Allen Cooks Simple

Allen Cooks Simple I'm Allen and I love to cook! I share simple recipes and cooking tips.✅Follow me for yummy eat 💖

04/16/2026

Greek yogurt + mixed berries + honey drizzle → freeze 4 hrs → snap & eat! 🍓☀️

This Haitian Savory Rice and Beans recipe is a family favorite! My friend always says it reminds her of her grandmother'...
04/12/2025

This Haitian Savory Rice and Beans recipe is a family favorite! My friend always says it reminds her of her grandmother's home cooking. It's so full of flavor; you'll want to make it again!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried kidney beans (or black beans)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
- 1 green onion, chopped for garnish

Instructions:
1. Rinse the kidney beans and soak them in water overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
2. Drain the beans and put them in a pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Add salt towards the end of cooking.
3. Once the beans are cooked, remove them from heat and keep 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid.
4. In another pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the rice to the vegetable mixture and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is coated and slightly toasted.
6. Stir in the cooked beans (with their liquid), thyme, allspice, pepper, and bay leaf. If using vinegar, add it now.
7. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is done and tender.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
9. Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.

Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of coconut milk to the cooking liquid! This adds a lovely richness. Enjoy your delicious Haitian Savory Rice and Beans!

My family loves this healthy chicken pasta salad! It's a fresh and tasty meal that's easy to whip up any day of the week...
04/12/2025

My family loves this healthy chicken pasta salad! It's a fresh and tasty meal that's easy to whip up any day of the week.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese for topping

Instructions:
1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and chicken.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything gently until well mixed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. If desired, sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Tip: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's perfect for lunches or quick dinners! Enjoy your healthy meal!

"My family can't get enough of this dish! We make it at least twice a month, it tastes just like summer in Mexico!"Ingre...
04/12/2025

"My family can't get enough of this dish! We make it at least twice a month, it tastes just like summer in Mexico!"

Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, add the corn and cook for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
4. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and half of the queso fresco.
5. Slice the chicken and place it on a serving plate. Top with the corn mixture and drizzle with the mayo mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining queso fresco on top and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Tips: You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. This dish is excellent for gatherings—everyone loves it!

"My family loves this one-pan dish! So easy to make and clean up, plus it's packed with flavor!"Ingredients:- 1 pound of...
04/12/2025

"My family loves this one-pan dish! So easy to make and clean up, plus it's packed with flavor!"

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sausage (Italian or your choice)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion to the skillet.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
5. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Tip: This dish is great for using up any leftover veggies you have in your fridge! Just chop them up and throw them in for extra flavor and nutrition. Enjoy!

This casserole is a game changer! It's packed with flavor and perfect for those nights when you want something healthy b...
04/12/2025

This casserole is a game changer! It's packed with flavor and perfect for those nights when you want something healthy but satisfying.

Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, riced
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and stir for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
4. Stir in black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings like avocado and sour cream.

Tips:
- You can make your own cauliflower rice by pulsing florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to make it even healthier!

Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Cauliflower Rice Taco Casserole!

"My kids love these burritos! Perfect for a camping breakfast and so easy to make. Never a leftover!"Ingredients:- 4 lar...
04/12/2025

"My kids love these burritos! Perfect for a camping breakfast and so easy to make. Never a leftover!"

Ingredients:
- 4 large tortillas
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: salsa or hot sauce for serving

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced bell peppers and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the eggs into the skillet with the peppers and scramble until cooked through.
5. Stir in the cooked sausage or bacon and shredded cheese until melted.
6. Remove the skillet from heat.
7. Lay out the tortillas and divide the egg mixture evenly among them.
8. Roll the tortillas up to form burritos, tucking in the ends.
9. If desired, wrap the burritos in foil and warm them over the campfire or grill for a few minutes, or serve right away.
10. Serve with salsa or hot sauce if you like a bit of spice!

Tip: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and just heat and wrap them when you're ready to eat. Perfect for a quick breakfast!

"My best friend shared this recipe with me, and now we have it every weekend! The soy garlic flavor is just amazing."Ing...
04/02/2025

"My best friend shared this recipe with me, and now we have it every weekend! The soy garlic flavor is just amazing."

Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for better flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the leftover marinade.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
6. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips:
- Marinating the chicken overnight will give it an even richer flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice and fresh vegetables for a delightful meal.
- You can also cook this chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes if you don't have a grill.

"My friends couldn't believe how easy these mini quiches were to make! We devoured them in no time during our movie nigh...
04/02/2025

"My friends couldn't believe how easy these mini quiches were to make! We devoured them in no time during our movie night!"

Ingredients:
- 1 package of wonton wrappers
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup diced vegetables (like bell peppers, spinach, or onions)
- 1 cup diced cooked meat (like ham, bacon, or sausage) - optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
3. Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, forming a cup shape.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle some cheese in the bottom of each wonton cup.
6. Add a few pieces of vegetables and meat (if using) into each cup.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings until just full.
8. Top with remaining cheese.
9. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the egg is set and the tops are golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin.

Tip: You can customize the fillings based on what you have at home! They also freeze well, so make a batch for a quick snack later. Enjoy your mini quiches!

"My whole family loved this! It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, and it's super easy to make!"Ingredients:- 2 cups cooked brow...
04/02/2025

"My whole family loved this! It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, and it's super easy to make!"

Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender.
4. In a bowl, layer cooked brown rice as the base.
5. Top the rice with the chicken mixture, corn, and black beans.
6. Add diced avocado on top, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Tip: You can customize this bowl with your favorite toppings like cheese or salsa! Enjoy a delicious fiesta any day of the week!

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