Author Archives: Cookinfanatic

Enchi-Mexi Zucchini & Black Bean “Lasagna”

 Well, Cinco de Mayo recipe, better late than never right?!?! ;)

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This recipe came about after an evening spent with some of my favorite people throwing together our own spin on these Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Which we turned into a “lasagna” of sorts. Sans noodles. Zucchini instead!

Which then morphed the very next night into this vegetarian version using black beans plus the leftover ingredients.

And I must tell you. Both options were s-t-e-l-l-a-r!

Mostly thanks to THIS SAUCE. Which is seriously just off the charts in the flavor department if you ask me :)

And puts any canned enchi sauce to shame!

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It’s amazing just how super easy it is to throw together too…. using a basic tomato sauce, garlic, canned chipotles in adobo, cumin, chili powder and a lil’ salt & pepper.

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That’s it! All ya need. And I bet most of these ingredients you already have in your pantry :)

Note: You can find canned chipotles in adobo in the Mexican food aisle at most grocery stores.

The rest of this recipe includes lots of healthy & delicious greens, making it super nutritious and friendly on the waistline.

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Not to mention wallet-friendly with the addition of the canned black beans as the protein…

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Thinly sliced zucchini serve as the “noodle” in this “lasagna” and become melt in your mouth when baked with the spicy smoky sauce and hearty black bean mixture.

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Now all that’s left is to play a little layering game…!

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And into the oven to get all melty cheesy and ooey gooey delicious :D

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Fresh clean healthy flavors with a hint of richness from the melted cheese and creamy black beans. And even though this loaded with veggies, this dish was hearty, comforting and filling!

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The addition of the chipotles in adobo lends the most wonderfully smoky flavor and I’d highly suggest giving this enchi sauce a go at home, even if it’s not to make this dish! 

This “lasagna” is definitely the perfect satisying, hearty yet light summer dish if you ask me, and one that I’ll be making again for certain :)

Enjoy! 

Sesame Quinoa Chicken & Kale Soup

 Before we get to this lil’ spicy Cinco de Mayo treat…

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Olé?!?!

I just HAVE to share this super healthy and oh so flavorful soup recipe with you guys that I whipped up last week.

That ok? Okay good :)

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Because this take on a traditional chicken soup has the most deliciously subtle sesame flavor and a mixture of textures that is just too good not to share!

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With hearty mushrooms,

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melt in your mouth carrots

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flavorful chicken breast,

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lightly cooked and still slightly “crisp” lacinato kale,

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and an out of the norm soup add-in —> quinoa!

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In place of a more traditional noodle :)

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Fun, right?!

This was my first time using lacinato kale in the kitchen and I loved it.

This kale has a flatter leaf than the curly kale I’m more accustomed and just the best texture!

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So yes. Here we are.

A filling yet healthy easy dinner option and a fun twist on a more traditional chicken soup :)

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Because what fun is cooking if you can’t mix things up like that? ;)

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And p.s. — I didn’t even add ANY oh my beloved spicy chili sauce to serve.

I know, right?! It must have been that good :P

Enjoy!

Weekend Collage

Gifted tomato plants.  Let’s see how this whole green thumb thing goes!

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Spring weather. Fan Fridays. Not real life cats.

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No better place than outside. I agree Leo, I agree!

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And let’s talk about these sunglasses. Which I need in my life asap!

 

Osaka Sushi & Steak.

Crunchy Shrimp, Lump Crab, Avocado, Cilantro, Rice.

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Beets. Salmon Sashimi. Sweet Tapenade.

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Still a dish of my dreams. So so SO good!

And what would Cinco de Mayo weekend be without Skinny Margaritas?

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And Chicken Enchilada Zucchini “Lasagna” :)

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With some of my favorite people.

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Oh and by the way. I’ll be recreating that enchilada combo vegetarian style later this week for you. And I think you’re gonna love it! Or at least I hope so :D

What was your favorite part of the weekend?!