गुरुवार, 3 सितंबर 2020

Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna is a low-carb, gluten free twist on your favorite Italian comfort food. This is an absolutely scrumptious way to use all that zucchini from your garden.

Round out this satisfying family Zucchini Lasagna with a nice salad and tasty bread. Try these excellent choices: Miracle No Knead Bread, Focaccia Bread, Mouthwatering Strawberry Spinach Salad, or this refreshing Greek Salad with the Best Dressing.

Zucchini lasagna in a white casserole dish.

Homemade Zucchini Lasagna

Everyone loves lasagna and this Zucchini Lasagna will be no different. With the same satisfying taste and even texture of regular lasagna, this soon to be new family favorite will have them coming back for seconds and even thirds. Just like regular lasagna, you can make this ahead of time. Make it the night before and pop it into the oven when ready. Or even better make and freeze for up to 2 months for a busy day when you need a good quick homemade meal.

Comfort food that is soul satisfying and low-carb, gluten free and keto friendly is like a dream come true. You’ll never miss the pasta with this gratifying dish. Delicately sliced zucchini is layered between hearty zesty Italian sauce. It’s a perfect blend of spices and meat in a vibrant tomato sauce. Smothered in with an indulgent ricotta and parmesan cheese layer and smooth mozzarella it’s a feast everyone will LOVE!

Zucchini Lasagna Ingredients:

Don’t let these ingredients scare you! This is a perfect combination of deliciousness that your family is going to love.

  • Olive Oil: I like to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for it’s flavor
  • Onion: Dice well,  you don’t want large chunks of onion
  • Ground Beef: You could substitute ground turkey or ground chicken
  • Italian Sausage: This will give it the meal it’s zest, if you like spicy for Hot Italian Sausage.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Gives the recipe some texture with out the lumps
  • Tomato Sauce: Use low sodium to make it just heart healthier.
  • Tomato Paste: Gives richness and body without extra water.
  • Italian Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Zucchini will take on the flavor
  • Sugar: Cuts the acidity in the tomato sauce so don’t leave out.
  • Fresh Basil: Can use dried basil, just half as much.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Low fat works great if you want.
  • Parmesan: Make sure it’s finely grated to make sure it melts well.
  • Egg: Adding an egg to the ricotta helps bind the cheese together and makes it rich and creamy.
  • Zucchini: Keep the zucchini the same length for even “noodles”
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella for faster prep.

How to Make Lasagna:

A rich zesty meat sauce is layered with a cheesy, creamy ricotta and thinly sliced zucchini that has been cooked to perfection. All of it is topped with ooey, gooey Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

  1. Saute: In a large skillet saute the onions in olive oil till tender.
  2. Cook: To the onions add the beef and sausage and cook and crumble till brown and cooked through
  3. Add: Next stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar and basil. Let it simmer on low heat.
  4. Mix: In a separate bowl mix the ricotta cheese, parmesan and egg together thoroughly.
  5. Layer: In a 9×13 well oiled pan begin to layer the lasagna starting with 1 cup of the meat sauce then the zucchini, followed by the ricotta mix  and then some mozzarella cheese. You’ll repeat the layers and end with ooey gooey mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake: Cover with a aluminium foil and bake in 375 degree oven for 20 min. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes till heated through.
  7. Cool: Cool for at least 10 min to help the lasagna set before cutting.

Steps to making zucchini lasagna, onions, tomato sauce and cheese.

Tips And Tricks for the BEST Zucchini Lasagna: 

Zucchini has a lot water in it naturally, use some of these tips to make sure your BEST Zucchini Lasagna isn’t soggy.

  • Slice: To slice the zucchini thinly use a mandoline to get even 1/8″ slices.
  • Salt: Salt the zucchini to draw out the water and let it sit for 15 minutes, then pat thoroughly dry. If you use kosher salt it’ll be easier to wipe it off.
  • Dry: Broil or grill your zucchini slices to dry out even further and give it a little extra flavor as well.
  • Thicken: Make sure your sauce is good and thick, if you need to thicken it take 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in 2 Tablespoons of cold water and stir into your sauce bringing it to a boil. Having a thick sauce will help absorb any water released from the zucchini.
  • Sneaky: If all else fails you can layer uncooked lasagna noodles on the very bottom of your pan. It won’t be completely gluten free but the uncooked noodles will soak up any liquid. You can always remove that bottom layer to make it low-carb before eating.

The process of layering zucchini lasagna.

Variations and Storing Lasagna:

This Zucchini Lasagna is so adaptable and stores nicely for leftovers, if you have them.

  • Vegetables: Swap out the zucchini for eggplant or thinly sliced sweet potatoes. Add a layer of chopped vegetables, like cooked spinach, or saute peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus.
  • Protein:  You can use ground chuck, ground turkey or Italian chicken sausage instead of regular sausage.
  • Sauce: Make a whole new flavor by using Alfredo sauce instead of a tomato based sauce.
  • Store: Lasagna can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, cooked lasagna for up to 2 months.

A photo of zucchini lasagna having a piece taken out of the casserole dish.

More Zucchini Dinner Ideas:

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Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini Lasagna is a low-carb, gluten free twist on your favorite Italian comfort food. This is an absolutely scrumptious way to use all that zucchini from your garden.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword zucchini lasagna
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 436kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 28 Ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 6.5 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
  • 16 ounce ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan finely grated
  • 1 egg
  • 4 medium sized zucchini thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium high heat add the olive oil and onion. Sauté until tender and add the ground beef and sausage. Cook and crumble until brown and cooked throughout. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, and basil. Let simmer on low heat.
  • In medium sized bowl add the ricotta cheese, parmesan, and egg. Mix until incorporated.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 9x13 inch pan with non stick spray and set aside.
  • To make the lasagna start by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer over the meat sauce. Spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese, on top of the zucchini followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers and top with cheese.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake and additional 20-25 minutes or until it is heated throughout and cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 788mg | Potassium: 881mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 954IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 4mg


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बुधवार, 2 सितंबर 2020

Cinnamon Honey Butter (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)

This cinnamon honey butter is rich, creamy and a smooth blend that is spreadable and ready in minutes. This is even better than Texas Roadhouse butter!

Spread this butter on all your favorite things. Adding this cinnamon butter to the classic Texas Roadhouse Rolls is the BEST thing that can ever happen!

Cinnamon honey butter in a jar.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter

Fall in love with this rich and blend of butter every time you make it! This cinnamon butter enhances all things and can spread easily and smoothly. Start by adding it to all your holiday, special occasions or any time there is a sweet roll at your meals. This butter will take any meal to the next level!

Bring homemade cinnamon honey butter to life with just a few pantry staple ingredients. It comes together quickly and easily that it can be mixed together in a short amount of time. You can’t go wrong with this delicious and edible sweet and savory honey butter!

Cinnamon Honey Butter Ingredients:

Simple ingredients that can be found in your pantry on a day to day basis. I just love how simple it is to add them all together and mix quickly!

  • Butter: Have the butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Honey: Thickens and adds the extra sugar flavoring.
  • Powdered Sugar: This helps
  • Cinnamon: Add in a little spice into the butter.

How Do You Make Cinnamon Butter From Scratch?

Only two steps to create a five minute butter. This cinnamon butter is to die for and will be added all things! Mix all ingredients together and you will see how delicious this butter really is!

  1. Combine All Ingredients: Combine butter, honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl. 
  2. Mix Together: Using a hand mixer beat until the ingredients are whipped and combined.

Mixing together cinnamon honey butter in a glass bowl with a mixer.

Tips for the BEST Honey Butter:

Make your homemade honey butter just the way you like it with these special tips and variations.

  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter can be used to make homemade honey butter. You are welcome to add in a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter to help balance the flavoring.
  • Soften Butter: It is best to have your butter softened to room temperature to help blend it better. If it is too hard, the butter will become clumpy and not smooth.
  • Honey: Choose your favorite honey to add in or leave out the honey. This honey butter will still have the consistency and flavoring with or without the honey being apart of it.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar and honey to your desire sweetness as you go.

What do you Eat Honey Butter with?

The Best question, right?! All things! I promise, this butter is going to be on everything! It is that good!

Here are some ideas:

  • Breakfast: Pancakes, French Toast, Waffles or Oatmeal.
  • Bread: Rolls, Buttermilk Biscuits, Toast, English muffins, bagels even cornbread.
  • Potatoes: Baked Sweet Potatoes.Roasted Butternut Squash.
  • Protein: Fried Chicken, crazy huh! Melt and drizzle over the fried chicken.

Cinnamon honey butter mixed together in a clear glass bowl with a mixer.

How Long Does Honey Butter Last?

The great thing about cinnamon honey butter, is that you can make it within 5 minutes. It does last a bit though too!

  • Refrigerate: Just like most butter, you will want to refrigerate when not using. This will last in a jar or Tupperware for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.s
  • Room Temperature: Leaving the homemade butter on the countertops at night is okay. The butter will last about 1-2 days long.
  • Reheating: Honey butter does not need to be reheated. Just whip it with a fork and it is ready to spread!

Cinnamon honey butter spread over top Texas Roadhouse rolls.

Enjoy More Butter Recipes:

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Cinnamon Honey Butter (Better than Texas Roadhouse Butter)

This cinnamon honey butter is rich, creamy and a smooth blend that is spreadable and ready in minutes. This is even better than Texas Roadhouse butter! 
Course Appetizer, Butter, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword cinnamon butter, cinnamon honey butter, honey butter, honey butter recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 24 Tablespoons
Calories 65kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Combine butter, honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl. Using a hand mixer beat until the ingredients are whipped and combined.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg


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मंगलवार, 1 सितंबर 2020

Panzanella Salad

Panzanella Salad is a perfect marriage of summer sun ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and spinach tossed together with toasted bread and a light but flavorful dressing. This light but flavor packed salad is SO GOOD, and perfect for your next BBQ, potluck or dinner tonight.

This delicate Panzanella Salad won’t weigh you down. For more light and refreshing salads like this one try Mouthwatering Watermelon Salad with Feta, Caprese Salad or Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad.

A Panzanella Salad in a white dish with mint leaves around it and tomatoes.

What is Panzanella Salad?

Panzanella Salad a traditional Italian bread salad.  Customarily it was made with chopped stale bread, onions, cucumbers and tomatoes soaked in a flavorful vinaigrette.  Garden fresh basil added a splash of color and zest, creating the colors of the Italian flag, red, green and white.  This Panzanella Recipe is wonderful nod to the traditional salad with a little bit of a fresh twist.

Panzanella Salad is so easy and fresh you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before. A step away from your typical green salads it’s a bright and unique addition to any meal. Pair with a protein and fresh fruit for a filling, yet healthy meal.

Panzanella Salad Ingredients:

  • Italian Loaf: No sandwich bread here. Look for sturdy, crusty Italian or French bread, with lots of holes inside. Day old bread is perfect.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil is the oil of choice for this Italian staple
  • Italian seasoning: Look for this blend in spice isle
  • Mixed Tomatoes: Mixed tomatoes make for a more colorful and unique taste. Sub with regular tomatoes if you can’t find mixed tomatoes.
  • Red Onion: Red onions have nice kick that makes the salad irresistible.
  • Spinach: Can use basil here if you prefer
  • Cucumber: English cucumbers are a favorite in this salad
  • Red wine vinegar: Balances with the tomatoes for perfection
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
  • Balsamic glaze: This is optional but I love the extra zing.

How to Make a Panzanella Salad:

  1. Toast: Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil and Italian seasoning, bake at 400 for 12-15 min till nice golden brown.
  2. Combine: In a medium bowl toss the tomatoes, onion, spinach, cucumber and bread together.
  3. Whisk: In a separate bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper.
  4. Toss: Gently toss all the ingredients together and let sit for at least 20 min to meld the flavors.

The process of making a Panzanella Salad.

Salad Variations:

Panzanella Salad is very flexible, so make it to your liking.

  • Peppers: Add red, yellow or orange peppers, roast them first for extra pizzazz.
  • Tomatoes: Use cherry tomatoes or romas if you can’t find mixed tomatoes.
  • Cheese: You can add freshly grated Parmesan or add in fresh mozzarella balls.
  • More Ideas: Stir in capers or pepperoncini for zin or for a lighter onion flavor use shallots.

What to Serve with Panzanella Salad:

This is such an amazing salad it can easily be served on it’s own or as a side dish. With veggies and bread all in one dish, pairing it with a simple protein is all you need.

  • Grilled or roasted Chicken
  • Any kind of Fish or Shrimp
  • Your favorite pasta dish (especially tasty with a nice pesto or lemon garlic pasta)
  • Grilled steak

A up close photo of Panzanella Salad on a white dish.

More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try:

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Panzanella Salad

Panzanella Salad is a perfect marriage of summer sun ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and spinach tossed together with toasted bread and a light but flavorful dressing. This light but flavor packed salad is SO GOOD, and perfect for your next BBQ, potluck or dinner tonight.
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Italian American
Keyword panzanella, panzanellla salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 401kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian sourdough or French bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound mixed tomatoes sliced
  • 1/2 red onion sliced
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper
  • balsamic glaze optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Toast until golden for 12-15 minutes.
  • In a medium sized bowl add the tomatoes, red onion, spinach, cucumber and bread. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine, salt and pepper. Toss until coated. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 730IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 2mg

 



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Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

This Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER!  A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it.

I love being able to be together with loved ones eating our favorites from the comfort and ease of home. Try these favorites for more delish copycats: Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta, Applebee’s White Chocolate Blondies with Maple Cream Sauce, Cheesecake Factory’s The Best Avocado Egg Rolls, and Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

Copycat queso in a black skillet with chips all around.

Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso

The perfect blend of cheesy goodness and spices makes this recipe is so versatile, you make it all year long and get creative with it. Besides serving it with the standard tortilla chips you can serve it along side or in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taquitos or any other dish.  Serve it over rice, home fries or a breakfast hash, for a fantastic Mexican twist.  It’s so easy and addictive you’ll be tempted to make it every week.

Leftovers are easily stored in the fridge for a few day. That’s if you have any leftovers. It’s so simple and quick, you may never need to go out and order it again. The spicy goodness is just that easy and just that good.

Skillet Queso Ingredients:

  • Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta is so smooth when it melts, it’s perfect for dipping.
  • Milk: Don’t use a nut milk here, it’ll make the flavor off
  • paprika: Adds flavor and color.
  • cayenne pepper: Decrease or increase according to your tastes.
  • Hormel Chili No Beans: Beans just don’t belong in Queso.
  • Chili Powder: Try Chipotle Chili powder for a smokey kick.
  • Lime Juice: Balances out the spiciness.
  • Cumin: A staple in Mexican cuisine.

How to Make Skillet Queso:

This can be made for any holiday get-together, family gathering or any celebration. When you want to be the hit of the party this Amazing Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso will do the job. No one can say no to this descendant cheesy goodness.

  1. Cut: Cut up the velveeta into same size cubes for easy melting.
  2. Combine: Combine the cheese and remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Stir: Frequently stir util the cheese melts completely.

The process of making copycat queso.

Velveeta Variation: 

Velveeta is by far the best and recommend it for this recipe but for those who don’t like Velveeta you can make a substitute.

  • 3-4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

In a medium sauce pan bring all the ingredients to a boil stirring constantly, then continue to make the recipe as directed.

Skillet Queso Dipping Variations:

Skillet Queso isn’t just for dipping chips. There are so many things you can try, let your imagination run queso wild.

  • Vegetables- use instead of ranch for carrots, cucumbers, celery, sweet peppers, olives, etc.
  • Bread- A crusty french bread torn into pieces or bread sticks.
  • Pita Bread- Cut into triangles for easy dipping.
  • Flavored Corn Chips- Try Doritos for flavor explosion.

Queso in a black skillet with a chip being dipped in it.

More Amazing Queso Recipes To Try:

Love queso as much as I do then try these below:
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Chili's Copycat Skillet Queso

This Chili's Copycat Skillet Queso combines smooth Velveeta cheese that melts magically with flavorful chili and Mexican spices in a skillet to pure queso perfection, hands down one of the best copycat recipes EVER!  A super easy appetizer that will disappear faster than it took to make it. 
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword chili queso, queso, skillet queso
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 people
Calories 150kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 16 ounce box Velveeta cheese
  • 1 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 15 ounce can Hormel Chili No Beans
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  • Cut the velveeta into cubes
  • Combine the cheese with remaining ingredients in medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Stir Frequently until the cheese melts.
  • Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Video

Notes

Updated on August 31, 2020
Originally Posted on November 29, 2012

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 929mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1201IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 363mg | Iron: 1mg

 



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