#easyrecipesfromyourpantry

[itidaofficial]

MusiKitchen-Days of Quarantine: Recipe #3

“Tortilla Soup”

Soups are a whole nother level of ‘Special’ for me...They are warm, comforting and full of flavor, which will just fulfill your belly and soul.  Maybe that is why they say, ‘A bowl of soup can heal your soul’?  

“Tortilla Soup” and I first met when I was 8 or 9 years old.  It was at the El Torito (Mexican Restaurant) and my dad ordered it.  It was warm, spicy, sour and with the fried strips of tortilla in it--Just ‘Wholesome’!  It became a family favorite right away!  And, though I have list of soups which just comfort my soul, this soup just hits the spot on a rainy day for me!  I don’t know if it’s the kick from the spice or the citrus in it, it just makes me feel ‘Healed.’  

Since, it has been raining so much in LA lately, I had to make it.  With the bare minimum at hand, this easy recipe of mine can be made quite quickly.  Feel free to add your favorite veggies, or chicken or anything extra you may like to it...And, then say, “Mmm...Mmm...Good!” from your heart! :) Stay well & Stay strong!

What you will need:

(10.75 oz) can of Tomato Soup: 1

Avocados: 2; cubed

Cumin Powder: 1 tspn.

Paprika: 1 tspn.

Salsa (homestyle): 1/3 cup 

Sweet Corn: 1/3 cup

Yellow Onions: 1/2 medium; diced

Garlic: 1 tspn.

Lemon Juice: 3 tblspn. or to taste

Water: 2 cups

Oil: 3 tblspn.

Cilantro: For garnish

Salt: to taste

Cheese (Mozarella and Cheddar mix): to taste

How to Cook it:

In a large pot, heat some oil and throw in your diced onions and garlic.

Once the onions are looking transparent, add your spices in, your corn and salsa and cook until the oils starts to sweat through the ingredients.

Now add the can of tomato soup and stir.  Close the lid and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.

Open the lid and if the oils is sweating through the mix, add your water in and stir.  At this point, check for salt and if it needs more, add as per your taste.

Cook the soup together for another 5-7 minutes.

Dice up your avocados and add to the soup.

Add lemon juice.

Throw in some shredded cheese and garnish with cilantro. 

Turn off the gas and self hot!

P.S. - I had no tortillas, so I didn't make any strips to add to my soup.  But, IF you have some tortillas at home--Just cut them in long strips and deep fry them to add to your soup, upon serving. :)

It’s SO easy...even Julia Childs will be proud of you!  Try it yourself! :) ::While cooking this, since it is a rainy day, I listened to some Jimi Hendrix, including his song: “Rainy Day, Dream Away” ... It just felt right! :) ::

[itidaofficial]

MusiKitchen-Days of Quarantine: Recipe #1

The ‘Anything’ Pasta 

Ah! Pasta! Seriously, some days just call for it!  Or maybe I was an Italian woman in my past life, living in the country side in Tuscany and cooking pasta and pizza all day long and drinking wine, every day! Maybe. But, I kid you not when I say, that pasta just is one of my favorite ‘Comfort food’ in life! Period.

This easy pasta recipe of mine is just the simplest thing ever.  It’s also very quick to make and will just make you feel: Complete! Pair it with some bread, or an Indian Naan or Paratha (Fried Tortilla) or just eat it by itself...You will thank me! ;)

I came up with this recipe when I was a little girl, coming home from school and whipping up something to eat for lunch, when my ‘Working mom’ was hard at work.  I threw in all I wanted to eat from our panty and it always came out so good!  Overtime, this has become a favorite in our house and even my little 6 year old niece enjoys it, without creating a fuss!

These days, when we are practicing ‘Self-Quarantine’, we really need to be careful not to eat unhealthy.  It is SO very important!  Please feel free to incorporate any veggies in this and make it your own.  This recipe really is about ‘Making It Your Own’ and literally you can make it with whatever you may have on hand, without having to go to the store!  Try it and let me know how it is! :) 

** Remember to wash your hands periodically through the cooking process!!

What you will need:

Pasta: 1 cup mixed macaroni and shell

Onion: 1/4 large; chopped

Garlic: 1 large clove; chopped

Tomato Paste: 1 tspn.

Tofurky (Italian Sausage) or any ingredient of your preference: 1 cup; diced

Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tspn. 

Garam Masala (Indian All Spice): 1 tspn.

Dry Mango Powder: 1/4 tspn.

Salt: 1 tspn. or to your taste

Italian Seasoning (Dried): As per your liking

Cheese (Parmesan + Mixed Cheddar and Mozzarella) : As per your liking

Chives or Green Onion: 2 strands; cut

Oil (Your choice): 2 tblspn.

How to cook it:

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot.  (About 20-25 mins on a high flame) -- Season the water with some salt.

When the water starts to boil, pour in the pasta and let it cook.  About 15 mins, but keep checking yours, as it varies from person to person.  We want the pasta to be ‘Al-dente’ (Cooked a little fir to the bite).  Once, it is to that state, turn the gas off and let it sit. (See Photo #1)

In a large skillet pan, cook your ingredients together:

Heat the pan and pour the oil in.  Throw in the onions, with the garlic, and cook then until they are golden brown. (See Photo #2)

Once they are golden brown in color, throw in your spices, salt ad seasoning. (See Photo #3)

Now throw in the diced Tofurky Italian sausage, or your own preference with veggies, tofu, paneer (Indian Cottage cheese) and/or meat or shrimp and cook it all together. (See Photo #4)

Cook it all together until the ingredients are golden brown.  If you are using ‘Non-Vegetarian’ ingredients, please make sure it is cooked completely for the safety of you and yours health! (See Photo #5)

Strain the water from your pasta pot and throw the pasta into the skillet pan to bring all the ingredients together.  Cook for 5-7 mins until you see the pasta slightly crisping on the sides. 

Throw in the green onions/chives and stir.

Throw in your cheeses and stir and turn the gas off.  (See Photo #6)

And, there you have the final dish!  Ready to eat and to enjoy with you and yours!  

Even my little niece, Anya, gives it a thumbs up! (And, no, I didn’t bribe her for this). Lol!

Enjoy!  And, don’f forget to be mindful and wash your hands before and after eating and disinfect your cooking area for the health safety of everyone at home!

::While cooing this...I was listening to one of my favorites, by one of my favorite artist-Andrea Bocelli - “Con Te Partiro” ... If I cannot go to Italy, I can have Andrea sing to me in my kitchen for sure! ;) :: Enjoy it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIfE1SjLC0

[itidaofficial]

Self-Quarantine days got me back to home cooking and my music! During this strange time in our lives, I will share recipes with music that will help bring some ‘Positive vibes’ in all our lives! And, as always, recipes you can make, with whatever you may have in your kitchen!

Stay tuned & Stay safe!