Monday, March 31, 2014

Spring Asparagus Soup Corner Bakery Recreation

SPRING ASPARAGUS SOUP 

  • 1.5 - 2 lbs asparagus 
  • 1 onion, chopped 
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 4-5 cups chicken or veggie broth 
  • salt & pepper to taste  
For creamy texture add...
  • 1 can chickpeas (optional, read modifications) 



1. Chop off bottom of asparagus, about 1 inch off the bottom & discard.

2. Chop off top of asparagus, about 1 inch & set aside for later.

3. Chop onion, garlic, & remaining asparagus, about 1 inch pieces.

4. In a large pot, heat olive oil & saute onions, Garlic, & 
asparagus for 3-4 min or until they soften.

5. Add chicken or veggie broth & bring to a boil, 
then simmer on low-med heat for 10-12 minutes.

6. Pour soup into a food processor or blender, LET COOL FOR 7-10 MIN BEFORE BLENDING. If you don't let it cool first, it will explode out the blender from the heat. Once it cools, puree slowly to desired texture.

7. Pour pureed soup back into the same pot, add the asparagus tops, bring to a boil & simmer for 2-3 minutes until asparagus tops are cooked. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Plate Finished Product 

STORY BEHIND THE DISH

I love the spring asparagus soup from Corner Bakery but since they always sell out by the time I get there, I decided to make it myself. This is a simple soup that is very delicious if you love asparagus as much as I do!



MODIFICATIONS/Whole30

This recipe is very healthy, it contains no dairy, no gluten, if you use veggie broth it is vegan, & it also also Whole30 approved! If you like a thicker creamy soup constancy & you are not maintaining a paleo diet, you can add one can of drained chickpeas at step 5 with the broth & it will thicken the soup. If you do this I would use 5-6 cups of broth. It makes a great addition to this delicious soup!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recreation

Chipotle Style Chicken Burrito Bowl
  • 1-2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs 
  • 2-3 Tbsp fajita or taco seasoning 
  • 1-2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 can black beans cooked & drained 
  • 2-3 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup cooked corn, fresh or frozen
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • 1 small cucumber, finely diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeno, finely diced remove seeds
  • 1 lemon or lime, juiced
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped  
  • Optional Toppings: Cheese, Sour Cream, & Hot Sauce
1. Finely dice all tomatoes, onions, cucumber, jalapeno, & cilantro. I cook a whole corn & BBQ it then cut off the core, but frozen corn works too, just cook it, strain it, & let it cool. I also use only 1/2 a jalapeno cause I don't like it too spicy, but add what you like. 

2. Combine tomatoes, onion, corn, cucumber, jalapeno, & cilantro in a bowl. Coat with fresh lemon or lime juice, salt, & pepper. Mix well & let sit to collect flavors.

3. Coat all chicken evenly front & back with seasoning. BBQ chicken thighs on a hot grill or in a nonstick pan for 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure chicken is fully cooked & all juices are clear. 

4. When chicken is done let it sit covered for 1-2 minutes then chop all chicken into small pieces. Build your bowl with rice, black beans, chicken, cheese, some corn/cucumber salsa, & top with fresh avocado or sour cream. 

Plate Finished Product


STORY BEHIND THE DISH

Over the summer I visited a good friend who moved from California to Brisbane, Australia. Those who know the two areas well know that Brisbane's selection of Mexican food products is slim to none! During our stay she made a Chipotle style chicken bowl that reminded me of the burrito bowl I get at Chipotle, easy, simple, & delicious. This dish is a crowd pleaser, it has beautiful colors, & it's fun to make!



MODIFICATIONS/Whole30

For whole30 or Paleo remove the roasted corn from the salsa & remove the rice, beans, cheese & sour cream. Serve the chicken with salsa & fresh avocados or guacamole over some chopped romane. This is a very versatile dish. You can really add or takeaway what works best for you. If you really want to make it more Chipotle authentic you can add some lime juice & chopped cilantro to the rice when you cook it & it will infuse more flavors. If you want a more spicy dish as some more jalapeno or hot sauce.