Chili con Carne

Chile con carne is one of my favorite cold weather dishes. Over the years, I came up with the following recipe, that became my go-to recipe, but even this one keeps evolving.

Lamb and Fennel Stew

This quick and easy to prepare stew is the perfect dish for this season, when spring somehow refuses to fully arrive, yet the heavier winter’s stews are not as happily accepted.

Fennel is a wonderful vegetable, with a distinctive anise flavor, which is one of my favorites. Its fresh flavor pairs wonderfully with the relatively heavy lamb cut. To enhance this anise flavor, I’ve added fennel seeds and a bit of Ouzo, the Greek anise flavored liquor.

Lamb Stew with Tomatoes, Okra and Dried Apricots

This hearty and tasty lamb stew is very easy to prepare. Once all the ingredients are assembled in the pot, all that is needed is to bring it to the boil and then finish the cooking by baking it gently in the oven.
Served with fresh rustic bread or white rice (preferably Bastmai) it is the perfect dish for dinner on a chilly day.

Ossobuco with Red Wine and Citrus Gremolata

Ossobuco, a wonderful braised veal stew, is one of the best dishes for festive entertaining. It is easy to make and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.