Category: Side Dishes & Salads

Chipotle Coleslaw

Woo hoo! Back up the spicy truck! This chipotle coleslaw has some kick! Well, that’s mainly because I more than doubled the amount of spicy, smoky chipotles that the original recipe called for. Of course you don’t have to add the extra chipotles and you’ll still have a wonderful chipotle coleslaw. It’s refreshing, crunchy, smoky, and really quite pretty I think.

Chipotle Coleslaw

The Perfect Side For A BBQ

This slaw was the perfect side for the St. Louis-style ribs and the pulled pork sandwiches we made. It travels well so we often make it and take it with us for a picnic.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Blue Plate Real Mayonnaise, Homestyle Mayo For Chicken Salad to Deviled Eggs, 30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Also try my Lexington slaw.

Chipotle Coleslaw
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Coleslaw

Woo hoo! Back up the spicy truck! This chipotle coleslaw has some kick! Well, that’s mainly because I more than doubled the amount of spicy, smoky chipotles that the original recipe called for. Of course you don’t have to add the extra chipotles and you’ll still have a wonderful chipotle coleslaw. 
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 186kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the dressing

For the salad

  • 1 14 ounce coleslaw mix
  • 7 green onions green and pale green portions, sliced thin
  • 1 cup cilantro divided

Instructions

For the dressing

  • Whisk together the dressing ingredients.

For the salad

  • Place coleslaw mix, green onions, and 3/4 cup of the cilantro in a medium bowl.
  • Add in dressing and fold to combine.
  • Serve garnished with remaining cilantro.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 558mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Barbecue Green Beans

Why have boring canned green beans when with the addition of just a few ingredients you can have outstandingly good green beans. These barbecue green beans have a great barbecue flavor. A hint of bacon (with a bit of crunch). And a bit of sweet. You will absolutely devour these.

Barbecue Green Beans

These Are Not Boring Beans

I may add a small pinch of red pepper flake to these barbecue green beans next time I make them. Not too much, but I love a little heat with my sweet. If you have a favorite BBQ sauce you can use it in place of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Start with about 1/2 cup of the sauce and taste to see if you might want a bit more.

Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)
Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce (10 fl oz Bottle)

Also try my fire-eater green beans.

Inspired by a recipe from Belle of the Kitchen.

Barbecue Green Beans
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4 from 1 vote

Barbecue Green Beans

Why have boring canned green beans when with the addition of a just a few ingredients you can have outstandingly good green beans.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword barbecue, BBQ, green beans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 153kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Belle of the Kitchen

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Open green bean cans, drain, and add to a 9″ x 9″ casserole dish.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the bacon and cook until starting to crisp, stirring often.
  • Add the onion and cook until the bacon is crisped and the onion starts to soften.
  • Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Stir and cook another 3 minutes.
  • Pour bacon mixture over the beans and stir to combine.
  • Place in oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Notes

Add a little sliced or diced jalapeno for a nice kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 359mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Steamed Carrots with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

Carrots are one of my favorite veggies. They keep forever in the fridge so I can always have some on hand. And I can often find them late into the season. This simple recipe for steamed carrots with lemon-dill vinaigrette gives your boring carrots a really nice Dijon kick that isn’t overwhelming.

Steamed Carrots with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

Nothing Fancy. Just Great Carrots.

This recipe uses ingredients I usually have on hand. Sometimes I don’t have a fresh lemon. So either skip the zest or use a bit of lemon pepper instead. And I’m just about downright lucky if I find fresh dill at our local grocery store. I often end up using dried instead. Either way this steamed carrots with lemon-dill vinaigrette is a fantastic side dish.

Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert for Veggie Fish Seafood Cooking, Expandable to Fit Various Size Pot (5.1" to 9")
Steamer Basket Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer Basket Folding Steamer Insert for Veggie Fish Seafood Cooking, Expandable to Fit Various Size Pot (5.1″ to 9″)

Also try my roasted carrots. They’re easy and delicious. For something a little different, my spicy cranberry glazed carrots are quite yummy too! But make these steamed carrots with lemon-dill vinaigrette first!

Steamed Carrots with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette
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4 from 1 vote

Steamed Carrots with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

This simple recipe for steamed carrots with lemon-dill vinaigrette gives your boring carrots a really nice Dijon kick that isn’t overwhelming. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword carrots, dill, lemon, vinaigrette
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 105kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon, red wine vinegar and honey.
  • While still whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil. Whisk until smooth.
  • Whisk in the dill, salt and lemon zest.
  • Steam carrots in a steam basket over a large pot of simmering water, about 8 minutes. Carrots should be somewhat tender but still have a bit of ‘bite’.
  • Place carrots in a large bowl or pan and drizzle with the vinaigrette.
  • Toss to coat and let set for 5 minutes to absorb the dressing.

Notes

You can also use baby carrots.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 18955IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Lexington Slaw

When I first read through this recipe for Lexington slaw (where I found it, I can’t recall) I thought someone had lost their mind. Ketchup? In a slaw? Huh? What? How’s that going to work? Who the heck puts ketchup of all things into a slaw? Well, shame on me for not trusting others for what they use in their salads. Because this slaw is not only different, it’s crazy good too!

Lexington Slaw

Ketchup? Say WHAT?

Yep, adding ketchup does work, and it works very nicely in fact. The tomato flavor isn’t overwhelming and it’s really a great change from your normal vinegary slaw. The dressing is thin, so it’s not like a thick creamy mayonnaise-based sauce. The chili powder adds a good earthy southwestern kick, and the hot sauce finishes the deal with just a slight kick. I wouldn’t be afraid to add more hot sauce than the recipe calls for, but that’s me and I do like my food to be a bit more on the spicy side.

I make a lot of slaws. They can’t get much easier to make, and often I have most of the ingredients on hand. Lexington slaw is just another great example of a great slaw.

Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother– USDA Certified Organic – Raw, Unfiltered All Natural Ingredients, 16 ounce, 2 Pack

Also try my tangy coleslaw.

Lexington Slaw
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4 from 1 vote

Lexington Slaw

I make a lot of slaws. They can’t get much easier to make, and often I have most of the ingredients on hand. Lexington slaw is just another great example of a great slaw. With a twist.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw, slaw, southern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 50kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place slaw mix in a large bowl.
  • Place vinegar and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir, and bring to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Remove sauce from heat and let cool for 15 minutes, then pour over slaw and toss to coat.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Parmesan Peas

I’m on a never-ending quest to find recipes that jazz up canned or frozen vegetables. I stock up on them before winter hits because you just never know when you might get stuck in the house for a while because of a blizzard (at least here). Once winter has passed I then rush to use up all the cans and bags and boxes of veggies. These Parmesan peas are an outstandingly good way to use frozen peas. And once fresh peas are available again, I’ll make this recipe with fresh ones. But either way, frozen or fresh, these peas are great!

Parmesan Peas

Ready In No Time

You really have to watch these Parmesan peas when you cook them. They’ll go from bright green to yellowish in a heartbeat. Once they are all bright green, get them off the heat! I was dangerously close to crossing the line when I made these. Not that they’ll taste bad if you do let them cook too far, not at all. But they do get a bit softer. If you’re not into soft peas, pay attention and don’t over-cook them!

I made these peas in my cast iron skillet. But, any good ole skillet will do!

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

Also try my penne pasta with peas.

Parmesan Peas
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5 from 1 vote

Parmesan Peas

These Parmesan peas are an outstandingly good way to use frozen peas. And once fresh peas are available again, I’ll make this recipe with fresh ones. But either way, frozen or fresh, these peas are great!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Parmesan, peas
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 121kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Tiffani Thiessen

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the shallots along with a pinch of salt. Cook until the shallots are soft and translucent.
  • Add the peas and another pinch of salt. Cook until peas are soft and bright green, 2-3 minutes at most. Do not overcook or the peas will change color and no longer be bright green.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Serve sprinkled with the cheese and a pinch or two of pepper.

Notes

Also great using Pecorino-Romano cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 728IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Swiss Vegetable Medley

It’s time for an easy side dish. Something I can make quick but still enjoy. Veggies. Cheese. Creamy sauce. Oh, and crunchy French fried onions. This Swiss vegetable medley cooks up in no time and is quite tasty. It’s also easy to change up for your tastes. Skip the French fried onions and use French’s crispy jalapenos instead (Have you tried them? They are fantastic!). Swiss not your thing? Pepper jack cheese is a great kicked-up alternative

Swiss Vegetable Medley

Cold Night Perfection

I think this may be my wife’s favorite side dish for a cold night. I have to agree, this Swiss vegetable medley is mighty darned good! There’s lots of goodness in every bite!

8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray

Also try my slow cooker green bean casserole.

Swiss Vegetable Medley
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5 from 1 vote

Swiss Vegetable Medley

This Swiss vegetable medley cooks up in no time and is quite tasty. It’s also easy to change up for your tastes. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword casserole, vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 7
Calories 123kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Place vegetables in a large bowl.
  • Add the soup, all but 1/4 cup of the cheese, all of the sour cream, and all but 1/4 cup of the fried onions. Stir to combine.
  • Spray a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Pour the vegetable mixture into the dish and spread out evenly.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Sprinkle top of casserole with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and onions and bake another 5 minutes.

Notes

Substitute fried jalapeno slices for the French onions for a slightly spicy version.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Fried Goat Cheese Croutons

I set out to make a great side salad for last night’s dinner. Nothing too complicated, though. A mix of greens, of course. Topped with sliced roasted beets (a favorite in our house!). Next, I needed croutons. Oh, but not the ‘usual’ croutons. Not dried crunchy bread croutons. Nope. Cheese croutons. Glorious fried goat cheese croutons, to be exact! Oh, what wonderful little bites these are. Decadent. Delicious. Dangerous.

Fried Goat Cheese Croutons

The Perfect Crouton

I wouldn’t make these fried goat cheese croutons every day, but I could. They’re very tempting. The only way I kept from eating more of them was to convince myself that by being ‘good’ I could have them again tomorrow.

If I’m cooking for a crowd, I’ll break out my big deep fryer. But, if it’s just the two of us, I’ll fire up my Fry Daddy fryer. It’s the perfect size for both of us. It fries everything perfectly. And as an added bonus, it doesn’t use a lot of oil, which saves me money.

I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Also try my copycat of Ruby Tuesday’s croutons, my favorite thing on their salad bar.

Fried Goat Cheese Croutons
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5 from 1 vote

Fried Goat Cheese Croutons

 I needed croutons. Oh, but not the ‘usual’ croutons. Not dried crunchy bread croutons. Nope. Cheese croutons.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, croutons
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 croutons
Calories 67kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • To make them a bit easier to slice, place the goat cheese logs into the freezer for 30 minutes. Then slice into 1/2″ thick slices.
  • Heat 1″ of oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375 F.
  • Place flour in a small bowl or pie pan.
  • Place beaten eggs into another small bowl or pie pan.
  • Place breadcrumbs in another small bowl or pie pan.
  • Working in batches, dip the cheese slices into the flour.
  • Shake off the excess then dip them into the eggs.
  • Finally, roll the cheese in the breadcrumbs.
  • Add to hot oil and fry 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once.
  • Remove to a paper-towel lined plate to cool and drain.

Notes

Also great in tomato soup!

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel
T-fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Oil Filtration, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Dishwasher Safe Parts Stainless Steel

Fire-Eater Green Beans

I don’t even know where to start. I guess I’ll just start with ‘these Fire-eater green beans are absolutely incredible’. They are not mild, wimpy, beans. They have kick. Lots of kick. They have creamy cheese goodness. And smoky, crispy bacon. These beans are serious about flavor. And heat. If you’re making a batch of them (and this recipe does make a big batch so you’ll need two baking dishes) you might want to warn those that don’t like a little kick in their beans. They’re just flat-out good.

Fire-Eater Green Beans

This Is Not Grandma’s Bean Casserole

If you want to amp these Fire-Eater green beans up even further, substitute Mexican-style Velveeta for regular. You could actually leave out the cheese and still have really great beans, but the cheese takes these beans to bean paradise. I’ve never run across cheese in a baked green bean dish before. I wish I had.

8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray
8-Piece Deep Glass Baking Dish Set with Plastic lids,Rectangular Glass Bakeware Set with Lids, Baking Pans for Lasagna, Leftovers, Cooking, Kitchen, Freezer-to-Oven and Dishwasher, Gray

Also try my grilled sausage with potatoes and green bean.

Fire-Eater Green Beans
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Green Beans

I don’t even know where to start. I guess I’ll just start with ‘these Fire-eater green beans are absolutely incredible’. They are not mild, wimpy, beans. They have kick. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword green beans, spicy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 249kcal
Author Based on a recipe from The Cooking Channel

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • In a very large bowl, combine the green beans, bacon, seasoning, jalapenos, onions and the soup.
  • Spray 2 9″ x 13″ baking dishes with non-stick spray.
  • Divide the beans between the two pans and bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the onions are tender. Remove from the oven.
  • Divide cheese cubes between the two pans. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt.
  • Mix and serve.

Notes

Use Mexican blend Velveeta for a lightly spicy twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 852mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 461IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Fire-Eater Campfire Beans

Who doesn’t love a big pot of beans? Even on a hot summer day, give me some spicy beans and cornbread and I’m set. These fire-eater campfire beans combine a simple, straight-forward bean recipe with the kick from Steven Raichlen’s fire-eater rub. I started out using the rub just on chicken (and mainly chicken wings, for a seriously good hot wing!), but now I find myself using it in a lot of dishes.

Fire-Eater Campfire Beans

Add Meat And Call It Dinner

If you have a few spare chunks of smoked pulled pork or brisket, toss them in the pot with these Fire-Eater Campfire beans. They’ll add even more great smoky flavor, plus also a nice texture. Heck, it’s a meal-in-a-bowl! I’ve also enjoyed a big bowl of these beans with a grilled hot dog, sliced, thrown in. Smoked sausage is great too. It makes for a great quick lunch!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make these beans and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my super-easy doctored baked beans!

Fire-Eater Campfire Beans
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5 from 1 vote

Fire-Eater Campfire Beans

These fire-eater campfire beans combine a simple, straight-forward bean recipe with a nice kick.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 267kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Check beans for any rocks or bad beans. Rinse well.
  • Transfer beans to a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches.
  • Add the ham hock and cover.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 2 hours. Add more water as needed.
  • Add the garlic, peppers, and onion.
  • Cover again and cook another hour or two. The beans should be starting to soften.
  • Add the rub.
  • Cover and cook another 20-30 minutes or until the beans are tender. The liquid should be nice and thick.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Best served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 984mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)

Cajun-Style Smothered Cabbage

In just a short time, my wife and I have gone from rarely eating cabbage to having it on a regular basis. Sure, it’s great in slaws, but also great cold and fresh with a dip such as hummus or Ranch. Or roasted in the oven. Or grilled on cedar planks. And also, smothered and cooked in Cajun-style flavors.

This Cajun-style smothered cabbage comes out tender, with just a little bite to it. And great flavors. The cabbage soaks up the chicken broth flavors along with a nice hit from spicy Cajun seasoning. I added a few chopped bell peppers for a little crunch and some needed color.

Cajun-Style Smothered Cabbage

Better With Peppers, But Great Without!

This Cajun-style smothered cabbage is absolutely perfect without the peppers, so if you don’t have any, don’t fret. But I’d get some if I were you. They do add a wonderful flavor, texture, and some color!

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this cabbage dish and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Round Dutch Oven, 6-Quart, Blue

Also try my Cajun mashed potatoes and my crazy-good bacon-smothered cabbage.

Cajun-Style Smothered Cabbage
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun-Style Smothered Cabbage

This Cajun-style smothered cabbage comes out tender, with just a little bite to it. And great flavors. The cabbage soaks up the chicken broth flavors along with a nice hit from spicy Cajun seasoning. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cabbage, Cajun
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 59kcal
Author Based on a recipe from the Mar/April 2016 issue of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large skillet.
  • Add the onion and peppers and cook until starting to soften, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the cabbage and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Turn and season other side.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the broth and cover.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more broth, checking every 5 minutes. Cook until the cabbage is tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

You might want to use more seasoning if your head of cabbage is particularly large!

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 349mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)