slow cooker salsa verde chicken

My husband made this dish for my surprise birthday dinner with my favorite friends.  It was SO good!  I loved it.

slow cooker salsa verde chicken (my husband found this recipe at NYTimes Cooking)

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups jarred salsa verde (I recommend Herdez brand)

1 (4-ounce) can chopped mild green chiles

8 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and diced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 scallions (green and white parts), thinly sliced

1 small bunch cilantro, leaves and tender stems finely chopped (about 1 heaping cup)

kosher salt, to taste

fresh lime juice, to taste

any combination of rice, tortillas, pepitas, queso fresco, diced avocado and crushed tortilla chips for serving

Combine the chicken thighs, salsa verde, green chiles, garlic, jalapeno, garlic powder, onion powder and cumin in a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker.  Stir to evenly combine. (Don't add salt now; jarred salsas are often high in sodium).  Cook on low until the chicken is tender and the flavors are blended, 5 to 6 hours.

Use two forks to coarsely shredded the chicken.  With heat on low, add the scallions and cilantro and stir to combine.  Season to taste with salt and lime juice. Serve with rice or in tortillas, if desired, with accompaniments.

the BEST lentil soup

 

I tried this recipe because I needed a vegan dish to go with dinner as my daughter was coming over.  This soup was the best I've tried!

the BEST lentil soup (nora cooks)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chohpped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups dry green or brown lentils

7 cups vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons

1 lemon, juiced

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery.  Cook, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes.

Now add the can of tomatoes, lentils, broth, cumin, coriander and smoked paprika.  Stir everything.

Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.  For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a few times in the pot.  Alternatively, add 1-2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth then return to the pot.

Stir in the spinach and lemon juice.  Season with salt to taste.