Garlic Lover Mashed Potato Twist

There can literally be nothing more comforting than a plate of warm, buttery mashed potatoes. These can be made even more finger licking with a touch of garlic in them. Here is how you can make your very own bowl for those untimely cravings.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sized potatoes, halved
• Unsalted butter, 2-3 tbsp
• Garlic paste, 1 ½ tsp
• Milk, ¾ cup
• Salt, to taste
• Crushed pepper, to taste
• Coriander (chopped), for garnish

Preparation

1. Place potatoes in a pan full of water and bring the water to a boil. Make sure the heat is on high.
2. Once the water starts boiling, add the salt, reduce heat to medium and let simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes. Check with a knife to see if they are tender and take them off the heat. If the potatoes are still tough, let them simmer for a few more minutes.
3. Once the potatoes are boiled, drain the water and dry out the potatoes. Now peel off the skin and mash them with a fork. Set aside.
4. In a small cup, microwave the milk for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic paste and pepper to the milk.
5. Slowly add some milk to the mashed potatoes. Then add some butter and mix. Alternatively keep adding the milk and butter until well combined. Make sure you either use a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon for the mixing.
6. Sprinkle coriander on top and devour your garlicky mashed potatoes!

Gumbo

Gumbo is perhaps the coziest and most comforting foods of all times. It reminds you of your childhood and mom’s cooking. Not sure how to make it and too lazy to call your mom for the recipe? Here is the recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight!

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (chopped in bite sized pieces), 4 cups
• Andouille sausages (cut in ¼ inch pieces), ½ pound
• Flour, ½ cup
• Peanut oil or olive oil, ½ cup
• Green bell pepper (chopped), 1 cup
• Celery (chopped), 1 cup
• Sweet onion (chopped), 1 cup
• Carrots (chopped), ½ cup
• Tomatoes (chopped), 2 medium
• Garlic (minced), 2 tsp
• Cajun seasoning, 2-3 tsp
• Chicken broth, 3 cans

Preparation

1. Take a pan and add the oil to it. Heat it on medium high and slowly add flour in it. Whisk briskly, and continue to add the flour to the oil. Keep whisking for five minutes or until the flour becomes brown in color. Make sure it does not get burned.
2. Then lower the heat a bit and add all the vegetables to it. You will have to stir the contents of the pan continuously. Do this for 3 minutes, and then add Cajun seasoning, chicken broth and sausages to it.
3. Bring to a boil then lower heat and let cook for another 20 minutes.
4. Now add in the chicken pieces, cook for another two minutes and serve hot!

Tomato Soup

Feeling under the weather? Not in the mood to eat but something comforting that will make you feel warm? Tomato soup is just the thing you need. This recipe will lift up your spirits within no time. Try it and see.

Ingredients

• Chicken broth or veggie broth, 2 cups
• Concentrated crushed tomatoes, 1 can (28 ounce)
• Heavy cream, 1 cup
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Red chili sauce, 1-2 tsp
• Cilantro, for garnish

Preparation

1. Take a saucepan and mix the tomatoes and broth in it. Cook on medium heat till bubbles start forming.
2. Add in heavy cream and mix. Reduce heat and let simmer.
3. After 5 minutes, add in the spices and mix. Let cook for 15 more minutes. Be sure to stir once in a while.
4. Pour the soup into an immersion blender and beat till smooth.
5. Take out in a serving bowl, sprinkle cilantro and serve warm.

Chili

Ingredients

• Kidney beans (drained), 1 can (7 ounce)
• Black beans (drained), 1 can (7 ounce)
• Ground beef, 1 pound
• Medium onion (diced), 1
• Green chili (diced), 3
• Chili powder, 2 tbsp
• Sour cream, 2 tbsp
• Green onions (chopped), 1
• Oil, 2 tsp
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. Take a large pot and add 2 tsp oil along with the ground beef.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it becomes brown.
3. Add in the beans, onion, green chili, chili powder, salt, sour cream and green onions.
4. Mix and cook for as long as it takes to boil.
5. Lower heat, cover and let cook for 15 minutes.
6. Serve hot from the stove!

Quick Cajun Penne Pasta

Ingredients

• Penne pasta (cooked), 3 cups
• Boneless chicken breasts (cut in thin strips), 4
• Butter, 4 tbsp
• Cajun seasoning, 4 tbsp
• Dried tomatoes (diced), 4 tbsp
• Green onions (sliced), 2
• Whipping cream, 1 cup
• Dried basil, ½ tsp
• Garlic powder, ½ tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Parmesan cheese (grated), ½ cup for garnish

Preparation

1. Add Cajun seasoning to chicken and toss in a way that chicken is fully coated. Heat up a skillet and add butter to it.
2. Saute chicken until it becomes tender and starts flaking.
3. Lower the heat and add in tomatoes, green onion, whipping cream, half the cheese, garlic powder, salt and basil.
4. Cook till the sauce thickens.
5. Add in the pasta and mix well.
6. Take out in a plate, sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.

Chocolate Chip Cookie In A Mug

Ingredients

• Large mug, 1
• Flour, 3 tbsp
• Unsalted butter, 1 tbsp
• Egg yolk, 1
• Firmly packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp
• Granulated white sugar, 1 tbsp
• Chocolate chips, 2 tbsp
• Vanilla extract, ½ tsp
• Salt, a pinch

Preparation

1. Add butter to your mug and microwave it till it melts.
2. Add both white and brown sugars, salt and vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Beat in the egg yolk. Add in the flour and mix well.
4. Now fold in the chocolate chips gently.
5. Put the mug in the microwave and whirl it on high for no more than 50-60 seconds.
6. Enjoy it hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!