[Christmas dishes] Perfect for the day! Easy, delicious, and stylish meat main dishes and snack recipes

Hello. I am Ayumi Nakaganji, a chef.

This year, the temperatures were high for a long period of time, so I didn't really feel like the end of the year was approaching, but before I knew it, it was already Christmas.

What should I make for Christmas? If you haven't decided on the menu yet, we'll introduce you to some main dishes that you can prepare on the day, as well as simple and stylish snacks.

This is also a great recipe for potluck parties.

1: Just in time for Christmas! "Pork and Beans Stewed in Tomato Sauce"

This delicious tomato stew uses chickpeas. It won't fall apart easily, so you can make it the day before.

It's rich in protein and very filling.

Image: Ayumi Chuganji

[Ingredients] (Serves 2)
Spare ribs・・・250g
Chickpeas (boiled)・・・130g
Onion・・・1/2
Cherry tomatoes...5 pieces
Garlic (minced)・・・1 clove
Salt...1/2 teaspoon
A Tomato paste (can be substituted with tomato puree)...8g
A Water・・・100ml
A bay leaf...1 sheet
A Chili powder... appropriate amount
Olive oil... a moderate amount
Black pepper...appropriate amount

<How to make>

(1) Sprinkle salt on the spare ribs and let them sit. If you have time, place them in a plastic bag, remove the air, and leave for a day.

(2) Cut the onion into pieces the same size as the chickpeas.

(3) Heat olive oil in a large pot with a lid and brown the pork. Add the garlic and onion and stir fry briefly.

(4) Add A, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas (including their juices) to (3), cover, and place on medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for about 30 minutes.

(5) Add salt (not included in the recipe) to taste.

(6) Serve in a bowl and sprinkle with black pepper.

Boiled beans often contain salt in the cooking liquid, so be careful with the salt content. If you use tomato paste instead of canned tomatoes, you can instantly create a sweet and rich dish. Using cherry tomatoes also adds freshness and depth to the flavor.

You can also serve it with lightly toasted baguette. This time, I served it with saffron rice. Making saffron rice is very easy, as long as you have access to saffron.

Image: Ayumi Chuganji

Put the washed rice and water (both not included in the recipe) in the rice cooker as usual, add a pinch of saffron and let it brown for about 20 minutes. Once the color has come out, mix it all together lightly and then start cooking.

2. "Broccoli Cheese Dip" is a great snack with a fun texture

A snack made with anchovies and seasonal broccoli. Easy to make, just mix together. The saltiness of the anchovies adds a nice accent.

It also makes a great snack for Christmas. The green color of the broccoli won't fade even if you prepare it in advance, so it's great to make it the day before guests are coming over.

Image: Ayumi Chuganji

[Ingredients] (Serves 2)
Broccoli・・・50g
Cream cheese・・・40g
Milk... 1 teaspoon
Anchovies...2 pieces
Black pepper...a little
Baguette... appropriate amount

<How to make>

(1) Boil the broccoli in small florets, drain in a colander, and then finely chop it when it has cooled. Finely chop the anchovies as well.

(2) Put the cream cheese in a bowl and let it come to room temperature (or put it in a heat-resistant container and microwave it at 600W for 10 seconds). Add the milk and soften it.

(3) Mix (2) with broccoli and anchovies thoroughly.

(4) Place on a plate, sprinkle with black pepper, and serve with toasted baguette.

The trick is to boil the broccoli until it's a little firm.

Just because it's Christmas once a year doesn't mean you have to worry. Have a wonderful Christmas by making good use of easy recipes and takeout food. (Text by Ayumi Nakaganji)
*This article contains information current at the time of publication.

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