Mujadarah

Mujadarah (Rice, Lentil, and Caramelized Onion Pilaf)
Serves 4 as a one dish meal
Vegetarian, vegan (if you use oil or margarine instead of butter), and gluten free
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

• 3 pounds white onions, sliced moderately thin
• 2 T. butter
• 2 T. vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white wine or vermouth (optional)
• 1.5 c brown or green lentils (not red lentils or french lentils!)
• 2 c. long grain white or brown rice (I prefer the brown for a bit more character)
• 1/4 t. ground cinammon
• 1/4 t. ground cumin
• salt and pepper
• flat leaf parsley for serving

Melt the butter along with the oil and 1 t. salt in your largest skillet, and add the onions. Set heat on medium-low and stir occasionally until very soft, about 45 minutes. Turn heat to medium high and keep cooking and stirring often until deeply browned and sweet, another 20 minutes or more. Deglaze pan with white wine or vermouth (or water) and stir into the onions to get more flavor. See “caramelized onions” in Joy of Cooking for a more thorough description of the process. If pressed for time you can do a higher heat version of this but the results won’t be as tasty.

Meanwhile, cook the rice and the lentils separately according to your usual method. The lentils need to be watched carefully. You don’t want them still crunchy , but you definitely want to retain their shape. We aren’t making lentil soup here. Some folks cook the rice and lentils together but I don’t think that gives you enough control over the texture.

When everything is cooked, fold the rice, lentils, spices, half of the onions, and more salt and pepper together in a large bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings.

To serve, form a large mound, top with the remaining caramelized onions and chopped parsley, a grind of pepper and a few grains of sea salt. Pass a bowl of thick Greek yogurt to mix in as desired. It is really good at room temperature, and just gets better after a day in the refrigerator.

 http://herbivoracious.com/2007/10/recipe-mujadara.html

Chana Masala with Mushrooms

Chana Masala with Mushrooms
Vegetarian, vegan if you use vegetable oil, and gluten-free
Serves 2 as a main course with basmati rice or 4 as part of a larger Indian meal

• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (15 oz. can, drained and rinsed, or better, home-cooked)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or clarified butter / ghee if you have it)
• 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, small dice
• 1 medium tomato, cored, small dice (canned is an option)
• 2/3 cups white mushrooms, quartered or thickly sliced
• 1 small, hot red chili pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric, or 2 teaspoons dry
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• for tempering: 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• for garnish: cilantro

1. If using canned chickpeas and, drain and rinse them, and put them in a saucepan with water to cover, then bring to a boil and simmer while you get everything else going. This will improve their texture. You can do this in the microwave too. Or skip this step completely if your chickpeas are already pleasantly soft.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over a medium-high flame. Add the mustard, fennel, cumin and coriander seeds. Cook for about 10-20 seconds until the mustard seeds begin to pop. Immediately add the garlic, onion and tomato.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the liquid is mostly gone and everything is browning.
4. Add the mushrooms and the drained chickpeas, the hot pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves and cayenne pepper, lemon juice, a teaspoon of salt, and a cup or so of water, so it is kind of soupy.
5. Cook uncovered over a medium-low flame for about 15 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning. Does it need more salt? More lemon juice? A bit more cayenne?
6. Finish for the texture you want – you can see how I like it in the picture above. Then in a separate skillet, heat the last tablespoon of oil over a high flame and fry the mustard seeds until they pop, just a few seconds. This is called tempering, and it is a great way to add a final layer of flavor.  Toss the contents of that skillet over the chickpeas and serve, with the cilantro for garnish.

http://herbivoracious.com/2009/09/quick-chana-mushroom-masala-chickpea-curry-recipe.html

Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake

Serbian Ground Beef, Veggie, and Potato Bake

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, shredded
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cloves
1/4 cup water
1/8 cup red wine
1 cube beef bouillon
2 tablespoons half-and-half
2 potatoes, peeled and sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a casserole dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly brown. Remove beef from skillet, reserving juices, and set aside. Mix in the olive oil, and saute the green pepper, onion, carrot, and celery until tender.

Return beef to the skillet, and season with paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir in the water and red wine until heated through. Dissolve the beef bouillon cube into the mixture. Remove skillet from heat, and mix in the half-and-half.

Layer the bottom of the prepared casserole dish with enough potato slices to cover. Place the beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, and top with remaining potatoes.

Cook, covered, 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the potatoes are tender.


http://allrecipes.com/recipe/serbian-ground-beef-veggie-and-potato-bake/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=ground%20beef&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page

Spiced Potatoes with Lentils & Barley

Lemon spiced potatoes contrast beautifully with nutty barely and delicate lentils. Peas add the sweetness of early Spring to this rustic crowd pleaser. This recipe comes to us from Trudy of Veggie.Num.Num.
Serves 4

• 1 cup pearl barley*, soaked and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ¼ pound new potatoes or other small waxy potatoes, scrubbed
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 1 red chili**, diced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun spice mix***
• 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 ½ cups low sodium vegetable stock
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen and thawed
• ½ cup parsley, roughly chopped

*Pre-soak the barley before you start cooking by placing in water and setting aside in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
**optional
*** Cajun spice mix can be found premixed in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, but if time allows try making your own low sodium Cajun seasoning.
Bring 1 ½ cups unsalted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the lentils and keep at a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Turn heat down and simmer uncovered for 10-25 minutes more. Cooking time will depend on how old the lentils are so taste often and simmer until lentils have reached desired tenderness. When lentils are tender, remove from heat and season with salt to taste. Set aside.
Heat a little olive oil in a large fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chili if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until garlic begins to soften.
Add the whole potatoes and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Fry the potatoes turning occasionally for 5-8 minutes, or until golden.
Transfer potato mixture to a large pot. Drain the barely and add it to the pot. Add vegetable stock, lentils and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
Turn heat down and simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Add more stock if needed.
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the lemon rind, peas and parsley. Toss until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Cooker Chicken Lasagna Florentine

Slow Cooker Chicken Lasagna Florentine

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and diced

2 cans cream of chicken soup

8 oz. sour cream

1 c. parmesan cheese

1 c. milk

1/3 c. chopped onion

1/3 c. mayo

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. garlic powder

9 lasagna noodles

3 c. mozzarella, shredded; divided 

1. Combine all ingredients except noodles and cheese in a large bowl.
2. Place 3 uncooked noodles in the bottom of slow cooker (break noodles if necessary).
3. Spread 1/3 of chicken mixture over noodles then top with 1 cup of cheese.
4. Layer ingredients twice more, ending with cheese.
5. Cook on low 6-7 hours.

Spicy Island Beef Kebabs

Spicy Island Beef Kebabsteamgulley via lowfatlifestyle.com

Marinade:
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 habanero or serrano peppers, seeded

Kebabs:
1 1/2 pounds boneless top sirloin, trimmed and cut into 30 cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into 18 pieces
2 black-ripe plantains, peeled, and each cut into 9 pieces
Cooking spray
Diagonally cut green onions
Lime wedges for Garnish

Prepare grill.  Combine marinade ingredients in a food processor or blender; process until smooth. Place marinade mixture, beef, and bell pepper pieces in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 20 minutes.

Remove beef and bell pepper pieces from bag; discard marinade. Place beef, bell pepper pieces, and plantain pieces in a large bowl; toss well to coat.

Thread 5 beef cubes, 3 red pepper pieces, and 3 plantain pieces alternately onto each of 6 (12-inch) skewers. Lightly coat kebabs with cooking spray or use olive oil mister. Place kebabs on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Cook 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until desired degree of doneness. Garnish with green onion pieces and serve with lime wedges.

Southwestern Pinto Bean Burgers with Chipolte mayo

Southwestern Pinto Bean Burgers with Chipolte mayo
The-Skipper-Bunch via Cooking Light

1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (8 3/4-ounce) can no salt-added whole-kernel corn, drained
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon canned minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce

Remaining ingredients:
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 (1 1/2-ounce) whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
4 romaine lettuce leaves

--- To prepare burgers, combine the first 10 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pinto beans and corn; partially mash with a fork. Divide bean mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 3 1/2-inch patty, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
To prepare chipotle mayonnaise, combine mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon chipotle in a small bowl; set aside. Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties to pan, and cook 4 minutes on each side or until thoroughly heated. Assemble burgers.

CHEESY ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

CHEESY ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

http://www.justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com/?p=3352

 

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef ( lean)

• 1 large onion, chopped or season with Onion powder or minced onion

• 2 1/2 cups salsa

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans or red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing

• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium taco seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 6 flour or corn tortillas (8 inches)

• 1 small can of drained corn, or about 1 1/4 cups of frozen corn (optional)

• 3/4 cup sour cream  *Note: I used 1/2 cup

• 2 cups (4 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend or your favorite cheese

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 medium tomato, chopped

• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

•  *Note:  I added 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro to the meat mixture instead. I also cut the flour tortillas to fit my pan, since they were the very large size. (That’s why they are square) I fried the cut-off edges and sprinkled them with cinnamon & sugar!

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
• Stir in the salsa, beans, corn, dressing, sour cream, taco seasoning and cumin.
• Spoon a generous layer of meat mixture on bottom of 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
• Place a flour or corn tortilla on top of meat mixture. Layer with half of the meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat as many layers as you like.
• The last & final layer should be a healthy dose of grated cheese.
• Cover with foil that has been sprayed with pam or other and bake at 400° for 25 minutes, or until hot & bubbly.
•  Let stand for 5 minutes before topping with lettuce, tomato and cilantro. Yield: 8 servings.

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
original Joelen recipe

1 lb ground chicken (ground turkey can be substituted)

1 egg

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 small onion, grated

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)

1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

minced parsley for garnish


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray, set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. To not over handle the mixture otherwise it will get tough. Place the mixture in the greased loaf pan and form into a loaf. Top the meatloaf with pasta sauce.

Place filled loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Dinosaur BBQ Mutha Sauce

Dinosaur BBQ Mutha Sauce
From the Dinosaur BBQ cookbook

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup minced onion
• 1/2 cup minced green pepper
• 1  jalapeno pepper , seeded and minced
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups ketchup (preferably Heinz)
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup cayenne pepper sauce
• 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar , packed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)

Directions:

1. 1
   Pour the oil into a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. 2
   After oil has heated, add the onions, green peppers, and jalapenos and stir.
3. 3
   Add a pinch of sa1t and pepper and cook until vegetables are soft and onions are golden.
4. 4
   Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add remaining ingredients except the Liquid Smoke.
5. 5
   Bring to a boil, then lower the heat so the sauce simmers.
6. 6
   Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Turn off heat, add the Liquid Smoke and let the sauce cool.
8. 8
   Pour it into a container, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to use

Best Brownies

Best Brownies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
•  
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
4. To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.

Sweet Potato Foil Packet Tacos

by Natalie (Perry's Plate) on February 25, 2011 in Beef, Main Courses
See this recipe post on Natalie (Perry's Plate)’s site! February 25, 2011



Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and beans. Set aside.

To assemble packets, spray the foil with non-stick spray. Place 1 cup sweet potato cubes in the center of each piece. Top with a small piece of butter (about 1 teaspoon) and a pinch or two of salt. Sprinkle some chopped spinach over the sweet potatoes, followed by about 1/3 cup of taco meat and a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the sides in, then bring the top and bottom ends of the foil together in the center and fold, sealing the packet.
Repeat with remaining ingredients, placing the packets on a rimmed cookie sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole.
Makes 6 servings.
Note: For the taco meat, I used some leftover Hidden Veggie Chipotle Taco Meat I had in the fridge (recipe in my TK box).

Ingredients

• ½ pounds Ground Beef Or Turkey
• 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
• ½ cups Tomato Sauce
• 1 can (15 Oz. Can) Black, Kidney, Or Pinto Beans, Drained
• 6 cups Sweet Potatoes, Peeled And Cut Into 1/2-inch Cubes
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• 1-½ cup Chopped Fresh Spinach
• 1-½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream, Salsa, And/or Guacamole For Garnish

Diane Kochilas' Tomato, Oregano and Feta Risotto

Diane Kochilas' Tomato, Oregano and Feta Risotto
Serves 4
Note: To grate a tomato, halve crosswise and grate the cut side with a coarse grater over a lipped cutting board or bowl. Grate as close to the skin as possible, then discard the skin.

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 to 5 cups vegetable broth
1 cup Carnaroli or Arborio rice
1/3 cup Pernod
1 1/3 cups grated ripe tomato (about 3 or 4 large plum tomatoes)
2/3 cup crumbled feta
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
Finely grated zest of a lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, optional
1. In a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add onion and stir until soft, about 6 minutes. Place broth in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. Raise heat to medium, and add rice to skillet. Stir until well-coated with olive oil and starting to soften slightly, 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup of the simmering broth. Keep stirring gently until the rice absorbs all the broth. Add Pernod and stir until absorbed.
3. Add grated tomato and stir gently until the mixture is dense. Add remaining broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed, until the rice is creamy but al dente, 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Add feta and stir until melted and risotto is creamy and thick. Stir in oregano and lemon zest, and season to taste, if needed, with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Whole Wheat Blender Pancakes
adapted from several sources

http://www.makeandtakes.com/whole-wheat-blender-pancakes?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+makeandtakes+%28Make+and+Takes%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Ingredients:
2 cups low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups whole wheat berries (or 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup canola or other flavorless oil, or melted butter
2 Tbsp. honey (or sugar)
3 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
Butter and maple syrup, for serving

Instructions:
Place milk and wheat berries into a high-speed blender (such as a Blendtec, Vitamix, or Bosch). Blend for 2-4 minutes, or until the wheat berries are completely broken down. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining ingredients and blend to combine.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet until very hot. Grease with melted butter or oil. Pour a small amount of batter onto the griddle or pan. Let cook for about 1 minute and flip with a thin metal spatula. Cook on remaining side for another minute or two. (The pancakes cook quickly because the batter is thin, and will be very light in texture. Each side should be golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary.) Repeat with remaining batter
Yields 12-14, 6-8″ pancakes.

Moroccan Lamb Meatball Tagine

Moroccan Lamb Meatball Tagine...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Kerry Saretsky via Serious Easts.com

Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 egg (beat one whole egg and use half)
1 shallot, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons), and 4 shallots, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus 10 leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
3 teaspoons ras el hanout, divided
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon piment d’Espelette or hot paprika or New Mexico red chili powder
Sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 pound ground lamb
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced on a bias (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
1-1/2 cups canned or homemade low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons golden raisins

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together breadcrumbs and milk until the milk is absorbed into bread. Add egg. Add 1 shallot, finely minced, 1 tablespoon chopped mint, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1-1/2 teaspoons ras el hanout, the piment d’Espelette, and season with salt and pepper. I used a teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir together until combined. Add lamb, and gently toss together until evenly mixed. Divide mixture into 8 meatballs. Place flour in a shallow pan. Roll meatballs in flour, patting off excess flour. Reserve any remaining flour.
2) In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium to medium-high heat until oil shimmers. Place floured meatballs into hot oil and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Set meatballs aside, and lower heat. Add shallots, season with salt and pepper, and sauté on medium-low until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and carrot, and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add reserved flour, and toss to coat vegetables with flour. Add tomato paste, drained tomatoes, beef broth, raisins and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons of ras el hanout. Stir to combine, breaking up whole tomatoes with a fork or back of a spoon. Bring liquid to a boil.
3) Add meatballs back into stew, and top with remaining mint, cilantro, and olive oil. Cover pot with a lid and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Place a lid on the pot, and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. After half an hour, remove pot from oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until sauce is very thick, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately with couscous tossed in Meyer lemon olive oil, or just serve with baguette. Yield: 4 servings.

Ras el Hanout

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cardamon
2 teaspoons ground mace
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:
Blend all of the spices in a bowl. Transfer to a glass jar, and store in a dry, dark place. Will keep several months.