Moroccan Beef Stew

We (by that I mean me) like the family (with exception to my picky self) to try new things. =-)

This time it was a Moroccan Beef Stew. The boys weren't so sure about it I think as they saw the apricots sitting on the stove re-hydrating. In the end though it was two thumbs up from all 3 of them (hubby and the two boys). They really enjoyed it, wasn't to sweet they said. 

Moroccan Beef Stew (Pressure cooker)

Ingredients:

1 - large sweet onion (sliced thin)

2 garlic cloves (crushed or sliced) - if you don't have any fresh you can use dry garlic

1-1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp saffron threads

1 cup dried apricots, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes, drained

Topping:

Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

Spread the onion and garlic in the pressure cooker bottom. Rinse the beef cubes and add them to the pot. Then add the olive oil, cinnamon, salt, pepper, turmeric, and saffron to the pot. Stir it all together. Place the lid on and lock it. Cook for 12 minutes on pressure. In the meantime, in a glass measuring cup, place 1 cup of dried apricots. Cover with water, and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Remove, and set aside to let the fruit re-hydrate.

Once the meat has come to pressure, quick release the pressure. Remove the lid carefully once it is done, add the apricots and cook for another 12 minutes. Make the rice or couscous at this time. 

Serve hot, over couscous or rice, top with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Homemade Tortellini Soup

It is one of those things, to covet and enjoy on a cold day or hot day! Tortellini soup is one of my families favorites. I have a great recipe and it is easy to make too. TJ is Trader Joe's, we love them!

Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

1 box of Trader Joe's tomato soup (for those without a TJ, you need 16oz of a tomato soup, either you make it or use condensed - if condensed you must add water, just fill up the two cans)

1 jar of TJ's Julienne Sun dried tomatoes - optional

2 tbls Olive Oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream (you can use milk or half and half, it just won't be as rich tasting)

1 tbls Oregano

1 tbls Basil

1 tsp Onion powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder (or 2 garlic cloves)

2 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth

1 bag of TJ Tortellini Pasta

Topping:

Parmesan cheese

Directions:

If you are using garlic cloves, put them in the pot first with the olive oil, if not add all but the noodles into the pot with the exception of the Parmesan cheese that is for the top. Bring to a boil, add pasta (use directions on the pacakge). 

Serve up in a bowl with some Parmesan cheese topped on it. YUMMY Enjoy!!!!