FOODS

Kitchen Utensils

PotsI typically get my pots from walmart or winners/homesense.
I like the masterclass brand as their pots look beautiful 🙂

Pans
I have one or two masterclass pan and recently got some Gotham Steel pans

Cast Iron
I got my set from Costco – Brand Tranmontina

Blender
I use a blendtec Designer 650

Food Processor
I have used my trusted Kenwood for years now with no issue

Mixer
This was a gift from my LIN family and I treasure this so much.
I use it occasionally when I want to feel fancy. Brand: Kitchen Aid.

Instant Pot
I bought into the hype and got a 9 in 1 pot.
I typically just use mine as a pressure cooker. We’ve used it for rice and to boil eggs in the past as well 🙂 […]

FOODS

Ata-Rice Yoruba Style Ofada Pepper Sauce

This is a spicy peppersauce common among Yoruba pepper. It’s pretty much a combination of Ayamase and Ata Dindin. This uses lots of OYEL so please, oil police look away. You can decant the oil once the sauce is done.
The secret to frying this properly is dividing up the oil so you use some to start it and the left over all to finish the sauce.

Ingredients

2-4 hot peppers
8 large red bell peppers (tatashe)
3 large onions
2-3 cups palm oil (divide)
1 cup chopped onion
Precooked meat and boiled eggs – To taste
1/2 cup crayfish
Salt and maggi cube – to taste

Video Recipe
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Directions

Combine peppers and onion in a blender. Process into a coarse texture.
Pour processed peppers into a strainer, set aside to drain out excess liquid
Set a large pot on medium-high heat, heat up half of the oil. Add in chopped onion and cooked meat. Cook until meat is browned.
 Add in the processed pepper. Cook for 10 minutes
Add in crayfish, salt and maggi and some broth or water. Add in extra meat (egg, shaki etc). Cover the pot and leave to cook for 25mins
Add in left over oil and continue to cook until oil floats to the top or the spirit of your ancestors whisper to you that the sauce is ready.
 Skim off any excess oil
Enjoy!!!

Related Posts […]

FOODS

Perfect Nigerian Stewed Beans

Nigerian Stewed Beans and Fried Plantain
God knows I love beans, honestly if I could only cook with one ingredient for the rest of my life it would most likely be beans.
I can’t even begin to count the number of incredible beans recipes I have on this blog, from Moimoi, to akara, to rice and beans (plain), rice and beans (coconut), rice and beans (jollof), Gbegiri, agoyin beans etc.
What defines a great dish of beans for me is texture, the beans should be super soft without being all mushy. My number one trick to achieving this is soaking . This greatly softens the beans making it cook faster without breaking apart. There are also other health benefits including potential reduction to the flatulence effect of beans.
So here is how to go about cooking that perfect Nigerian Stewed beans.
Ingredients

3 cups cleaned beans (brown or black eyed)
1/3 cup palm oil
2 tbspn coconut oil (optional)
1 large onion (minced)
1 cup stew base (substitute 1-2 tbspns ground pepper)*
1 tspn ginger powder
1/3 cup crayfish powder
2 maggi cubes (optional)
Salt – to taste

*You can blend 2 bell peppers, 1 hot pepper and 1/2 small onion as an alternative.
Want to use an instant pot to cook your beans? Watch this video
Direction

Soak the beans in lots of water. Leave to soak overnight or for up to 24hrs. Strain.

Place a large pot on medium-low heat, add in beans. Add in 6-8 cups of water. Simmer for 1 hour or until beans is soft to the touch. Turn off the heat and leave the beans in water while you make the sauce

Place another pan on medium heat, add in palm oil and coconut oil if using. Add in chopped onion. Fry until onion is well fried and golden.
Add in stew base, ginger, crayfish, maggi and salt. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes

Strain the beans (but reserve the water).

o For thick “woroworo” Beans

Add strained beans into the sauce and 2/3 cup of strained beans water. Stir. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Cover and leave to simmer for 30 more mins on low-medium heat.

o For thick “mushy” beans

Remove 1/3 of the cooked beans from the strainer, mash until smooth. Add both mashed and unmashed beans into the sauce. Add 1-1.5 cups strained beans water. Stir. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Cover and leave to cook for 30 more mins on low-medium heat.

Enjoy beans with fried plain, warm bread or garri. […]

FOODS

How to Make Beske from Scratch

Beske is essentially fried tofu.
It is also called Wara Soya – Different from Wara made from daily milk.
See below video for how I make mine from scratch.
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I also wrote a tofu recipe a few years back. Let me know how it turns out if you do try it.

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FOODS

Best Substitutes For Thyme

Don’t fret out if you don’t have thyme on hand coz there are a lot of substitutes for thyme that you can use instead. You’ll be surprised how a little detail like this could turn your dish extra delightful.
Thyme has many beneficial uses in both culinary and therapeutic sense. This aromatic herb has been used since ages ago even for fragrance and healing. It has also been added to hot teas for that invigorating experience and to different dishes in cooking.
Even today, thyme is ever popular for its culinary contribution especially in Italian dishes and other savory food. As for me, I love to use thyme in a variety of my recipes like sauces, seasoning mix, marinades, dressings, salads, and even bread. 

What Is The Flavor Of Thyme?
Thyme tastes a lot like individual ingredients to which it is usually named (ex. oregano thyme, orange thyme, caraway thyme and etc.). In addition, it is described to have a sharp lemony, minty, and aromatic sweet flavor.
Fresh vs Dried Thyme

When fresh thyme is dried it loses some of its nutrients, oil, and aroma. The color of the herb becomes dull too, although you can still use and swap both the fresh and dried forms in cooking.
Its flavor becomes more potent when it is dried. Drawing out moisture or water from the herb results in a denser but compact flavor of thyme. Add dried thyme at the end of the cooking process, for example in stews, then turn off the heat right away once you’ve stirred in the herb.
Fresh thyme has a lighter flavor. This means when using fresh thyme, more should be added in the recipe to achieve that bold thyme flavor.

Best Thyme Substitutes
Well of course the best substitute could be herbs of the same family as Thyme.
If a recipe calls for fresh Thyme, then you can substitute the dried form in place of the fresh ones like this Caribbean Rice and Beans Recipe.
Oregano – strong aromatic and sweet oregano flavor makes it a good substitute for thyme. We know that it’s best added to salads, vinaigrette, and tomato-based dishes such as pasta, pizza rolls, soups, and stews. You may equally substitute oregano for thyme.
Rosemary – the robust, minty, and peppery taste of this herb makes it nice to use instead of thyme. Well, I love to use this herb in my steak recipes. But you can also use it in other savory dishes and even in bread (like this Focaccia Bread). Use the equivalent amount to replace thyme in a recipe.
Basil – has a pungent-sweet, slightly peppery with a mellow anise taste. This herb is a favorite in Italian dishes and also goes well with other spices. Because thyme and basil are from the same family, you can use equal proportion in place of thyme.
Sage – its subtle piney mint- lemony taste behind the earthy flavor makes it a great substitute for thyme. Mostly used in creamy pasta, tomato-based dishes, and even in marinades and sauces. Substitute by using half of the amount of thyme needed in a recipe.
Marjoram – same with oregano, marjoram has that refreshing woody and minty flavor, but a layer of sweet delicate notes. Use the equivalent amount to replace thyme in a recipe.
Italian Seasoning – simply put it as Italian favorite herbs and spices blended together. Of course, that includes thyme. You can use equal proportion to substitute for Thyme.
Poultry Seasoning – an easy herb-based spice blend typically made with rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage, among others.
Can I Use Bay Leaves Instead of Thyme?
Considering that bay leaves give an aromatic subtle minty flavor, then it’s safe to say that it can be used to replace thyme for different recipes, most especially in beef, fish, and lamb-based stews and dishes.
Here’s how you can substitute: replace ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme or ½ teaspoon of fresh with a piece of dried bay leaf.
Are Thyme And Oregano The Same?
Though both of these herbs can be switched and combined in different dishes, Thyme and Oregano are not the same. They are both from different species of the Lamiaceae (mint family). Easily say that they are relatives and a part of the 600 species of their family.
Are you a big fan of thyme? What’s your favorite dish using thyme? […]

FOODS

26 Favorite Southern Comfort Food

Nothing says comfort quite like Southern Comfort Food. Who else has fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and collard greens? This list is actually quite long, and aren’t we glad?
What is comfort food? It’s food that brings back pleasant childhood memories, makes us feel better on a bad day, and, best of all, it’s fast and easy to make. Southerners have gotten this down to an art. The following list is my favorite Southern comfort food recipes. 
Breakfast Southern Comfort Foods
1. Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are the epitome of Southern comfort food. These buttery and soft layers of absolute flakiness are made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients.
This recipe is so versatile and easy it will soon be your go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or afternoon snacks! And you’ll need them for the next recipe.
2. Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

Hashbrown casserole is a favorite when we run into Cracker Barrel for breakfast during our travels.
This easy-to-make-ahead classic breakfast casserole with tender hashbrowns, bacon, and cheese baked until hot and bubbly makes the whole family happy.
Assembling it the night before and baking it the next morning is a great way to start the day.
3. Cheese Grits

Grits are almost as necessary at a Southern meal as biscuits. Corn has made the best porridge for millenniums, with recipes found even in ancient Rome.
It’s especially filling when served with eggs and sausage or bacon! Add some cheddar cheese, and it gets even better.
Southern Comfort Main Courses
4. Southern Fried Chicken

No list of Southern comfort food would be complete without classic Southern fried chicken.
Juicy chicken soaked in buttermilk, then covered with a crunchy, crusty, and spicy breading is a winner every time.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork

Slow roasting a pork roast rubbed with a delicious homemade spice mix for several hours makes it melt-in-your-mouth, easy, and tender pulled pork that tastes as good (or better) as those in your favorite BBQ spot.
No worries about the time; you don’t need to slave over the stove all day; just put it in the oven and relax.
6. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

I love shrimp, and I love grits. What could be better than putting them together in this awesome and spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
I have to admit that this is a more recent addition to the list of Southern comfort foods, but we won’t hold that against anyone. A side of collard greens with vinaigrette makes the perfect meal.
7. Chicken Fried Steak

Why not fix a cubed steak just like fried chicken? Buttermilk and a flavorful flour mixture coats tender beef, and then it’s pan-fried until crispy brown.
The creamy milk gravy creates a comforting family meal experience. Not only that, it’s economical, filling, and easy to prepare, just what comfort food should be.
8. Chicken and Dumplings

We can’t forget this deliciously creamy and hearty chicken stew made even more nutritious and flavorful with celery, peas, and carrots. I love to add a hint of cayenne pepper.
Some people think of thick noodles when they think of dumplings. However, my version is the one with biscuit-like dumplings. Yum!
9. Southern Fried Catfish

The British have their fish and chips (see my recipe HERE), while we have classic Southern fried catfish.
It all depends on what’s available where you are. In England, they have cod, and here we have catfish. Dip it in buttermilk, bread it with spicy seasoned cornmeal, and fry it to perfection for almost healthy comfort food.
10. Brunswick Stew

When the weather is rainy or chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of thick, hearty stew.
This Brunswick stew is an entire meal in a pot with vegetables and meat in a chicken broth spiced up with a BBQ-based sauce and Creole seasoning. 
Southern Comfort Sides & Snacks
11. Fried Okra

Okra is one of my favorite vegetables, and it is traditionally fried or used in gumbo.
Some people complain that it’s slimy, but not this recipe with the okra covered in a cornmeal and flour batter and fried until golden brown.
I can’t stay away from them, especially when served with this awesome Immaculate Bites Remoulade Sauce.
12. Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a wonderful dish in African. However, we don’t boil it as long, resulting in peanuts with a little more crunch than Southerners are used to. Not a problem.
It’s the perfect snack for those odd moments you get the munchies, and it’s healthy. Fresh Corn on the Cob goes well with this dish if you prefer to have it as a meal.
13. Pimento Cheese

Oh, yum! Sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet-spicy pimento peppers make for an addictive appetizer that goes perfectly with crackers, veggies, sandwiches, and burgers! Nuf said! 😍
14. Easy Deviled Eggs

The first time I saw a sign for boneless chicken on a bowl of boiled eggs, I thought I was going to die laughing. However, the truth is that eggs are a very economical and delicious way to get extra protein.
These Easy Deviled Eggs are filling with mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and Creole seasoning for a kick of heat, and they’re low-carb, for those who are counting.
15. Air Fryer Hush Puppies

There’s nothing like biting into a deep-fried ball of cornbread flavored with onion. Crispy on the outside and steamy tender on the inside.
This particular super-easy comfort food recipe gives you a healthier, air-fried version of this classic cornmeal treat without sacrificing any of the goodness.
16. Southen-Style Collard Greens

Southern-style collard greens slowly simmered in a flavorful and spicy broth loaded with ham hocks and spices is the ultimate comfort food. It’s considered a wild cabbage, which explains why this dish is so good for you.
17. Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Southern black-eyed peas or Hoppin’ John is hearty, warm soul food. Black-eyed peas have a natural smokey flavor that pairs well with bacon. Ham will be a good choice if you don’t have bacon.
18. Southern-style Cornbread

In the South, cornbread can be bread or a dessert. It just depends on how sweet you make it and what you serve it with.
This super moist, buttery cornbread recipe has the perfect crumb and crispy edges. It goes great with beans and collards, or if you prefer it as a dessert, pour some honey over it and enjoy.
Southern Drinks
19. Southern Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is iconic for Southern cuisine. This refreshing and thirst-quenching drink is made with 5 simple ingredients that you can adjust to your tastes. So refreshing on a hot day!
20. Mint Julep

If you want something a little boozier, this alcoholic drink is another classic Southern beverage that is so comforting after a hard hot day
The cooling effect of mint mixed with just the right amount of bourbon and sugar poured over crushed ice is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Southern Comfort Desserts
21. Homemade Banana Pudding

When my family wants some serious comfort food, they clamor for this classic Southern no-bake dessert, and I’m happy to make it.
This dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, whipped cream, and vanilla custard, all made from scratch, is incredibly easy to make ahead.
22. Pecan Pie

There’s nothing quite like biting into a piece of deliciousness like the classic pecan pie. The creamy, custardy filling topped with toasted pecans and set in a flaky, buttery crust is one of the easiest pie you’ll ever make.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a cup of coffee is pure heaven!
23. Sweet Potato Casserole

I listed this as a dessert because it is a sweetheart of a dish. However, I saw it served as a side at a Thanksgiving dinner and had no complaints.
The crunchy buttery pecan brown sugar and toasted gooey mini marshmallows on top are a wonderful addition to any holiday meal.
24. Easy Peach Cobbler

A delicious summer dessert made with tender, juicy fresh peaches and a crusty, buttery biscuit-like topping.
It’s so easy to make from scratch, and if peaches aren’t in season, don’t fret it; you can use frozen or canned peaches and enjoy this one all year long!
25. Tea Cakes

Teacakes are an awesome treat that originated in England to be served at tea time. They were taken to another level in the South and are now served on special occasions.
This addictive Southern baked treat boasts faint notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon zest. All you need is a cup of hot tea or coffee, and you’re set!
26. 7UP Pound Cake

Lemon-lime cake, otherwise known as 7UP cake in the South, is a welcomed classic at many picnics. This cake is so easy to throw together that many Southerners have the ingredients on hand so they can gift it to friends who need comfort.

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… […]

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Home 2021

meet Imma

Hey there, I’m Imma. As an all-around working mom, quick and easy dishes are total life savers.  I’m here to share with you my passion of comfort food around the world (at home!) – one delicious recipe at a time. Let’s get cookin’! 

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FOODS

15 Easy Cold Picnic Recipes

Simple and refreshing Cold Picnic Recipes to bring on your next picnic starring salads, desserts, and sandwiches. Amazingly delicious and crave-worthy food ideas perfect for the whole family! Absolutely no heating required and can be enjoyed cold. 

The goal in every picnic is to bring foods that are easy to pack and with only a few utensils to use. And since bringing a cooking set to a picnic is much of a hassle, it’s better to bring food that can be enjoyed even when cold. Nobody likes cold soup and solidified grease in their food anyway.

Luckily, I have several Cold Picnic Recipes to help you in planning your next picnic menu. Featuring hand-held snacks you can eat mess-free and no more need for utensils. Well, except for salad which you only need a fork and a small plate at least. 😉 

Salad Recipes

1. Easy Pasta Salad

You can’t go wrong with this cold picnic food full of vibrant and bright colors. Both refreshing to the eyes and belly! A quick and easy pasta salad you can easily customize with your favorite meat deli and fresh produce. 

2. Watermelon Salad

Cayenne pepper and hot sauce in a salad? Are you crazy? Oh yes! I’m crazy about this Watermelon Salad! Every spoon is an explosion of contrasting flavors of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors you’re surely gonna love. Truly mouthwatering! 😉 

3. Red Potato Salad

Don’t you just love quick and easy picnic food ideas? I bet you’re gonna love this savory Red Potato Salad that can be made in 15 minutes. Yeah! It’s creamy and it’s chunky! Made with Mayonnaise dressing seasoned with Creole Seasoning. What’s not to love? 

4. Ambrosia Salad

There’s no surprise if this salad is already included in your go-to picnic recipes. A fantastic salad starring grapes, pineapple, cherries, and tangerines. With complex textures from mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes. What a lovely surprise perfect for a summer picnic! 

5. Tropical Fruit Salad

What’s a more perfect cold picnic food than this tropical fruit salad? Full of wonderful flavor combinations from fresh fruits tossed in a refreshing citrusy and sweet dressing. You’re surely gonna love every bite of this tropical delight!

Dessert Recipes

6. Apple Pie

For me, the best picnic food will always be Apple Pie. Why not? The apple filling is full of wonderful flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger. With buttery and flaky Homemade Pie Crust to complete the classic family favorite. Aah! So irresistibly good!

7. Lemon Bars

Your picnic escapades won’t be complete without these sweet and citrusy lemon bars. A perfect ensemble of buttery shortbread crust and gooey lemon filling. The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness screams nothing but happiness in every bar! 

8. Apple Turnover

Mess-free hand-held treats you can make in 30 minutes! Made with Homemade Pie Crust filled with cinnamon caramel sauce and fresh apples. And these are baked to perfection to achieve their crispy and flaky crust. Aahh! A delicious treat that can double as a snack and dessert perfect for the whole family!

9. Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who can’t resist good crispy cookies with a soft center? Ahh! An extremely addicting snack the whole family will surely enjoy! So, If I were you I’d totally double the recipe coz’ a batch is always not enough. So sinful but totally worth all the calories! 

10. Banana Bread Muffins

Fill your kitchen with the lovely aroma of freshly baked banana bread muffins. Ahh! So fluffy, moist, and decadent – all you want in a perfect banana bread muffins are here. So easy to make and comes together quickly. An awesome snack that can double as breakfast as well. 

You can also add cream cheese frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. 😉 

Bread and Sandwich Recipes

11. South African Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a twist! You’ll be surprised by the addition of Mango Chutney in this recipe. A luscious condiment that perfectly blends well with caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and cheese. A great addition to the picnic lunch ideas collection! 

I recommend making this with my Homemade White Bread to make it more fantastic! 😉

12. Cucumber Sandwiches

Munch on these finger sandwiches presented in lovely little discs. Pleasing to the eyes and equally delicious with its scrumptious homemade mayo-based spread which perfectly matched fresh thin cucumber slices. Simple yet so elegant best enjoyed at picnics, parties, and potlucks. 

13. Ham and Cheese Sliders

Indulge yourself with these filling and satisfying classic comfort food featuring ham and cheese. Filled with a lip-smacking sauce made with honey, butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add a kick of heat with a little splash of hot sauce for an awesome surprise! 

14. Pizza Rolls

How about a little makeover for your pizza? Made with Homemade Pizza Dough, Pizza Sauce, cheese, Italian sausage, and lots of herbs. Don’t be shy to add in your favorite pizza toppings, too! Same delicious taste but in compact form. What a great way to enjoy pizza more. Perfect for picnics, getaways, and even parties! 

15. Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels

Drool over this mouthwatering creamy and tasty chicken tortilla pinwheels. Flour Tortillas stuffed with Cajun flavored Shredded Chicken, bacon, cheese, baby spinach, cream cheese, and more. Guaranteed family-friendly snack or lunch you can serve hot or cold. Truly comforting in every bite!

Let me know in the comment section which of these cold picnic recipes is your favorite. For more recipes like this, please see my collections of 30 Best Picnic Food Ideas and 30 Summer Recipes.

I hope you all have a fun-filled picnic with your loved ones. Enjoy!

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… […]

FOODS

Everything you need to know to make the best ribs ever

The differences between types of ribsluchezar/E+ via Getty ImagesBefore you go shopping, it would be helpful to learn which cut of ribs you’re looking for. Each style of rib has its pros and cons, and the best rib for you depends on your meat-to-bone ratio, preference for fatty or lean meat and budget.Baby Back Ribsrudisill/E+ via Getty ImagesAlso referred to as back ribs or loin back, baby back ribs are taken from the center of the pork loin or the muscle that runs along the pig’s spine. The “baby” part comes from the ribs’ appearance; the bones are short, compared to spareribs. Baby back ribs have a lot of meat on them but tend to be leaner.Spare ribsamenic181/iStock via Getty ImagesSpare ribs are from the belly of the pig and are larger, more fatty and meatier than other ribs. This flavorful style of rib is best when cooked slowly at low temperatures.St. Louis Ribsbhofack2/iStock via Getty ImagesSt. Louis ribs are spare ribs with a few modifications. The chewy cartilage, sternum and rib tips are all removed from the St. Louis-style cut and then the ribs are shaped into perfectly uniformed rectangles. St. Louis ribs have less meat than baby back ribs but contain a lot of fat, which equals more flavor. This cut is flat and easier to use for recipes that require browning.What to look for when buying ribsmikedabell/E+ via Getty ImagesThe best place to buy ribs is your local butcher shop, where you’ll have access to fresh cuts of meat instead of pre-packed packages at the grocery store. Choose a rack with an even layer of meat on it. Sometimes there might be a slab with more meat on one side and little to no meat on the other, which can lead to uneven cooking.Carefully examine the meat before buyingGMVozd/E+ via Getty ImagesAlways give any meat that you buy a closer look before heading to the register. You’re looking for vibrant pinkish-red color and some marbling in the meat. Avoid ribs that look pale or have dark spots on the fat.How many ribs to buy per personKanawa_Studio/E+ via Getty ImagesNow that you know what to look for when buying ribs, the next question is how many racks of ribs should you buy? That depends on the type of rib you buy and how many people you plan on feeding. Of course, appetite can also play a factor but in general, you should buy 3/4 to 1 pound of pork ribs per person. If you’re going with spare ribs, one slab can typically feed about three people; a standard rack of baby back ribs can feed about two people.How to cook ribsSteve@Colorado/E+ via Getty ImagesThere are several ways you can cook ribs — each style can modify the flavors and texture of the meat. But first, it’s important to prepare the ribs before cooking by patting them dry and removing excess fat. For spareribs or baby back ribs, remove the silvery membrane from the bones of the ribs. This membrane can prevent the ribs from absorbing any flavor, especially if you’re grilling.How to grill ribsLauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesHow to braise ribsLauriPatterson/iStock via Getty ImagesYou don’t need a grill to braise ribs, making it a great technique for apartment dwellers and beginners. Though most commonly applied to beef short ribs, pork ribs can be braised as well. First, trim excess fat and season them however you like (feel free to follow this Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs recipe).Sear the ribs in a Dutch oven with oil until browned. Then, add a broth of your choice, red wine, fresh herbs and vegetables. Let everything cook in the oven at low heat until the ribs are tender. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a pan to sear the ribs and a slow cooker to finish the cooking process.How to bake ribsAdShooter/iStock via Getty ImagesBaking is another easy way to cook ribs. Preheat your oven to 275F, then add 1/2-to-1 inch of water to the bottom of a roasting pan. This will help add moisture to the ribs while they’re baking and prevent the meat from turning hard and dry. Place your seasoned ribs on top of the boiling pan and let them cook in the oven for about 2 hours or until tender.How to fry ribsLauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesFrying ribs is fairly simple. You can use either a deep cast-iron skillet or a countertop deep fryer. To make sure the oil is ready for frying, use a deep-fry thermometer. The heat should be around 370F. If you don’t have one on hand, throw in a little bit of flour or a small piece of bread in the oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready for the ribs. Fry the ribs until browned on all sides and then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to let them cool and drain the oil. Coat the ribs in any barbecue sauce you desire.How to smoke ribsAxel Bueckert/iStock via Getty ImagesIf you decide to smoke your ribs, you can either use a smoker or a smoker box inside the grill. Use the 3-2-1 method to smoke the rib directly on the rack for three hours at 225F. Then remove the ribs and tightly wrap them in aluminum foil with a liquid, like apple juice, beer or wine to help tenderize the meat. Put it back in the smoker for two hours. Remove the ribs once more to add any barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs and let them cook in the smoker for one final hour.Herb-rubbed Baby Back RibsAbel Uribe/Chicago Tribune; Shannon Kinsella/food stylingSticky Spare RibsCourtesy of Morimoto AsiaThese spare ribs boast a sweet and sour flavor. The ribs are braised, then fried to get a crunchy exterior and moist interior before being tossed in a sticky sauce made with sweet chili sauce, sugar and soy sauce. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!For the Sticky Spare Ribs recipe, click here.Slow Cooker Pork Ribs and Idaho PotatoesCourtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission and recipe author Cheryl D LeeThai-style Grilled Pork Country RibsAbel Uribe/Chicago Tribune; Shannon Kinsella/food stylingHoisin and Garlic Country Ribs With Napa CabbageMartin Turzak/ShutterstockThai Glazed RibsJenny Huang/The Pepper Thai Cookbook: Recipes from Everyone’s Favorite Thai Mom […]

FOODS

Crock Pot French Dips

Oh holy amazing goodness. These are the words that I am using to describe this french dip crock pot recipe.French Dip Crock Pot Dinner RecipeI’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of the crock pot for making dinner. If it can do atleast 80% of the work for me, life is good. Well, life is good anyways, but you get the point, right?(recipe post updated Oct, 5th, 2020)And, since my Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak recipe is so popular this time of year, I figured I’d put something together that was equally as amazing and I might have to say that I *think* I might have beat the Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot recipe. Seriously, this crock pot french dip recipe is simply amazing. And, it’s literally and toss and go recipe perfect for those nights with sports practices, church commitments or those days when you just flat out don’t feel like cooking. Ever have those? I do.This Crock Pot French Dip recipe is a keeper!For this slow cooker french dip, I used a three-pound chuck roast. For beef crock pot recipes this is my favorite cut of meat. It cooks low and slow in the crock pot so well and turns out to be a delicious mess of tender shredded beef when it’s done simmering all day. In all honesty, this recipe for french dip does call for Campbell’s condensed soups, but it’s all good. The french dip sauce that it makes is simply delicious and it would take a lot of unique ingredients to get to this height of awesomeness and like I said… sometimes we just need easy, right? In my opinion, this is the best french dip recipe that I’ve ever made and super bonus points for being incredibly easy.In case I haven’t sold this one enough… these easy french dip sandwiches need to be on your menu. Like.this.week. I served it with french fries for the boys and I had a salad with it. And, for triple bonus points – our kids loved it! Of course, they love steak, so I called it a steak sandwich. Easy enough, right?This slow cooker french dip recipe will make your life easier! Promise!Now, onto the cooking steps. There’s literally four. Love that.First, I browned my chuck roast in about two tablespoons of vegetable oil. I don’t think that you should skip this part. If you hate doing dishes as much as I do, I also might consider grabbing the Ninja 3-in-1 Slow Cooker. It is a stovetop as well as a slow cooker, so there is no need to a) dirty another pan from browning your meat and b) you don’t lose the amazing flavors that are in the pan when you brown meat. But, you don’t need one for this recipe, so just use two pans and use a spatula to get all the goodness from the pan.Next, pour in your soups. I get it, I get it… they’re soups. They’re soups, and they rock this recipe. ‘Nuff said.Turn your slow cooker on high for four hours or on low for 8-10 hours. The day I made these I needed dinner to be done sooner that later so I did high. And it was still delicious, so I totally recommend that way if needed.When your slow cooker is done cooking dinner for you, move your roast to a bowl and remove fatty pieces off. On my roast I had about a cup worth of fat. Shred the reminder in the bowl.Next, remove any large chunks of meat or fat out of the juice that’s still left in the crockpot. Pour the juice from the crockpot into a pan that you can simmer in your stovetop. Simmer to reduce it to half. This will be your french dip sauce and it will be dang good.Next, put your shredded meat onto hoagie rolls or french bread slices and top with provolone cheese. We like cheese, so I did two pieces over each french dip and put in the oven on low broil until the cheese was a little browned. De-licious.Serve your French Dips with the sauce on the side and have a quiet dinner (everyone will be *quietly* devouring your sandwiches – I promise!)Wait! If you like the idea of these French Dips, you may also be interested in these recipes below. Simply click on the picture to go to each post.Twelve More Popular Crock Pot Dinner ideas I know that you’ll love:Crockpot Ravioli Dinner – Delicious and easy! Crock Pot Beef Stew – Hearty and so simple!Slow Cooker Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta – Add the uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot!Crock Pot Beef and Noodles – Hearty and filling (especially amazing over mashed potatoes!)Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – Cooks all day and the easiest dinner for the busiest nights!Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches – YUM!Crock Pot Lasagna – WOW! Set and forget for this favorite American dish!Crockpot Baked Ziti  – All you need is a chilly day and this!Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Sandwiches – This my friends, is ‘Merica in a Crock Pot!Chicken Taco Meat – The easiest dinner ever! Use this delicious meat for tacos, salads, quesadillas … the options are endless!Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches – YUM!Crockpot Enchilada Soup – Full of flavor!!French Dip Crock Pot Dinner Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 4 hours Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes Servings 8 sandwiches Author KateIngredients 3 pound chuck roast 2 T vegetable oil 2 cans Campbell’s French Onion Soup 1 can Beef Consomme Soup 8 hoagie rolls 8-16 slices provolone (depending on if you want one or two pieces of cheese on each sandwichInstructionsBrown Chuck Roast in vegetable oilAdd soups to chuck roastSlow cook on high for four hours or on low for 8-10 hoursWhen slow cooker is done, move your roast to a bowl and remove fatty pieces offRemove any large chunks of meat or fat out of the juice that’s still left in the crockpotPour the juice from the crockpot into a pan that you can simmer in your stovetopSimmer au jus juice to reduce it to half (This will be your french dip sauce and it will be dang good.)Put your shredded meat onto hoagie rolls or french bread slices and top with provolone cheesePut sandwiches in the oven on low broil until the cheese is as browned as you like it […]