Recipes

Pork Ragu With Roasted Veg

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This is a simple to throw together dinner that’s pretty damn hands-off. Perfect for nights when you have a million things to do before dinner hits the table and not enough hours to do them.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30

  

Pork Ragu with Roasted Veg

2 lbs. boneless pork shoulder
28-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
14-ounce can tomato sauce
1 medium onion
4 cloves garlic
1 sprig rosemary
3-4 sage leaves
Big pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt & black pepper
1-2 lbs. root veggies (I used a mixture of golden beets & rutabaga)
Fat of choice

To make the pork, chop the onion and add to your slow cooker. Chop the garlic and add. Chop the rosemary and sage and add. Add the red pepper flakes. Add the pork. Pour in the tomatoes and tomato sauce. Sprinkle with a couple big pinches salt & a few cracks black pepper. Let cook on High 6 hours.

To make the veggies, preheat your oven to 400F. Wash and chop the root veg into 1/2-inch or so pieces. Toss with a good slug of your favorite fat (I used some reserved chicken fat from the night before) and spread out on a cookie sheet or your largest oven-safe pan. Roast 20 minutes, stir, and roast another 20 or until soft and caramelized in spots.

When the meat is finished, shred with tongs or two forks and serve over the veggies.

Serves 4

Indian Spice Salad with Chili Tamarind Sauce

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This dish is based on a nacho recipe – while it doesn’t end up being nachos, it does end up being tasty and healthy. And bonus: it’s Whole30-compliant.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30. 

 

Indian Spice Salad with Chili Tamarind Sauce

Based on Indian Nachos from Tasting Table

Salad

1 lb. baby potatoes
1 cucumber
1/4 onion
2c. broccoli slaw
1 small carrot
1 thumb fresh ginger
1/4 golden beet
1 bunch snap peas
Pomegranate molasses

Chili Tamarind Sauce

1 can full fat coconut milk, put in the fridge so the cream rises to the top
1 lemon
2 tsp. chili powder
1.5 tsp. tamarind concentrate

Indian Spiced Chicken

1 chicken thigh per person
Chana masala
Kosher salt
Ghee

First, put the potatoes on. Rinse and toss into a pot with a few big sprinkles salt. Boil 10 minutes. Drain when ready.

Then make the sauce: combine about a 1/4 of a cup of coconut milk fat with the juice of half a lemon, a couple pinches Kosher salt, the chili powder and tamarind. Whisk or blend to combine and stash in the fridge while making the rest of dinner.

Move to the salad: de-tipping and chopping the snap peas, dicing the carrot, de-seeding and dicing the cucumber, dicing the beet, mincing the ginger, and dicing the onion. Toss with the juice of half a lemon and a couple big pinches Kosher salt + the broccoli slaw. Add the potatoes when done cooking and toss.

Dust the chicken with chana masala spice and sprinkle with Kosher salt. Sauté over medium high in a Tablespoon or so of ghee.

When the chicken is done and rested, chop and add to the salad. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and the chili tamarind sauce.

Serves 4 – 6

 

Charred Chili Brussels Turkey Bowl

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This recipe is full of flavor, paleo, and just enough substance for a nice dinner bowl. Were I you, I’d make sure to check out the recipe this one is based off of – I completely forgot two ingredients that would have completely changed the flavor profile of this dish. It’s great as presented here – and would have been great-but-different had I remembered the Tabasco and vinegar.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30

 

Charred Chili Brussels Turkey Bowl

Adapted from Charred Cauliflower w/Garlics, Tabasco Vinegar from Lady & Pups

1 lb. brussels sprouts
1 lb. ground turkey
5 cloves garlic
4 Tbsp. fish sauce
Red chili flakes
1/4 c. avocado or other oil
White pepper
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. garlic powder

First, set your garlic up. Peel and smash the cloves – brine in 2 Tbsp. fish sauce for 20 – 30 minutes.

While your garlic is brining, halve the brussels and scatter onto a sheet pan. Set broiler to High.

When the garlic has brined, transfer the garlic (set the fish sauce aside) to a small pot with the oil and a few pinches red pepper flakes. Let fry over med-low heat until the garlic is golden brown and soft. Remove the garlic to its own little bowl. Add the reserved fish sauce + a couple sprinkles white pepper to the oil and pour over the brussels.

Broil 5 – 6 minutes or until charred in spots; flip and repeat. Sprinkle with Kosher salt.

While the brussels are working, add the turkey + a little oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add a couple pinches red pepper flakes, a dusting of white pepper, the onion powder, garlic powder and a pinch or two of Kosher salt. Sauté until cooked through, stirring and breaking up as you go. Add 2 Tbsp. fish sauce, stir to combine, and let cook another minute or two.

Toss in the brussels and reserved brined garlic.

Serves 2 for dinner

Flank Steak with Paleo Chipotle Crema

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This is a great sauce. Creamy, fatty, spicy, smoky and delicious. Plus: it’s paleo (and vegan)!

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30

  

Flank Steak with Paleo Chipotle Crema

1-2 lbs. flank steak
1 c. water
1/2 c. raw cashews
1 chipotle + adobo sauce
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
Juice of half a lemon
Kosher salt
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. white miso (optional)
1/4 c. avocado oil

First, prep your cashews. Boil the water (I nuked for 2 minutes) and add the cashews. Let soak anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours.

When your cashews have soaked and it’s time to make dinner, start with the steak. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and black pepper and lay on a prepped cookie sheet. Broil on High for 3-4 minutes or until desired doneness is reached. Pull and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

To make the sauce: Blend the cashews (reserve the water), chipotle, tomato paste, lemon juice, 2 big pinches Kosher salt, garlic powder, white miso if you want. Drizzle in about a quarter cup of the cashew water to get things moving – and then about a quarter of a cup of oil if your desired consistency is not reached. I started off blending in the food processor, wasn’t getting the creaminess I wanted, and moved on to the Vitamix for a smoother puree.

Serves 2 – 4

Sweet Hot Pork & Broccoli Bowl

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This is more Asian-leaning than my usual pulled pork, and I’m happy that it turned out well. This dish is dead simple to make, filling but not overly so, and comes together quickly for nights when you have more things to do than hours.

Gluten-free, paleo (check labels!)

  

Sweet Hot Pork & Broccoli Bowl

Based on Sweet and Spicy Pork Shoulder with Sesame Cucumbers by How Sweet Eats

For The Pork

2 – 3 lbs. pork shoulder
1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp. chili garlic paste
1/4 c. coconut aminos
2 big pinches Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
2 tsp. sesame oil

Combine in a large crock pot and cook on High 6 hours. Shred.

For The Broccoli Bowl

1 crown broccoli
2 Tbsp. fat of choice
2 tsp. ketjap manis
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 Tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. sriracha
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1/4 c. water

Cut the broccoli and stem into bite-sized pieces.

Heat the fat in a large skillet over medium heat. When the fat comes up to temperature, add the broccoli and sprinkle with a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli no longer looks straight raw.

Add the rest of the ingredients, minus the water, and cook – stirring frequently – until just beginning to soften. Add the water to de-glaze the pan and steam the broccoli and continue cooking until the water evaporates and the broccoli is done to your liking.

Serve the pork over the broccoli.

Feeds 2 for dinner + 1 for lunch with pork left over

Thai-ribbean Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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This dish makes a nice weeknight meal that can stand up to the fridge for multi-night repeats.

Paleo, gluten-free

  

Thai-ribbean Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Based on Thai Ground Beef & Spaghetti Squash Casserole by My Heart Beets

1 spaghetti squash
1 Tbsp. fat of choice
1 onion
1-2 habaneros
5 large cloves garlic
1-inch knob ginger
1 Tbsp. green curry paste
1 lb. ground meat
1 green bell pepper
8 ounces mushrooms (optional)
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. coconut nectar
2 Tbsp. coconut aminos
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
Kosher salt
Few cracks black pepper
Green onions (garnish: optional)

Spaghetti Your Squash

Halve your spaghetti squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and prick the backs with a fork a few times. Place cut side down in a dish large enough to seat them and deep enough to accommodate a couple Tablespoons full of water. Cover with plastic wrap and nuke 15 – 20 minutes or until soft. Let sit to cool.

Make The Rest Of The Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Chop the onions. De-seed and mince the chilis. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion, chilis and a pinch of salt.

While the onions are cooking, mince the garlic and ginger. Add to the pan when the onions are translucent.

Let cook 1 – 2 minutes. Add the curry paste, a big pinch salt and a few cracks pepper. Mix well. Add the ground meat. Brown.

While the beef is browning, chop the green pepper and mushrooms (if using).

When the beef is almost done, add the fish sauce, coconut nectar, coconut aminos, cinnamon and nutmeg. Give everything a hearty stir, and add the green pepper and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or until the peppers begin to soften and the mushrooms begin to cook down.

While your peppers and mushrooms are working, shred the spaghetti squash flesh with a fork to form long strands. Mix the strands in with the meat mixture.

Whisk the eggs and add to the meat mixture. Toss to combine.

Spread out in a large baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Garnish with chopped green onions.

Serves 4

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole

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OMFG this is good. And what’s not to love? Bacon, sweet potatoes and hot sauce = <3<3<3.

A note on sweet potatoes: I used Japanese white sweet potatoes, and I’m glad I did. Japanese sweet potatoes bake up creamier than standard orangey potatoes, and tend to be a touch lower on the sweetness scale than garnet yams. 

Gluten-free, paleo

  

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Based on Paleo Sweet Potato Buffalo Chicken Casserole by Preppy Paleo

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 sweet potatoes
2 carrots
4 stalks celery
1 Tbsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1/3 c. Frank’s hot sauce
2 tsp. coconut nectar or maple syrup
1/4 c. melted butter
Bacon – enough to make about a cup when cooked and crumbled
4 scallions

Preheat your oven to 425 F.

Grease a large baking dish or casserole.

In a large bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, sweet stuff and butter. Chop the carrots and celery and add to the bowl. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes and add to the bowl. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. Toss to combine. Pour into the baking dish.

Bake for 45 – 55 minutes (or until the chicken is done), stirring every 15-20 minutes.

While the chicken mix is cooking, brown the bacon, drain and crumble. Chop the scallions. When the chicken is cooked through, top the casserole with the bacon and green onions and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Serves 4 

Warm Brussels Caesar

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This dish makes a fantastic warm salad for a night when you *want* the virtue of being able to call at least half of dinner a “salad” but you don’t actually want to *eat* a cold salad. It counts: it has dressing.

Gluten-free, paleo, primal

 

Warm Brussels Caesar
Based on Warm Brussels Caesars with Bacon Ciabatta Croutons from How Sweet Eats

1 lb. brussels sprouts
2 ounces (4 slices) bacon
4 large cloves garlic
3 Tbsp. almond, cashew or coconut milk (I used cashew)
2 Tbsp. parmesan cheese (optional. I used sheep parm)
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard (I used Maille whole grain)
2 tsp. rice wine vinegar
1-1/2 – 2 tsp. anchovy paste (equals to about 4 anchovies)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/3 – 1/2 cup oil (I used walnut)
Big pinch Kosher salt
Few cracks black pepper
Optional but appreciated by bread eaters: Fresh croutons

Chop the bacon and put in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.

While the bacon is browning, slice the root end off your brussels, halve lengthwise and cut each half into about thirds. Set aside.

When the bacon is browned, remove to a paper towel to drain. Add the brussels to the fat left over in the pan (1 – 2 Tbsp. if more fat; drain some, if less; add some). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

While the brussels are cooking, prepare your dressing. In the carafe of a blender, bowl of a food processor, or cup of an immersion blender combine the milk, mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, a big pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Mince the garlic and throw in. Blend, drizzling in the oil as you go until an emulsion forms. Taste. Add the cheese if you’re eating it and buzz again to combine.

Serves 3 for dinner as a side (for something like nice pan-sauteed pork chops), with more dressing left over. If you want to serve this salad as a stand-alone dish, add a couple handfuls of leftover rotisserie chicken and top with a fried egg. As a stand-alone, this amount should serve 2.  

Mean Green Peanut Protein Smoothie

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Yup. Another smoothie recipe. A note on this one: this smoothie as written is not sweet. If you like your peanut butter sweet, add a little honey or maple syrup. I happen to love the taste of peanuts, so I was happy with the savory leaning.

Gluten-free, paleo

 

Mean Green Peanut Protein Smoothie

2/3 c. coconut milk
1/2 avocado
3 Tbsp. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
Hand full baby spinach
1 scoop collagen powder

Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and whiz until smooth.

Serves 1 as a meal replacement and contains: 734 calories, 66g fat, 21g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 30% of your daily Vitamin A requirement, 19% of Vitamin C, 7% of Calcium, and 37% of your Iron.

Sous Vide Basil Chicken Fried “Rice”

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This dish was my first crack at using my new gadget – a Sous Vide machine. Actually, it’s more of a wand that you stick into a pot that circulates the water and keeps it a steady temp. If you’re curious, this is the one I have and so far I’m liking it.

This dish is flavorful, light, healthy and the chicken ends up nice and moist (even if you have to pan-fry it a bit like I did) and even lightly flavored from the basil. A wholly successful first crack, if I do say so myself.

Gluten-free, paleo, Whole30

 

Sous Vide Basil Chicken Fried “Rice”

4 chicken thighs (I used bone-in and skin-on)
Fresh basil
1 head cauliflower
2 Tbsp. coconut aminos
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 – 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 egg per chicken thigh
Kosher salt & black pepper
Sriracha for serving if desired

First, get the chicken going because this is not a quick dish. Generously salt and pepper each chicken thigh on both sides. Gently place 2 of the thighs into the bottom of a gallon zipper freezer bag with 1 – 2 leaves basil pressed into both sides of each thigh. Repeat in another bag with the other two thighs.

Squeeze out most of the air in the bag, leaving the chicken on the bottom. Set your sous vide up according to manufacturer directions, and submerge the chicken slowly to squeeze the air out of the top of the bag as you go, only sealing once the bag is almost submerged and the air is almost removed. See instructions here, plus a handy video if my directions aren’t clear.

Once your chicken is prepared, set your machine to 165F/74C and let cook an hour and a half (or more. This recipe has great direction on cooking bone-in chicken thighs and what temperature/time configurations give what results). I let my chicken go for exactly an hour and a half at the 165F, and it could have stood another bit of time – I was able to easily finish off in a hot pan, however, so timing is really up to you.

While your chicken is taking its leisurely bath, make the cauli fried rice.

Core and quarter your head of cauliflower, and either grate or break up in a food processor until you have rice-sized granules. If you’re going the food processor method, you may need to do this in 2 – 3 batches.

When all your cauliflower is processed down, heat a large wok or skillet on high and add 1 Tbsp. sesame oil. When the oil is hot, add the rice. Add the onion and garlic powders, a generous pinch salt and a few cracks black pepper. Add the coconut aminos and stir well to combine. Let cook until starting to brown and get crispy on the bottom, around 5 minutes. Stir and repeat the process 2 – 3 times until your “rice” is done with a fair amount of browned bits.

Let sit until your chicken is done.

When your chicken is done, knock the basil off and pat dry. Place skin side down in a medium pan over medium-high heat with the second Tablespoon of sesame oil. Pan sear the skin until crispy. If you’re worried that the meat is underdone, flip and sear the other side too.

When you’re ready to serve, fry an egg per thigh until over medium. Serve the chicken and rice topped with an egg and garnished with extra torn basil. Add sriracha if needed.

Serves 3 – 4. (I got 3 comfortable rice servings out of my medium head of cauliflower; if you need to stretch, do 2 eggs per person)