Arugula, Burrata, and Lentils with Lemon

Sometimes what to make for dinner needs to stem from the question, "What do I want to eat for dinner." Now that seems obvious, but quite frankly what you are eating each evening is probably hinged on many other factors than that one simple question. Time is certainly a huge factor, then there are access to the ingredients, what everyone sitting at your table will actually eat, and any other dietary restrictions you may be under. This weekend though, I asked myself the question while at the market and this is the recipe that came out of it. Warm lentils spiked with vinegar and lemon, draped over fresh greens, with a heap of creamy burrata on top. That is what I want to be eating every meal right now. This will totally change and my kids may have only picked at the lentils (then ate chicken nuggets), but I am definitely going to keep asking myself the question if beauties like this come out of it. 

Arugula, Burrata, and Lentils with Lemon

Imperfect Polish 2017

makes 6-8 sides or 4 main dishes

1 cup lentils

juice of 1 lemon (or about 2 Tablespoons), plus some for serving

2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable)

1/4 cup grated parmesan 

1 package of arugula or baby arugula

6 oz burrata, patted dry (you can used buffalo mozzarella as well)

Place the lentils in a heat safe bowl and cover with boiling water. Stir, then let stand for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. 

Meanwhile, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl. Stream in 1/4 cup of olive oil while whisking. Salt and pepper to taste, then set aside. 

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then the garlic once hot. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the drained lentils. Stir to combine, then add the bay leaf, stock, and a bit of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Let cool for a bit, then add the parmesan cheese. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper if needed. 

To plate, place a pile of arugula on the plate. Top with some of the lentils, a portion of the cheese, a squeeze of lemon, and a few grinds of fresh pepper. 

To make in advance: Make the dressing and lentils up to a day before. Reheat the lentils over low heat on the stove. Then assemble as stated above. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Chicken & Sweet Potato Asian Lettuce Wraps

With the addition of sweet potatoes, the usually too light for an entree lettuce wrap becomes a filling meal. Crunchy water chestnuts and a sweet and salty sauce made this a hit with the adults and the kids at the dinner table. 

Chicken & Sweet Potato Asian Lettuce Wraps

Imperfect Polish 2014

Serves 4

For Filling: 

3 large sweet potatoes, diced

olive oil

salt & pepper

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger (this is how you do it or buy this in produce section)

1.25 lbs ground chicken

1 can sliced water chestnuts (Asian food section)

For Sauce: 

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar (Asian food section)

1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey

2 tablespoons dark sesame oil (Asian food section)

For Serving: 

Bib or iceberg lettuce leaves 

chopped scallion

chopped cilantro

hot sauce like sriracha

Place sweet potatoes on large sheet pan and toss two coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside. (Can be done a day in advance)

In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Set aside. 

Place a large skillet or wok on the stove over medium high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot,  add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until just starting to get tender. Then add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, add chicken. Cook and stir all ingredients together, breaking up the ground chicken as well, until chicken is done. Add the water chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and sauce cook until warmed through and well combined. Turn off the heat. 

To serve, place lettuce leaves on the plate and scoop some of the meat mixture inside. Top with scallion, cilantro and hot sauce to taste. 

Note: You could make the filling in advance and then reheat later. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Roasted Chicken with Prosciutto, Provolone, & Spinach

I wish I could say that I am going to be back to developing new recipes on a regular basis soon, but in reality I do not have the time. we eat pretty simply and I have been going back to my archives on Forks & Amusement to change things up. So for some of you, these might be repeats but I wanted to share again recipes that I love that make for great family meals for your week. 

First up is this easy way to make your chicken breast more interesting. You can really use any cheese and meat that you want. Whatever you have on hand, throw it in, you cannot wreck it. Promise. 

Roasted Chicken with Prosciutto, Provolone, & Spinach

Forks & Amusement 2011

serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/4 inch thick

8 slices provolone cheese

4 slices prosciutto, thin

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

8 hot cherry peppers, deseeded and sliced (optional, try roasted red peppers if you do not like heat)

1 cup panko bread crumbs (in Asian food section, or you can use Italian style)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

cooking spray, like Pam

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place a cooling rack inside a large baking sheet.

Lay out chicken breasts and layer the toppings in this order on each breast: 2 slices provolone, 1 slice prosciutto, 1/4 of the spinach leaves, 1/4 of the peppers (if using).

Place the bread crumbs and the egg in separate flat dishes. Roll each breast up tightly, keeping ingredients inside. Roll in the egg to coat, then roll in the bread crumbs to coat. Place seam side down on the cooling rack in the baking sheet. Repeat with each breast.

Spray each with cooking spray all over and bake for 30-45 minutes (depending on size of breast) until cooked through. Place under the broiler for last 5 minutes to brown. Serve warm.

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin