One Pot Mexican Rice Dinner

Mexican Rice Dinner

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

12 ounces medium-sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 Tablespoons coconut oil, divided

1 cup brown rice

2-15 ounce cans low-sodium chicken stock

medium onion, chopped

small red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 seeded jalapeno, finely minced

1 Tablespoon garlic, finely minced

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

1-2 teaspoons hot sauce

2 Tablespoons fresh, finely chopped cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat.  Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is well done and browned.  Removed chicken from pan and set aside.

Put the pan back on the heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.  Heat up oil and add the rice.  Stir constantly for about 3 minutes.  Once rice has had time to "toast", add onion, pepper, jalapeno, and garlic.  Stir constantly and cook until vegetables become tender.  About 8-10 minutes.  Stir in tomato paste.  Add both cans of chicken stock.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.  Place shrimp on top of simmering rice mixture, cover, and let cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.  Add chicken and fresh cilantro.  Stir thoroughly.

If you are using white rice, use 1 cup rice and 2 cups chicken stock instead of the 2 cans.

Enjoy!

Homemade Tacos

Normally, I try to post the next recipe on my list of recipes to post on my blog. But, I just made this tonight for dinner and I had to bump it to the top spot. In fact, I just finished eating them and now I'm blogging about them! That's how good this recipe is!

Lately, I've been on a healthy cooking kick. Today, I was in the mood for tacos. Since my new obsession is healthy cooking, the seasoning packets you buy store (loaded with preservatives, sodium, and who knows what else) simply wouldn't do for me.

I browsed a couple online recipes for a homemade taco seasoning but wasn't greatly impressed. Ultimately, I created my own and let me tell you-- ABSOLUTELY amazing! I will never go back to a taco seasoning packet again! Please try this one. You won't regret it!




Taco Seasoning Mix ^Shown above
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons corn starch

Combine all ingredients in an air tight container. Shake or mix until will blended.

That's it! You're ready to go! Now, for the actual taco recipe....

I brown 1 pound of ground turkey in a large skillet coated with olive oil. After browned, drain remaining grease. Reduce heat to a medium-low temperature. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Stir until meat looks evenly coated. Add 1/2 cup water to pan. Let meat simmer for 5-10 minutes until water has been absorbed.



Put taco meat on top of a tortilla. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as: tomatoes, lettuce, olives, green pepper, onions, cheese, and/or sour cream. One pound of meat makes enough for 5-6 tacos.

Enjoy!