Pork

Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata

Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata

Well hello! I hope the end of January is finding you well! We are craving warming, hearty meals here this time of year, and if you are busy, this one dish cast iron skillet meal checks all the boxes!! My hand is raised here. I am feeding a family of five who all seem to devour food like lumber jacks. No offense to the lumber jacks, but having three full grown children and a hard working husband with a hearty appetite in the house keeps me hopping! Fortunately, I have lots of help in the kitchen too. Clean up is my least favorite part of cooking. Especially the dish washing, and Doug is happy to get in there. He is an excellent scrubber.

This Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata is loaded with tasty ingredients like tangy sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onion, pecorino Romano cheese for a sharp, salty flavor, savory sausage, and creamy white beans! My mouth is watering!

Who else loves a wonderfully seasoned cast iron skillet? It is non-stick when cared for properly and seasoned well, plus it is a wonderful non-toxic pan!

Let’s make an awesome, hearty frittata!

Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. I used a ten inch cast iron pan. If yours is larger or smaller, it is fine, but the oven times will vary.

Ingredients:

1 Pound of Good Quality Pork Sausage

10 Eggs

1 Cup of White Navy Beans or Cannellini Beans (I use Eden Organic canned. Drain and rinse them under water in a colander before using.)

1 Medium Yellow Onion

1 Cup of Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

1/2 Cup of Greek Yogurt

1/2 Cup of Green Onion (sliced)

1/2 Cup of jarred Roasted Red Peppers (chopped)

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil Packed Sundried Tomatoes (finely chopped)

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

salt and pepper

In your cast iron skillet, cook your sausage until brown and no longer pink. Remove it from the skillet to drain on a plate with paper towel. Wipe your skillet of excess grease. Then, melt your olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped yellow onion, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and cook until translucent. While the onion is cooking, whisk together your eggs in a bowl along with the Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of the Pecorino Romano cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

After the onions are translucent, fold in the rinsed beans and chopped roasted red pepper maintaining the heat at medium. Add the cooked sausage back to the pan and evenly mix the vegetables, beans and meat. With a spatula make an even layer of your mixture, then pour the eggs over the top. Do not stir! Sprinkle the Frittata with sundried tomatoes, sliced green onion and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Place the cast iron skillet in your oven, and bake for approximately 25 minutes until set and the top is golden brown. Serve! This goes really well with a leafy green salad!

Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata

This makes six generous servings.

Sundried Tomato, Bean and Sausage Frittata

Italian Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables

Italian Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Dinner.JPGSheet pan meals are a quick and easy way to get a full meal on the table. This Italian dish has lean pork tenderloins, butternut squash and red cabbage! The tenderloins are tender and juicy, and the secret ingredient that’s not so secret is truffle salt! If you have never used it before, it is a fantastic way to add umami. I am obsessed with it lately! Also, the combination of Three salts……a pink, a smoked, and a truffle salt, all used judiciously, makes this pork crusty and oh so good!

plated pork dinner

You can serve this as a meal in itself! It is Plenty! But, you can also bump it up real fast by adding some cooked leafy greens on the side like the Swiss Chard shown above and some Kelp Noodles! Your choice! Keep going! The recipe is next!

Italian Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables

Italian Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables

Ingredients:

2 Pork Tenderloins

1 Small Red Cabbage (shredded by hand with a knife)

1 Medium Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded and cubed)

4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, divided

1/2 Teaspoon of Pink Salt, divided

1 Teaspoon of Dried Marjoram

1 Teaspoon of Dried Thyme

1 Teaspoon of Dried Parsley

1 Teaspoon of Dried Oregano

1/2 Teaspoon of Truffle Salt (I use this brand)

1/2 Teaspoon of Smoked Salt (here)

1/4 Teaspoon of Pink Salt

1/2 Teaspoon of Onion Powder

1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400° degrees F. On a Large Sheet Pan, toss the shredded cabbage and cubed butternut squash with two tablespoons of good olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of pink salt.

Place the vegetables in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the remaining herbs, spices and salts, including the second 1/4 teaspoon of the pink salt. Make sure to crush your smoked salt before blending in the other spices, because it is a little chunkier salt. Coat the pork tenderloins with the seasoning you just prepared. In a non-stick skillet, add 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil. Sautee the pork tenderloins over medium high heat until browned on both sides. Set aside until the twenty minutes have passed for the vegetables in the oven.

Now, add the browned pork tenderloins to the top of the vegetables that have been roasting. Roast an additional twenty minutes, or just until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and let the tenderloins set for ten minutes before slicing.

Serve!

Won Ton Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

After traveling in China a couple times about 14 years ago, I had a whole new appreciation for authentic Chinese cuisine, and when I returned home I searched for a cookbook that could help me recreate the flavors I had enjoyed while traveling in the beautiful country with such friendly and fascinating citizens. It was a magical time not only because we were adopting our two youngest daughters, but also because their cuisine was much, much different than the Chinese restaurants here in the states.

Won Ton Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

Won Ton Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

 

I found a book by Eileen Lin Fei Lo entitled The Chinese Kitchen. I consider her the Julia Child of Chinese Cuisine and Technique, and I started frequenting Chinese Markets back home and working my way through her cookbook, making delicious and authentic tasting dishes. It was a huge learning curve at first, and then I got better and better at it, and my family was thrilled. My little baby girls loved Congee and Steamed Egg Custards, and I was able to make them for them. Then I became gluten sensitive, and the book sat forlornly on the shelf collecting dust.

Shrimp and Pork Won Ton Meatballs

Won Ton Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

 

This week, I pulled it off a gluten free, wrapper-less, won ton that I think you will love regardless of your food preferences. I was craving those little won tons I used to eat, and I was determined to make a Paleo version of them. I was pretty gleeful after I mixed up the meatballs and let them refrigerate for a couple hours before forming them, because the meatballs were too soupy……… until I sprinkled in a couple teaspoons of gelatin at the very end and mixed it up again, then said a little prayer and popped them in the refrigerator.

When I took the mixture out of the refrigerator to form the balls, I could tell when I started rolling them that they were the perfect texture and were going to be silky on the tongue.

This meal is grain-free, so I made julienned carrots and zucchini sauteed in fat our your choice. I like olive oil, which is not traditional, but very healthy. My kids and hubby gobbled them up. The only sad part is there are no leftovers for lunch today. Next time I will make a double batch!

Won Ton Shrimp and Pork Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 Pound Pastured Ground Pork

1 1/2 Cups Cooked Baby Shrimp, finely diced

1 Tablespoon of Coconut Aminos (this is a fantastic soy substitute)

1 Tablespoon of Fish Sauce (I used Red Boat)

1 Teaspoon of Honey

1 Teaspoon of Toasted Sesame Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/2 Teaspoon of Onion Powder

1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder

1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Ginger

1/4 Teaspoon of White Pepper

2 Teaspoons of Grass Fed Gelatin (the kind that thickens like Vital Choice Green Label – see In My Pantry)

For Cooking:

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil.

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl with your hands, except the gelatin, until very thoroughly blended. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top of the mixture, and quickly incorporate thoroughly with your hands. Place in the refrigerator for at least two hours and up to 24.

To make the won ton. Preheat the oven to 350º degrees. Form the won ton into tablespoon sized balls. Place the oil in a large non-stick skillet, and melt over medium high heat. When melted, evenly distribute in the skillet, and add the won ton. Cook on one side until lightly browned, then turn them and cook a few more minutes. Then place the pan in the oven for ten minutes to cook through the center.

Serve.

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

 

 

Bacon, Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This is the perfect casserole for late Summer! Tomato, Basil and Spaghetti Squash are abundant locally, and this casserole is not only scrumptious, it is beautiful! The texture is soft and fluffy similar to a souffle or a delicate quiche, and the crumb topping adds just the right finishing touch.

Spagehtti Squash Casserole 6

I love all the vegetables incorporated in this casserole. Spaghetti Squash, unlike other winter squashes, has a very mild flavor and is light in color with Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C, plus every essential mineral is found in spaghetti squash in trace amounts. Isn’t that cool?

Most people know that Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene. They also have excellent amounts of Vitamin C , Biotin and VItamin K included in their nutritional value.  Take advantage of them while they are at their peak and very nutrient rich.

Scallions are an excellent source of Vitamin K. One cup of scallions contains 259% of the RDA of this vitamin.  Holy Smokes! They also may help prevent cancer like other alliums such as garlic and onions.  See this article by The Huffington Post.

I incorporate herbs whenever I can into what I am eating for all their various health benefits and the flavor they add. Basil adds a sweetness to this dish that I love.

Let’s start cooking!

Bacon, Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Squash Casserole

To pre-cook the spaghetti squash, preheat your oven to 350º degrees F. Cut your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a large spoon. Fill a large casserole pan with an inch of water and place the squash cut side down after lightly seasoning it with salt and pepper. Bake for one hour until a knife inserted in the squash slides through easily. Flip the squash over cut side up to cool. Then, take a fork and remove the squash into spaghetti-like noodles from the skin. At this point you can refrigerate the squash and make the casserole later, or move on to making the casserole.

To Make the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 400º degrees F. Line a 10 inch round spring form pan with parchment paper after greasing it with coconut oil and set aside.

Ingredients for filling:

1 Medium Spaghetti Squash (approximately 4 cups cooked)

1 Egg

4 Strips of Bacon, cooked and chopped (omit if making it meatless)

1/2 Cup Superfine Almond Flour

1/4 Cup Good Quality Mayo (I used Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo)

2 Scallions, Sliced

1/4 Cup Fresh Basil (or 1 Tablespoon Dried if you don’t have fresh)

1 1/2 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink or Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Pulse all the ingredients except the bacon in a food processor until smooth and incorporated. Fold in the bacon.

Pour the filling into the prepared dish.

Ready to Bake

For the Topping:

Ingredients:

1 Large or 2 Medium, Ripe Tomatoes (sliced in half and then thinly sliced into half moons

2 Sliced Scallions

2 Tablespoons of Fresh Basil (or 1 tsp. dried)

1/2 Cup Superfine Almond Flour

2 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil

1 Teaspoon of Himalayan Pink or Sea Salt

1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Directions: Place the sliced tomatoes in a decorative pattern on top of your filling (see the photos).

In a mini-processor or a full sized one will work as well, pulse the topping until it looks like crumbs. Sprinkle on top of the casserole evenly.

Bake in your preheated oven for 50 minutes. The topping will be golden brown and the casserole puffed.

Cool ten minutes. Then, remove the outer ring of the spring form pan and serve in the parchment.

This Bacon, Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Squash Casserole will give you all the comforts in comfort food with no Grain or Dairy. Delish!!!!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

 

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce (Low FodMap, Paleo, Gluten Free)

I have a brand new, Low FodMap, absolutely delicious barbecue sauce that I have been making a lot! It is so good! You can use it for all your barbecue favorites! Today I paired it with a new cocktail meatball recipe I served recently at a potluck I hosted here at my house. I doubled the recipe, and they all disappeared fast, plus I received requests for the recipe! I am so excited to share it here with you today, and for all my loyal low fodmap followers, it is completely low fodmap! You are going to love this recipe!

cocktail meatball collage

The meatballs are moist and are made with ground pork and turkey. You can make a large batch of the barbecue sauce and freeze half of it to pull out of the freezer for later. (Cook once, eat twice convenience!) I like to double the recipe for four jars of sauce and freeze three to pull out as needed.

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Honey Orange Barbecue Sauce (Low FodMap)

Ingredients:

26 Oz. Jar of Tomato Puree

Juice and Zest of Two Oranges

1/2 Cup Clear Honey

1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup Dried Currants

1 Bunch Green Onions, sliced  (green parts only for Low FodMap)

1 Tablespoon Garlic Infused Olive Oil

2 Teaspoons of Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon Fish Sauce (like Red Boat with No Added Ingredients)

1 Teaspoon Habanero Sauce (I use this brand)

1 Teaspoon Chili Powder (gluten free no additives like Spicely)

1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Directions: Place all ingredients in a medium sauce pot. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a very low simmer. Simmer on the stovetop for 30 to 40 minutes until the sauce is reduced by half. If you are doubling the recipe, it will take a little longer. Cool sauce for 30 minutes, then puree it until smooth in a blender. It is ready! Pour it into glass jars for later use, freeze half, serve it right now!

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs (Paleo, Gluten Free, Low FodMap)

Preheat your oven to 350º degrees. I like to use a large oven safe non-stick pan to go from stove top to oven.  nonstick double griddle. If you do not have one, line a cookie sheet with parchment.

Ingredients:

1 Pound of Ground Pork

1 Pound of Ground Turkey

1/2 Cup Peeled Carrots

1 Bunch of Green Onion (green parts only for low fodmap)

4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, divided

2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill, Minced

2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil, Minced

2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, Minced

1 Tablespoon Coconut Aminos

1 Teaspoon Habanero Sauce (find it here)

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Directions: Place the green onion and carrot in a small food processor and process until finely chopped. Place the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add all the ingredients to the bowl (just two tablespoons of the olive oil, reserving the other two tablespoons for browning the meatballs). Add the green onion and carrot and thoroughly mix the meatball ingredients with your hands.

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop uniform sized scoops of meatballs. You will have approximately 40. Once they are all scooped, form them into smooth balls with your hands.

Now, warm the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat on the stove top in your oven safe pan. When the oil sizzles when a meatball is added, add all the meatballs to the pan. Brown for three minutes, turn gently, and brown another two to three minutes. They will still be pink in the middle. Now transfer the meatballs to the oven, and bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165º degrees. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t overcook and stay as moist as possible!

Remove from the oven and insert toothpicks for easy eating, and serve with the barbecue sauce!

Makes 40 Cocktail Sized Meatballs

If you love this recipe, please comment below and share it with friends by hitting the Pinning, Tweeting or Facebook buttons!

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Cocktail Meatballs with Honey Orange BBQ Sauce

Like to see a new recipe that is low fodmap or Paleo? Let me know what you’d like.

Game Day Cocktail Meatballs

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

18 Paleo Summer Cookout Recipes!

18 Paleo Summer Cookout Recipes

Summer is cookout season! Just mentioning the word cookout is  a sure way to get company flocking to your door! Set up an outdoor game or two like Bocce Ball and Badminton, and you have a party!

Here are Eighteen Summer favorites of mine! Please feel free to share any of your favorite healthy Summer recipes in the comments below! What will you be making this Summer?

Bacon Wrapped Grilled Pork Chops with Citrus Drizzle by the Civilized Caveman

Prosciutto Olive and Sundried Tomato Turkey Burgers by Tammy Credicott

Grilled Vegetables and Shrimp Toss by Sam Eats Her Nutrients

Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Toss

Grilled Vegetables and Shrimp Toss

Grilled Bok Choy with Sesame Ginger Sauce by Sustainable Dish

Sesame-Ginger Flank Steak Salad by Primal Palate

Hatch Chili Layered Stack by Paleo Foodie Kitchen

Grilled Venison 50/50 Burgers by Sam Eats Her Nutrients

Aromatic Whole Grilled Chicken by Mark’s Daily Apple

Lamb Kofta (Meat on a Stick) by Stupid Easy Paleo

Fruit & Nut Broccoli Salad by Crafty Coin

Salmon Cucumber Noodle Salad by Mangia Paleo

Nom Nom’s Sister’s Phenomenal Grilled Green Chicken by Nom Nom Paleo

Lemon Parsley Grilled Zucchini by Danielle Walker of Against All Grain

The Best Creamy Coleslaw by The Paleo Mom

Paleo SCD Summer Strawberry Pie with Toasted Hazelnut Vanilla-Orange Ice Cream by Sam Eats Her Nutrients

Strawberry Sangria Sorbet by Sam Eats Her Nutrients

Strawberry Ice Cream Bon Bons by A Girl Worth Saving

S’More Worthy Graham Crackers by hopecentric

Strawberry Sangria Sorbet

Strawberry Sangria Sorbet

Enjoy a Summer Cookout, have some fun, and share some delicious food! Happy June!

 

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

 

 

Good Eats for a Lunar New Year Celebration!

CNY Year Collage Final

Gung Hay Fat Choy! It is the first day of the Lunar New Year Celebration, and I have put together a collection of recipes that you can make for a fun party! It is also known as the Spring Festival, and spring is just around the corner! Believe it, it is coming! This year is the year of the sheep. It is my daughter, Skyli’s year.  The date and animal changes every year, because it is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, you can see a calendar here and read fun facts! You have probably seen this calendar on a paper place mat at a Chinese restaurant.

Two of my daughters were born in China, so we celebrate every year, but you don’t have to be born there to celebrate! I have included here the Asian Fusion Shrimp Egg Custard with Scallion Oil Drizzle as a starter, Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bites, Asian Pork Ribs, Savory Carrot Scallion Pancakes and Matcha Green Tea Cookies. Serve it with some warm Jasmine Tea, Sliced Oranges (which signify good luck and prosperity in the coming year) and Cauliflower Rice or White Rice, and you have a party!

The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for two weeks, there are dragon dance parades, fireworks, good food and community culminating with the lantern festival. You will see a lion in the collage above. It is different from the dragon which comes at the end of the dragon dance parade. You can read more about Chinese New Year in China here. The decor is extraordinary during this time in Asia.  Google Chinese New Year Photos to see real pictures of the parade.

Here is a photo of my family in China several years back in the spring in Tiananmen Square.

Our Family in Tiananmen Square While Traveling in China

Our Family in Tiananmen Square While Traveling in China

There is nothing like traveling to the country of origin and eating the authentic food. It changed my entire view of Chinese food.

I hope you enjoy these recipes! For more delicious additions to your party, check out these Grain Free Chinese Almond Cookies on Tasty Yummies by Texarin Baking, or PaleoLeap’s Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Note: White Rice is not Specific Carb Diet approved so go with cauliflower rice if you are on it.

Lime Pork Shoulder with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

Hello lovely people! I hope you are enjoying January wherever you may be in the hemosphere! I have to say, I would like to see a teeny tiny bit more sun here on the East Coast. However, January seems to be speeding by, and what better way to enjoy it than a warm, hearty, nutritious meal with fast and easy to cook pork shoulder roast (aka pork butt) cut into cubes, and drizzled with a blueberry pomegranate reduction sauce!

Lime Pork Butt with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

Lime Pork Butt with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

It is pretty, delectable and much faster than roasting a whole pork roast, but with the same delicious juicy flavor, because it is broiled! As an added bonus, cubing it allows more square inch for the lime zest to cover the pork! Serve it with carrots, brussels sprouts and mashed celeriac root, or your favorite sides, to balance out the meal with lots of important veggies. Sound appealing? Well, stick with me, and you will have it on the table in no time! You choose the sides! You can do this dish in advance up to the broiling! The meat is marinated from 4 to 24 hours, and the reduction can be made in advance as well.

Lime Pork Shoulder with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

Ingredients for the Pork:

1 3.5 Lb. Pork Shoulder, I get mine from U.S. Wellness Meats

3 Fresh Limes, zest and juice

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt or Sea Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

1/4 Cup Sliced Green Onion, Green Parts Only

Ingredients for Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce:

2 Cups Wild Blueberries, Thawed

1/2 Cup POM Wonderful 100% Juice (I called POM Wonderful direct and was told that their juice contains only 100% pomegranate so it is SCD Safe)

2 Teaspoons Garlic Olive Oil

1/2 Teaspoon Chipotle Powder

1/4 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt of Sea Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

Directions:

Cube the pork shoulder into 2 inch cubes and place it in a gallon ziplock bag. Whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and green onion. Pour over the cubes and make sure the pork is evenly coated. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

To make the reduction sauce, blend all the sauce ingredients in a blender until completely smooth. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat when boiling to a simmer, and continue to simmer until it has reduced by half. This will take approximately 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when it is half its original amount and thickening, it is ready.

When ready to cook your pork, preheat your broiler to high heat. Remove the pork cubes from the marinade, discard the marinade, and place the pork on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easier cleanup. Broil the pork for seven minutes, then remove from the oven, turn the cubes over, and broil 5 – 7  more minutes or until the pork has reached 145º degrees in the center.

Serve with warm Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce on top.

Serves 8

Lime Pork Shoulder with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

Lime Pork Shoulder with Blueberry Pomegranate Reduction Sauce

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

 

 

 

Weeknight Tacos SCD, Low FodMap, Paleo

You don’t have to give up tacos when eating SCD Low FodMap.  Here is a delicious taco that uses butter lettuce “shells”. It is an easy weeknight meal!

SCD Low FodMap Tacos

Weeknight Tacos SCD, Low FodMap, Paleo

Weeknight Tacos, SCD Low FodMap Paleo

Ingredients:

1 Pound of Ground Grassfed Beef

1 Pound of Ground Pork

1 Large Green Bell Pepper

1/2 Cup Green Onion, sliced (green parts only)

2 Tablespoons Garlic Infused Olive Oil

1 Cup Tomato Puree, SCD Legal

1/3 of a Fresh Serrano Chili Pepper, Minced

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink Salt

1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin

2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika

1 Teaspoon Ground Ancho Chili Pepper

1 Teaspoon Ground Oregano

1 Teaspoon Ground Chipotle Powder

1/8 Teaspoon Cayanne Pepper

1 Head of washed Butter Lettuce, Cleaned and Separated

Directions:

Finely chop the Green Pepper, slice your green onion tops thinly and mince your Serrano Chili Pepper. Mix the rest of your spices together in a small bowl and set aside. Add 2 Tablespoons of Garlic Olive Oil to a large sautee pan. Turn your burner to medium high, when olive oil is warmed, add your pork and grass fed beef to the pan and sprinkle with the Himalayan Pink Salt and Pepper. Brown for about ten minutes, breaking up the meat, then add both your peppers and the green onion. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes or until tender. Add the seasoning you mixed and set aside to your meat mixture and cook for one minute stirring to coat evenly. Then, add your tomato puree, bring up to a boil.  When it is boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced and thick.  This takes about 5 minutes. Serve with butter lettuce shells.

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!

 

Bolognese Sauce

If you are looking for a delicious meaty bolognese sauce, then this one is sure to hit the spot!  I cannot call it classic, because it doesn’t contain dairy, and I have taken some liberties beyond the  Academia Italiana della Cucina‘s official definition.  But I have to say, it tastes pretty darn authentic tasting!

Pork Ragu Bolognese

Bolognese

You start with a Soffrito Base also known as the Holy Trinity…Carrots, Onions (Green Onions in this Case) and Celery, finely chopped.

Saffritto for Pork Ragu Bolognese

Saffritto for Pork Ragu Bolognese

Pork Ragu Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Bunch of Scallions, Green Parts Only Sliced

4 Carrots, Peeled and Finely Diced

4 Stalks of Celery, Finely Diced

2 Tablespoons of Garlic Olive Oil

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Himalayan Pink Salt

1 1/2 Teaspoons of Black Pepper

2 Pounds Ground Chicken

1 Pound of Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage Links, diced (I used gluten free)

1 Cup of Dry Red Wine

1 Cup Full Fat Coconut Milk, no additives

1 28 oz. Jar Organic Strained Tomatoes

2 Cups Chicken Stock (homemade if you have it)

Directions: Finely Dice your Scallions, Celery and Carrots.  Add two tablespoons of Garlic Infused Olive Oil to a large stock pan over medium high heat. I love this brand and used the 5 quart braiser for this recipe, if you are looking for a good versatile pot. Add your scallions, celery and carrots and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Himalayan Pink Salt and 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper. Sautee for five minutes until starting to brown and they are tender, stirring occasionally.  Turn heat to high and add the two pounds of ground chicken and diced sausage sprinkled with another 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan Pink Salt and 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, and continue to cook, breaking up the meat until the meat is starting to caramelize. Don’t skip the caramelization! It adds flavor! It will take about ten minutes.

Soffritto Ready to Sautee

Soffritto Ready to Sautee

When meat has caramelized and you have a nice brown coating on the bottom of your pan, you deglaze! Pour the red wine into the pan, bring to a boil for one minute scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the brown bits and flavor. Add your stock, tomato puree and coconut milk and bring to a boil.  Then, turn heat to a low simmer and cover the pot 3/4 with the lid and simmer for four hours until very thick and reduced.  If it starts sticking before the four hours add more stock just a half cup at a time. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Pork Ragu Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce

Serve over noodles of your choice.  I used zucchini noodles in the photo below, I have also served it with spaghetti squash noodles.

Pork Ragu Bolognese

Bolognese with Zoodles

Eat Your Nutrients!

Eat Your Nutrients!