oil and mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.

Serves approximately 5.

Tuscan White Bean Pizza

Tuscan white beans, or cannellini beans, make this pizza unique, delicious, and healthy. The pizza is quick to prepare, especially with using pita bread as a crust, which is already cooked. This dish may be used as an appetizer, or even a light main meal. Extra-virgin olive oil finishes the dish with a tasty touch.

Tuscan White Bean Pizza

1 15 oz. can Tuscan white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
5 roma tomatoes
5 whole-wheat pitas
Extra-virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper
6 oz. fresh mozzerella, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 325 degrees, and bake pita until soft, or for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place beans in a mixing bowl, and mash into a paste-like consistency.

Next, spread bean mixture onto pitas, and then cover with basil, tomatoes, and mozzerella on top. Bake pitas in the oven until the mozzerella cheese has melted. Serve by drizzling olive oil on top, and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Serves approximately 4.