Curried Beef Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce ala ~DKBB~

Curried Beef Pita Pockets ala ~DKBB~

(original recipe by Mary Ann Kosmas in February/March 2019 edition of Simple & Delicious)

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. curry powder

Salt & cracked pepper to taste

2 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 medium (or 3 small) zucchini, diced

Pita pockets

Refrigerated tzatziki sauce (recipe below)

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic; drain.
• Add tomatoes and zucchini and heat for a few minutes before adding in the curry, salt, and pepper; continue heating until vegetables are heated through.
• Serve in pita pockets and top with tzatziki sauce.

Photo from tasteofhome.com

Refrigerated Tzatziki Sauce ala ~DKBB~

8 oz. plain Greek yogurt

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. chopped fresh dill

1½ cloves garlic, minced

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

• Combine all in a blender and blend thoroughly; refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Mediterranean Casserole Dinner ala ~DKBB and CHB~

Mediterranean Casserole Dinner ala ~DKBB and CHB~

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

2 boneless country-style pork ribs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

4 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced

1 tsp. pimento de la Vera (smoked sweet Spanish paprika)

Kosher salt

Fresh cracked pepper

Pinch of saffron, finely ground in mortar

3 tsp. boiling water

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

1 can artichoke hearts, drained

⅛ to ¼ lb. fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths

1 shallot, cut into 1-inch lengths

½ to 1 cup chicken stock (add amount wanted to desired level)

1 small rosemary sprig

½ roasted red bell pepper, cut into small strips

½ cup thawed frozen peas

2 cups prepared rice

• In a large glass bowl, mix the chicken and pork with 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 clove minced garlic, and ½ tsp. paprika; season generously with salt and pepper and mix together; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can take a break here and resume prep after the 30 minutes passes.
• Preheat oven to 425° F; in a small heatproof bowl, mix the saffron with the boiling water and let cool completely.
• In a medium to large cast-iron casserole pan, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil over high heat until shimmering; add in the chicken/pork mixture and cook, stirring occasionally until well browned but not cooked through completely.
• Add the artichokes, beans, remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally until all is lightly browned (about 3 minutes).
• Push the mixture to one side of the pan and reduce to heat to medium; add in the remaining clove to minced garlic and ½ tsp. paprika, cooking until fragrant.
• Add the tomatoes and shallots, mixing all ingredients together; stir frequently until vegetable mixture is coated in a thick sauce.
• Stir in chicken/pork mixture and add chicken broth and brewed saffron; bring all to a boil over moderately high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until slightly reduced (about 5 minutes).
• Add rosemary sprig and any additional salt and pepper and/or broth you feel may be needed.
• Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes to fuse flavors together; remove from oven and scatter roasted red pepper and peas on top and bake for another 3 minutes.

Serve hot over cooked rice.