Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada

Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada

Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada
🇲🇽 Para el Cinco de Mayo 🇲🇽

Enmoladas are a variation of the more familiar enchiladas, but made with rich mole sauce instead of chile sauce. Unlike enchiladas, which are often baked in the sauce like a casserole, enmoladas are typically filled, rolled, and plated before the mole is poured over them. The name “enmolada” literally means “covered in mole.” This mole negro is a medium-hot blend of chile pasilla, chile negro, chile mulato, chile ancho, and Mexican dark chocolate. The enmoladas are filled with mole-seasoned chopped chicken, smoky grilled summer squash, and cilantro.

It’s a traditional Mexican dish, full of flavor and perfect for celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It was a surprising win for Mexico, as the French forces were larger and better equipped.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture, where people honor Mexican heritage with traditional foods, festive drinks, and fun-filled gatherings. ¡Buen provecho y feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada

Receta de Enmoladas de Pollo y Calabaza Asada

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Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce
Spiced Saffron Basmati with Lentils and Golden Raisins

This quick lamb shank dinner joins my Lamb Shanks with Smoky Cassoulet Beans, Kalamata Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes, and another for Lamb Shanks over Boursin Cheese Polenta. The lamb shanks are slow braised in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with pomegranate juice and figs. The meat is incredibly tender and flavorful. It comes 2 shanks to a package and can be found in the refrigerated section at Costco under the “A La Carte” brand.

The dish Braised Lamb Shank with Pomegranate Fig Sauce and Spiced Saffron Basmati is not a traditional recipe from one specific culture, but is strongly inspired by Persian and broader Middle Eastern flavors.

Sumac — a deep red, lemony spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine adds another layer of intrigue. The lamb is very savory and rich, the rice is fragrant and slightly sweet, together they welcome a dusting of sumac to balance and enliven the dish.

Braised Lamb Shank, Pomegranate Fig Sauce, Saffron Basmati

Lamb Shank Dinner

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Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup

Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup

A Lovely Soup for Springtime
Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup

This blended soup combines snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and milk into a smooth, delicate mixture with a naturally sweet, green flavor.

Snap peas add a pop of brightness and color, while cauliflower lends body and a soft, velvety texture without the need for heavy cream. Broccoli brings a hint of earthiness, and milk creates a silky backdrop that ties everything together. A splash of olive oil adds a final touch of richness, giving each spoonful a comforting, balanced feel. With its vibrant color and lively flavor, this soup is a perfect way to celebrate spring — light, fresh, and wonderfully satisfying.

Snap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower SoupSnap Pea, Broccoli, Cauliflower Soup Recipe

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Matzo Ball Soup for Passover

Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo Ball Soup for Passover

Traditional matzo balls קניידלך (kneidlach) are comforting dumplings made from matzo meal, eggs, and fat.

Matzo מַצָּה (also spelled matzoh, matzah or matza) is unleavened bread that holds deep significance in Jewish culture during Passover פֶּסַח (Pesach). It is made simply from flour and water and is baked quickly to prevent any rising, resulting in a flat, crisp texture.

We eat matzo during Passover to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, when our ancestors left in such haste that their bread didn’t have time to rise.

Manischewitz matzo ball mix is Kosher for Passover and my choice for the best tasting. It contains matzo meal, salt, monocalcium phosphate, baking soda, onion, black pepper, garlic, and celery seed.

Matzo meal is a ground form of matzo, used as a breadcrumb substitute or a flour alternative, especially during Passover.

Monocalcium phosphate is a leavening agent and food additive typically used in baked goods. It is a fast-acting acid that reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which helps baked goods rise and become light and fluffy.

If you are looking for a recipe for the fluffiest, most delicious matzo balls in a beautiful clear tasty broth for Passover or anytime – you’ve come to the right place!

Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

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Squid Ink Linguine with Crab

Squid Ink Linguine with Crab

Squid Ink Linguine with Dungeness Crab
🦑 🦑 🦀 🦀
Garlic Butter, Lemon, Parmesan, Parsley

Using squid ink pasta instead of traditional pasta elevates this crab dish both in flavor and presentation. The pasta brings a subtle briny, umami-rich note that echoes the natural sweetness of Dungeness crab without overpowering it. It creates a deeper, more cohesive seafood profile — like a quiet reminder of the ocean in every bite. Paired with garlic butter and a touch of lemon zest, the squid ink adds complexity while letting the crab remain the star.

Visually, the contrast between the inky black pasta and the delicate coral-hued crab meat is striking. It transforms a simple plate of pasta into something elegant and memorable — perfect for a special dinner or a bold twist on a classic.

Squid Ink Linguine with Crab Recipe

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