Classic Chili

I was in the mood for chili, and I had ground turkey in the freezer, so I found this classic recipe and just substituted the meat.  We had elbow macaroni on hand so we made it chili-mac.  Tasted good.

Classic Chili

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
2&1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1&1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (16 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and cook for a few minutes.  Add the ground beef to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned, breaking up large chunks and stirring occasionally.

Add the seasonings and stir.   Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.   Bring the chili to a low boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.   Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes before serving.  Serve as is or with noodles, cheese, cilantro, or favorite chili garnish.

Instant Pot Red Cabbage

While the Polish Kielbasa was boiling on the stovetop, I prepared this side dish in the Instant Pot.  Next time, I'd cut the recipe in half because we were eating cabbage for several days in a row (but it still tasted good).  This was a perfect way to make this recipe which typically cooks very slowly on the stovetop. 

Instant Pot Red Cabbage
Makes >8 servings

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
1 head (2 lb) red cabbage, thinly shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon sugar
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Directions:
Using the Saute setting, melt the better in the Instant Pot. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to soften.  Stir in the cabbage and cook for a couple minutes.  Stir in the salt, pepper, and allspice.  Add in the vinegar, juice, and sugar, and stir well.  Cancel Saute mode.

Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes.  When finished, quick release pressure.  Stir cabbage, season to taste, and serve.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Not healthy.  Don't care.  Sometimes you just need cheese and bacon.  It was yummy.  I just cooked a whole chicken in the Instant Pot, so I shredded it and used some of that chicken for this recipe.  I also threw in some broccoli in an attempt to add at least some nutritional value.  Approximate measurements in recipe---I mostly just threw handfuls of stuff in and hoped for the best.  It worked.  Looking forward to leftovers tonight. 

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
~1-1&1/2 lbs cooked chicken (cubed, shredded, whatever)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
~2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 packet Dry Ranch Mix (optional)
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1-2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (optional)

Directions:
Season the cooked chicken with ground black pepper.  Place in large bowl.

Cook the macaroni per package directions and drain.  Add to bowl.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet.  Let bacon cool on paper towel.  Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease.

In same skillet, add the pepper, onion, and garlic.  Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.  Add to bowl.

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.  Whisk in flour until paste forms.  Gradually add milk while continuously whisking.  Stir in the Ranch, cream cheese, and cream cream of chicken soup until combined.  Stir in 1&1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.  Pour cheesy sauce into bowl with chicken and pasta and veggies. 

Add broccoli or other veggie to bowl and stir everything to combine.  Pour mixture into a 13x9" baking pan.  Top with crumbled cooked bacon, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and bread crumbs.  Bake at 375º for 20-30 minutes until mixture is bubbly and cheese is melted.  Enjoy!

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

I could only find whole chickens in the grocery store a couple weeks ago, so I purchased one.  I decided to try to cook it rotisserie-style in the Instant Pot.  It worked, especially just for shredding up the meat.  The skin wasn't crisp enough for my liking though.  Next time, I might try broiling it for a couple minutes after it's done pressure cooking.   I completely forgot to take a photo until I was halfway done shredding it up.  Oh well.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (~4-5 lbs), innards removed

1 lemon, cut in half

1 small onion, cut in half

Rotisserie Seasoning:

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons pepper

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Rub seasoning mixture all over chicken.   Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon and onion.

Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup water or chicken broth.  Place chicken on trivet.  Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes per pound of chicken (30 minutes for a 5-lb chicken).  Let pressure naturally release for 15-20 minutes before removing lid.  Insert a meat thermometer into chicken thigh and make sure it has reached 165º F.  Remove chicken from pot and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Grilled Chicken

We felt like grilling out, so I made this chicken recipe.  It was excellent--juicy and flavorful.  I also made some foil pouches with beans and potatoes for the grill.

Unbelievable Grilled Chicken
From allrecipes

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic
1 lime, juiced (2 TBSP)
1 lemon, juiced (3 TBSP)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients (everything except chicken).   Place chicken in a large resealable bag and pour marinade into bag, tossing to coat.  Chill in fridge 8 hours or overnight.

Remove chicken from marinade and discard liquid.   Grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165ºF.