PLOT SPOILER:
This is not a post about the joys of hanging out with friends, listening to the Grateful Dead, and eating brownies.
Rather, I was fortunate to snag some fresh herbs from momma's garden before heading back to Nashville after a long weekend at the lake. So, what's a man to do with so many great (free) ingredients? Throw a dinner party, right? Lame, I know.
![](../../../-X1NKaZW2r_Q/Tepo7Q68BII/AAAAAAAAAlE/QQAfoq7Tei0/s400/IMG_3698.JPG) |
Top Left Clockwise: Oregano, Thyme, Mint, Basil |
The truth is, I hate letting things go to waste. A few days passed by before my guilty conscious started to get the best of me. After all, I knew I had to put these herbs to use. I decided to pull together a gathering of some of my closest friends for an evening of great food, wine, and Southern hospitality.
Because the temps outside are hovering around 95 degrees F, I wanted to create a relatively 'light' meal. Greek inspired cuisine immediately came to mind. Thus, welcome to my fresh herb explosion dinner. I promise that if you follow these recipes, add in some red wine, some fresh herbs of your choosing, and about 5 of your best looking friends, it will surely be a hit.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Wine: Pinot Noir/Beaujolais
Soundtrack: Ryan Adams & The Cardinals III/IV
Let's get to work!
![](../../../-KfUYLEl95Lc/Tepq4cmvjbI/AAAAAAAAAlI/s7VIWtqBvQY/s400/IMG_3704.JPG) |
Tzatziki - a refreshing sauce with plenty of fresh mint. |
Tzatziki Sauce
2 Cups Plain Greek Yogurt
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Cup Cucumber, grated
1 Lemon, juiced
3 Tablespoons Fresh Mint, minced
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Add the first six ingredients into a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Cover, and keep in fridge until ready to serve.
![](../../../-6LFwPZQEXBk/TepuXPdzywI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ot8cgSQwe-A/s400/IMG_3702.JPG) |
Prepped Lemon + Oregano Potatoes in Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Cookware |
Lemon + Oregano Roasted Potatoes
1 lb Gold, Purple, Blue Potatoes, quartered
1/4 Cup Fresh Oregano
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Lemon, juiced
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a casserole dish, add the first four ingredients and mix until combined. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Roast in oven until tender and slightly browned, 45 - 50 minutes, stirring on occasion. Serve.
![](../../../-eTGeuR-g3Gw/Tepu2Bwx1AI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/e5u9oWKO09w/s400/IMG_3728.JPG) |
Finished product: Lemon + Oregano Roasted Potatoes |
Tomato + Cucumber + Red Onion + Feta + Basil Salad
4 Large Vine Ripened Tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 Cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 Medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
4 oz Crumbled Feta
1 Handful Fresh Basil Leaves
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Add the first seven ingredients into a serving bowl and mix until evenly coated and combined. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Mix, cover, and keep in fridge until ready to serve.
![](../../../-I5cCCr0Tx-0/Tepwbfn7a6I/AAAAAAAAAlU/nouNT9uYFwY/s400/IMG_3711.JPG) |
Tomato + Cucumber + Red Onion + Feta + Basil Salad |
Beef + Chicken Kefta
![](../../../-TLAmnuMXBmE/TepyhSKWu_I/AAAAAAAAAlY/PtgqUVl2J2w/s400/IMG_3713.JPG) |
Beef Kefta Patties |
Beef
1 lb Ground Chuck
1 Small Onion, grated
3 Tablespoons Fresh Mint, minced
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper
1 Lemon, juiced
![](../../../-7Zqr8eYPuGs/TepyyFqRQHI/AAAAAAAAAlc/WA8nX4dEGjw/s400/IMG_3717.JPG) |
Chicken Kefta Patties |
Chicken
1 lb Ground Chicken
2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme, stems removed
1 Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Teaspoon Fresh Cracked Pepper
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Allspice
In separate mixing bowls, add ingredients for beef and chicken and mix until well combined - wash hands. Make chicken patties - wash hands - make meat patties. Heat separate cast iron skillets over medium high heat, add extra virgin olive oil to coat pans. Cook patties for 4 - 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Serve.
![](../../../-yJG0OYXfRUY/TepzGFoGz-I/AAAAAAAAAlg/PqWZROR8_LI/s400/IMG_3718.JPG) |
Ready for service: Beef + Chicken Kefta Patties |
And just like that, dinner is served. Enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!
![](../../../-WOjzsnJIuqw/TepzZishBtI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Hln6UUoYfCY/s400/IMG_3724.JPG) |
Entertaining with Herbs |
No comments:
Post a Comment