The 2 Spoons

the best beef stew over creamy polenta.

November 21, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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This beef stew over creamy polenta really is the best. I used short ribs that fell off the bone and their marbling just makes it delicious. The broth is rich mostly because of the short ribs. I use a chuck roast mostly which is very good too, but because I love short ribs so much it occurred to me that I should try this old fashioned beef stew I grew up with using short ribs. If you ever make a basic stew using short ribs, I think it will become your favorite.

Stew is the perfect comfort food in my opinion. I love it year around but especially when it’s cold. I love it with cornbread or just some really fresh saltines and of course big chunks of cheddar cheese. And, a favorite is over polenta. I remember growing up my Dad would make “polenta”. Seriously. It was before polenta was popular. We called it cornmeal mush. Anyway, we’d put the cornmeal mush or polenta in the bottom of the bowl, then add our beef stew! Amazingly Good! That is to this day a favorite way to eat beef stew.

No polenta, just the yummy stew with cornbread!

making the beef stew.

There’s a couple of steps in this recipe, but they are easy and make such a tremendous difference. I always use a well marbled chuck roast or in this instance I used short ribs. You actually could use a combination of oxtails and beef short ribs. I don’t use the stew meat you see in the store because it seems a little tough and it is really lean. You need the fat to make a delicious and rich broth.

I made the stew in the instant pot to save time in producing a very tender meat whether it is chuck roast or short ribs. Of course, you don’t have to make it in an Instant Pot; however, it will take some time to render the fat and to make a very tender ribs or roast, The ingredients and technique will remain the same without an Instant Pot.

My first step is to salt and pepper the short ribs or roast. If using a roast, I cut it into 1 inch cubes. I then brown them on both sides in a little oil on the normal sauté mode in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop in a heavy pan, medium to medium high. I saute in batches if I’m working with a large portion.

more instructions……

I then remove the meat from the pan and add a roughly choppd onion, carrots, celery and garlic. I cook stirring to release the bits from the bottom allowing the onions to become translucent I add the meat back in, the tomatoes , then I add the beef stock to cover the meat by about two inches, stirring to continue to deglaze the pan. I then add a bay leaf and I add one or two sprigs of fresh thyme. I secure the lid of the instant pot and set the Instant Pot for 35 to 45 minutes depending on the size.

At that point you can do a quick release or allow the Instant Pot to cool on it’s on. I check for salt and pepper and adjust. At this time I add additional carrots and potatoes because in the first cook I was building flavors and bringing the meat to fork tender so I just throw in a couple of carrots in for the flavor. Now I want lots of potatoes and carrots added and cooked until they are tender. I then set the instant pot to 10 minutes.

If you are cooking on your stovetop, cook follow the above steps and cook until the meat is tender. It make take 2 to 2 1/2 hours to become fork tender. At that point, check for seasoning, add the potatoes and carrots and cook until they are tender. Add your carrots about 5 to 10 minutes before potatoes, as it takes longer for carrots to get tender.

If you’re serving this without the polenta and want to serve it with cornbread, try my recipe for Southern Cornbread because it is no-fail (I think) and is delicious. Here’s the recipe for it: https://the2spoons.com/southern-cornbread/.

Another favorite to have with this stew is my Jalapeno Cornbread! It’s delicious. Loaded with jalapeno, creamed corn and cheddar cheese,s it is the perfect accompaniment so easy, the best jalapeno cornbread.

If you decide to make polenta, you can make it from cornmeal or you can buy polenta. I have purchased a coarse polenta and I’ve purchased an Instant polenta that seems finely ground. I have a hard time finding polenta in my area so if I order it online. This is what I ordered the last time: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVIA9AE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. This is an Instant Polenta that is good and so fast to make. Because I was having the polenta with the stew I really didn’t want a parmesan cheese element so I just added salt, pepper and butter. So good.

Here’s the yummy recipe for this beef stew. Enjoy!

beef stew over creamy polenta.

Print Recipe

CourseMain Course

CuisineAmerican

Keywordcold weather meals, comfort food, Easy, instant pot beef stew, old fashioned beef stew, short rib stew, stew,, winter stews

Servings servings

Equipment

Instant Pot or other Pressure Cooker If not using a instant pot, I would use a Dutch oven or heavy pot.

Ingredients

3 lbs Beef Short Ribs
Enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan
1 Lg onion, quartered
2 Carrots, quartered
2 Stalks Celery, diced
2 Cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 28 oz can of whole tomatoes, crushed with your hands or diced tomatoes if you prefer
Beef broth to cover the beef by 2 inches above
2 Bay leaves
2 Tbsp Canola oil

Finishing the stew

4-6 Carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4-5 Baking potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks Add more depending on your potato size, you want lots of potatoes and carrots
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Short Ribs

Set your Instant Pot mode to sauté or if cooking on the cooktop, heat your pan to medium to medium high. While your pans are heating, salt and pepper the short ribs. Add the oil to your heated pan. Add the short ribs and sear on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Add the carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and bay leaves to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent. Add the back into the pot. Add your canned tomatoes to the pot. Add enough beef broth to cover the ribs by about 2 or 3 inches over.
Change the setting to the meat/stew mode and set for 45 minutes. When the 45 minutes has completed, quick release the steam. Check the doneness of the short ribs. They should be fork tender, falling off the bones.

To finish the Stew

Remove the short ribs from the pan. Remove the bone and cut the meat into large pieces if necessary. Set aside.
Add the potatoes and carrots to the broth and other ingredients. If using the pressure cook mode, set for 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes, quick release the steam and check to see if your potatoes and carrots are tender. Stove top, add them to your pot and cook until tender.
Add your rib meat back in and adjust seasoning! Enjoy!

For the Polenta

Cook the polenta according to the package directions. Most recipes call for parmesan cheese. If you don't want the cheese just add salt, pepper and butter.

easy – must have classic green bean casserole with a twist.

November 17, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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This Classic Green Bean casserole with a twist on the classic! What’s the twist? Homemade onion rings that are light, crunchy and delicious. I hope they make it to the top of the casserole, because they are that good!

Here’s the link for the onion rings: https://the2spoons.com/yay-easy-homemade-onion-rings/.

I read an article that stated one of the least liked dishes at Thanksgiving is this recipe! That has to be inaccurate because everyone wants Green Bean Casserole on their Thanksgiving table. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without this classic casserole!

Classic Green Bean Casserole with a Twist

The original Casserole is on the French’s Onion Rings container. This is the recipe everyone has made most of my life time. I will tell you that the French’s recipe does not have salt, so I do add 1/2 teaspoon salt and I add a half teaspoon black pepper which I believe is a little more than on the French’s recipe. Here’s a link for the original recipe which I will include later: https://www.mccormick.com/frenchs/recipes/salads-sides/frenchs-green-bean-casserole.

Want a lighter green bean dish? Try these

Perfect Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon in Browned Butter

Classic Green Bean Casserole with a Twist!

Print Recipe

Courseeasy side dish, easy side dish, vegetable

CuisineAmerican

Keywordbanana apple bread, banana bread, apple, banana, easy banana bread, easy dessert, classic green bean casserole, easy side dish, grea beans, green bean cassserole, salmon with fresh mixed vegetables, thanksgiving

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 10 1/2 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp black pepper *different than original
1/2 tsp salt *different than original
2 14.5 oz cans any style Del Monte Green Beans, Drained
1 1/3 + cups French's Crispy Fried Onions, Original, Divided or The 2 Spoons Homemade Onion Rings (http://thespoons.com/yay-easy-homemade-onion-rings/)
butter for the dish *different than the original

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Mix soup, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in beans and 2/3 cup Crispy Fried Onions or (http://thespoons.com/yay-easy-homemade-onion-rings/) .
Bake 30 minutes or until hot. Stir.
Top with remaining 2/3 cup onions. Bake 5 minutes until onions are golden brown.

The Best! Southern Cornbread Dressing

November 16, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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This is the best Southern Cornbread Dressing! In my opinion, the best part of the Thanksgiving meal is the dressing, and in Texas we make cornbread dressing! Most of us in Texas don’t stuff our turkey either. You know by the time the stuffing is done, the turkey would be over cooked! Cornbread Dressing really is that perfect side dish, topped with the Southern giblet gravy.

I subscribe to Food and Wine monthly and here’s their take on Dressing vs Stuffing: https://www.foodandwine.com/fwx/food/stuffing-or-dressing.

The Best! Southern Cornbread Dressing

Most families have a favorite dressing or stuffing recipe. My recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. My earliest recollection of this recipe was my Great Grandmother. My Great Grandmother, my Grandmother, my Mother and all my sisters make this same recipe and we have taught our children how to make this recipe. That will never change.

This recipe is simple. However, there are things you have to do. First is that you have to make your cornbread a few days in advance. You do this because you want it to be a little stale or dried out. I either make the cornbread 2 or three days in advance and leave it on the kitchen counter to dry out or I make it a week before, freeze it, then take it out at least 2 days before actually making the dressing so it can dry out at room temperature.

Serve this cornbread dressing with my beautiful Roast Turkey. Here’s the link: https://the2spoons.com/beautiful-dry-brined-spiced-roast-turkey/.

Here’s how to make this delicious dish.

Here’s the recipe!! Make traditions this Thanksgiving!

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Print Recipe

CourseSide Dish

CuisineAmerican

Keywordcornbread, dressing, southern Cornbread Dressing, thanksgiving, thanksgiving food

Ingredients

For The Southern Cornbread

1 cup Yellow cornmeal I use stoneground but regular works
1 Cup All purpose flour
4 Tsp Baking powder
1/8 Cup Sugar
1/2 Tsp Salt
Grinding or pinch of black peppers.
1 Cup Plus more if needed Buttermilk
2 Large eggs
3 Tbsp Canola oil or vegetable oil 2 for the skillet and 1 for the batter

For the Dressing

1 Recipe Southern Cornbread, made ahead of time and frozen or at least 2 days in advance at left at room temperature, broken into pieces so it can dry out.
2 pieces dry or stale white bread
1 onion, diced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 bunch green onions
1 stick butter (8 tbsp)
1 + poultry seasoning
2-3 sage leaves, rolled and cut into thin slices like you would basil
salt and pepper to taste
2-4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

For the Cornbread

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat an iron skillet with 2 tablespoons oil in the oven until hot.
While the skillet is heating, add all the dry ingredients to a bowl. Make a well and add the oil, eggs and buttermilk. Stir until combined adding more milk if needed.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet and cook for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Note: If using this for dressing make ahead and freeze or make ahead at least two days before and leave at room temperature, broken into pieces or in cubes so it can dry out.

For the Dressing

If you have not allowed your bread to dry or become stale, heat the oven to 200 and cook the bread until lightly toasted and completed dried out.
Turn the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl or pan add he cornbread and break up with your hands, not to fine, leaving some larger pieces. Tear and crumble the bread and combine.
Heat a saucepan with chicken broth. In a large skillet melt the butter and add the onions, celery and the green onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent being careful not to burn. When done, pour into the cornbread mixture.
Add the poultry seasoning, fresh sage and a little salt and pepper. Add the chicken broth starting with two cups and continue to add until you reach your desired consistency. If you are using pan drippings add a ladle and check for salt and pepper. Add more salt and pepper if needed along with the poultry seasoning. I'm careful with salt because your drippings have salt along with the cornbread and the broth, so I just check and add as needed. Pour the dressing into a buttered casserole dish.
Place into oven and bake until golden brown checking after about 30 minutes. Cook time will be between 30 and 45 minutes. If you like scrape the browns sides and stir back into the dressing, as this just adds more flavor.
Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!

a most beautiful dry brined spiced roast turkey.

October 27, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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Roast Turkey is a must at Thanksgiving and this Dry Brined Spiced Roast Turkey really is beautiful. This recipe was on the cover of the November, 2019 Bon Appetit magazine and I wanted to try it. Happy I did! It turned out wonderful! Not only is this turkey dry brined for two days, but it is cut into pieces before roasting.

I’ve always wanted to try the cutting of the turkey into pieces before roasting. My son is an excellent trained chef and he always cuts his turkey into pieces before roasting. Not only does it cut down on the cook time, but you get a much more evenly roasted turkey.

Beautiful Dry Brined Spiced Roast Turkey

The spice rub has black and pink peppercorns, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar. If you aren’t familiar with pink peppercorns, here’s a link: https://www.amazon.com/pink-peppercorns.

Viva Doria Brazilian Pink Peppercorn, Steam Sterilized Whole Pink Pepper, 8 Oz

There’s different brands and you may be able to find the pink peppercorns at your local grocery store.

There is a glaze with brown sugar, fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, bay leaves, and or thyme, garlic, orange zest, soy sauce and sherry or red wine vinegar.

Beautiful Dry Brined Spiced Roast Turkey

If you want to stick to the more traditional Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey, here is a link for that from my blog: https://the2spoons.com/thanksgiving-roasted-turkey/. I love them both!

Spiced and Glazed Roast Turkey

Print Recipe

Coursedinner, Main Course

CuisineAmerican

Keywordroasted turkey, thanksgiving, turkey

Ingredients

For the Turkey and Dry Rub Brine

1 12-14 lb Turkey, neck and giblets removed
6 tbsp natural oil like vegetable or canola for rubbing the turkey
2 tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 tbsp pink peppercorns (if you have, otherwise, substitute for more black)
1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tsp Morton Kosher Salt
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Glaze

small handful of hardy herbs like sage, rosemary, bay leaves and/or thyme)
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 2×1" strips orange zest
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

Instructions

Place turkey, breast side up, on a cutting board and pat dry. Grip a wing and pull it outward so you can see where it attaches to the body. Using a sharp boning or chef’s knife, cut though the joint to separate the wing from the breast (if you hit bone, you’re in the wrong spot; pull the wing out farther to help you get into the place where the joint meets the socket). Remove wing; repeat on the other side.
Cut through skin connecting 1 leg to carcass. Pull leg back until the ball joint pops out of its socket; cut through the joint to separate leg. Repeat on the other side.
Now for the breast: Position the turkey breast side down with the opening facing you. Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of backbone until you get all the way through the neck end, then turn the turkey 180° and cut through the other side to remove the backbone (save it for making stock).
Very finely grind black and pink peppercorns in a spice mill or mortar and pestle; transfer to a medium bowl. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1 Tbsp. brown sugar and use your fingers to mix together.
Place turkey pieces, skin side up, on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle salt mixture liberally all over turkey, patting to adhere. You may not need all of it, but it’s good to have extra since some will end up on the baking sheet. Chill bird, uncovered, at least 24 hours and up to 2 days.
Remove turkey from wire rack and rinse baking sheet and rack if needed (turkey will most likely release some liquid). Line baking sheet with 3 layers of foil to make cleanup easy and set rack back inside. Arrange turkey pieces on rack, skin side up, and let sit at room temperature 2–3 hours to help decrease the cooking time.
Meanwhile, cook herbs, garlic, orange zest, soy sauce, vinegar, and remaining ⅓ cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and glaze thickens slightly (it should just barely coat a spoon), 10–12 minutes. Remove glaze from heat.
Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 425°. Rub turkey with oil and pour 1 cup water into baking sheet. Roast turkey, rotating baking sheet halfway through, until skin is mostly golden brown, 20–25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300° and continue to roast turkey, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes and adding more water by ½-cupfuls as needed to maintain some liquid in baking sheet, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 150°, and 170° when inserted into the thickest part of the thighs, 50–70 minutes longer (total cooking time will be 1–1½ hours). Skin should be deep golden brown and shiny. Transfer turkey to a cutting board; tent loosely with foil. Let rest 30–60 minutes before carving.

A Favorite in Mexico, Simple Entomatadas with Fried Eggs

October 26, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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Entomatadas with fried eggs is a delightful traditional Mexican dish made from tortillas bathed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. These scrumptious tortillas, known as entomatadas with fried eggs, are particularly popular in the beautiful region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where they are often enjoyed for breakfast.

Typically, they are served with eggs or tasajo, a type of jerky-like meat native to the area. I recently prepared them for breakfast, and I was pleasantly reminded of just how delicious they can be.

The best part? You can have them ready in less than 30 minutes! For those who might be short on time, consider making the sauce a day in advance.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy entomatadas is with fried eggs, adding a rich and satisfying twist to this classic dish.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy entomatadas with fried eggs is with fried eggs, adding a rich and satisfying twist to this classic dish.

You can double the recipe and freeze the extra sauce, which makes for a quick meal later on. Next time, all you need to do is heat it up and soften your tortillas in hot oil before folding them.

It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite.

I first came across a recipe for entomatadas through a YouTube video, and I have been hooked ever since. This particular recipe comes from one of the numerous cookbooks I treasure that focus on Mexican cuisine.

The book is titled *Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy* by Diana Kennedy, which was honored with the James Beard Foundation Book of the Year award in 2014. The moment I began reading it, I felt an urge to start cooking right away.

I’ve experienced the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and many other beautiful towns in Mexico, including Mexico City and the serene beaches of Baja California. My culinary adventures also took me to the Caribbean areas like Tulum and vibrant cities like Guadalajara.

You can find the book here: https://amzn.to/3MdNfzG. I highly recommend it to anyone who shares a passion for traditional Mexican cooking.

Just look at how delicious this dish looks! The vibrant colors of the sauce combined with the bright yellow of the fried eggs make entomatadas with fried eggs a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Just look at how delicious this dish looks! The vibrant colors of the sauce combined with the bright yellow of the fried eggs make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Adding entomatadas with fried eggs to your breakfast repertoire can truly elevate your morning routine.

Entomatadas with fried eggs are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to start your day with a hearty breakfast that is sure to satisfy.

The simplicity of this dish does not take away from its incredible flavor. In every bite, you can experience the harmonious blend of the freshly made tomato sauce with the soft, warm tortillas.

Diana Kennedy elaborates on the essence of entomatadas with fried eggs in her book, stating that they are ‘literally tortillas bathed in a tomato sauce,’ making them a beloved breakfast dish in Oaxaca.

The versatility of entomatadas with fried eggs is part of what makes it so appealing. Whether you enjoy them plain or with protein, they never fail to deliver a delicious experience.

Entomatadas are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to start your day with a hearty breakfast that is sure to satisfy.

Diana Kennedy elaborates on the essence of entomatadas in her book, stating that they are ‘literally tortillas bathed in a tomato sauce,’ making them a beloved breakfast dish in Oaxaca.

Depending on your preference, they can be served on their own, topped with eggs, or accompanied by a slice of tasajo.

The versatility of this dish is part of what makes it so appealing. Whether you enjoy them plain or with protein, they never fail to deliver a delicious experience.

Sounds tempting, right? They are truly as good as they sound, and once you make them, you will understand why they have earned such affection among locals and travelers alike.

How to Make Entomatadas with Fried Eggs

To make entomatadas, begin by heating a small amount of oil in a skillet. Fry the tortillas one by one, making sure to lightly cook both sides; they should remain soft and not become crispy around the edges.

After frying, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil and repeat the process for the remaining tortillas, adding more oil as needed. This step is crucial as it ensures the tortillas maintain their texture and flavor.

Once the tortillas are lightly fried, dip each one into the hot tomato sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Fold them into quarters and arrange them on a warm serving dish or individual plates.

Pour any remaining sauce generously over the top, and don’t forget to garnish with diced onion, crumbled cheese, and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

Entomatadas with fried eggs is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of friendship, family, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

To make your entomatadas with fried eggs even more unique, consider experimenting with different toppings.

If you choose to top them with a fried egg, arrange the quartered tortillas beautifully on the plate, allowing the egg to sit perfectly on top, creating an inviting presentation that’s hard to resist.

If you’re looking for more breakfast ideas that are both easy and delicious, you might also love this! love these easy and delicious breakfast quesadillas!The combination of cheese and savory ingredients is sure to please anyone at the breakfast table, just like entomatadas with fried eggs!

In summary, preparing entomatadas with fried eggs is not just about making a meal; it’s about embracing a rich culinary tradition that ties back to the heart of Mexican culture.

The combination of fresh ingredients and the simplicity of preparing entomatadas with fried eggs make it an ideal recipe for those busy mornings when you still want to enjoy a warm and comforting plate.

Each bite of the entomatadas with fried eggs is a reminder of the warmth and hospitality found in Mexican kitchens.

So gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plate of entomatadas with fried eggs that truly celebrates the flavors of Mexico. Enjoy!

Finally, don’t forget to pair your entomatadas with a refreshing beverage. A classic option is a glass of fresh orange juice or a traditional Mexican drink like horchata, which complements the flavors perfectly.

Enjoy your meal, and remember that the joy of cooking comes from sharing these wonderful experiences with those you love.

Entomatadas with fried eggs is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of friendship, family, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

To make your entomatadas even more unique, consider experimenting with different toppings. Avocado slices, diced radishes, or a drizzle of crema can elevate the dish even further.

Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding different proteins like shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

The key is to enjoy the process of creating a dish that not only tastes amazing but also reflects your personal touch and preferences.

In summary, preparing entomatadas is not just about making a meal; it’s about embracing a rich culinary tradition that ties back to the heart of Mexican culture.

The combination of fresh ingredients and the simplicity of the preparation make it an ideal recipe for those busy mornings when you still want to enjoy a warm and comforting plate.

Each bite of the entomatadas is a reminder of the warmth and hospitality found in Mexican kitchens.

So gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a breakfast that truly celebrates the flavors of Mexico. Enjoy!

Entomatadas with Fried Eggs

Entomatadas are corn tortillas bathed in a tomato sauce! They are very popular in Oaxaca, Mexico for breakfast.

Print Recipe

CourseBreakfast, dinner, Main Course

CuisineMexican

Keywordauthentic mexican food, corn tortillas, eggs, entomatadas, fresh tomato sauce, huevos, huevos rancheros, mexican, mexican food, Mexican food for breakfast, oaxaca, tortillas

Servings servings

Ingredients

The Sauce

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 medium white onion, thinly sliced
2 small garlic cloves, peeled
2 chiles de agua, toasted, skinned and seeded or substitute jalapenos, toasted only
1 1/2 lbs. Roma tomatoes, quartered and cooked in very little water
2 large sprigs epazote
salt to taste

Preparing the Entomatadas

1/4 cup vegetable oil
12 tortillas about 6 inches in diameter
1 medium white onion, cut in thin half moons
3/4 cup queso fresco or shredded quesillo
1 small bunch flat-leaved parsley, torn into small pieces

Instructions

Assembling the dish

Heat a little of the oil in a skillet and fry the tortillas, one by one, lightly on both sides; they should not become crisp aground the edges, just soft. Drain on paper towels and proceed with frying the rest, adding more oil as necessary.
Dip the tortillas, one by one, into the hot tomato sauce, fold into four and place on a warm serving dish or on individual plates. Pour the remaining sauce over, If you are adding an egg or eggs, fry them to your liking and place on top of the entomatadas, then and garnish with the onion, cheese, and parsley.

For the Sauce

Place tomatoes, the serrano or jalapeno pepper, and garlic cloves in a saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium heat for about 15- 20 minutes until soft.
Mix the 1/4 cup of the onion with the crumbled cheese and set aside.
Once tomatoes and pepper are cooked, place in a blender and process until you have a very smooth sauce.
Heat 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over a medium high heat. Add the rest of the onion and cook until transparent and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, season with salt, and then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 6-8 minutes.

Comforting, EASY Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

October 24, 2023 by Becky Spoon

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Who doesn’t love Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup? Comfort food at it’s best! This soup is loaded with carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, rice macaroni, lentils, frozen beans, corn and fresh spinach.

I used my homemade Beef Broth which was delicious by itself. Here’s the link for the beef Broth: https://the2spoons.com/essential-easy-homemade-beef-bone-stock/. This beef broth was made from roasting bones along with onions, carrots and garlic. I dumped those ingredients into a stick pot, covered with water and cooked for hours.

When I was making the beef broth, I set the Instant Pot for 2 hours. After the 2 hours I quick released the steam and removed the bones. When they were cool enough to handle, I removed the meat from the bones to use in the soup and returned the bones to cook for an additional 4 hours.

Comforting, EASY Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

I used Mutti tomatoes because they are a great product. Here’s a link if you aren’t familiar. https://amzn.to/2U2h7Fg. These tins of tomatoes are pure tomatoes, with a wonderful flavor. They are actually from Italy. I can find them at my local HEB, but I don’t see them at all grocery stores. They are a little more expensive, but not expensive as other Italian tomatoes I’ve seen.

Comforting, EASY Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

Here’s another soup recipe I have on the blog, Italian Wedding Soup is delicious! https://the2spoons.com/beautiful-italian-wedding-soup/.

Here’s the recipe for this vegetable beef soup! Enjoy

Vegetable Beef Soup in the Instant Pot

Print Recipe

Coursedinner, Lunch, Main Course

CuisineAmerican

Keyworddinner, lunch, soup, vegetable beef soup

Servings Servings

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

2 tsp beef fat, olive oil or canola oil
1/2 onion, unpeeled and quartered
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
2 carrots, unpeeled and roughly chopped
salt and pepper
Beef from a pound or so of beef bones that had been used for making beef broth or leftover short ribs meat or chuck roast
1 1/2 cups Diced tomatoes
6-8 cups beef broth (I used homemade) See the link in my blog
2 medium or 1 large Russet potatoes , diced ( or your choice of potatoes)
1/4 cup long grain or wild rice
1/4 cup small macaroni
Handfull of lentils ( optional)
1/2 – 1 cup frozen Lima Beans
1/2 – 1 frozen whole kernel corn or canned
1-2 bay leaf
cayenne pepper, optional
dash of chili powder, optional
couple of hands-full of fresh spinach, optional

Instructions

Set the Instant Pot to the Saute mode or heat a large stock pot.
Add your oil, the onion, celery, carrot and garlic and saute for a few minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine and check for salt and pepper.
Set the pot back into the Beef/Stew mode and set for 15 minutes. When complete quick release the steam. Adjust seasonings, add the spinach, combine and serve with crackers or your favorite cornbread!
If you were using a stock pot, cook until your potatoes and carrots are tender, along with the rice, lentils if you are using and the macaroni. ————