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Muffin Tin Egg Frittatas

Muffin Tin Egg Frittatas

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These flavorful muffin tin frittatas are fun, easy to make and a good solution for quick make ahead breakfast. Make your weekdays easier by making a batch over the weekend. It’s also a great way to prepare eggs for a group.

There are countless filling options. I used tomato, basil, spinach & cheddar but you can incorporate your favorites. Note- this also a good way to utilize leftover salads and veggies. Get inspired by your favorite omelettes. Either way, the end result is simple & delicious!

Other combo ideas:
-Mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheddar
-Spinach, tomato, feta
-Asparagus and cheese
-Goat cheese, spinach and tomatoes
-Spinach and ricotta
-Chive, tomato and goat cheese
-Smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, basil pesto
-Onion and mushroom
-Mushroom and sausage



Ingredients:
6 eggs
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
A handful of fresh basil, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons milk or half and half (optional)
Cooking spray
Salt + Pepper to tastte

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Spray the muffin tin with cooking oil.
Divide veggies between greased muffin cups.
Crack eggs in a separate bowl and whisk until fluffy.
Add milk or cream and whisk until incorporated.
Season with salt + pepper.
Pour eggs over each cup and fill 3/4 of the way up.
Now add your cheese to individual cups if using.
Place muffin tin in the oven and bake until eggs are set, about 15-20 minutes.

 

Of course, you can never have enough egg recipes. For further inspiration check out our Scallion & Turmeric Mushroom Omelette , Elegant Egg Salad or Exquisite Hard Boiled Eggs

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

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For the one year anniversary of the blog, I wanted to create a new recipe which was festive, simple, colorful and fun. It was a celebration after all. Earlier that week, I had discovered the amazing flavor combination of Serrano chili and garlic while cooking dinner with my friend Anjali in Brooklyn. We made a classic Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Grapow) and I learned about the garlic/Serrano punch there.

That wonderful dinner in BK organically became the inspiration for the Basil & Roses anniversary recipe. We had lots of Basil and Rosé, toasted to a fun year of fabulous food and enjoyed a spicy meal followed by dancing and laughter. It was a good night.

This recipe uses Beef but you can use any protein you like- chicken or tofu work well. You can also adjust the heat level by either reducing the amount of chilies or removing seeds and veins from the peppers.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 – 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed of fat and sliced diagonally against the grain
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium white onions, sliced
1-2 green and/or red Serrano chilies, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1 inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
4 large handfuls sweet or Thai or sweet basil
Fresh Black pepper to taste
2-3 scallions chopped
1-2 pinches sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooked jasmine rice for serving

Directions:
Place the sliced steak in a large bowl. Add oyster sauce and soy sauce, and mix until the steak slices are coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet or a wok on medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and chili and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant (being careful to avoid burning garlic).
Add sliced onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
Add beef and season with black pepper, sauté until browned and cooked through and any liquid has evaporated.
Add red peppers, stirring for about 2 more minutes.
Turn off heat and generously add basil leaves, allowing them to wilt while you mix them in with the stir-fry.
Serve with jasmine rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Roasted Cauliflower with Tangy Tahini Sauce

Roasted Cauliflower with Tangy Tahini Sauce

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Cauliflower is a wonderful ingredient to cook with. This cruciferous vegetable has a mildly earthy and nutty flavor. It’s easy to cook, a nice source of vitamin C and quiet filling as vegetables go.

I try to incorporate vegetables in most meals, but once a week I like to highlight them in my Meatless Mondays. It is a simple way to not only diversify the week’s meals, but also experiment with whatever seasonal vegetables tickle your fancy at the moment.

The are many ways to cook with cauliflower. Simply roasting with olive oil, salt + pepper will result in a nice gold brown texture which enhances the nutty flavors. Combined with the sweetness from the caramelized onions and the tangy tahini sauce- you have yourself a flavor explosion made from a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
1 medium red onion, roughly chopped
2-3 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to preference for spice level)
1-2 tablespoon of mint, lemon thyme or dried oregano (mint nicely compliments the tahini dressing)
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
salt + pepper

Directions:
Place cauliflower florets + onion in a baking sheet.
Add herbs, sprinkle with salt, pepper and red chili flakes, then drizzle with olive oil.
Using your hands, mix ingredients well until everything is evenly covered with oil.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve over yellow lentils or your favorite greens- drizzle with tahini sauce and enjoy!

 

Check out this page  for the Tangy Tahini Sauce Recipe.

Exquisite Hard-boiled Eggs

Exquisite Hard-boiled Eggs

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I love eggs. It is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen and I enjoy different ways of cooking it. From a humble omelette to a sumptuous souffle, the options of what you can make with eggs are infinite. Eggs are an excellent wellspring of nutrition in a single source: they provide proteins, antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins and minerals.

Omelettes are great on weekends, like this savory Scallion and Mushroom Turmeric Omelette.                  On weekdays the classic hard boiled egg end up on salads for lunch, an express breakfast on busier days or perfect mid-afternoon snack with a pinch of flakey sea salt.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said “There is always a best way of doing everything, if it be to boil an egg.” I 100% agree with that statement. Here I share with you what I consider the best way to make hard-boiled eggs. It will be one the simplest and most satisfying dishes you make.

And since here at Basil and Roses we love flowers so much, we present our eggs shaped like one! It’s just beautiful and we think it will put a smile on your face.

The key to perfect hard-boiled eggs is to NOT boil them. You read correctly.

Directions:
Place eggs in water in a pot and cover with lid.
Make sure eggs are covered with at least 1 inch of water.
Bring water to boil.
As soon as water starts boiling, turn off the stove.
For a softer yolk, let sit for approximately 5 minutes.
Then run under cold water, peel and enjoy.
For the perfectly firm yolk, let sit for 10 minutes before running under cold water and peeling.
Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh black pepper.

To present like the beautiful flower above-
Cut 2 eggs in half, then cut the half into a quarter and arrange like a flower on the plate.

Plato said “Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.” This presentation and the incredible miracle that is the egg are two great examples of that notion.


Something salty compliments eggs well. Feta cheese is a great choice.
Here I served the eggs with a typical Persian breakfast of Feta, Tomato, herbs and pita (noon o  paneer o sabzi!)

Tequila-Lime Baked Fish Tacos

Tequila-Lime Baked Fish Tacos

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Fish tacos, how we love them so… truly one of my favorite things to eat. I enjoy indulging in crispy fried versions once in a while, but in general prefer a healthier baked or grilled version. With the immense flavor of this tequila-lime recipe nothing will be lost, promise! There is just something so gratifying about a good fish taco. All you need is a nice flaky fish, a zesty salsa with a kick, guacamole, a crunchy slaw and of course a nice amount of citrus and spice and everything nice!

My family loved this recipe and I hope you enjoy it too. With summer just beginning, this is the perfect dish to make for warm afternoons in the backyard served with a refreshing margarita!

¡Buen apetito!

Ingredients:
1 lb. wild-caught Cod fish
1 cup tequila
1/2 cup lime juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
salt + pepper
8 small corn or flour tortillas

Directions:
Cut fish into smallish pieces (approx 3-4 inches long).
Make the marinade by combining tequila, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and jalapeno, S+P in a bowl.
This smells amazing! The alcohol burns off during cooking but the tequila flavor is awesome!
Place fish in the marinade and cover. Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
In the mean time, you can make the fun accompaniments for the tacos.
Once marinaded, place in preheated oven of 325 degrees F.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Vibrant and Colorful Mango Salsa

Vibrant and Colorful Mango Salsa

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This colorful salsa is fun to make, fun to eat and a feast on the eyes! The gorgeous colors make the table festive and the sweet and sour flavors are explosive! Great on fish tacos or as a dip.

 

Ingredients:
4 large and ripe mango, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
2/3 cup cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons lime (adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
Tortilla chips to scoop up all this flavor (I used these Tostitos Multigrain Scoops), they handle the chunky salsa well.
Salt + Pepper

Directions:
Combine cubed/chopped mango, red pepper, red onion and jalapeno.
Add cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt + pepper. Adjust to taste based on preference.
Fold gently to combine ingredients together.
Enjoy this savory, sweet and sour delight!

 

 

 

 

Nani’s Guacamole

Nani’s Guacamole

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I think avocado is the most magnificent fruits in the world! It is rich, creamy, earthy, nutty, and savory. Avocados also have great health benefits. The list is long but to name a few they are high in potassium, good fats and they are one of the few high protein fruits. I love it’s creamy texture and use it as a substitute for butter or oils often. And of course, nowhere is the beautiful avocado highlighted more than in a classic guacamole! I don’t use garlic or tomato’s in my recipe, but feel free to add them if it makes you happy…

P.S. This recipe also works really well for avocado toast. It’s excellent on toasted sourdough bread with a couple of slices of tomato and a pinch of sea salt. Yum!

 

Ingredients:
4 avocados
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 of one jalapeno, chopped (remove veins/seeds for less heat)
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
Salt + Pepper

Directions:
Cut avocado into cubes, slightly mash it in a bowl. I like to leave it a bit chunky.
Add chopped cilantro, jalapeno, onion, lime juice, salt + pepper and mix.
Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste.

 

 

Salsa Fresca

Salsa Fresca

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Forget store-bought salsa, you can make a much better homemade version with a few simple ingredients.

This uncomplicated recipe is made with chopped tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime. A bright and tangy medley which can be enjoyed as a dip with chips, or great on top of tacos, nachos, burritos, grilled chicken or roasted meats.

Note — juicy tomatoes will result in a more watery salsa than plump Roma tomatoes. Adjust tomato type to your preference. You can also modify heat-levels by the amount of chilies used and omit cilantro if not a fan. 

Ingredients:
4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 small white onion, chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice, adjust to taste
A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 small jalapeno or serrano chili, seeds removed and finely chopped
Salt to taste

Directions:
Place chopped onions in a bowl and cover with lime juice and season with a pinch of salt. Let it sit allowing the onions to marinate and soften, set aside.
Chop the tomato, jalapeno and cilantro, then mix with the onion and lime juice. Season with salt and additional lime if desired.
Let the salsa stand at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes for flavors to meld and vegetables to soften. 

 

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Medley

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Medley

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I love quinoa and use it often in my recipes. I like the health benefits of this gluten-free, high fiber content, magnesium and iron rich seed which also happens to be one of the most protein rich foods we can eat.  The Incas discovered the seed around 4 thousand years ago, which they believed increased the stamina of their warriors. In the last decade, Quinoa has grown in popularity and is considered a “super food!” Quinoa is not a grain. It’s actually a seed that is related to the spinach and beet families. And although I don’t believe it’s a cardinal sin to eat carbs (as seen in my reviews of these restaurants), I do enjoy the rice like feel of quinoa without the heavy feeling of carbohydrate-rich foods.

Quinoa is a great item to have in the pantry- it can be used as a side on its own or, mixed with veggies and proteins. Here is a personal favorite of mine, mixed with a kind of deconstructed ratatouille... enjoy!

 

Ingredients:
2 cups quinoa
2 white or yellow onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 green zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 large or 2 small eggplants, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or walnuts
Juice of 1/2-1 lemon
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes
Olive oil
Salt + Pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Chop veggies in cube like pieces.
Place in baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle veggies with oregano, red chili flakes, salt + pepper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

While the veggies roast, cook the 2 cups of quinoa in 4 cups of water.
It will cook in approximately 20 minutes.
Stir occasionally and fluff with a fork when done and all the water has evaporated.
In a separate bowl, combine quinoa with veggies.
Add your favorite nut. I especially like sunflower seeds or walnuts in this recipe.
Give the mixture a squeeze of lemon and more salt + pepper to taste.

Voila you’r done! This dish is great on it’s own as a vegetarian option or can be served as  side.

Note- I sometimes keep a bit of the roasted veggies aside and make a pita pocket with it the next day. Just add hummus and pickles and you have a totally different dish that’s supper yummy for an instant lunch the next day!

Versatile Salmon, done 3 ways

Versatile Salmon, done 3 ways

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Beyond being nutritious and tasty, salmon is also an incredibly versatile ingredient to work with. I only use wild caught salmon. Stay away from the farmed variety.  The diet the fish are fed are is bad for our bodies and pollute the water. They also have 1/10 of the omega-3 fatty acids which is one of the main reasons I like to have this nutritious protein in my diet.

Here I highlight a few simple but elegant ways to prepare this wonderful protein:

Smoked Salmon and Creme Fraiche Canapes with Fresh Dill

Sesame Crusted Salmon Fillet

Cold Salmon  Salad

I love to entertain often, but don’t always have time to prepare extravagant menus. The smoked salmon canapes with creme fraiche are easy to make yet quite elegant. Simply place small pieces of smoked salmon on a thin cracker of your choice or pumpernickel cocktail bread. Top with a dollop of creme fraiche and sprig of fresh dill and voila! These are a hit every time.

Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche Canapes with Fresh Dill

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Sesame Crusted Baked Salmon

This recipe is great for dinner any night of the week or on a large salmon fillet for entertaining.

 

Ingredients:

1 pound wild salmon (can do a smaller or larger piece depending on size of group you’re serving)

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup sesame seeds

Lemon wedges + fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

 

Directions:

Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon on the salmon.

Drizzle with olive oil or sesame oil.

Season with salt + pepper.

Coat entire top of salmon with white or black or mixed sesame seeds.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes.

Garnish with herbs, lemon wedges and serve with any pasta, rice or grain you like.

 

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Cold Salmon Salad or Sandwich

What’s better than a fabulous dinner? A new fabulous lunch with the leftover.

I love cold salmon sandwiches or salmon topped on a bright and colorful salad.

You can choose any veggies you like in your salad.

Here I  mixed arugula and spinach with chopped tomatoes, raw cauliflower, red beats and chopped onion.

Toss with lemon juice + good olive oil, then top with leftover salmon.

An important final step: delight in a healthy, colorful, nutritious  and fabulous salad while you reflect on the beautiful food you’ve made and the people you’ve shared them with…

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