bell peppers Archives - Cooking Classy with a sprinkle of fancy Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:11:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 44235149 Sausage and Peppers https://www.cookingclassy.com/sausage-and-peppers/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/sausage-and-peppers/#comments Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:37:36 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=72259 Italian Sausage Peppers and Onions is a hearty and rich dish made with seasoned Italian sausages, vibrant bell peppers and onions, and it's all simmered in a zesty tomato and herb flecked sauce.

It's delicious filling for sandwiches or doubles as a topping over potatoes, rice or pasta.

Sliced Italian sausage, peppers and onions in a skillet. Shown with hoagies to the side as a serving suggestion.

Homestyle Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Sausage and peppers is a simple Italian style dish that's packed with bright fresh ingredients an abundance of comforting, satisfying flavor. It's an enjoyable lunch or dinner entree that is easy to make and it's fun to serve a variety of ways.

It begins with rich sausages that are beautifully browned, then they simmer briefly nestled with the sautéed peppers and onions, while the sauce simmers down and lightly thickens for a nice base. To finish the sausages are sliced into bite size coins and it's all coated with a fair sprinkle of parmesan, because why not? It adds that last touch of perfectly enhancing flavor.

There's so much crave-able goodness in every bite. Truly you'll want to use bakery fresh hoagies only (no stale hoagies buns from the shelf) for something this delicious!

Watch the Video!

[wprm-recipe-video]

 

Sausage and peppers shown served in small hoagie buns.

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Tofu Scramble https://www.cookingclassy.com/tofu-scramble/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/tofu-scramble/#comments Tue, 07 May 2024 03:23:03 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=70947 Healthy Tofu Scramble - Made with protein rich tofu, tender crisp sautéed bell peppers, and nutritious fresh spinach. It's a tasty alternative to scrambled eggs yet I'd dare say equally as delicious!

Tofu scramble in a white ceramic bowl over a marble surface with a green cloth to the side.

An Easy Tofu Scramble Recipe

I never used to be a fan of tofu but that was likely because it was under-seasoned or just not cooked right. Tofu tastes incredibly plain and mild on it's own as is but when seasoned right and sautéed it can transform into something that's actually super tasty.

Tofu is very absorbent to flavors so it makes it highly adaptable which is great for these "scrambled eggs" using tofu. They're flavorfully seasoned with southwestern spices that soak right in, and it's cooked in a hot skillet until golden brown to take on more flavor. And I think you'll enjoy that the texture is very similar to scrambled eggs.

It's a quick to make vegan breakfast and it pairs beautifully with whole grain toast and sliced avocado. This has been a go-to breakfast for me lately and it actually re-heats really well so I can get a few breakfast meals out of it.

Feel free to add in other vegetables (things like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes) and you could even splurge a little and add some cheese (vegan or regular) at the end.

Tofu scramble shown with serving suggestions of avocado and whole grain toast.

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Chinese Chicken Salad https://www.cookingclassy.com/chinese-chicken-salad/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/chinese-chicken-salad/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:13:51 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=67912 Fresh and flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad! A colorful Asian salad made with crisp cabbage, tender roasted chicken, sweet bell pepper, and a rich and tangy peanut-sesame dressing. 

Large serving bowl full of Chinese chicken salad with cabbage, peanuts, sesame seeds, wonton strips, bell peppers.

This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad has such a welcome, satisfying blend of textures paired with well rounded flavor. The dressing has a crave-able rich peanut flavor, the veggies offer the salad so much freshness and a great crunch, and the chicken makes it hearty and filling.

It's fairly easy to make since it includes a shortcut of store-bought, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This also makes it a no cooking required dinner salad recipe.

There's just bit of measuring, chopping and tossing. And if you happen to have someone to help one of you can prep the salad while the other person makes the dressing.

It's a nutritious, all in one salad that's great for serving as a main dish entree for lunch or dinner. You'll love all the deliciousness in every bite!

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Baja Grain Bowls https://www.cookingclassy.com/baja-grain-bowls/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/baja-grain-bowls/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:06:22 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=70615 A healthy rainbow Baja Grain Bowl made with nutritious brown rice and quinoa, vitamin packed veggies including bell pepper, sweet potatoes, corn, avocado and red onion. And it also includes hearty black beans to make it more filling and add more fiber and protein.

Baja grain bowl with black beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes (or chicken), corn, avocado, red onion, brown rice and quinoa.

Baja Bowl Inspired by Panera

These flavorful bowls, inspired by Panera version, include layer after layer of fresh flavor and a variety of textures. You get some nutty chewiness with the grains, tender softness and sweet flavor from the sweet potatoes, tart tang from the cilantro lime dressing, and a crisp bite from the fresh bell pepper and corn.

Collectively they create one beautifully colorful and deliciously satisfying grain bowl.

After you try this Mexican spin on grain bowls you can try building your own grain bowl from scratch. Wondering how to build a grain bowl? Simply include a base layer of grains, add fresh and/or roasted vegetables, a protein (such as legumes, meat, tofu, eggs) or cheese, fresh greens, and finish with a dressing or sauce of choice.

They make such a filling dinner and are an excellent option for make ahead meal prep for lunch too.

Possible Variations

To build these bowls include the grain and black beans, from there you can add your own substitutions:

  • Protein: These can also be made with chicken thighs or chicken breasts in place of the sweet potatoes, I've included instructions in the note of the recipe.
  • Cheese: You can add cheese such as feta, cheddar or queso fresco.
  • Sauces: They are also delicious with a heaping spoonful of salsa, pico de gallo or a finishing drizzle of Mexican hot sauce.  If you want more creaminess try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Veggies: You can subsistute some of the vegetables here for others you may have on hand, that's the beauty of a grain bowl. Poblano pepper, zucchini, winter squash, or tomatoes are a great fit.
  • Grains: These could also be made with farro or barley. Or you can use all brown rice or all quinoa rather than a blend.
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Christmas Tree Cheese Ball https://www.cookingclassy.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:15:05 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=69761 A festive and delicious Christmas Tree Cheese Ball! A Christmas appetizer made with rich cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, flavorful herbs and fresh vegetables. It's a holiday party favorite and a tasty twist on the classic cheese ball.

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball made with white cheddar, cream cheese, and covered in parsley, tomatoes, pine nuts and bell peppers.

A Fun Christmas Appetizer Recipe

This eye catching Christmas tree cheese ball is decorated with plenty of earthy green minced fresh parsley, dotted with tiny red tomatoes and yellow bell pepper pieces, its swirled with a ribbon of pine nuts, then finished with a vibrant golden bell pepper star practically shining atop.

It's a holiday classic with a sophisticated upgrade thanks to its enhancements of herby flavors and fresh vegetables (or technically fruits), the welcomed bold white cheddar goodness, a pine nut finish, and its impressive unique appearance. No boring typical rounded shape plus pecan coating here.

And even though it's quite large this savory treat will be devoured in no time. This charming centerpiece will be a highlight of your gathering and a new striking way you'll want to make the holiday cheese ball every year!

Christmas tree cheese ball with lights in the background and crackers around the tree.

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Texas Chili Con Carne https://www.cookingclassy.com/texas-chili-con-carne/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/texas-chili-con-carne/#comments Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:00:10 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=68821 Texas style Chili Con Carne - Bite size pieces of chuck roast are browned then simmered in a homemade thick chili puree until flavors have well developed and beef is perfectly tender. From there you can top it with all your favorite toppings and pair it with tortilla chips or cornbread for the ultimate cozy meal! 

Chili con carne in a serving bowl topped with shredded cheese, cilantro and chopped onion.

Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a robust and rich chili made with beef roast that includes deeply flavored Mexican chilies and spices all simmered together in a stew-like dish. This is a Texas style chili and it's made of mostly beef and chili sauce without lots of added fillers.

It uses a generous amount of browned beef chuck chunks rather than ground hamburger and this really builds up the meaty flavor. Whole dried chilies are used in place of pre-ground store-bought chili powder, and those chilies are toasted in a skillet then soaked in liquid and pureed in a blender to build the base of this hearty chili.

The chili is simmered low and slow on the stovetop for well harmonized depth of flavor and to tenderize the beef.

It's an impressive made from scratch chili that may seem intimidating at first but once you try it you'll see it's easier to make than you'd think.

It's also a tasty change from the original style chili and you may find tasters to love it even more, especially meat lovers! Plus it could just win your next chili cook off!

Pot filled with Texas style chili con carne.

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Corn Salsa https://www.cookingclassy.com/corn-salsa/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/corn-salsa/#respond Sat, 12 Aug 2023 04:54:06 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=68395 Fresh Corn Salsa - made with fresh ears of crisp corn, sweet bell pepper, vibrant red onion, herby cilantro, and a zesty spiced lime dressing. It's makes a perfect chip dip or a topping to pair with a main protein.

Corn salsa with corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cilantro and onion.

A Summery Corn Salsa Recipe

Corn salsa that's much better than Chipotle! It's a healthy dip that also doubles well as a side dish.

Fresh corn and bell pepper are fire roasted over a hot grill or gas stove flame for a beautiful smokey char, then it's tossed with a colorful plethora of other complementary fresh Mexican-style ingredients.

It has such a tantalizing blend of flavors that's is makes the perfect chip dip, or its delicious served over salmon, shrimp, chicken or beef (we love the salmon option).

Plus it's a versatile salsa with lots of ways to switch things up (see ideas below).

It's best made in season when you can get prime sweet yellow corn, but during the colder months try it with frozen corn too.

Rainbow of corn salsa ingredients chopped in a mixing bowl before tossing.

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Lentil Salad https://www.cookingclassy.com/lentil-salad/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/lentil-salad/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2023 00:35:10 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=63549 A delicious and healthy Lentil Salad recipe! It's made with protein rich lentils, roasted bell pepper, cool crisp cucumber, bright red onion, fresh herbs, tangy feta, and it's finished with a vibrant lemon dressing. It's the perfect way to upgrade lentils.

Lentil salad shown in a white ceramic serving bowl. Made with green lentils, bell pepper, red onion, feta, cucumber and dressing.

Lentil Salad

This makes a great lunch or dinner side. It has an abundance of freshness along with a good heartiness to it, and it's easy to make.

You'll find it has a great blend of textures and flavors and it pairs beautifully with chicken or salmon.

You can use a variety of herbs based on what you have. I always like to include parsley then for the second herb addition opt for either cilantro, basil or mint - each will give a different flavor profile so it's nice to switch things up.

Serve it room temp or nice and chilled for a refreshing salad (just keep in the fridge within 2 hours of preparing).

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Vegetable Stir Fry https://www.cookingclassy.com/vegetable-stir-fry/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/vegetable-stir-fry/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2023 04:46:55 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=66584 Vegetable Stir Fry - A beautiful, colorful rainbow of fresh vegetables are sautéed together in a hot skillet or wok and seasoned with a abundantly flavorful sweet and savory stir fry sauce. It's nutritious and completely delicious!Vegetable stir fry in a white oval platter shown from above on a marble surface with a blue cloth.

Rainbow Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe

Our favorite takeout-style easy vegetable stir fry! Made with a lovely blend of colors and boasting with plenty of fresh flavor.

It makes a delicious vegetarian main dish (with a vegan option) that you can serve with brown rice or white rice, or it can double as a side to a healthy protein such as salmon, shrimp or chicken.

In it you'll find a tasty variety of vegetables and the stir fry sauce will leave you craving more!

It's easy to substitute here using other vegetables you may have on hand (see ideas below).

So clean out the fridge with all those veggies and make this delicious stir fry!

Vegetable stir fry with bell peppers, carrots, peas, broccoli, red onion, and mushrooms.

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Chickpea Salad Sandwich https://www.cookingclassy.com/chickpea-salad-sandwich/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/chickpea-salad-sandwich/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:49:33 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=65144 Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwiches - a nutritious sandwich made with hearty chickpeas, earthy tahini, bright lemon, crisp veggies, multigrain bread, and it's layered with all your favorite toppings.

Stack of three chickpea salad sandwiches on multigrain bread.

Hearty Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

If you love hummus you will also love and appreciate all the similar depth of flavor found in this sandwich!

And if you aren't a hummus fan I've listed an option to make it taste similar to tuna salad instead, with a creamy mayo base (which can also be made vegan). Either way you can't go wrong with this recipe.

It's nutritious, easy to prepare, and it's perfectly filling thanks to those protein filled and fiber rich chickpeas (plus the fiber found in the whole grain bread).

I love to make this for lunch and eat it for several days since it keeps well in the fridge. It makes a great make-ahead meal prep or take along school lunch for the kids.

What to Serve It In

Just like many other similar salads you can serve it in bread, wraps, pita pockets, lettuce leaves, or serve atop avocados, crackers, pita chips, or just eat it plain on its own.

There's so much to love about this versatile, simple, and satisfying chickpea salad sandwich!

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