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Tag: cilantro

Garam Masala and Cilantro Roast Turkey Breast

This was voted the best turkey we have ever made. I cooked this delicious turkey breast the same way I have been for the last few years. I like to make a compound butter for under the skin; I like to add bacon on top and I like to stuff the cavity with some citrus. I made the compound butter with garlic, lemon zest, garam masala and cilantro to keep with the Indian theme. It made the turkey super flavorful and delicious!

  • 1 8-9 pound turkey breast
  • ½ stick butter, room temperature
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated
  • Zest of two lemons, save the lemons for the cavity
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons garam masala
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 3 to 4 bacon strips
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 large onion, cut into quarters
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves, skins on
  • 1 to 2 cups homemade turkey stock

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (preferably convection)

Mix the butter with the garlic, lemon zest, salt, garam masala and cilantro. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and carefully spread the butter under the skin. Salt and pepper inside and outside of the turkey breast. Stuff the cavity with the lemon pieces. Place the bacon strips on top of the turkey breast and place on the stand.
Add the carrots, onion and garlic to the bottom of the roasting pan. Add the stock. Place the stand into the roasting pan. Let turkey sit for 2 to 3 hours before roasting in oven.
Roast in the oven till the internal temperature is 160 degrees F. Half way through the roasting process, take the bacon (when bacon is well done) off and continue cooking. Take out of oven onto a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil for 20 minutes. In the meantime strain the juices out of the roasting pan. Separate the fat and add the juices to the gravy pan.
Slice the turkey and serve with hot gravy.

Cranberry & Pineapple Salsa

Great take on cranberry sauce!

  • 16 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1½ cups pineapple juice
  • ¾ cups brown sugar
  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into small chunks
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped

Add the cranberries, pineapple juice to a boil and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, fresh pineapple, salt and paprika. Cook on low heat for ten minutes until the sauce is thick. Check for seasonings and let cool. Can be frozen at this point for up to a week. Add the cilantro and green onions right before serving.

Coconut Rice with Shrimp

  • 1 pound jumbo shrimp, tails taken off
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup chimichurri sauce
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup rice
  • Salt
  • 1 cup frozen petit peas, thawed
  • Juice of one lemon
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Heat a large saucepan with the olive oil. Add the shrimp and sauté for a minute. Take them out on a platter and sprinkle some salt. Cut the shrimp in half and keep aside.
Add the chimichurri sauce into the pan and saute for a minute. Add the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add the rice and bring to a boil. Lower the heat as holes begin to appear on the surface. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes. Add the peas and shrimp on top and cover with lid.
Cook for another 10 minutes or till the shrimp is fully cooked. Mix well and add salt, lemon juice and cilantro. Mix well and serve hot.

Cauliflower and Potatoes Sauteed with Tomatoes

Cauliflower and Potatoes Sauteed with Tomatoes1

  • 1 cauliflower head, cut into florets
  • 4 to 5 medium sized yellow potatoes, cut into ½ inch wedges
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ajwain (carom) seeds
  • 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 inch ginger, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the cumin and ajwain seeds and sauté on medium high heat till the seeds begin to sizzle. Add the onion, ginger and garlic. Saute on medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sauté for another 4-5 minutes. Add the salt, turmeric, coriander powder and garam masala. Mix well and add the cauliflower and potatoes. Mix well and lower the heat and cover for 15 minutes or till the potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Turn the heat up and uncover the pan and sauté, stirring constantly. Saute for 5-6 minutes, till the excess moisture at the bottom of the pan has evaporated. Check for seasonings and garnish with cilantro.

Moroccan Style Potato Salad

Potato Salad

  • 5 to 6 potatoes, skinned and cut into 1 inch squares, cooked in water till soft
  • Salt

Sprinkle some salt on the hot potatoes once they are drained well.

Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water

Add the tomato paste and garlic into a small bowl. Add the boiling water and mix and let sit for 5 minutes.

  • 1 tablespoon harissa sauce
  • 1 preserved lemon, chopped (zest of one lemon can be used instead)
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice from the preserved lemons (or juice of a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin- crushed
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

Add the harissa, preserved lemon, juice, cumin, salt and honey. Drizzle the oil slowly, whisking the dressing constantly. Check for seasonings and add to the hot potatoes. Mix well and taste for seasonings and add more salt if needed. Top with cilantro and serve.

Watermelon Tomato Salsa

How can I forget watermelon when I am posting summer sides!!! This salsa is great with any grilled meat or seafood… or just plain with tortilla chips!

  • 2 cups watermelon, chopped
  • 2 yellow plum tomatoes, seeds taken out and chopped
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Let the salsa sit for at least an hour before serving with either tortilla chips or on top of any grilled meat or fish.

Poblano Corn Salsa

This is a very simple, yet delicious salad I have been making this summer- definitely a crowd pleaser!

  • 6 ears of corn, grilled, off the cob
  • 2 poblano peppers, grilled, skin off and chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 red jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of one lemon
  • Salt to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a serving bowl. Let sit for at least an hour before serving.