Category Archives: Recipes

Farro Salad

Five “Farr-Out” Reasons to Love Farro + Two Great Recipes to Try!

Spring Farro and Castelvetrano Salad full size

As you plan your next meal, why not try cooking with farro, the ancient grain with tremendous health benefits?

Farro is a whole grain wheat, larger than barley grain and possessing a similar taste. It’s very simple to cook on a stovetop, also great when prepared in a rice maker or a pressure cooker. It’s often used as an alternative to rice or pasta for all the nutritious qualities it contains.

Interested yet? Check out our top five reasons to love farro:

#1 Great Way to Up Your Vitamin B3 & Magnesium Intake
Farro is an excellent source of Vitamin B3, instrumental in improving your body’s metabolism. It’s also a great choice for your daily dose of Magnesium, which strengthens your blood pressure, bone strength, and overall cardiac health.

#2- This Supergrain is Rich in Anti-Oxidants
The anti-oxidants present in farro help prevent degenerative diseases and general cardiovascular problems.

#3 Great Source of Protein
Yes, it’s true! Farro contains about 15% protein, with 7 grams of protein found in a single serving!

#4 Cholesterol-Free
Not only is farro cholesterol-free, a full bowl has 8 grams of cholesterol-lowering fiber in it! An excellent choice for anyone watching their weight.

#5 Contains Complex Carbohydrates
The complex carbohydrates present in farro extend its digestion time, thus leaving you with more energy throughout the day.

So now you know why you should be cooking with farro but you may be wondering how to cook with it?

Consider these easy-to-make recipes below using Jeff’s Garden line of certified non-GMO olives & peppers as an entry point into the delicious world of farro.

 

Farr-Out Recipe #1: Castelvetrano Spring Farro Salad

Recipe: Castelvetrano Spring Farro Salad
Prep Time: 10 min   Total Time: 25 min   Serves: 4-6

Chefs Note:  Feel free to play with this recipe and use any vegetable or herb in season.  Asparagus, green beans, thyme or basil would all be wonderful. It will taste the best when the produce is the freshest!

Farr-Out Recipe #2: Farro Salad with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Farro Salad with Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives, Apples and Roasted Garlic
Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min | Serves: 4-6

 

For more delicious and healthy recipes head on over to our Recipes page.

End of Summer Cookout Recipe Tips

Kick Off Summer with these 20+ Cool Cookout Ideas

Memorial Day Weekend, traditionally known as the unofficial start of summer, is coming up and that means cook-out season is here! Why not kick things off with a summer cook-out for friends and family featuring crave-worthy dishes made with Jeff’s Garden Premium olives, peppers, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes! Whether you are hosting your own bash or have been tasked with bringing a side dish to one, these delicious potluck/cookout ready ideas are fool-proof. Get inspired, light up the grill and get cooking!

 

Fast & tasty party appetizers

Hot off the grill

Quick & delicious side dishes that will impress

 

Spicy Turkey Chili

Fresh From Jeff’s Garden: Savory Turkey & Butternut Squash Chili

Now that the cooler temperatures are upon us, it’s time to enjoy the delightful savory flavors of fall! This simple one-pot meal is perfect for warming up and savoring seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and roasted red peppers. Whether you need a quick and wholesome weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish for game day- you deserve to indulge in this comfort food favorite.

Jeff’s Savory Turkey & Butternut Squash Chili
Prep Time: 7 min.
Total Time: 40 min.
Serves: 4-6

Spicy Turkey Chili

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 chili seasoning packet
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups Marinara Sauce
3 cups cubed butternut squash, peeled
1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
½ jar Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, roughly chopped

Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños.

PREPARATION
In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stock pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, add onion and cook another 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 20 minutes or until squash is cooked and tender.

Serve hot with toppings of your choice.

Fresh From Jeff’s Garden: Grilled Portobello Sandwich

This month, we’re featuring a sandwich that is both delicious and packed with nutrients. This Grilled Portobello Sandwich is so hearty and tasty, even hardcore meat-eaters will love it!

Grilled Portobello Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS
1/2 c. aioli
1 jar Jeff’s Garden Marinated Artichoke Hearts (drained)
2 T. Jeff’s Garden Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers (diced)
1 T. grated lemon zest
4 medium Portobello mushroom caps
4 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp pepper
1 French baguette
4 slices provolone cheese
1 small bunch arugula (stems discarded)

PREPARATION
Heat a grill on medium-high. Brush the olive oil on to the mushroom caps and season with salt & pepper. Grill until tender, 4-6 minutes.

Cut the baguette into 4 equal portions. Combine the aioli and lemon zest. Spread onto the inside of the baguette.

Cut the grilled mushroom into 1/2” thick slices. Layer the mushrooms, cheese, artichoke hearts, and peppers evenly among the sandwiches.

Wrap the sandwiches in heavy duty aluminum foil. Place them back on the grill for 5 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Divide the arugula among the sandwiches. Serve immediately, while still hot.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus (1)

11 Feel-Good Snack Ideas

It happens to all of us. Some days, the lunch you had hours earlier is not cutting it. You need good snacks and you need them fast! It’s always a good idea to keep a list of quick “last minute” easy snack ideas on hand so you can stay focused on more important details.

Before you go for that bag of chips you’ll feel terrible about later, try some of these easy “feel-good” snack ideas using Jeff’s Naturals.  These simple combinations can be put together in just minutes and will satisfy that hunger until dinner time.

 

1. Create a quick antipasto platter using Garlic Stuffed Olives, Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Red Bell Peppers along with your favorite sliced deli meats and/or cheese.

2. Lightly chop Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and toss with olive oil and capers. Spoon mixture over a soft cheese (or cream cheese) and serve with pita chips.

3. Make a plate with Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, feta cheese, hummus and sliced pita bread or pita chips.

4. Serve Castelvetrano Olives as a quick and addictive snack by themselves or alongside Spanish Marcona almonds and Manchego cheese.

5. Make a refreshing salsa with Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and lime juice. Serve with organic tortilla chips.

6. Top toasted baguette slices with ricotta cheese, minced rosemary, red grapes and Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives for a quick and delicious crostini.

7. Nosh on Garlic Stuffed Olives , Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini and/or Pitted Castelvetrano Olives right out of the jar!

8. Chop Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives and/or Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives and sprinkle on hummus. Enjoy with your favorite sliced veggies!

9. Mix ripe avocado(s) with diced red onion, Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, and lemon juice for a knock-out guacamole. Serve with your favorite organic tortilla chips or sliced bread.

10. Arrange sliced Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini on a small plate with sliced fresh mozzarella and julienned fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

11. Combine diced Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers with sour cream, lime zest, minced cilantro and hot or mild chili powder for an addictive taco dip to serve with tortilla chips.

We could list so many more ideas! What about you? What’s your favorite snack idea using Jeff’s Naturals? Need more inspiration? We’ve added new appetizers, cocktails and side dish recipes to our recipe page for your enjoyment!

 

Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini

Wholesome and Delicious Greek 7-Layer Dip

Tired of the same old heavy layered dip and chips? Bring something new to the table!

The chefs in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen have created an irresistible seven-layer dip with a Mediterranean twist the whole crowd will love! This “feel-good” appetizer contains wholesome ingredients like our non-GMO, minimally processed line of olives and peppers.

With simple ingredients like creamy hummus, Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, feta cheese and the zesty zing of Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini – this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your next party. This dip can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for several hours. Add parsley and olive oil right before serving.

Serve with pita chips or sliced pita bread, or make it a gluten-free appetizer and serve with gf crackers, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, and peppers! Enjoy!

Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini
Greek 7-Layer Dip with Peperoncini

JEFF’S DELICIOUS ALMOST FAMOUS GREEK 7-LAYER DIP 
Prep Time: 15 min.
Total Time: 15 min.
Serves: 4-6

INGREDIENTS
2 cups organic hummus
1 cup organic Greek yogurt
2 green onions, sliced thin
½ cup, Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and chopped
½ cup, Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and chopped
¼ cup organic crumbled feta cheese (2oz.)
1/3 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini drained,
2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle on top

PREPARATION
Spread the hummus evenly in a glass 8×8 pan or serving dish.

Next, layer the ingredients in the following order: yogurt, green onions, Kalamata olives, red peppers, feta, peperoncini, and chopped parsley.

Drizzle with olive oil and serve with sliced bread, pita chips, or cut veggies.

 

Grilled_Hot_Dogs_Double_Pepper_Slaw

All American Grilled Hot Dogs with Pepper Slaw

The weather is warm and “cook-out season” is here! We’re ready to fire up the grill and celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, and food. Want to know our secret ingredient for a great gathering? Delicious hot dogs with this crowd-pleasing pepper slaw!

This zesty slaw features not just one, but TWO delicious flavors of from our vibrant selection of mild and spicy peppers. No matter what’s on your cookout menu this 4th of July, Jeff’s Naturals will make it shine.

This simple slaw can be served with hot dogs, burgers, in tacos or as a stand-alone side dish. For more inspiration, go to our recipe page to find more ways Jeff’s Naturals will make your summer barbecue even better! Grilled Hot Dogs with Double Pepper Slaw

 

Prep Time: 6 mins.
Total Time: 15 mins.
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
¼ medium head of cabbage, shredded; about 2 cups
¼ cup small diced red onion
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños, drained
1 cup Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 hotdogs
6 hot dog buns
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Optional toppings: mustard and ketchup

PREPARATION
Heat grill over high heat until very hot.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; season hot dogs with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

Grill hot dogs for about 5 minutes or until nicely blistered and charred. Place grilled hot dogs in bun, add about 1⁄2 cup of pepper slaw to each dog and any other condiments of your choice.

Medi Grilled Platter

Fresh from Jeff’s Kitchen: Mediterranean Grilled Platter

Got the summer blues? The chefs at Jeff’s Garden want to help you take an exotic Mediterranean vacation right from your backyard grill. This crowd-pleasing Mediterranean Grilled Platter combines the bold flavor of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Artichoke Hearts with delicious grilled veggies and chicken breast (not to mention it’s much easier and less expensive than an actual Mediterranean vacation).

Don’t forget the Mediterranean way of eating is among the healthiest diets in the world. Get ready to get your grill on!

Medi Grilled Platter

Mediterranean Grilled Platter

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. chicken breast, pounded out to about 1” thick for even cooking
1 medium eggplant, cut into ½” slices
2 small zucchinis cut in half
1 c. Jeff’s Garden Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained and cut into large chunks
1 jar Jeff’s Garden Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained
1 lemon, halved
½ c. fresh ricotta
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1 medium red onion, cut into ½” rounds
Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
Salt & pepper, to taste
Serve with 1 box Couscous, cooked to package instructions

PREPARATION
Preheat grill to high heat. On a large baking tray, season chicken and veggies with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil to lightly coat the chicken and veggies. Grill chicken on each side for about 5 minutes and remove from grill and set aside. Grill the veggies for 5-10 minutes until charred and tender. Once all veggies are cooked, remove from grill and cut into large chunks.

Grill the lemon briefly until it has grill marks. Cut the chicken into half-inch slices.

To plate; place couscous on a large platter. Neatly arrange the sliced veggies, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, and Artichoke Hearts. Add dollops of ricotta throughout the dish and sprinkle with thyme. Place chicken on platter, squeeze the grilled lemon over top with a nice drizzle of olive oil and serve!

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Hurrah, picnic season is here! Whatever your next excursion is, whether it’s a day at the beach or the pool, an evening at an outdoor concert, or a just a relaxing afternoon at the park, picnics are the perfect way to savor summer! That’s one of the reasons why the chefs in the Jeff’s Naturals kitchen are working to create simple, easy-to-transport, delicious picnic-ready recipes for you and your family to enjoy.

This Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich is reminiscent of dining al fresco here in California’s wine country. It’s feast for all senses and has all the ingredients for the perfect picnic dish. Enjoy!

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Napa Valley Picnic Sandwich

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 mins
Serves: 4

Marinated onions

INGREDIENTS
1 small red onion
4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. sugar

PREPARATION
Thinly slice the onion. In a medium-sized mixing bowl toss the onion with the vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Sandwich
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños (drained)
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives (drained & thinly sliced)
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts (drained)
8 oz. salami
8 oz. Black Forest ham
1 c. shaved Parmesan
2 c. mixed salad greens
1 baguette

PREPARATION
Slice the baguette into 4 equal size pieces, and begin to layer the salami and ham. Add the jalapenos, and olives. Once the onions have marinated, drain the liquid and add the onions to the sandwich. Finish with the artichoke hearts, mixed greens and shaved parmesan.

Sensational Salads to Celebrate National Salad Month!

Did you know that May is National Salad Month? You do now! We’re celebrating by sharing secrets to creating fabulous and refreshing salads using unique ingredients. Here are some tasty tips to punch it up and wake up your palette with these sensational salads. Be inspired and be healthy!

Start with Leafy Greens to build your base.

Fig Salad with Blue Cheese Olives
Look for dark leafy greens packed with important nutrients like folic acid – think baby spinach, kale, arugula or a spring mix that includes a variety of dark greens.

Pile on colorful fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs!

Citrus and Olive Salad
As a general rule of thumb, the more seasonal and local your vegetables are, the better (think Farmers Markets). This is the perfect time to indulge in a multitude of fresh seasonal fruits, veggies, and herbs.

Add Protein

Salad Nicoise

Adding protein to your salad like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, water-packed chunk light tuna, wild-caught salmon, lean steak or turkey breast can make your salad more satisfying. If you wish to skip the animal protein, cubed tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, beans or other legumes are great alternatives.

Don’t overdo it with the “extras”

Castelvetrano salad
Toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, shredded cheese, croutons, dried cranberries or raisins and salad dressings are fantastic on salads but have the potential to pack in too much fat and calories if you aren’t careful. For less fat and more flavor in your meals, think about adding something zesty and flavorful to your salad like Sliced Peperoncini or Jalapeño Stuffed Olives.

Here are some more salad tips to inspire you:

  • Toss Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with chilled cooked pasta, sliced Kalamata Olives and Marinated Artichoke Hearts for a colorful and delicious pasta salad.
  • Toss pitted Castelvetrano Olives with mixed baby greens, orange sections, shaved fennel and a light lemon vinaigrette for a beautiful and refreshing salad.
  • Toss Marinated Artichoke Hearts with salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette.
  • For a tangy vegetarian version of a classic Caesar salad, use Capers in place of the traditional anchovies.
  • Toss Spicy Italian Olive Antipasto, along with its marinade, with romaine lettuce and tomato wedges. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and top with crumbled feta cheese for a super quick and delicious salad.
  • Toss pitted Kalamata Olives with feta cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, olive oil and red wine vinegar for a refreshing Greek salad.
  • Add diced Jalapeño Stuffed Olives to a Southwestern black bean salad.
  • Toss Sliced Peperoncini into a mixed green salad for an extra punch of flavor.
  • Add Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers to salads for a boost of color and flavor.
  • Arrange Roasted Bell Pepper Strips on a serving plate along with sliced fresh mozzarella and julienned fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Avocado Toast Sampler

Tasty Avocado Toast with a Delicious Twist

We love avocado toast in the morning, at lunch, in the afternoon, for a late evening snack or appetizer. You can never go wrong with this tasty and simple snack idea. As perfect as we think avocado toast is, why not elevate it by adding wholesome Mediterranean ingredients like from our all-natural line of olives, peppers, artichoke hearts, capers and sun-dried tomatoes?

This “toast with a twist” is light enough for spring and summer gatherings but hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Get creative and prepare one topping or all of them for a vivid and tasty sampler!

AVOCADO TOAST SAMPLER

Avocado Toast Sampler
Prep Time: 10 min.Total Time: 20 min.Serves: 16

INGREDIENTS
1 small baguette (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large ripe avocado
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Toppings (each tops 4 toasts):
2 teaspoons Imported Non-Pareil Capers, drained
2 slices smoked salmon, about 1 ounce
1 extra-large hard-boiled egg, sliced
2 tablespoons Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons crumbled feta
2 teaspoons lemon zest

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°. Slice baguette diagonally into sixteen ½-inch slices. Brush both sides with the olive oil. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until golden, about 8 minutes.

Halve avocado lengthwise and remove pit; scoop flesh into a small bowl. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper and mash to a chunky paste. Spread on toasted bread. Top with your preferred topping (or all of them!) along with a dash of coarse salt.

Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagne

Fresh From Jeff’s Kitchen: Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

For busy families, the slow cooker can be a real time and energy saver. There is nothing more comforting than coming home and having a delicious, hot meal ready to for the whole family to enjoy. This slow-cooker vegetable lasagna recipe makes for an easy dinner and puts a nutritious and delicious Mediterranean twist on a comfort food classic. All you will need are some fresh veggies from your local farmers market or grocery store and some everyday pantry items like marinara sauce, lasagna noodles and of course,  jars of your favorite Jeff’s Naturals Mediterranean pantry staples.

This recipe calls for Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, but feel free to add your own flavors like Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives,  Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Marinated Artichoke Hearts and more!

Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagne
Sometimes a classic recipe needs a little extra something! Try layering your favorite lasagna with sliced peperoncini for a new dimension of flavor.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

INGREDIENTS
4 c. or 2 jars marinara sauce
2 c. water
2 zucchini, diced into 1/2″ cubes
1 medium onion, diced
1 yellow squash, diced into 1/2″ cubes
1/2 eggplant, diced into 1/2″ cubes
16 oz. Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained
30 oz. ricotta cheese
1 tsp oregano
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
16 oz. lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready)
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
non-stick spray
Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large saucepan, bring the marinara sauce and 2 c. water to a simmer. Add the zucchini, onion, squash, eggplant and peperoncini and stew, on low, for 5-10 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta, oregano, parmesan and mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.

Spray the inside of a 2.5 qt. casserole crock pot* with non-stick spray and spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Place the lasagna noodles on top in a single layer. Some overlap is fine.

Spread about 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top, then spoon the vegetable and sauce mixture on top of that. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this process two more times, ricotta, vegetables and sauce and mozzarella cheese.

On the top layer, place lasagna noodles, the remainder of the sauce and vegetables, then mozzarella cheese.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley (optional) and serve warm.

Jeff's Naturals Loaded Sweet Potato

Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner: Jeff’s Naturals Loaded Sweet Potato

Back in November, we asked our fans to submit their favorite recipe & photo using Jeff’s Naturals products for a chance to win some cash and some Jeff’s Naturals goodies. Lucky for us, Emily from One Lovely Life  shared her delicious and super simple Black Bean & Chipotle Stuffed Potato recipe and photo. “One of my favorites,” she writes. “Such an inexpensive and easy meatless dinner. Use your favorite taco toppings to build an amaaaaazing potato.”

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy our Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños. It also reveals Emily’s fail-proof method for baking the perfect sweet potato. Read One Lovely Life’s post, 6 Amazing Ways to Stuff a Baked Sweet Potato for more creative ideas.

Black Bean & Chipotle Stuffed Potato

Recipe by One Lovely Life
Note: There are no measurements to track, all you have to do is stuff your potato according to your individual tastes.

Jeff's Naturals Stuffed Sweet Potato

 

Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes (however many you’d like to bake)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Black beans
Avocado
Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Baby tomatoes (optional)
Jeff’s Naturals Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños (optional)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Wash all potatoes and stab with a fork or a knife several times each (6-8 times at least).

Rub each potato with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and place on baking sheet to prevent spills. You can place them directly on the rack if you like.

Bake 45-60 minutes, or until you can pierce them easily with a knife.

Make a slit lengthwise end-to-end across the top and fluff the inside with a fork. Stuff with toppings: black beans, avocado, peppers, Chipotle Ranch Dressing and (optional) tomatoes & Jalapeños.

Visit One Lovely Life for more delicious ideas and recipes.

How Can I Rock Pasta Night with Jeff’s Naturals?

When it comes to fast and easy weeknight dinners, pasta reigns supreme. Pasta is one of the most versatile ingredients and pairs well with any of our Jeff’s Naturals Mediterranean pantry staples. Whether it’s a light, summery pasta salad or a heaping bowl of comfort food (like Spinach & Artichoke Mac ‘n Cheese mmmmmmm) there is a pasta dish to match every mood and occasion.

We put together a list of a few of our favorite pasta ideas you can put together in a pinch.

In a rush? Try this pro tip from Serious Eats: You don’t have to wait for a huge pot of water to boil. Using a skillet and just enough water to cover the noodles is a better way to go.

Here are some more pasta recipes you may want to add to your repertoire.  Click on the image to get the recipe. Enjoy!

Pasta-Nicoise

Mediterranian-Salad-1

Rigatoni_with_Puttanesca_Sauce_cropped

Roasted Lemon Cauliflower Pasta

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma.

How to Conquer Fast Weeknight Dinners

Roasted Tomato Sauce with Pasta- Photo @Vegetarianmamma

If you’re like most people, you’re probably have a lot on your plate and the idea of putting dinner on the table for your family each night seems like a daunting if not impossible task. However, we all know that making time for family meals during the week is important. Multiple studies have demonstrated that a family who spends just 20 minutes at the dinner table each night is likely to spend less money on food, have better eating habits, better grades, and experience less stress overall.

We know your schedule is tight, especially during the week, so we wanted to share a few tips for making quick, quality meals that help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. These simple meal ideas using Jeff’s Naturals pantry staples will help create family friendly dinners on the fly!

  • Roughly chop Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives, scatter over grilled steak and drizzle with a bit of the wine and herb marinade.
  • Combine Jeff’s Naturals Imported Non-Pareil Capersin a hot pan with butter, lemon juice, and white wine for a classic Chicken Picatta.
  • Sautée Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts with minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine for a quick, delicious pasta sauce.
    Pour an entire jar of NVB Italian Olive Antipasto, marinade and all, over a pot roast and braise for several hours until the meat is tender.
  • Stuff a chicken breast with Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Hearts and goat cheese, coat with seasoned breadcrumbs and bake until nicely browned and cooked through.
  • Stir Jeff’s Naturals Marinated Artichoke Heartsinto a creamy risotto, along with grated Parmesan cheese and finely grated lemon zest.
  • Substitute your usual black olive with diced Jeff’s Naturals Garlic Stuffed Olives on your next taco for a twist with some added color.
  • Toss diced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with hot cooked pasta, minced garlic and fresh basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
  • Simmer minced Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs for a light pasta sauce with intense tomato flavor.
  • Add pitted, sliced Pitted Castelvetrano Olives to hot couscous, along with salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, sliced green onions and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
  • Use sliced Jeff’s Naturals Jalapeño Stuffed Olives as a unique, spicy filling for tacos, burritos and quesadillas or as an unexpected topping for classic nachos.
  • Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil, toss in a handful of sliced or pittedJeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives and a cup or two of diced tomatoes. Simmer and serve over chicken or fish with a garnish of minced fresh herbs.
  • For a quick, satisfying meal, toss sliced Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives with hot pasta and a dash of olive oil Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
  • For a special soup, add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Pepper Strips to sauteed onions and garlic along with broth and a diced potato. Simmer until potato is soft, puree until smooth, add heavy cream and season to taste.
  • Add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and sliced Yellow Bell Peppers to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.
  • Pour an entire jar of Jeff’s Naturals
    Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, brine and all, over a pork roast and braise for several hours until the meat is tender. Shred the meat and use as a scrumptious taco filling.
  • Make a spicy chicken quesadilla by layering shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced grilled chicken and sliced Jeff’s Naturals Sunshine Mix Mild Banana Pepper Rings into a large flour tortilla. Cook in an oiled skillet to melt the cheese.

It’s possible to come with great meals, even during hectic weeknights. Browse our recipe page for more quick, delicious, family-pleasing dishes!