Healthy Recipes

Spicy Mexican Beef Stew - On these cold winter evenings, what could be better than a hearty stew...and one that's spicy. Don't worry, you can put as much "kick" into it as you want. And what's even better for your busy life style - you can make it in your slow-cooker.

Recipes are from Beth at The Hullistic Network

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 9-11 hours (low)
Yield: 6
Finish: 15-20 min (high)

2 lb. stew meat (beef, chicken, or pick your favorite organic meat)
1 28 oz can whole tomatoes, not drained
1 cup frozen small whole onions OR 1 cup chopped onions
1 tsp. chili powder
1 envelope (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix (you choose, mild, regular or hot)
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 11 oz. whole-kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained (canned or fresh off the cob)

  • Mix meat, tomatoes, onions and chili powder in slow-cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low 9-11 hours or until meat is tender.
  • Stir in taco seasoning mix, using wire whisk. Stir in beans, and corn. Cover and cook on High 15 to 30 minutes or until thick.
  • Provide side-bowls of any or all of the following so guests can personalize their portions: shredded cheese, chopped avocado, sliced olives, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and crumbled taco chips.

This stick-to-your-ribs main course is wonderful served with warm cornbread and the following salad:

Apple-Walnut Salad - a wonderful cool weather salad; especially good with plain meats or spicy meals. I like to add 1/4 c. cranberry raisins to make it a little "tart." You can use different types of apples, too. But, please, please, DO NOT leave out the lemon curd. It is the "secret" ingredient - the one that sets this fruit salad apart from the rest. Lemon curd can be found in the jam/jelly section of most supermarkets. If you can't find it, ask your grocer.

Prep: 20 min
Bake: 10 min
Chill: 6 hours
Yield: 6-8 servings

1 c. walnuts, chopped
2/3 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. lemon curd
1/4 tsp. ground cardamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsps. grated lemon rind
2 Gala apples, chopped
2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
2 Red Delicious apples, chopped
3/4 c. celery, thinly sliced
1 c. dried fruit mix

  • Place walnuts in a single layer in a shallow pan.
  • Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring once after 5 minutes.
  • Stir together mayonnaise, next 4 ingredients, and 1/2 tsp lemon rind in a large bowl. Add apples, celery, fruit mix, and 3/4 c. walnuts; toss well.
  • Cover and chill 6 hours.
  • Before serving, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. walnuts and 1 tsp. lemon rind.


Posted March 2008 | Permanent Link

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