Archive for the ‘5 Ingredients or Less’ Category
Crack Chicken (Slow Cooker)
October 5, 2017 Lee
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Crack Chicken (Slow Cooker)

Not exactly sure where this name comes from, and there is many versions of this, this is a Cream cheese version. Only four ingredients and one you can make from a shortcut. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 250 grams Cream cheese, this is 1 standard block
  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 125 grams bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease your slow cooker crock with butter. Place the chicken in the crock, top with the block of cheese on the chicken, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning mix.
  • Set the slow cooker to Low setting for 6 hours, giving a gentle stir at the 3 hour mark. At 6 hours the chicken should be fall apart tender, and shreds easily. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine the cheese then stir in the bacon.
  • Serve as is, on rolls, over pasta, and a bed of salad greens, etc.

Notes

Figure about 70 Baht for the chicken, 120 Baht for the Cream cheese, and 90 Baht for the bacon. For 4 servings, this is about $2.06 per serving.
Variant: 1. When serving on a sandwich roll, toast the roll, add the chicken mixture and top with a little Cheddar cheese.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Red Curry Shrimp
September 23, 2017 Lee
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Red Curry Shrimp

This is a Thai dish and is a bit on the spicy side. My wife, Rrayada made this today for a quick lunch for the family and step-daughter Ampair made a Thai Omelet to go with it.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Thai
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo shrimp, heads, shells, and tails removed
  • 2 handfuls clove basil leaves, rinsed, or Thai basil will work
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 2 tablespoons shrimp paste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a non stick pan and add the curry paste. This is real, hand made red curry paste here, this is spicy stuff, basically, Bird's Eye chilies, black pepper, red onion, garlic, and lemongrass.
  • Add the shrimp paste right after the curry paste. This is local made shrimp paste, shrimp and spices pounded in a mortar into a paste, very common ingredient in Thai cooking.
  • Mix and cook for just a few minutes then add the shrimp and mix into the curry and shrimp pastes, the shrimp will release water, then add the clove basil and mix that in, stir fry until the clove basil is good and wilted.
  • Serve, how easy was that? Good dishes to go with this is a Thai Omelet and rice.

Notes

Figure about 400 Baht for small white shrimp from Tesco, 2 kilos, removing the heads, peels and tails will give you about a kilo. Save all the scrap for shrimp stock later if you like and just freeze that. For 6 servings, this is about $1.97 per serving.
Watched my wife, Rrayada Thayer make this.
Thailand.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,: THAI,SEAFOOD - ALL,Seafood - Shrimp/Prawn
Simple Salmon
September 17, 2017 Lee
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Simple Salmon

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is your basic stove top recipe, and it could not be any easier. Only 4 ingredients and no quantities needed, figure 1 fillet per serving.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients
  

  • salmon fillets, or steaks
  • salt and pepper, as desired
  • extra light olive oil

Instructions
 

  • I used 3 skin on fillets from Tesco, each is 120 grams or about 4¼ oz. Rinse the fillets and check for and remove any stray scales and pin bones.
  • Season the flesh side with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a non stick pan on medium high heat, when hot, add the salmon skin side down. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, most of the cooking takes place with the skin side down.
  • As the color of the flesh on the sides of each fillet changes from the bottom upwards, and the skin is crispy, turn each fillet over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve with sides of your choice.

Notes

At 69 Baht for each salmon fillet, this is about $2.15 per serving.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,FISH - ALL,Fish - Salmon
Yellow Rice III (Rice Cooker)
September 17, 2017 Lee
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Yellow Rice III (Rice Cooker)

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Another variant to yellow rice, this is also turmeric based not saffron, and is a straightforward base recipe.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings as a side

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry white rice, rinsed
  • 1½ cups water
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add rice to your rice cooker, then add the turmeric, salt, and oil, stir until the rice is lightly coated with the oil and is yellow.
  • Add the water, cover, press Cook and when it switches to Warm, fluff with a fork, serve as a side dish.

Notes

Variant: 1. Replace the water with chicken stock.
5 Ingredients or Less,Seasoned Rice - Rice Cooker,Sides - Rice Cooker
Slow Cooker Whole Duck
September 5, 2017 Lee
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Slow Cooker Whole Duck

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Sounds good, and easy. Key thing is to elevate the duck above the bottom of the slow cooker and the Low temp setting on the cooker. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cheesecloth

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole duck
  • oranges, as needed, quartered
  • fresh carrots, as needed
  • onions, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Prep the duck by removing the giblets from the inside (if a local bought duck from an open market, remove the head, neck, and feet if they are still attached). Trim off any fat around the cavity open but do not discard, just set that aside, you will need that in a few minutes.
  • Rinse the duck inside and out. pat dry with paper towels. Place quartered oranges inside the duck, plus the fat you trimmed off. Close the cavity opening best you can with toothpicks.
  • Place several carrots cut in half lengthwise and/or onions that are peeled and cut in half on the bottom of your slow cooker, this is to keep the duck elevated above the bottom where the fat will collect.
  • Heat a large non stick pan and place the duck, breast side down in the pan, cook until the breast is lightly browned. Remove the duck from the pan and place breast side up on 2 layers of cheesecloth that is large enough to wrap around the duck, pick the duck up with the cheesecloth and set on top of the vegetable in the slow cooker, loosely push down the cheesecloth around the duck. Prick the skin, not the meat on the breast in several places, this helps allow the fat to render out but results in juicy meat.
    Reason for the cheesecloth is so you can lift the duck out without it falling apart when it is done cooking. This is a fall off the bone duck.
  • Cook on Low setting for 6 to 7 hours. Check the fat level at the 3 hour mark, remove excess fat if the duck is resting in the fat. Reserve the fat, great for cooking fried potatoes.
  • At 6 to 7 hours, check the duck for tenderness, should be fall off the bone tender, when ready, lift the duck out with the cheesecloth to a platter, serve.

Notes

I have to buy another duck, last time I bought one, I think it was 250 Baht, but I will verify this when I buy a duck. I will say fair value for now until I confirm the cost.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DUCK
Bottle Gourd Soup
September 4, 2017 Lee
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Bottle Gourd Soup

This is a standard Thai soup, very inexpensive. This is a side dish to a Thai meal. Measurements are estimates based on the size of the gourd you are using, my wife made this today and used about a 5 inch diameter gourd.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Thai
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle gourd, sliced into this pieces
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • salt, to taste
  • chicken stock powder, to taste

Instructions
 

  • As you slice up the gourd, place in a large bowl of water. Add the chopped onion to a medium size pot.
  • Drain the gourd slices and add to the pot. Add water to the pot and cover the gourd by about an inch, bring to a boil. Add chicken stock powder and salt to taste.
  • Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes. Spoon into a large bowl, serve, just that easy.

Notes

Low cost.
Variant: Boil some chicken when cooking to make the stock and to add a bit of meat to the soup.
Watched my wife, Rrayada Thayer make this.
Thailand.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,: THAI,SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI
Roast Red Pork (Char Siu)
September 3, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

Roast Red Pork (Char Siu)

Lobo Brand Seasoning Packet, Thailand.
This is Chinese in origin, but adapted to Thai cooking. This recipe is from a seasoning packet, as many westerners seem to be cautious with using these. This is straight forward and easy. And keep in mind, the Lobo brand packet has two packets inside for making this dish twice, cost savings right there. This packet is available in the US at most Asian markets. This is a very nice, mild flavor, the red is not from chili powder.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Chinese, Thai
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 600 grams pork loin, (about 1â…“ lb)
  • 1 packet package has 2 packets, Lobo brand package
  • ½ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Cut the loins into 1 inch thick strips about 6 to 8 inches long.
  • Mix 1 packet of seasoning in the ½ cup water in a shallow bowl, then add the pork loin in a single layer, turn the loins every 15 minutes or so. Marinate for 2-3 hours.
  • This is the package I use, excellent quality, Lobo brand.
  • Heat a large non stick pan on low heat, add the loin strips in a single layer, cover and cook for 5 minutes, turn over, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the lid and cook turning occasionally until tender, about 5-10 minutes more.
  • Transfer to a plate.
  • Slice and serve with rice, vegetables, and Roast Pork Gravy if desired (also available in Lobo brand).

Notes

Pork loin would cost about 75 Baht/600 grams. For 4 servings, this is about 56 cents per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,: CHINESE,: THAI,PORK
3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops II
September 3, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops II

This is a quick to put together meal. I will use pork loin when I make this, thick cut as well, that should work equally as well as chops. Several shortcuts to use as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops, thick cut, or loin chops
  • 2-3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Lightly butter the slow cooker insert. Place chops in the slow cooker, sprinkle chops with the ranch dressing mix,
  • Pour the condensed soup over the top. You can use either cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Do not remove the lid before 6 hours, check for tenderness, if tender, serve, if not continue cooking until 7 or 8 hours.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or pasta and gravy from the slow cooker and a vegetable for a complete meal.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcuts: Ranch Dressing Mix, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Provided by Slow Cooker Kitchen and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Pork - Slow Cooker
3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops I
September 3, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

3-Ingredient Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops I

This is a quick to put together meal with only 3 ingredients and two you can make from shortcuts for cost savings. I made this yesterday 14 Sep 2017 and used bone in pork chops I found in Tesco, thick cut as well, and wow is this good! I think thick cut pork loin would equally as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops, bone in, thick cut
  • 1-2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups chicken gravy, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Lightly butter the slow cooker insert. Place chops in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle chops with the ranch dressing mix.
  • Pour the gravy over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Do not remove the lid before 6 hours, check for tenderness, if tender, serve, if not continue cooking until 7 or 8 hours.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy from the slow cooker and a vegetable for a complete meal.

Notes

The pork chops I found at Tesco, thick cut, bone in, 250 grams each, were 160 Baht each making this about $4.70 per serving but these are so good I will make this once every 3 months, when I go to the city for my address report, I will look in Makro for these and the cost should be less. I will also test this recipe with just thick cut pork loin, which would make this a low cost meal.
Shortcuts: Ranch Dressing Mix, Chicken Gravy.
Provided by Slow Cooker Kitchen and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Pork - Slow Cooker
Kielbasa & Onions
September 2, 2017 Lee
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Kielbasa & Onions

Stephen Connell, United States.
This is an old classic. I remember this well, perfect with a side of mashed or boiled potatoes, egg noodles, or even better, fried yellow summer squash. In Makro there is what is called Spicy Smoked Sausage, very similar in taste to Kielbasa and is very good, there is also packages of what is called Sausage Scraps, those also contain this sausage.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Polish
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo Kielbasa sausage, or Spicy Smoked Sausage from Makro
  • 2 onions, sliced, separated into rings
  • 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut the sausage into ½ inch slices at an angle. Onions and sausage prepped, as well as some zucchini for another dish.
  • In a large non stick pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and butter, when hot, add sausage and onion.
  • Cook, stirring often, until the sausage is browned, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Ready to serve.
  • I served this with fried zucchini and egg noodles, perfect meal.

Notes

Fair cost per serving.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Pork - Sausage