Tag / dinners

by susanb181

Great Greek Lamb Shanks (Slow Cooker)

greek lamb shanks in the slow cooker

greek lamb shanks in the slow cooker

Yes, another dish inspired by my recent (May 2015) trip to Greece. This one is so delicious and pretty easy to prepare – especially in a slow cooker. When you’re working it is a real treat to have such a prepared dish ready for you! I chopped and prepared everything the day before; refrigerated it in the slow cooker container and set it to slow cook the next day- I added an hour–it took 9 hours as it was cold from the fridge.

Of course, it’s low carb, with lean meat and lots of good veggies. You may know that cooking tomatoes actually increases the lycopene, which may be especially healthy for men; check it out with your doctor or a trusted nutritionist.

Now the recipe:

Great Greek Lamb Shanks

INGREDIENTS- serves 3-4 (with leftovers; depending on size of lamb shanks)

  • 4-6 lamb shanks, Frenched (a butcher will do this for you- it means making a cut in the bone)
  • 1/4-1/2  C flour
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large or 2 med onions thickly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 carrots, chopped in 1″ rounds
  • 2 zucchini chopped into 1″ cubes
  • 1 can artichoke hearts (10 oz)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (more if you like)
  • 1/2- 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 large can (28 oz) crushed Roma tomatoes
  • 1Tbsp fresh chopped or 1tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper

TO DO:

1. Place lamb and flour in large plastic bag and shake to coat.

2. Heat oil in pan and add lamb shanks in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove lamb shanks from pan and place into slow cooker.

3. Heat remaining oil and cook onions and garlic stirring until onions are soft.

4. Combine tomatoes, wine, stock, lemon zest, artichokes and olives.

5. Pour liquid mixture over lamb. Add carrots and zucchini, onions and garlic.

6. Cover pot with lid.

7. Cook on high setting for 6 hours or low setting for 8 hours.

8. Stir in oregano, lemon juice, seasoning and pepper just prior to serving. Taste and adjust.

Serve with whole wheat couscous and a Greek salad- natch!

Enjoy! And yes, Oopa!

www.type2delicious.com

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by susanb181

Greek Chicken a la Crete

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

chicken with olives artichokes mushrooms

 

Chicken is such a versatile meat; we enjoy it in many of its iterations from simple roast to this delicious Greek- inspired version chock full of flavor (and healthy veggies).

You can buy pre-cut chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself. I like doing it that way as it’s fresher and less expensive. Plus I skin my chickens before cooking as well.

Something I learned is not to rinse chicken in advance of cooking- it just spreads any bacteria. Cooking itself kills whatever is on the poultry. Do clean your knives  (or kitchen scissors, cleavers, etc.) and boards thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

Greek Chicken

INGREDIENTS (for 2-4; 2 with leftovers)

  • 1 chicken, cut into pieces (I like organic “smart” chicken)
  • 1/3 cup olives – green and Kalamata mixed
  • 1 package frozen or 1 large (13 oz.) can artichoke hearts
  • 3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, chopped or sliced
  • 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp. Lemon juice
  • 1tsp dried or 2 Tbsp. fresh minced Oregano or Thyme
  • Salt free seasoning/pepper to taste

TO DO: preheat oven to 375 degrees

1. Spread olive oil over chicken pieces in 9×13 baking dish (I use glass, but Corning Ware, ceramic or metal are all good- your choice)

2. Mix  garlic, artichokes, mushrooms and add to chicken.

3. Pour wine and lemon juice over chicken and vegetables.

4. Place olives around chicken/veggies. (artistically of course !  (<*

5. Sprinkle herbs, spices and seasonings on top to taste.

6. Cover with aluminum foil- bake for 25 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes longer (stick a knife in joint of a chicken leg- if juice runs clear you’re done)

Serve with whole grains or brown rice and a Greek salad; (recipe to come soon–please follow!)

Oopa! Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com