Chickpea Curry

All you vegetarians out there listen up!  This is so good and you won't believe how incredibly fast and easy this meal is to make!  I whipped this one out in less than 15 minutes and it is so healthy.  I found this recipe randomly on the internet (i don't remember where) and made a few minor changes.  I decreased the cayenne pepper to a 1/2 a tsp. because we have kids and i didn't want to make it too spicy.  But if I were making this only for adults I would go full throttle and put it all in.  It does need a good bit of salt but just keep tasting and use your own judgment.  I will say, this recipe does not make a huge meal so I plan to double it next time so I have leftover for lunch the next day.  

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 onions, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in pan and saute onions and garlic.  After they become translucent add the spices.  Cook for just a minute.  Then add the beans with liquid from can (or 1/2 c. broth or water). Cook till all is combined and heated through. Before serving stir in cilantro. Serve over rice or couscous.

Moroccan Tagine

This is so yummy!  I make this dish almost every week for dinner.  It is that good!  I originally got this recipe from a my friend Karla who has a recipe blog with her sisters.  I don't know the original source of this recipe. However, I have altered it a good bit to my liking and this is what I have come up with.  By the way, this recipe is also great for you vegetarians out there.  It is a complete meal even without the chicken.  If you want to make this veggie style omit the chicken and substitute the chicken broth for veggie broth.  I would also add a second can of chickpeas just for a little extra kick. 

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks
(you could use chicken on the bone also. just toss it in frozen or fresh and before serving pick the meat off the bones and serve.)
1/2 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon garam masala (don't omit this... it makes the dish! you can find it at whole foods or health food stores)

Toss everything into the crock-pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours or toss everything into a stock pot and bring to boil.  Once it reaches a boil turn down the heat and simmer for an hour or until the chicken is cooked and the squash is soft. Serve with crusty bread or over brown rice for eating.

Baked Oatmeal

This recipe is one that I have adapted from many different recipes I have tried over the years.  I was always frustrated at how much sugar most recipes call for and it seemed to defeat the purpose of having something healthy like oatmeal.  This is a delicious breakfast you can feel good about feeding your family.  It is hearty, healthy, and oh so tasty!  Try this tomorrow for breakfast.  You won't regret it.
 
1 c. oil or butter
1 c. honey
4 eggs
5 c. rolled oats (the regular not the instant, they're healthier!)
1/2 c. flax seed meal
1/2 c. wheat germ
4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
2 c. milk
1 T. cinnamon
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
2 c. fresh or frozen peaches or blueberries (optional) 

Beat eggs, honey, and oil together in large bowl. Add dry ingredients and pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 30 - 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve hot with milk or with plain yogurt.