Lasagna Soup

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp red pepper flakes

8 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or both)

3 tbsp tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 can San Marzano tomatoes or 24 oz marinara

6-8 cups beef broth

1 parmesan rind

2 bay leaves

1–2 fresh parsley stems or basil stems

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 lbs lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces

handful of freshly torn basil

salt and pepper, to taste

Ricotta Mixture:

1 cup ricotta

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

pinch of nutmeg

lemon zest

salt and black pepper, to taste

1. In a food processor, pulse onion, carrot, and celery until very fine.

2. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery mixture and cook, stirring often, until the veggies start to soften.

3. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

4. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Clear a center in the pot and add the ground beef (and sausage, if using). Season with more salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to caramelize it slightly.

7. Add the wine, marinara, broth, parmesan, bay leaves, and herb stems. Bring to a gentle boil.

8. Add in lasagna pieces, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally.

9. While noodles are cooking, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until incorporated.

10. Once your noodles are done, turn off heat. Add whipping cream and fresh basil. Add in a few dollops of the ricotta mixture, saving some for topping. Stir to combine and taste for seasonings.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO7C3KykhpC/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCNIgRis9MC/?hl=en

Chicken Enchilada Stew

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp oregano

salt and pepper

1 cup red enchilada sauce

2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken

3/4 cup corn kernels

juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

optional garnishes: tortilla strips or chips, shredded cheese, avocado, jalapeno, lime, cilantro

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onion, jalapeno, green bell pepper, and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent and begin to soften, about 2-4 minutes.

2. Reduce heat to medium and stir in all of the spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, oregano, and salt and pepper.

3. Add in the enchilada sauce, chicken broth, 1/2 can white beans, and uncooked chicken.

4. Bring soup to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.

5. After 25 minutes or so, remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and shred with two forks. Add back to the pot.

6. In a blender or food processor, add the remaining white beans and 1/2 cup water (or broth). Blend until smooth, adding a little more water if necessary. Add blended white beans into the soup pot.

7. Stir in the corn, lime juice, and cilantro. Allow soup to cook and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken and bring flavors together.

8. Optional: Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, jalapeno slices, an extra lime wedge, and/or more cilantro.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/chicken-enchilada-soup/

Mediterranean Cod

Servings: 2

1 shallot, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup pitted green olives, halved

2 tbsp capers

2 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

salt and pepper

2 cod fillets (115-170g)

2 tbsp oregano leaves

lemon wedges (for serving)

1. Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine shallot, cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, sherry vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes until tomatoes are starting to soften.

4. In the meantime, drizzle second tablespoon of olive oil over cod fillets and season with salt and pepper.

5. Place fish on baking tray with tomatoes. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fish is opaque throughout and tomatoes have burst and are blistered in spots.

6. Top with oregano and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/swordfish-steaks-cherry-tomatoes-capers

Shakshuka

Servings: 2-4

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

salt and pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

4 eggs

1/4 cup crumbled feta

1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. In a cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until peppers soften.

3. Add the garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Create 4 small wells in the tomato sauce and crack the eggs into the wells.

5. Place skillet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking (they will continue to cook when you remove from the oven so don’t overcook).

6. Remove from the oven and top with crumbled feta and garnish with cilantro.

7. Serve with toasted bread or pita if desired.

https://thefeedfeed.com/girlwiththeironcast/classic-shakshuka-with-feta

Sourdough Focaccia

Yield: 1 large loaf

180g starter

310g cool water

1/2 tbsp honey

1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

460g all-purpose flour (preferably King Arthur brand)

2 1/2 tbsp butter, melted

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp dried oregano

1. In a large bowl, mix the starter with water, honey, salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

2. Add flour, and incorporate using hands or a spatula. Once you no longer see bits of dry flour, you can either add it to a stand mixer with the dough hook, and mix on low (speed 2) for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides and hold itself. Or you can knead by hand for 10 minutes, until you feel the dough tighten and acquire resistance, pulling away from the sides of the bowl as you work with it.

3. Bulk fermentation: cover the bowl with a very damp cloth and set in a place ideally around 75 degrees. Let rise for about 6 hours, until dough doubles in size and is puffy. You should see some small bubbles on the surface.

4. Stretch and fold four “corners” of the dough, basically on top of itself. Cover again and let rest for 2 1/2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator (up to 12 hours).

5. At this point, brush a 13x8-inch non-stick baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, distributing all the way to sides of pan.

6. Using lightly oiled hands, gently scrape dough out onto baking sheet. It will look like a big blob. Using your hands, pull the edges out to gently stretch them. Dough should be about 1 to 1 1/2 inches tall. Let rise in a warm spot, covered with another sheet pan that’s upside down (so it has room to rise) for 1-2 hours until it is puffy and bubbly.

7. Preheat oven to 400F. Drizzle remaining tablespoon of olive oil onto the bread, and press your fingertips from your whole hand into the risen dough. Your fingertips should go all the way down through the dough, hitting the pan.

8. Drizzle melted butter over the dough, brushing with a pastry brush, and then sprinkle 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to top of bread.

9. Put pan in oven on middle rack and bake for 10 minutes. Turn oven down to 350F and bake for another 15 minutes, until crust is golden brown and bounces back slightly when you press down on it. Let cool for 15 minutes and eat.

https://heartbeetkitchen.com/2018/recipes/how-to-make-sourdough-focaccia/

Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing

Yield: 1/2 cup

1/4 cup tahini

juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup fresh basil

1 tsp fresh oregano

1 tsp fresh/dried thyme

salt and pepper

3-5 tbsp water

1. Add all ingredients to a blender, starting with 3 tablespoons of water. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

2. If too thick, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

https://www.simplyquinoa.com/how-to-make-tahini-dressing-4-ways/

Southwest Black Bean Stew

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

6 crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 potato, diced

1 yam, diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp oregano

2 tsp cumin

salt and pepper

1 can diced tomatoes

1/3 cup tomato paste

1 cup water

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels

4 cups collard greens, coarsely chopped (or sub other greens)

1 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

avocado, chopped

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and cook while stirring for 5 to 8 minutes.

2. Add the potatoes, yam, red pepper, and spices. Cook while stirring for another couple of minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice.

4. Add the beans and corn and cook for 5 more minutes.

5. Stir in the greens and cook for 5 minutes more, or until the potato and yam are tender.

6. Stir in the cilantro, and garnish with more chopped cilantro and chopped avocado.

https://gamechangersmovie.com/recipes/southwest-stew/

Cauliflower Herb Egg Cups

Yield: 12

2 cups riced cauliflower

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp dill

8 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup shredded cheese, divided

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a standard sized muffin pan with parchment liners and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cauliflower, herbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and half the cheese until well combined.

3. Stir in the flour and baking powder until completely incorporated.

4. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan, filling nearly full. Sprinkle tops with rest of the cheese.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until muffins are baked through and no longer jiggle.

https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/7-healthy-breakfast-egg-muffins-freezer/

Tofu "Feta"

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

1 block extra firm tofu

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1. Cube the tofu, and lay the cubes on paper towels. Place more paper towels on top and put something heavy on top to press out some of the liquid. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Place the tofu cubes in a single layer onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 15 minutes, to dry out the tofu.

4. In the meantime, in a medium bowl, combine all other ingredients. Whisk to combine.

5. Add the tofu and stir, making sure all the tofu is coated and soaking in the liquid. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or over night.

https://www.rabbitandwolves.com/vegan-watermelon-mint-and-feta-bites/

Chicken Souvlaki Skewers

Yield: 4 servings

3-4 chicken breasts

3 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp garlic, minced

3 tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground cumin

2 tbsp parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp chili flakes

salt and pepper

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken. Mix well.

2. Cut chicken into 1-2 inch pieces. Add pieces to marinade, and stir to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes, or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Skewer chicken onto pre-soaked skewers. Place on prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.

https://www.chefdehome.com/recipes/772/chicken-souvlaki

Chorizo and White Bean Cassoulet

Yield: 4 servings

1 tbsp olive oil

4 links chorizo, cut into chunks

1/2 onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 small can diced tomatoes

1 tbsp tomato paste

3 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp smoked paprika

4 cups of spinach, chopped (or chard or kale)

1 can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and let the chunks brown on each side. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. To the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 10 minutes, until just browning.

3. Add garlic and sauté another minute.

4. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, white wine, and spices. Add the browned chorizo back to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes uncovered.

5. Add the spinach and beans and stir to wilt spinach and warm beans.

http://spanishsabores.com/2013/12/17/chorizo-and-white-bean-stew-with-spinach/

Lasagna

Yield: 8 servings

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb sweet (or hot) Italian sausage

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 onion, finely chopped

5 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

2 jars tomato sauce

Ricotta Mix:

1 1/2 cups ricotta

2 eggs

1/2 cup spinach, chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

2 tbsp mozzarella, grated

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper

To assemble:

1 pound lasagna noodles

2 cups spinach, chopped

1 lb mozzarella, grated

1 cup four cheese mix, grated

1/4 cup Parmesan, grated

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meat and cook until completely cooked through. Set aside, but do not drain the fat.

2. Add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.

3. Add spices and stir. Cook for another minute.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Meanwhile, place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot water directly over the noodles, making sure the pasta is completely immersed in the water. Let them soak for 5 minutes, then drain and discard water. Noodles should be pliable but still crunchy inside.

6. In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta with eggs, spinach, basil, parsley, mozzarella, garlic, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.

7. Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease a deep aluminum 9x13 roasting pan.

8. To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/4 of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 the spinach. Place 4 noodles on top. Spoon 2 cups meat sauce over noodles. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread remaining ricotta mixture on top of noodles. Top with 1/4 of four cheese mix and remaining 1/2 of the spinach. To finish, place a final layer of pasta, topped with another 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella, four cheese mix, and Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.

9. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes. May need to broil at the end to allow cheese to brown. Serve hot.

https://thestayathomechef.com/amazing-lasagna-recipe/

Beef Barley Soup

Yield: 4-6 servings

1 lb beef cubes

salt and pepper

(optional: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp oregano, chopped

1 tsp thyme, chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

3/4 cup barley

1 tbsp parsley, chopped

1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. If using flour, place the beef in a ziploc bag and add the flour to the bag. Close the bag and shake all the beef is fully covered in flour. Add more flour if needed.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the beef and cook just until the meat starts to brown. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook the vegetables about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste. Stir.

5. Add the meat back to the pot, along with the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender.

6. Add the barley and cook for another 30 minutes or until the barley is cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep the barley from sticking. If the soup is too thick, add more water as necessary until you get the desired consistency.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/beef-barley-soup/

Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Yield: 4 side servings

4 large yellow potatoes, cut into wedges

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup water

juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp thyme

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Line a roasting pan with parchment paper. Pan should be large enough to fit potatoes in a single layer.

2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, water, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place into prepared pan.

3. Bake, uncovered, until fork-tender and brown on the edges, about 50 minutes. Turn potatoes halfway through baking for even browning. Add water if all the liquid has been absorbed.

https://www.marthastewart.com/436596/greek-lemon-roasted-potatoes

Orange, Olive, and Oregano Chicken Skewers

Yield: 8 skewers

2 large chicken breasts, cubed into 1 ½-inch pieces

1/2 cup orange juice

zest of 1 orange

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp oregano leaves, chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

salt and pepper

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted

2 cups zucchini, sliced

1. Soak skewers for 30 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper. Add chicken and toss chicken to combine. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.

3. Prepare kabobs by alternating chicken, olives, and zucchini. Discard marinade.

4. Grill kabobs over medium heat (350F) for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until cooked through and tender.

5. Let rest a few minutes and serve warm.


https://autoimmunewellness.com/grilled-chicken-kabobs-orange-olive-oregano/