PlaneLocket's Cookbook

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Italian Minestrone Soup

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Italian Minestrone Soup

Simple and hearty Italian minestrone soup, brimming with vegetables, beans and a little pasta.
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Status Tried & True
Servings 10
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, if needed
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp rosemary
  • 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 inch Parmesan cheese rind optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 sprig thyme fresh
  • 15 oz kidney beans
  • Large handful chopped parsley
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese to serve optional
  • 2 cups ditalini cooked

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, carrots and celery. Raise heat to medium-high, if you need to, and cook, tossing regularly, until the veggies soften a bit (about 5 minutes or so). Add the garlic and cook another minute, tossing regularly.
  • Add the zucchini or yellow squash and green beans. Season with paprika, rosemary, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
  • Now add the crushed tomatoes, broth, fresh thyme, bay leaf and Parmesan rind (if using.) Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and partially cover the pot. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or so.
  • Uncover the pot and add the kidney beans. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Finally, Stir in the parsley and fresh basil. And, if serving immediately, stir in the cooked pasta and simmer ever so briefly till the pasta is warmed through; do not overcook.
  • Remove the cheese rind and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve the minestrone hot in dinner bowls with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional.)

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 611mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2373IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 3mg
Keyword minestrone
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Mediterranean Spicy Spinach and Lentil Soup

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Mediterranean Spicy Spinach and Lentil Soup

A nutritious, flavor-packed spinach lentil soup that comes together in minutes. With earthy Mediterranean spices, lime juice and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean
Status Tried & True
Servings 8
Calories 212 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 yellow onion large, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove large, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp sumac
  • 1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 tsp dried mint flakes
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 cups water more if needed
  • 12 oz leaf spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups brown lentils rinsed
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cups parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large ceramic or cast iron pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sautee until golden brown. Add the garlic, all the spices, dried mint, sugar and flour. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium heat stirring regularly.
  • Now add the broth and water. Raise the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil; add the frozen spinach and the lentils. Cook for 5 minutes on high heat then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked to tender. (Partway through cooking, check the liquid levels, and if you need to add a little bit of hot water.)
  • Once the lentils are fully cooked, stir in the lime juice and chopped parsley. Remove from the heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes or so. Serve hot with pita bread or your favorite rustic Italian bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 11gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 761mgPotassium: 708mgFiber: 13gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 5759IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 5mg
Keyword lentils, spinach
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Balsamic Vinaigrette

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper

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Balsamic Vinaigrette

Slightly sweet, tangy balsamic vinaigrette is the best salad dressing around.
Print Recipe
Course Condiment
Status Tried & True
Servings 10 (2 Tbsp)
Calories 163 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt fine
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly crushed, finely ground
  • 1 garlic clove large, minced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
  • Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.1gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 135mgPotassium: 14mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword sauces-dressings-vinaigrettes, vinaigrette
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CrockPot Steak and Gravy

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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CrockPot Steak and Gravy

Crockpot Steak and Gravy always comes out tender and flavorful. It is so easy to make and a perfect supper for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Status Tried & True
Servings 6
Calories 267 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb Sirloin Steak
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 c water divided
  • 2 ea beef bullion cube
  • .25 c all purpose flour
  • .5 tsp garlic powder
  • .5 tsp onion powder
  • .25 tsp black pepper
  • .25 ea onion diced

Instructions
 

  • Season the sirloin steak with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat and sear steak on all sides.
  • Place sirloin steak in a slow cooker.
  • Add 2 cups of water and the beef bouillon cube to the hot pan.
  • Allow bouillon cube to dissolve and water to come to a boil.
  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together 1 cup of water, flour, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper.
  • Slowly pour flour mixture into the pan. Whisk in the flour mixture.
  • Continue to whisk and let the gravy thicken and come to a slow boil.
  • Remove from heat and carefully pour the gravy over the steak in the slow cooker.
  • Add diced onions to the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or until steak is tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 173mgPotassium: 530mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 0.5IUVitamin C: 0.05mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Casserole, main-dishes-meat
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Chicken Shawarma

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Chicken Shawarma

Chicken pieces, tossed in warm Middle Eastern spices, then baked until perfectly tender. Serve it in pita pockets with Mediterranean salad and sauces.
Print Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Status Tried & True
Servings 6
Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 tbsp ground cumin
  • 3/4 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 3/4 tbsp ground coriander
  • 3/4 tbsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tbsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper more if you prefer
  • Salt
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 onion large, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

To Serve

  • 6 Pita Pockets
  • 1 tbsp Tahini Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1/4 Cup Baby arugula
  • 1 tbsp Kalamata olives optional

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix the cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, sweet paprika and cloves. Set aside the shawarma spice mix for now.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt on both sides, then thinly slice into small bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the shawarma spices and toss to coat. Add the onions, lemon juice and olive oil. Toss everything together again. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight (if you don’t have time, you can cut or skip marinating time)
  • When ready, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit in room temperature for a few minutes. Spread the marinated chicken with the onions in one layer on a large lightly-oiled baking sheet pan. Roast for 30 minutes in the 425 degrees F heated-oven. For a more browned, crispier chicken, move the pan to the top rack and broil very briefly (watch carefully). Remove from the oven.
  • While the chicken is roasting, prepare the pita pockets. Make tahini sauce or Tztaziki sauce. Make 3-ingredient Mediterranean salad. Set aside.
  • To serve, open pita pockets up. Spread a little tahini sauce or tzatziki sauce, add chicken shawarma, arugula, Mediterranean salad and pickles or olives, if you like. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 136mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 546IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken, main-dishes-poultry
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Tahini Sauce

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Tahini Sauce

Great tahini sauce recipe with lemon juice, fresh garlic and parsley! Serve it on falafel pitas or chicken shawarma; or to drizzle on things like roasted cauliflower.
Print Recipe
Course Condiment
Status Tried & True

Ingredients
  

  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup tahini paste
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 1/4 cup cold water more if needed
  • 1 cup parsley leaves fresh chopped

Instructions
 

  • Using a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic cloves with the salt into a paste (or mince the garlic and season with salt.)
  • Add the crushed garlic, tahini paste and lime juice to the bowl of a food processor and blend (it will be thick as it emulsifies.) Add a littlebit of water and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Transfer the tahini to a serving bowl, and if you like stir in fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Keyword sauce, sauces-sauces-gravies
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Apple Cider Mustard Salad Dressing

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Apple Cider Mustard Salad Dressing

Apple Cider Vinegar and Dijon Mustard Salad Dressing
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Status Tried & True
Servings 6 (2 Tbsp)
Calories 116 kcal

Equipment

  • Immersion Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ea shallot
  • 1/3 C Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 C Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tsp Honey Raw
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Immersion blend shallot, EVOO, ACV, mustard, honey salt and pepper together.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 310mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword Dressing, sauces-dressings-vinaigrettes
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Tzatziki Sauce

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Tzatziki Sauce

Creamy Greek Tztaziki Sauce. A versitle Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce to serve along with veggies and pita, spread on sandwiches, or add it next to grilled fish, meat or poultry!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine Mediterranean
Status Tried & True
Servings 3 Cups
Calories 142 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 English cucumber partially peeled (striped) and sliced
  • 1 tsp salt kosher, divided
  • 5 garlic cloves peeled, finely grated or minced (you can use less if you prefer)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Homemade Yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper ground
  • Warm pita bread for serving
  • Sliced vegetables for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prep the cucumber. In a food processor, grate the cucumbers. Toss with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer over a deep bowl to drain. Spoon the grated cucumber into a cheese cloth or a double thickness napkin and squeeze dry. Set aside briefly.
  • In one large mixing bowl, place the garlic with remaining 1/2 tsp salt, white vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix to combine. Add the grated cucumber to the large bowl with the garlic mixture. Stir in the yogurt and white pepper. Combine thoroughly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
  • When ready to serve, stir the tzatziki sauce to refresh and transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil, if you like. Add a side of warm pita bread and your favorite vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 15gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 826mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 85IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 170mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword sauce, sauces-sauces-gravies
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Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

This creamy red lentil soup, prepared Greek-style, will surprise your taste buds in the best way possible!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 23 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean
Status Tried & True
Servings 6
Calories 329 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ea onion large, chopped
  • 3 ea garlic cloves minced
  • 2 ea carrots chopped
  • 3 tsp oregano dry
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 ea bay leaves dry
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes from a can
  • 7 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 2 cups red lentils rinsed and drained
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp parsley fresh
  • Crumbled feta cheese to serve optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, carrots and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Add spices and bay leaves. Cook for a few seconds till fragrant, keep stirring so spices don’t burn.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, broth, lentils. Season with kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until lentils are fully cooked.
  • Remove from heat. If you have the time, let soup cool a bit before using an immersion blender to puree. Pulse a few times till you reach the creamy consistency you are looking for.
  • Return soup to heat, and stir to warm through. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
  • Transfer soup to serving bowls and top with extra virgin olive oil. If you like, top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve with your favorite crusty bread!

Notes

Tips: Be sure the lentils are fully cooked before blending. To achieve creamy consistency, don’t skip blending the soup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 17gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 1161mgPotassium: 791mgFiber: 20gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 940IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 6mg
Keyword lentils
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Icelandic Skyr

Posted on January 21, 2023 by looper
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Icelandic Skyr

Skyr has the consistency of strained yogurt, but a milder flavor. Skyr can be classified as a fresh sour milk cheese, similar to curd cheese consumed like a yogurt
Print Recipe
Course Cultured Dairy
Cuisine Icelandic
Status Tried & True
Servings 16 (1/2 Cup)
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 InstantPot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Gallon Milk
  • 1 Cup Homemade Yogurt
  • 1/2 Tablet Rennet
  • 1/4 Cup Water

Instructions
 

  • Heat Milk in InstantPot using the Yogurt Boil setting
  • While milk is heating, dissolve rennet in 1/4 water
  • Allow milk to cool to 90°
  • Mix the rennet into the milk thoroughly, using an up and down motion, no longer than 15 seconds.
  • Gently stir in the yogurt.
  • Culture yogurt using the 14 hour yogurt setting
  • Strain Skyr through cheesecloth to desired consistency

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 373mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 384IUCalcium: 305mgIron: 0.01mg
Keyword skyr, yogurt
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