Spring Pea and Mint Risotto

Spring Pea and Mint Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetable Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over low heat until warm. Keep it simmering while you prepare the risotto.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.

4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): Pour in the white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.

5. Add the Broth: Begin adding the warm vegetable broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed by the rice before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy, but still slightly firm to the bite, about 18-20 minutes.

6. Stir in Peas and Mint: About halfway through cooking the rice, stir in the fresh or frozen peas. Continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked and the peas are tender. Stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves during the last minute of cooking.

7. Finish the Risotto: Once the rice is cooked to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve: Divide the risotto among serving plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately, while hot.

Tips:

• For a vegan version, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Feel free to add additional spring vegetables such as asparagus or leeks for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the risotto as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread, or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Easy Beef and Vegetable Skillet

Easy Beef and Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) mixed vegetables, drained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Onion and Garlic:

   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the drained canned mixed vegetables to the skillet with the beef, onion, and garlic.
   • Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.
   • Stir well to combine all ingredients.

4. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Season and Serve:

   • Taste the beef and vegetable skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Serve hot over cooked rice or pasta.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.

This beef and vegetable skillet is a convenient and budget-friendly meal for two that comes together quickly with the help of canned vegetables. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Ingredients:

For the Mezze Platter:

• Hummus
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita bread or pita chips
• Olives (assorted varieties)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Carrot sticks
• Red bell pepper strips
• Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• Grapes or sliced apples (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Dried oregano or za'atar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mezze Platter:

   • Arrange small bowls or plates with hummus, tzatziki sauce, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, red bell pepper strips, and feta cheese.
   • Place pita bread or pita chips on a serving platter or basket.

2. Garnish:

   • Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the hummus and tzatziki sauce.
   • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hummus and tzatziki sauce for a pop of color and freshness.
   • Serve lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the vegetables and cheese.
   • Optionally, sprinkle dried oregano or za'atar over the hummus for added flavor.

3. Serve:

   • Arrange the platter on the table along with utensils and napkins.
   • Invite everyone to help themselves to the assortment of delicious Mediterranean bites.
   • Enjoy the meal leisurely, savoring the flavors and enjoying the company of loved ones.

Additional Tips:

• Feel free to customize the mezze platter with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients, such as stuffed grape leaves, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, or grilled eggplant slices.
• Add some warmth to the meal by serving a bowl of hearty lentil soup or a simple tomato basil soup alongside the mezze platter.
• For a sweet ending, serve a selection of fresh fruit or a light dessert like baklava or Greek yogurt topped with honey and nuts.

This Mediterranean mezze platter is perfect for a relaxed Sunday evening meal, offering a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy your palate without feeling too heavy. Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean as you unwind and recharge for the week ahead!