vegetables Archives | The Good Hearted Woman

Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (from Scratch)

Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food! Start with a rotisserie chicken for easy prep (or roast your own); then add savory roasted vegetables and our easy homemade chicken stock, then top it all off with a tender, flaky herbed pie crust. Perfection!

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Making Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (from scratch) is a labor of love. The ultimate of comfort foods, it is a meal made for cozy Sunday suppers and close family gatherings.

This classic Chicken Pot Pie is one of my all-time favorite recipes, developed over decades of trial and error.

Making chicken pot pie isn’t difficult work: it just takes time and attention. You must first make a pastry crust, oven roast the vegetables, and boil down the (homemade) chicken stock to reduce it. Then you assemble the pie and babysit it (just a little) while it bakes. And it is ALL totally worth it!

The Four Elements of a Perfect Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
(Including Substitutions & Faster Prep Tips)

Making an old-fashioned, homemade chicken pot pie is much easier than it looks. This recipe is made up of four basic elements; chicken, stock, vegetables, and crust; and each of these four pot pie components can be made ahead of time.

[1] Chicken

Recipe Suggests: Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken
Substitutions: Home-roasted chicken; the equivalent in leftover chicken

You will be using the entire chicken to make this pot pie: the meat goes into the pot pie filling; and the bones, skin, and other bits are used to make the chicken stock.

Start with a good chicken. The most important thing is that the chicken you use have lots of flavorful bits and juices. If you use a plain, unseasoned chicken, your resulting stock will require a ton of extra seasoning.

This pot pie recipe is also a great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers: simply substitute turkey for the chicken, and 1 to 2 cups of water plus 2 cups of turkey gravy for the chicken stock portion.

[2] Hearty Homemade Chicken Stock

Recipe Suggests: Homemade Hearty Homemade Chicken Stock is what sets this pot pie recipe apart: notice how much denser it is than store-bought chicken stocks. Don’t buy flavored water when you can easily make this rich, flavorful stock for just pennies.
Substitutions:There is no substitute for homemade chicken stock; however, if you need to speed things up, you can use 8 cups (2 quarts) of good quality store-bought stock and reduce it by half.

[3] Roasted Vegetables

Recipe Suggests: Potatoes, carrots, onions, and corn. Note that potatoes vary in texture, depending on type. I prefer to use Yukon Golds, but russet potatoes also work.
Substitutions: Use the vegetables of your choice. Root vegetables should always be roasted first. You can also use frozen vegetable: while not my first choice, they will definitely speed up the process.

Why are there No Peas in this Pot Pie Recipe?

You may notice that this chicken pot pie recipe doesn’t specify any “peas” on the ingredient list. While peas are traditionally included in most pot pie recipes, I make no secret about my disdain for cooked peas (with the exception of Split Pea Soup, which is delicious).

Instead, I’ve substituted pan-fried corn, which lends a sweet pop of flavor and some nice texture to the filling mix; however, if you want to sub in peas, that works, too!

NOTE: Pan-fried corn is one of my favorite add-ins for soups, casseroles, etc. (Check it out in this Sweet Skillet Cornbread {with Pan-fried Maple Corn}!

[4] Herbed Pie Crust

Recipe Suggests: Our savory Herb Pie Crust recipe works perfectly with this pot pie recipe.
Substitutions: You can use any standard pie crust for this pot pie; homemade, refrigerated, or frozen.

Post Updated October 19, 2020 (Originally published November 14, 2012)

baked chicken pot pie with herb pastry crust

5 from 5 votes

Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (from Scratch)

Start with a rotisserie chicken for easy prep (or roast your own); then add savory roasted vegetables and our easy homemade chicken stock, then top it all off with a tender, flaky herbed pie crust. Perfection!

Prep Time1 hr

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time1 hr 45 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Home Cooking

Keyword: chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet (10-Inch)

Ingredients

1 whole rotisserie chicken or oven roasted
1 batch Herb Pastry Crust or your favorite pastry crust

Roasted Vegetables

1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes quartered; or similar potatoes, cut into 1" cubes
1 medium yellow onion peeled and thickly sliced root to stem
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pan-fried Corn [Optional]

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup frozen corn

Sauce

5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons Wondra or all-purpose flour
4 cups Hearty Chicken Stock
1 cup half-and-half or milk
salt & pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence * or ½ tsp. dried sage + ½ tsp. dried thyme; or 1 teaspoon dried herbs of your choice [See NOTE)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Ingredient Prep

Debone the Chicken.
For the purposes of this recipe, deboning means, "Get the meat off the bones." It doesn't need to be pretty: no one else is going to see it.
Put separated chicken meat into a medium bowl and set aside.
Put the the bones, skin, and any cooking juices into a large stock pot and set aside.
Prep the potatoes, carrots, and onions for oven roasting. (I don't peel the baby potatoes when I use them.)
Put all of the peeled, cut vegetables into a medium bowl.
Put all of the onion and and carrot trimmings, as well as 2 stalks of chopped celery, into the stock pot with the chicken bones, etc.
NOTE: There is no celery in the pot pie filling.
Follow the directions for making Hearty Homemade Chicken Stock, seasoning as directed.
[Alternately, reduce 8 cups of high-quality store-bought chicken stock down to 4 cups.]
Set aside.
*NOTE: The Herbs de Provence used in the chicken stock are critical to the flavor profile of this Chicken pot pie.
If you are using reduced store-bought (or other) stock, add 1 to 1½ teaspoons of Herbs de Provence to the stock before you reduce it. (OR ½ tsp. dried sage + ½ tsp. dried thyme; or 1 teaspoon dried herbs of your choice.)

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Preheat oven to 450°F [230°C].
Toss the vegetables in the bowl generously with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Pour seasoned vegetables onto a baking sheet and roast uncovered in oven for 20 minutes, or just until tender.

Pan-fried Corn (Optional Step)

Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat.
Melt one tablespoon of butter.
Add frozen corn to hot butter and pan-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until corn begin to turn golden brown.

Chicken Stock Pan Sauce

Melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a large (10 or 12-inch) cast iron skillet.
Add 5 tablespoons of flour.
NOTE: You can use regular flour if that's what you have, but I always use "instant flour" for this. I use Wondra, but there are other brands. Instant flour is low-protein, finely ground wheat flour that has been pre-cooked and dried. Wondra instantly dissolves in liquids and won’t form lumps in your sauces.
Immediately whisk in the flour, and stirring constantly for even cooking.
In 3 to 5 minutes, you'll have a light roux that puffs slightly and smells a bit nutty.
Stir in 4 cups of hearty chicken stock all at once, continuing to whisk the sauce as it thickens.
When the sauce has thickened, add 1 cup of half-and-half (or milk).
The sauce should be thin, but thick enough to coat a spoon.
The sauce will thicken considerably while cooking as it absorbs into the other filling ingredients.
Season liberally with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Pot Pie

Preheat oven temperature to 425°F | 220°C.
Add the chicken meat, roasted vegetables, and pan-fried corn to the pan sauce.
Gently mix to combine.
To use premade filling: Reheat filling on stovetop or in oven until until it reaches a consistent internal temperature of 95-100° [35-37°C] before adding crust.
Roll out pie crust about 2-3 inched larger than the top of the cast iron skillet you are using.
Top the chicken filling with pie crust, turn the edge under to fit skillet edge, press against the sides to seal, and flute the edges.
You can also brush the pastry dough with an egg wash if you would like.
I used 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of water for the egg wash on the pot pie pictured here.

Baking Chicken Pot Pie

Put cast iron skillet in center of oven and bake at 425°F | 220°C for 40-50 minutes.
Check Chicken Pot Pie after 30 minutes.
If the top seems to be browning too quickly, gently lay a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the entire pie. Do not form or crimp it - just lay it over the top.
Remove chicken pot pie from oven when it is golden brown on top and crust is fully cooked.
Allow pot pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chicken Pot Pie Filling can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

Looking for more pot pie ideas? Check out this delicious Pot Pie round-up!

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Caribbean Chicken Stew

July 2 By Renée 13 Comments

This rich, warmly spiced Caribbean Chicken Stew is – without question – one of the most delicious, satisfying, flavorful chicken stews you’ll ever eat!

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

This Caribbean Chicken Stew is one of our very favorite family meals! Not only is it easy to make and dependably delicious, but it’s economical too; making it perfect for a gathering of friends or a cozy family meal any night of the week.

A simple buttermilk-jalapeño marinade gives this rich, hearty stew has just the right amount of kick. The long, slow baking time mellows the pepper’s heat, resulting in a thick, savory, mildly spiced chicken stew. (It’s actually more like a nudge than a kick!) If you like things a little more spicy, add an extra jalapeño to the marinade mix.

One of the keys to this recipe is browning the marinated chicken before making the stew – that all adds some serious next-level flavor to an already amazing combination.

Recipe Updated July 2, 2020 (Originally published May 2, 2014)

5 from 5 votes

Caribbean Chicken Stew

This Caribbean Chicken Stew is rich, warmly spiced, and - without question - one of the most delicious, satisfying, and flavorful chicken stews you'll ever eat!

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time2 hrs

Marinating Time1 hr

Total Time3 hrs 30 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Caribbean

Keyword: chicken, stew

Servings: servings

Calories: 577kcal

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

Marinade

1½ ounces cilantro about 1 cup chopped; reserve a little extra for garnish
4 cloves garlic peeled and roughly chopped
2 Tablespoons brown sugar See Notes
1 medium jalapeno pepper rough chopped [Seeds=Spice; remove them if desired. Even with the seeds, the end result is a very mildly spiced stew.]
6 ounces buttermilk or plain yogurt
2 Tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoons turns freshly ground pepper

Stew Base

3 pounds chicken pieces bone-in chicken; skinless or skin-on I prefer to use legs & thighs for this recipe.
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion peeled and thinly sliced root to stem
1 can coconut milk
2 Tablespoons tomato paste ketchup works
½ cup white wine or water
½ ounce fresh ginger grated or minced; about 1½ Tbls
¼ teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Root Vegetables [Use a TOTAL of 3 lbs /1.3kg of any combination of the following.]

1 large sweet potato peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large yam peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium plantain sliced in thick rounds

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Gather and prep marinade ingredients.
Combine cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, chopped pepper, buttermilk, oil, salt, and pepper in a blender cup.
Process until smooth.
Put the chicken pieces in a large, resealable bag.
Pour marinade over chicken and seal bag.
Squish everything around thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces.
Allow to marinate in refrigerator for at least one hour, and up to 24 hours.

Make the Stew

Preheat oven to 375°. Gather and prep stew ingredients.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Use tongs to place chicken pieces in hot oil. Chicken should sizzle and pop immediately. If it doesn't, you need to heat the pan longer.
Brown chicken on two sides, 2-3 minutes on each side.
Brown chicken in batches; do not not crowd the chicken in the pan.
Remove browned chicken pieces from Dutch oven and set aside.
Reserve any marinade left in the bottom of the marinating bag.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add a little additional olive oil if the pot seems too dry.
Add the sliced onions to the hot oil in pot.
In Dutch oven, sauté onions until translucent in whatever is left in the bottom after browning chicken.
To the onions in the Dutch oven; add coconut milk, tomato paste, white wine, grated ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes more, then remove from heat.
Stir reserve marinade into the sauce.
Place chicken pieces back in Dutch oven on top of sauce.
Put the cubed vegetables on top of the chicken. Cover Dutch oven tightly and place in middle of preheated oven.
Cook for 2 hours at 325°F | 163°C. (See Cooking Times in notes)
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove chicken pieces from stew.
(At this point, the vegetables should all be tender, and the chicken should be nearly falling off the bone.)
Carefully toss the cooked vegetables in the sauce at the bottom of the Dutch oven.
Replace the chicken in the stew and serve; alone or over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Cooking Times: (Longer cooking time will result in more tender chicken and richer stew.)

325°F | 163°C -- 2 hours [Preferred]
350°F | 177°C -- 1½ hours

Root Vegetables: Use a total of 3 lbs /1.3 kg of any combo of potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams (orange or red sweet potatoes), carrots, and plantain.

I strongly suggest using both sweet potatoes and a yam, as they both bring unique properties to the plate.

For the stew pictured here, I used:

1 large sweet potato
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
1 medium yam*
3 medium carrots

Brown Sugar: Use an additional tablespoon of brown sugar if you do not use a yam.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

I’m sharing this Chicken Stew recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

DID YOU KNOW? If you live in North American, chances are you’ve never eaten a real yam!

True yams are almost impossible to find in North America! In fact, if you are an American, it’s very likely that you have never eaten a real yam! Real yams originated in and are now mostly commercially grown in Africa. The two top-producing sweet potato states in the nation are North Carolina and California.

If you’re looking for a light, easy side with a little Caribbean flare to serve alongside this incredibly tasty chicken stew, be sure to try out our Caribbean Mango Salad! (Find more delicious side dish recipes here!)

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Kale & Carrot Salad {New Seasons Copycat}

June 15 By Renée 8 Comments

Kale, carrots, sunflower seeds, and fresh ginger combine to create this bright, delicious, satisfying copycat of New Seasons’ popular Kale & Carrot Salad.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Sometime around 2010, kale went from being an ornamental green most often found tucked between crocks of veggies on an open salad bar to being the It vegetable of the Twenty-tens. All of a sudden, you could find kale everywhere, in everything.

In the heat of this kale-fueled moment in culinary history, one of our daughters brought home a huge bag of kale and used a couple handfuls of it to made kale chips, because they were so popular and (theoretically) so good for you.

She baked them up, and she really wanted to like them. We all did. But no. NO. I know that this may bring the wrath of the Vegan/Paleo/Clean Eating communities, but I just cannot endorse kale as a Chip. Not then, not today, not ever. It’s a personal choice; and my personal choice is No.

That said, we now had a big bag of kale and needed to figure out something to do with it – and I knew exactly what that something was.

Our local New Seasons stocks this tasty, sunflower-studded Kale & Carrot Salad in the Grab-n-Go case. On more than one occasion, I have paid ten-fold for what basically amounts to a handful of kale; just to enjoy the sweet umami flavors and satisfying crunch of this salad. With a stockpile of kale staring me down, I decided that it was high time I figured out how to make it at home.

New Seasons shares a recipe for Kale & Carrot Salad on their website; however, when we tried it, we all agreed it didn’t taste like the salad at our local store. Maybe the cooks at our local store doctor the company recipe a little, or use an earlier version: who knows? Anyway, I ended up making a few small but important adjustments to the ingredient list.

The biggest change I made to the original recipe, however, wasn’t so much related to the What as the How. I added one small but vital step to the process: I blanch the kale first. As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to kale salads, blanching makes all the difference! (Broccoli salads, too.)

What does it mean to Blanch Vegetables?

Blanching is the quick, simple food prep technique in which food (most often vegetables of some kind) are flash cooked in boiling water, and then immediately plunged into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Depending on the food being blanched, the technique may be used for different reasons: to soften vegetables, to relax fibers, to make peeling easier, or to brighten the color. Blanching times differ depending on the recipe, but usually fall between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.

In the case of kale, a 1-minute blanching helps soften the tough fibers and makes it easier to chew. It also makes the natural kale flavor more accessible, thus making it more far more palatable.

Our Kale & Carrot Salad copycat recipe comes darn close to the original, and it got rave reviews from both Mr. B and Gramma Edith [RIP], so it’s a keeper! Enjoy!

Post Updated June 15, 2020 (Originally published January 22, 2015)

5 from 2 votes

Kale & Carrot Salad

Kale, carrots, sunflower seeds, and fresh ginger combine to create this bright, delicious, satisfying copycat of New Seasons' popular Kale & Carrot Salad.

Prep Time20 mins

Total Time20 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Salad

Keyword: carrots, ginger

Servings: large servings

Calories: 224kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Colander
Large Stock Pot
Sharp Knife

Ingredients

3/4 lb fresh kale
2 large carrots peeled and coarsely grated
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons tamari or light soy sauce
2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced (I usually add a little more.)
½ teaspoon ground cumin scant
¼ teaspoon cayenne scant, or ½ t. Sriracha
2-3 cloves garlic minced

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Gather and prep all ingredients.
Using a sharp knife, remove tough center stems from kale. This is easier to do if you fold the leaves in half first.
Discard stems.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high medium-heat.
While the pot is coming to a boil, fill a large mixing bowl halfway with ice. Add water up to the ice line.
Put the cleaned kale into the boiling water for 1 minute. (Use a timer. You want the kale to relax, but you don't want it to become limp.)
Drain kale in colander.
Immediately plunge kale into prepared ice-water bath.
Drain kale in colander again. Squeeze kale to remove excess water.
Drain kale in colander again. Squeeze kale to remove excess water.
While the kale is still in a kind of wet wad, take a large kitchen knife and slice it into small, thin pieces.
Put cut kale into a bowl and separate the pieces using your fingers.
Add grated carrots and sunflower seeds.
In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients and stir vigorously to combine.
Immediately pour dressing mixture over kale mixture.
Toss thoroughly to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

May be refrigerated for up to one week.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

This Kale & Carrot Salad travels well, making it perfect for a barbecue or picnic! Check out our Southern Barbecue Recipes for lots of great ideas! (It’s a vegan recipe, too, so everyone can enjoy it!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. ? Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Fresh & Bright Carrot Salads

Armenian-style Eggplant & Carrot Salad

Inspired by the cuisine of Armenia, this Eggplant & Carrot Salad combines simple ingredients to create a supremely satisfying savory-sweet bite – perfect for everything from a light spring lunch to an autumn potluck.

Grammi's Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad (Sunshine Salad)

Commonly known as Sunshine Jello, Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad is one vintage recipe worth making! Bright, refreshing, and surprisingly tasty, it’s a perfect side for any holiday dinner or family gathering.

Moroccan Carrot Salad with Harissa, Feta & Fresh Herbs

Moroccan Carrot Salad is an exotic mix of zesty citrus, sweet carrots, fresh herbs, and feta, dressed with a warmly spiced, piquant honey-lemon vinaigrette. Makes a quick, refreshing side that is ready to serve in just 15 minutes!

Kale & Carrot Salad {New Seasons Copycat}

Kale, carrots, sunflower seeds, and fresh ginger combine to create this bright, delicious, satisfying copycat of New Seasons' popular Kale & Carrot Salad.

Carrot Ginger Dressing (Japanese Restaurant-style Salad Dressing)

May 12 By Renée 4 Comments

Naturally sweet and slightly tangy, Carrot Ginger Dressing is a light, refreshing salad dressing that is simply irresistible! (It’s like your favorite Japanese restaurant dressing, only fresher!)

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

There’s a little place near my house – Mr Bento’s – that serves the best teriyaki salmon burger! I always order it in a meal, which arrives on a quarter-sheet pan with four pot stickers and a cold, crisp green salad on the side. I look forward to that side salad nearly as much as the salmon burger itself: I just can’t resist that delicious Carrot Ginger Salad Dressing!

But like many of you, we’ve been eating home more lately. At one point about a month ago, I was jonesing hard for something fresh and light and bright to satisfy my umami urges. All I wanted in life was a big green salad doused with Mr Bento’s dressing. No salmon burger. No potstickers. Just the salad.

So I decided to figure out how to make Carrot Ginger Dressing for myself. Honestly, I was blown away when I learned how easy this salad dressing is to make!

Carrot Ginger Dressing ingredients on pan

Carrot Ginger Dressing has a simple, pantry-friendly list of ingredients.

I was a youth during the Japanese Steak-house trend of the late 80’s/early 90’s, and Carrot Ginger dressing has always been a favorite of mine, so I was thrilled to add this recipe to our rotation. If you aren’t making your own salad dressings yet, consider this: most dressings (including this one) take less than ten minutes to mix up. You save a ton of money, and the food you eat is fresher and healthier.

The only downside is, homemade dressings do not last ten or twelve months in the fridge. (On the other hand, is that really a downside?)

(If you love versatile, delicious, all-natural salad dressings, be sure to check out our Original Taco House Feista Dressing recipe too!)

This easy blender dressing recipe has so many great things going for it: it’s super-fast to pull together, naturally dairy-free and vegan, and has no added sugar. (The carrots add just the right amount of sweetness.)

In addition to the fabulous flavor, one of the things I love most about this dressing is the stunning color it brings to the plate, especially when paired with leafy greens.

One significant change I made to the basic list of ingredients was to add a teaspoon of orange zest to the mix, which enhances and brightens the natural carrot and ginger flavors.

5 from 2 votes

Carrot Ginger Dressing (Japanese Restaurant-style Salad Dressing)

Naturally sweet and slightly tangy, Carrot Ginger Dressing is a light, refreshing salad dressing that is simply irresistible! (It’s like your favorite Japanese restaurant dressing, only fresher!)

Prep Time10 mins

Total Time10 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Keyword: carrots, ginger, Sauce

Servings: servings

Calories: 57kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

½ pound coarsely chopped carrots
⅓ cup extra-light olive oil or other light, neutral oil
⅓ cup fresh ginger peeled & coarsely chopped [1.5 ounces]
3 tablespoons red onion coarsely chopped
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
1 tablespoon water as needed

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare (i.e., peel, chop, etc.) all ingredients as listed.
Combine all ingredients in blender cup.
Blend until smooth.
If your dressing seems too thick, you can thin it with a little more water.
Personally, I prefer to make this dressing quite thick, and then add water as needed. That way, it can also double as a dip.

Notes

Dressing may be refrigerated for a two weeks. (Probably longer, but it doesn't last that long at our house.)

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

This Carrot Ginger Dressing isn’t just for salad! Try it on salmon (so good!) or other grilled fish, rice, spring rolls, sautéed greens, sandwiches, noodles, steak, shrimp, and roasted vegetables.

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of The Good Hearted Woman. ? Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

October 10 By Renée 22 Comments

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds combines Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic for a delicate crunch and rich, nutty depth in this light and easy spaghetti squash recipe.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

A while back, I found a recipe for Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Herbs on one of my favorite food blogs, Pinch of Yum. Unfortunately, when I finally got around to putting it together for the first time (after a very long day of teaching that followed a very short night of sleep) I realized that it called for a few things I didn’t have on hand; moreover, no way was I ponying up for pine nuts at the end of the month. So I made a few changes.

The results were amazing! Everyone in our family ate it – and liked it! Everyone! (Unanimous appreciation of a new food by all family members = Tier I Miracle!) We love how the Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic combine to bring a great crunch and a rich, nutty depth to what has become one of our favorite easy spaghetti squash recipes.

Not only is this Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds a snap to make and super tasty, but it has proven itself to be as quite versatile, too. We’ve served it it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; both as a main dish and on the side. (It pairs very well with Eggs Provençal.)

TIP: For an easy workday dinner, we like to top this easy Spaghetti Squash recipe off with a little stir-fried mixture of spicy Isernio Hot Italian Sausage, sliced mushrooms, and sweet onions. Serve with a spinach salad and a light vinaigrette, and you’re set.

5 from 8 votes

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic combine to bring crunch and rich, nutty depth to this versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Skillet time5 mins

Total Time45 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main dish or side

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: almonds, garlic, spaghetti squash

Servings: servings

Calories: 191kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash halved and seeded
Olive oil
Kosher salt
2 cloves garlic minced
½ cup chopped almonds toasted
1/2 ounce fresh basil chiffonade (about 1/4 cup)
2 ounces Jarlesberg shredded (about 1/2 cup)
Fresh ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Roast Spaghetti Squash

Preheat the oven to 375°.
Carefully split the Spaghetti Squash in half from blossom to stem. [Here's a safe, easy method for doing that if you're not sure how.]
Clean out seed cavity, and sprinkle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the cut side down on a Silpat mat (or parchment) lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until fork tender.
Allow cooked squash to cool cut side down for at least 10 minutes.
Use a fork to scrape out the insides and separate strands. Set aside.
[For more specific directions/pictures, see "How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash" below.]

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Heat a 10-inch cast iron or other large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
Toss in chopped almonds into dry skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until they are barely beginning to toast.
You will smell them toasting before you see any color change.
Immediately reduce heat to low, and add a tablespoon or so of olive oil.
Toss in the minced garlic and sauté one more minute.
Stir in cooked spaghetti squash and turn heat back up to medium.
Using tongs, continue to sauté for about 2-3 more minutes, until almonds and garlic are distributed evenly and squash is heated through.
Try not to cook it too long, or the spaghetti squash strands will get mushy.
Remove from heat.
Toss in grated Jarlsberg cheese and fresh basil.
Using tongs, toss to mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with additional cheese, almonds, and basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

If you love winter squashes, be sure to check out our recipe for Curried Butternut Squash Soup. It’s amazing!

Recipe Updated October 19, 2019 (Originally published March 15, 2015)

5 from 8 votes

How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash

Easy step-by-step instructions for oven-roasted spaghetti squash.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time35 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main dish or side

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: spaghetti squash

Servings: servings

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash halved and seeded
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Carefully split the Spaghetti Squash in half from blossom to stem. [Here's a safe, easy method for doing that if you're not sure how.]
Clean out seed cavity, and sprinkle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the cut side down on a Silpat mat (or parchment) lined baking sheet and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until fork tender.
Allow cooked squash to cool cut side down for at least 10 minutes. Turn over.
Use a fork to scrape out the insides and separate strands.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

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Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds on colorful tray

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Frittata Master Recipe (Plus 60+ Amazing Frittata Recipes)

February 13 By Renée 20 Comments

Everything you need to make a perfect frittata: a super-easy Frittata Master Recipe that you can use to transform leftovers into something new and delicious, plus a collection of 60+ frittata recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

Frittata = Skillet Omelet = Crustless Quiche = Egg Pizza

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

You know those days when you just cannot for the life of you come up with one more meal? The times when you just want someone to tell you what to make for dinner (or better yet, make it for you!)? The nights when you think, please just let me throw something in a pan and let it come out delicious with little to no effort on my part?

A frittata may be just what you’re craving.

Basically a big, oven-finished skillet omelet filled with all sorts veggies and proteins, frittatas are one of the easiest, most budget-friendly meals you can make.

MASTER FRITTATA RECIPE

Frittata Master Recipe (Plus 60+ Amazing Frittata Recipes) | The Good Hearted Woman

CLICK IMAGE above for a printable PDF that you can magnet to the fridge!

How to Make a Perfect Frittata – Infinite Possibilities

When you decide to make a frittata, half the struggle is figuring out what to put into it. More often than not, I use leftovers: frittatas are a great way to use up all those bits and bowls that are waiting for you in the back of the fridge.

You will find our list of Frittata Filling Ideas just below the Frittata Master Recipe, and our roundup of 60+ frittata recipes after that.

5 from 13 votes

Frittata Master Recipe

Frittata Master Recipe for creating infinite frittata possibilities in six easy steps.

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time1 hr

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course

Keyword: eggs, frittata

Servings:

Calories: 268kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

Basic Frittata Ingredients

6-8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked vegetables give or take
1 cup cooked protein [optional] give or take; optional
1 1/2 cups grated cheese
Herbs spices, seasonings as desired

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C.
I sometimes turn the oven up to 400° for a shorter cook time.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, sauté vegetables and protein in olive oil over medium heat until soft.
I use a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet, depending on how big a crowd I’m feeding.
You want between 2 and 3 cups of cooked veggies and protein when everything is done.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 eggs & ½ milk. Stir in herbs and spices.
I sometimes use 1 or 2 more eggs, especially when using a 12-inch skillet.
Pour eggs evenly over skillet mixture.
The egg mixture should just barely reach the top of the veggie mix in skillet.
Once you pour in the egg mixture, stir it in a little so that it settles in and around the ingredients in the pan. The egg mixture should just barely reach the top of the veggie mix in skillet. If it looks like there aren’t enough eggs, go ahead and whisk up another and pour it in. Don’t go crazy though – remember, the egg mixture will raise up quite a bit while baking.
Sprinkle cheese over top and shake the pan once to settle everything together.
Cook mixture over medium-low heat without stirring for 3 minutes.
I usually poke things around a bit during this step. The basic idea here is that you don't want to stir it and have all that grated cheese settle to the bottom.
Transfer oven and bake about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
If possible, allow to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Notes

SKILLET: For best results, use a 10- to 12-inch cast iron or other heavy, oven-safe skillet.

COOK TIMES:

Cooking time for frittatas is very flexible, because it is so dependent upon the ingredients used and the density of the frittata. I’ve made frittatas that were done in 20 minutes, and others that took almost an hour to cook.

To test for doneness, insert a knife in the center of frittata – it should come out clean.• If possible, allow the freshly baked frittata to set for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

Frittata Filling Ideas & Inspiration

Pick one item from each list, and make your own perfect frittata!

Vegetables [~ 4 cups raw, or 2 cups cooked]

* Butternut squash
* Broccoli
* Cauliflower
* Carrots
* Cherry tomatoes
* Green onion
* Kale
* Leeks
* Onion
* Peppers
* Scallions
* Spinach
* Tomatoes
* Yellow Squash
* Zucchini

Cooked Proteins [~ 1 cup cooked; optional]

* Bacon
* Carnitas
* Chicken
* Chorizo
* Falafel
* Ground beef
* Ham
* Italian Sausage
* Salmon
* Smoked Salmon
* Taco meat
* Turkey

Cheese [~ 1 – 1 ½ cups grated]

* Bleu Cheese
* Cheddar
* Cottage cheese
* Feta
* Gorganzola
* Gouda
* Gruyere
* Jarlsberg
* Jack
* Parmesan
* Pepper jack
* Swiss

Herbs & Spices [~ 1/4 – 1/2 cups fresh, 2-3 teaspoons dried]

* Cilantro
* Garlic
* Garlic salt
* Mint
* Onion flakes
* Onion powder
* Parsley
* Red Pepper Flakes go easy!
* Sun-dried Tomatoes
* Taco seasoning
* Thyme

NOTE: If you like our printable Frittata graphic, be sure to check out our How to Make a Buddha Bowl.

60+ Amazing Frittata Recipes

Need some Frittata inspiration? Check out this list of 70+ Frittata Recipes, then grab your skillet and have some fun!

Bacon Apple & Gorgonzola Frittata

Photo Credit: tastefulventure.com

Bacon & Brie Frittata

Photo Credit: buildingourstory.com

Bacon & Potato Frittata

Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

Bacon Lobster Omelette

Photo Credit: www.carolinescooking.com

Bacon Spinach Tomato Ricotta Frittata

Photo Credit: beautyandthefoodie.com

Breakfast Frittata Recipe with Bacon Tomato & Cheddar

Photo Credit: www.homemadefoodjunkie.com

BLT Frittata with Ramen Noodles

Photo Credit: soupaddict.com

Broccoli & Salami Frittata

Photo Credit: globalkitchentravels.com

Broccolini Cheddar Bacon Frittata

Photo Credit: umamigirl.com

Caramelized Onion Frittata

Photo Credit: www.urbanfoodiekitchen.com

Cheesy Ham & Asparagus Frittata

Photo Credit: www.cookingwithcarlee.com

Chorizo Frittata

Photo Credit: latinamommeals.com

Smoked Salmon Frittata

Photo Credit: www.supergoldenbakes.com

Fully-Loaded Breakfast Frittata

Photo Credit: www.supergoldenbakes.com

5 Ingredient Cheeseburger Frittata (Keto Friendly!)

Photo Credit: www.snackinginsneakers.com

Vegetarian Frittata with Corn and Tomatoes

Photo Credit: www.heynutritionlady.com

Hearty Southwestern Frittata with Potato and Beef

Photo Credit: www.mysequinedlife.com

Bacon Cheeseburger Frittata (Low Carb)

Photo Credit: mylifecookbook.com

Pepperoni Pizza Frittata (Low Carb)

Photo Credit: mylifecookbook.com

Meat Lovers Frittata with Salsa Verde

Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com

Mexican Frittata Recipe

Photo Credit: realfoodrealdeals.com

Mexican Pasta Frittata

Photo Credit: blog.memeinge.com

Potato and Chorizo Frittata

Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com

Salmon, Pea & Horseradish Frittata

Photo Credit: pointedkitchen.com

Sausage, Pepper & Onion Frittata

Photo Credit: www.mashupmom.com

Skillet Sausage, Egg & Cheese Grits Breakfast Bake

Photo Credit: peasandcrayons.com

Smoked Salmon Frittata II

Photo Credit: www.allergyfreealaska.com

Smoked Salmon Crustless Quiche

Photo Credit: thegoodheartedwoman.com

Easy Spinach Artichoke Cottage Cheese Frittata

Photo Credit: www.rhubarbarians.com

Spring Frittata with Seeded Avocado

Photo Credit: www.cookwithmedarling.com

Sausage, Mushroom & Cheddar Frittata

Photo Credit: chefrhadia.com

Sweet Potato Salmon Frittata

Photo Credit: www.thefoodblog.net

Turkey Sausage & Spinach Frittata

Photo Credit: dudethatcookz.com

Vietnamese Frittata with Ground Pork, Onion & Basil

Photo Credit: delightfulplate.com

Baked frittata with Spinach & Feta

Photo Credit: theclevermeal.com

Baked Mushroom Leek Frittata

Photo Credit: jessicalevinson.com

Bitter Melon Egg Frittata

Photo Credit: dailycookingquest.com

Black Bean, Tomato & Spinach Frittata

Photo Credit: www.mashupmom.com

Broccoli, Spinach & Artichoke Frittata

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Broccoli Rabe & Smoked Mozzarella Frittata

Photo Credit: www.justalittlebitofbacon.com

Courgette & Sundried Tomato Frittata

Photo Credit: neilshealthymeals.com

Spring Crustless Asparagus Quiche

Photo Credit: theconsciousdietitian.com

Easy Goat Cheese & Sun-dried Tomato Frittata

Photo Credit: www.ourhappymess.com

Frittata with Corn, Cheddar & Spinach

Photo Credit: umamigirl.com

Kale & Feta Frittata

Photo Credit: www.platingpixels.com

Pepper & Gruyere Frittata

Photo Credit: mylifecookbook.com

Persian Herb Quiche (Kuku Sabzi)

Photo Credit: familyspice.com

Roasted Asparagus Red Pepper Frittata

Photo Credit: divaliciousrecipes.com

Savory Broccoli Frittata with Shiitake Mushrooms

Photo Credit: umamigirl.com

Spanish Tortilla

Photo Credit: www.carolinescooking.com

Spanish Tortilla (Spanish Baked Omelette)

Photo Credit: acleanbake.com

Spicy Zucchini Frittata

Photo Credit: lifemadesimplebakes.com

Spinach & Artichoke Frittata

Photo Credit: www.insidetherustickitchen.com

Spinach & Zucchini Frittata

Photo Credit: www.persnicketyplates.com

Spinach Frittata with Garlic Scapes

Photo Credit: www.upstateramblings.com

Spring Tortilla de Patata

Photo Credit: nourishnutritionblog.com

Strawberry Souffle Omelet with Caramelized Almonds

Photo Credit: thegoodheartedwoman.com

Sun-dried Tomato & Sweet Potato Frittata

Photo Credit: wholenewmom.com

Sweet Potato Frittata with Asparagus

Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com

Sweet Potato Frittata with Spinach & Feta

Photo Credit: peasandcrayons.com

Roasted Tomato, Kale, & Goat Cheese Breakfast Frittata

Photo Credit: www.hotpankitchen.com

Spinach Tomato Frittata

Photo Credit: www.upstateramblings.com

Tortilla de Patatas

Photo Credit: pandemoniumnoshery.blogspot.com

Pepper Lovers Tri-Colored Pepper Frittata

Photo Credit: www.fearlessdining.com

Scalloped Potato Frittata

Photo Credit: iheartumami.com

Zucchini Frittata

Photo Credit: ketovegetarianrecipes.com

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of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Bolognese Stuffed Eggplant Boats with Balsamic Glaze

October 2 By Renée 23 Comments

Thick, meaty Bolognese sauce makes these Stuffed Eggplant Boats a hearty, satisfying meal – easy enough for a busy weeknight and fancy enough for company.

^{This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.}

A Pinch of This and a Handful of That

Or, How to Remember Your Culinary Creations When You are a “Pinch & Toss” Cook

When I was six years old, Mrs Obinger from across the street taught me how to measure salt in the palm of my hand. First, she showed me a teaspoon and let me practice a little. Then we moved on to half-teaspoons, and finally quarter-teaspoons. (Cooking and teaching fractions go together so nicely, don’t you think?) It didn’t take long before I was a palm-measuring pro.

“See there, dear, now you’ll never need a measuring spoon again!” I remember Mrs Obinger telling me. Then we made a batch of her wonderful coconut cookies.

I’ve been measuring in my palm and guestimating amounts ever since.

The problem about being a “Pinch & Toss” kind of cook is, on those days when you hit it out of the park and make something amazing – something you want to make again and again – and possibly even Share – sometimes it’s difficult to remember just exactly what went into it in the first place, and how much, and when, and at what temperature, for how long… anyway, you get the idea.

I solve this problem with my phone’s voice recorder app. I just hit record whenever I’m feeling a little culinary inspiration; and while I erased far more recipes than I keep, the habit is starting to pay off.

This recipe for Bolognese Stuffed Eggplant Boats is the first one for which my new “recipe recording” system proved its worth. I would have been hard pressed to make it a second time if I hadn’t recorded myself while I was making it. It’s a real keeper, too!

Thick, meaty bolognese sauce makes these Bolognese Stuffed Eggplant Boats a hearty, deeply satisfying meal without being heavy or weighing you down.

4.78 from 9 votes

Bolognese Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Author: Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

4 small eggplants [1 3/4 - 2 pounds total]
1 large onion chopped
1 pound mushrooms chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 pound mild Italian sausage [I use Iserno Mild Italian Chicken sausage]
1-2 teaspoons Kosher salt See note
1 ½ teaspoon dried basil
1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon hot sauce [optional]
1 14 oz. can finely diced tomatoes
½ cup dried Italian bread crumb [or ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs]
2 ounces grated Romano cheese plus more for garnish
Balsamic Glaze recipe below
baby arugula [optional]

Balsamic Glaze

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar [or honey]

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Eggplant Prep

Slice each eggplant in half, lengthwise from stem to blossom end. Using a spoon, hollow out eggplants, leaving about a 1/2-inch-thick border around skin to create a boat.
Line a heavy baking sheet with foil, parchment paper, or a silicone mat.
Set aside the scooped-out eggplant for us in the filling.
Transfer eggplant boats to transfer to prepared baking sheet.

Bolognese-style Eggplant Filling

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté chopped onions and mushrooms in 2 teaspoons olive oil until they are soft and the onions are translucent.
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped eggplant from the Eggplant Prep and cook, stirring frequently, until eggplant is almost fully cooked.
Push eggplant mixture to the sides of skillet and add the mild Italian sausage to the center. Cook sausage, breaking up as you go, until it is fully cooked.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Kosher salt, dried basil and oregano, pepper, hot sauce (optional) and diced tomatoes. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture has reduced and no watery liquid remains in the pan when you pull the mixture away. Remove skillet from heat.
To the mixture in skillet, add ½ cup bread crumbs and 2 ounces of grated Romano cheese. Give it one good stir to incorporate everything together.
Using a large spoon, evenly divide the filling between the eggplant halves. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.
Serve on a bed of baby arugula. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkling of Romano.

Balsamic Glaze

Mix balsamic vinegar and brown sugar a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the mixture begins to boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has reduced by half; 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Notes

SALT: If you use regular table salt in place of Kosher salt, it will <em>dramatically reduce</em> the amount of salt you need. The amount of salt also depends on whether you use fresh bread crumbs or dried, and the amount of seasonings in the Italian sausage you use. In each case, reduce the amount of salt you use by 1/2 teaspoon (or more), depending on your personal tastes.

Weight Watchers SmartPoints [2018]

1/2 eggplant with stuffing = 4 pts
1 whole eggplant with stuffing = 7 pts.
Balsamic Glaze = 1 pt / Tbls

(Points were calculated using Iserno ground chicken mild Italian sausage.)

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

You can easily make this a vegetarian meal by substituting a plant-based protein for the Italian sausage.

Bolognese Stuffed Eggplant Boats can be prepared up to two days ahead of time and thrown in the oven when you are ready to eat. Be sure to add five to seven minutes to the cooking time if you put them into the oven cold from the fridge.

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^{Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!}

Roasted Ratatouille {with Pan-fried Onions}

May 31 By Renée 12 Comments

Fragrant layers of bright zucchini, tender Japanese eggplant, and juicy romas – all roasted to perfection in a nest of herby, garlicky tomatoes and pan-fried onions.

No one makes ratatouille like I do. In fact, it seems like E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E puts their own flare on this simple summer vegetable medley. My personal spin? Pan-fried onions for extra sweetness and depth of flavor. SO GOOD!

Originally from the South of France, ratatouille is an amazingly versatile dish, both for the cook and as a meal. Traditionally made with a base of tomatoes, zucchini, onions, eggplant, garlic, and herbs, home chefs around the world add everything from potatoes to porcinis to the mix. Some cook it in a pot on the stove, others roast it in the oven. You can even make it in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot! The whole idea is, once you have the basic recipe down, feel free to make it your own.

And here’s a little secret… (shhhhh….)

When it comes to making ratatouille, it really doesn’t matter how you put it together.

It’s true! Whether you choose to “fussy up” and camera-ready your ratatouille, or just throw everything in the dish and let the chips fall where they may, the fragrant flavors of all those fresh summer veggies and herbs will magically combine to create something your tastebuds will love.

Ratatouille can be enjoyed hot, cold, or somewhere in between. Serving suggestions are just as flexible, too: as is, over rice, on toast, in pasta, on a sandwich, and with eggs are just a few ideas. (One of our favorite breakfasts is leftover ratatouille with poached eggs.) Enjoy!

5 from 1 vote

Ratatouille with Pan-Fried Onions

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Total Time1 hr 30 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

1 large sweet or red onion sliced 3/8" thick
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
14 ounces crushed or diced tomatoes (1 can, drained)
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves minced garlic about 1 1/2 teaspoons
1 Tablespoon fresh basil chiffonade
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary or a small spring fresh, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 lb medium zucchini sliced 1/4" thick
1-2 Japanese eggplant sliced 1/4" thick
3 fresh Roma tomatoes sliced 1/4" thick

Garnish:

Fresh basil
Finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray. Set aside.
Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and swirl to coat skillet. When a water droplet sizzles on the surface, carefully place whole onion slices on the skillet. Allow onion slices to brown and crisp on one side for a few minutes, and then carefully turn them over using a spatula and brown the other side. Allow onion slices to cool, and then separate onion rings from one another and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
In a medium bowl, combine crushed or diced tomatoes, remaining olive oil (2 teaspoons), vinegar, garlic, fresh basil, and all but 1 teaspoon of the herb mixture.
Pour tomato mixture evenly into the bottom of a deep dish pie plate. (I use my cast iron pie dish.)
Arrange sliced veggies around the edge of the plate in a pattern that makes you happy. (I did tomato-zucchini-eggplant-zucchini-eggplant-repeat.)
Put the pan-fried onion mixture in the middle of the veggie-ring. Arrange more veggies in the middle, until you are either out of veggies or space, whichever comes first.
OPTIONAL: At this point, you can spray the whole thing with a little cooking spray or brush it with just a bit of olive oil to encourage browning if you would like. Doing so also seems to make the whole thing look better after it is done roasting.
Sprinkle remaining dried herb mixture over the top of the prepared ratatouille.
Bake in preheated oven for an hour, or until the sauce is bubbly and the veggies are tender (but not mushy!!)
Garnish with fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan or Romano.

Notes

Weight Watchers: 1 serving (1/4 recipe) = 1 SmartPoint [2018]

Alternate (aka "non-fussy") Prep: Put the crushed tomato mixture in your baking dish. Top with pan-fried onions. Throw the veggies on top. Bake as directed.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

Recipe Notes:

This dish is best when made with the freshest veggies possible.
Be sure to slice your vegetables uniformly to all be approximately the same size and thickness so that everything cooks evenly.
Japanese Eggplant is more tender than Italian eggplant, and works better for this dish. However, if you cannot find it, you can definitely use Italian eggplant as a substitute. The important thing is to cut it in approximately the same size as the other veggies you will be using so everything cooks evenly.
Ratatouille and similar foods (i.e., spaghetti sauce, lasagna, and eggplant parm) usually taste better “the next day,” after flavors have had a chance to marry and mellow. I’m sure that there is a scientific explanation for this phenomena, but whatever the reason, keep this in mind if you plan to serve this dish to company. I often make meals like this a day ahead of time, refrigerate overnight and reheat to serve.

Armenian Lentil Stew {with Eggplant & Golden Raisins}

April 16 By Renée 21 Comments

Armenian Lentil Stew is a thick, rich medley of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, onions, golden raisins, and lentils, all flavored with a savory-sweet blend of traditional herbs and spices. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it is wonderful alone, or served over a bowl of rice or bulgar.

Ten years ago, my daughter married a young Armenian named Vahe. When I first met Vahe, I could barely locate Armenia on a map; moreover, I knew virtually nothing about its rich culture and even less about the tumultuous history of its proud and faithful people. All I knew was this earnest, poetic young man loved my daughter, which is all I really needed to know back then.

And I knew he could cook, because whenever he visited us, that is what he did – COOK! Using nearly every pan in my kitchen, he would make us a bountiful feast of Armenian-inspired fare. Everything from delicious garlicky green beans with eggs to delectable eggplant rolls stuffed with carrots and raisins to amazing fire-roasted shish kabobs. (Like many Armenians, Vahe is a master of fire and skewer.)

Over the last decade, I’ve learn a lot. I’ve developed a great appreciation and genuine respect for my son-in-law and the hard-fought struggle he has endured to become an American citizen. I’ve gained four amazing Armenian-American grandchildren and a wonderful extended family. I’ve read a number of books and countless articles on Armenian history (of which I was taught virtually nothing about in school) and learned a great deal about traditional Armenian cooking as well.

Did you know that Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world? With a recorded history of about 3500 years, the small, landlocked country has a cuisine as old as the nation itself, where it occupies a unique place in Asiatic cuisine. Relying on a rich medley of diverse tastes and fragrances, Armenian cooking often employs savory flavors like lemon, garlic, onion, paprika, and sumac, and warm spices like cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves.

I’ve known for some time that I wanted to celebrate this milestone in our family’s history here on GHW with a traditional Armenian recipe, so when I saw “Armenian Lentil Stew” on a restaurant menu awhile back, I knew that I had to give it a go. In the end, I don’t know how “traditional” this recipe is; in fact, my culinary instincts are telling me that, even with my exhaustive research, it may be a bit Americanize. All I know is, it’s delicious.

When it comes to ethnic recipes, I’m usually a stickler for authenticity, but under the circumstances, I think it’s perfect. My son-in-law – who coaches his daughters’ soccer team and reads Kant (in Russian) to his three-year old son, who would move heaven and earth for my daughter, and who stood almost five years ago in a courthouse and pledged his allegiance to the United States of America… well, he’s a little Americanize now, too.

Happy Anniversary, kids. May you have many more to come. ?

5 from 8 votes

Armenian Lentil Stew

Armenian Lentil Stew is a thick, rich medley of eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, onions, golden raisins, and lentils, all flavored with a savory-sweet blend of traditional herbs and spices. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it is wonderful alone, or served over a bowl of rice or bulgar.

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time1 hr

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Armenian, Comfort Food

Keyword: lentils

Servings:

Calories: 174kcal

Author: Renée B. ♥ The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

Stew

1 cup dried red or brown lentils or combination
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup golden raisins or chopped dried apricots
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion diced
1 pound eggplant peeled and diced 1/4-3/8"
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
1 whole bell pepper red, green or yellow, diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons hot paprika or regular paprika
1-2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 heaping teaspoon crushed dried mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish (Optional)

fresh mint or cilantro chopped
sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Rinse lentils and place in large sauce pan.
Add broth and golden raisins (or chopped dried apricots) and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy pan over medium heat until it begins to glisten, and then add chopped onions.
Saute onions 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
Add eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic to onions.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add lentil mixture and remaining Stew ingredients to vegetable mixture. Simmer until lentils are tender; about 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
If stew becomes too thick while cooking, add additional broth or water.
Garnish with fresh mint or cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Serve as is, or over cooked bulgar or basmati rice.

Notes

Like most stews, this is always better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to play together.

Nutrition

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I used a number of recipes for inspiration and guidance in the development of this Armenian Lentil Stew recipe; most notably, Armenian Lentil Soup with Eggplant and Apricots [Peanut Butter Runner], and Armenian Lentil Soup [Epicurious].

Do you love beautiful pottery? The stunning bowl in the back left of many of these stew images is from Muddy Pants Pottery. Check them out!

Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro & Peanuts

January 25 By Renée 21 Comments

Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts with cilantro and peanuts are crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and addictive – so basically, they’re amazing!

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Last May, Mr B and I had tickets to see Marc Cohn at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, so we decided to make a night of it. We started out with a light meal at Southpark Seafood (our current Portland happy hour spot!) before the concert.

With a relaxed-chic vibe, this northwest Portland eatery features sustainable seafood and farm-fresh ingredients, and while their happy hour drink menu is just average ($6 house wines and sangria, $5 local brews), Southpark Happy Hour Eats are outstanding in every way.

For our meal, Mr B ordered six Oysters on the Half Shell [$6/3] for himself (I don’t do raw oysters) while I opted for the Spicy Shrimp & Grits [$10]. We also shared a Caesar salad [$6] and an order of their signature Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro & Peanuts [$7], and finished with a board of their amazing Maple Cream Puffs (with maple pastry cream, maple frosting, AND candied pecans) [$5].

The entire four-course meal for two was less than $40… in Portland!!! (Excluding beverages and tip, of course). AND, everything was delicious!

We especially enjoyed the Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts – they were literally the best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever eaten! Crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and addictive are just a few of the adjectives to describe these amazing oven-roasted sprouts.

I immediately put it on my list of recipes to figure out and blog about (as in, I opened Evernote right there at the restaurant and typed myself a quick reminder). I’ve heard that Southpark will just give you the recipe if you ask, but I was interested in learning more about its mysterious new-to-me ingredient, Gochujang paste, so I decided to take it as a challenge.

What is Gochujang Paste?

Gochujang Paste, or Korean Red Chili Paste, I’ve since learned, is a savory, sweet, spicy fermented condiment made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soy bean powder, and salt. It gets its sweetness from the glutinous rice and has about the same consistency as a thick hoisin sauce or tomato paste, but is much stickier.

You can find Gochujang paste at almost any Asian market. If you’re at all worried that the Gochujang paste will make the sprouts too spicy, don’t be. The end result is a savory, sweet, almost mapley Brussels sprout with a subtle but respectable hint of heat.

Crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and addictive are just a few of the adjective that describe these amazing Roasted Gochujang Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro & Peanuts. | The Good Hearted Woman

5 from 1 vote

Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, tender, spicy, sweet, and addictive are just a few of the adjectives that describe these amazing Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro & Peanuts.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time35 mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Side Dish

Servings:

Calories: 230kcal

Author: Renée | The Good Hearted Woman

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
2 1/2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup Chopped cilantro plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts plus extra whole peanuts for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°. Line a heavy sheet pan with a Silpat mat (or with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray) and set aside.
With a paring knife, remove the base off of each Brussels sprout and cut down the middle from stem end to flower.
In a medium bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, honey and Gochujang paste. Add in Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
Spread prepared Brussels sprouts evenly on prepared sheet pan. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
Roast Brussels sprouts in preheated oven 25-30 minutes (depending on how large your sprouts are), or until the sprouts are dark golden. (See note.)
Remove from oven. Sprinkle peanuts and cilantro evenly over roasted sprouts and then transfer everything to serving dish. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and peanuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

When spreading Brussels sprouts on the pan to put in the oven, I like to start them all with their cut side down, flipping them with a spatula halfway thru the cooking process.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

If you love these Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts, you’ll probably love our Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad, too – Check it out!

The sauce in this recipe (olive oil, vinegar, honey, and paste) has a multitude of uses beyond Brussels sprouts, from chicken marinade to kale chip dressing.

I’m not sure how close this is to the Southpark Seafood recipe, but it sure tastes spot-on. I hope you enjoy these Gochujang Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro & Peanuts as much as we do!

Additional recipe credit: While the inspiration for this post came from Southpark Seafood, the actual recipe shared here is an adaptation of this recipe by The Garlic Pad.

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Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food! Start with a rotisserie chicken for easy prep (or roast your own); then add savory roasted vegetables and our easy homemade chicken stock, then top it all off with a tender, flaky herbed pie crust. Perfection!

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The Four Elements of a Perfect Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (Including Substitutions & Faster Prep Tips)

[3] Roasted Vegetables

[4] Herbed Pie Crust

Post Updated October 19, 2020 (Originally published November 14, 2012)

Classic Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (from Scratch)

Equipment

Ingredients

Roasted Vegetables

Pan-fried Corn [Optional]

Sauce

Instructions

Ingredient Prep

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Pan-fried Corn (Optional Step)

Chicken Stock Pan Sauce

Assembling the Pot Pie

Baking Chicken Pot Pie

Notes

Nutrition

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup. Check it out for more great recipes!

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This rich, warmly spiced Caribbean Chicken Stew is – without question – one of the most delicious, satisfying, flavorful chicken stews you’ll ever eat!

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Recipe Updated July 2, 2020 (Originally published May 2, 2014)

Caribbean Chicken Stew

Equipment

Ingredients

Marinade

Stew Base

Root Vegetables [Use a TOTAL of 3 lbs /1.3kg of any combination of the following.]

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Make the Stew

Notes

Nutrition

I’m sharing this Chicken Stew recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup. Check it out for more great recipes!

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Kale, carrots, sunflower seeds, and fresh ginger combine to create this bright, delicious, satisfying copycat of New Seasons’ popular Kale & Carrot Salad.

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What does it mean to Blanch Vegetables?

Post Updated June 15, 2020 (Originally published January 22, 2015)

Kale & Carrot Salad

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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Naturally sweet and slightly tangy, Carrot Ginger Dressing is a light, refreshing salad dressing that is simply irresistible! (It’s like your favorite Japanese restaurant dressing, only fresher!)

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Carrot Ginger Dressing (Japanese Restaurant-style Salad Dressing)

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds combines Jarlsberg, almonds, and garlic for a delicate crunch and rich, nutty depth in this light and easy spaghetti squash recipe.

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Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Roast Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic & Almonds

Nutrition

Recipe Updated October 19, 2019 (Originally published March 15, 2015)

How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

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Everything you need to make a perfect frittata: a super-easy Frittata Master Recipe that you can use to transform leftovers into something new and delicious, plus a collection of 60+ frittata recipes to get your creative juices flowing.

Frittata = Skillet Omelet = Crustless Quiche = Egg Pizza

MASTER FRITTATA RECIPE

How to Make a Perfect Frittata – Infinite Possibilities

Frittata Master Recipe

Ingredients

The Four Elements of a Perfect Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
(Including Substitutions & Faster Prep Tips)

I’m sharing this recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

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of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

I’m sharing this Chicken Stew recipe on the Weekend Potluck Recipe Linkup.
Check it out for more great recipes!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. ? Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. ? Be sure to PIN this post!

THANK YOU so much for being a faithful reader and supporter
of The Good Hearted Woman. 🌻 Be sure to PIN this post!