Looking for unique exotic meal ideas

I'm getting so bored eating burgers, pastas, and steaks for dinners.

I'm looking into trying some different foods and meals from around the world- asian, european, etc.

Anyone have any good recipes to share?

Message edited 2/17/2009 6:52:59 PM.

Re: Looking for unique exotic meal ideas

I made this last night. It was delicious, but next time I would go easier on the dressing part ... It took under 40 minutes from start to finish.


Morroccan Chicken & Lentils

Ingredients

For the lentils
8 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb dried lentils, rinsed and drained (about 2 cups)


For the dressing
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced


For the chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley


Directions
1 Combine 8 cups water and 1 teaspoons of the salt in a heavy large saucepan over low heat.

2 Add the lentils and bring to a boil.

3 Cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer about 20 to 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.

4 Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain well again.

5 Transfer to a large bowl.

6 Whisk together the 1 cup of olive oil, red wine vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic and salt; pour 1 cup of this dressing over the warm lentils and toss gently. (** I would use 1/2 - 3/4 cup instead)

7 Allow to cool.

8 In a large skillet,heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and saute onions until dark brown and soft, about 5 to 10 minutes.

9 Add chicken and saute 2 minutes.

10 Add 1 teaspoons salt, the cumin, chili powder and cinnamon.

11 Saute until chicken is cooked through, about 5 more minutes.

12 Arrange lentils on a large platter and place sliced chicken on top.

13 Drizzle with remaining dressing (I would drizzle just a bit on, not the whole remaining amount) and sprinkle with the fresh parsley.


ETA:
With the left over lentils (it made A LOT!), I made lentil salad. I steamed frozen peas, corn, zuchinni and added that to the lentil mixture. I chopped fresh tomato and then added that and let it sit over night. It was a delicious and filling lunch today.

Message edited 2/17/2009 8:07:31 PM.

Re: Looking for unique exotic meal ideas

There's a jarred Vindaloo sauce you can buy (Indian/Asian section). It's very flavorful and works great with all meats and veggies too!! Enjoy!!
Oh, and I serve it with Jasmine Rice.

Shawnna

Re: Looking for unique exotic meal ideas

East African Beef Stew & Ugali

BEEF STEW:

Ingredients
1 lbs beef, cubed
1 large garlic clove, crushed
Salt
2 medium onions, chopped
3 tbsp vegetable oil
4 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dhania (cilantro)


1. Brown the onions in the oil.
2. Add the meat and garlic and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and let them cook until they form a thick sauce.
4. Add the water, cilantro and salt to taste. Mix well.
5. Cook in low heat until the meat is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Serve over Ugali.


* Ugali is simlilar to polenta. It is a staple in African meals.

UGALI:
1 cup Maize Flour (or you can substitute Farina)
1 cup cold water
1 tsp Salt
1 quart water (or chicken/beef broth)
2 tbs maize flour (or farina)

Directions:
1. Pour Flour into a bowl with 1 cup cold water.

2. Wisk until there are no lumps

3. Pour mixture into boiling quart of water (or broth)

4. Stir the mixture until the water returns to the boil.

5. Once the ugali has reached the consistency of porridge or oatmeal, add two more big spoonfuls of maize flour and stir it until the ugali is really thick.

(It is ready when it looks a bit like mashed potato, although the consistency will be much thicker. If you've been working hard at stirring, then there should be no lumps!)