Cooking Lessons for Dad

Cooking Lessons for Beginners

Welcome!

My name is Karen and I have created simple, healthy cooking lessons for my dad who decided he wants to learn how to cook. More About Me...

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal

by Leave a Comment

This Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal is an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal you can make right in your crockpot or slow cooker. The lentils are seasoned with warm Indian-inspired spices and cook until tender and delicious. Serve this comforting lentil dal over rice or with naan for an easy and satisfying meal.

Yield: 6

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal

Crockpot Indian-Inspired Lentil Dal
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 4½ cups water
  • 2 cups lentils
  • 3 cups onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1½–2 teaspoons cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons Kosher salt (or to taste)

Instructions

    1. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot except the
    garam masala. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the garam masala and reserve the remaining
    teaspoon for the end of cooking.
    2. Cover and cook on high for 2–2½ hours, or until the lentils are tender.
    3. Stir in the salt and the remaining teaspoon of garam masala. Adjust the
    seasonings to taste.
    4. Serve.

Notes

Try adding a (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes or 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for a brighter, deeper flavor.


Serve over rice or with naan.


For added color and nutrition, stir in chopped spinach or cilantro at the end
of cooking. 

© Karen Breyer

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

by Leave a Comment

These Tropical Pineapple Date Bars are naturally sweetened with dates, banana, pineapple, and orange juice. Made with oats, coconut, and walnuts, they feature a chewy oat crust topped with a delicious tropical fruit filling. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert whenever you’re craving a wholesome homemade treat.

Yield: 12 Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars

Tropical Pineapple Date Bars
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oat flour (blended oats)
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mashed banana
  • 1 cup orange juice (more if needed)
  • 1 (20-ounce) can unsweetened crushed pineapple
  • 2 cups chopped dates

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend enough oats to make 1 cup oat flour.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt.
4. In another bowl, mix together the banana and orange juice.
5. Combine the juice mixture with the dry ingredients. If needed, add more orange juice to make the oat mixture hold together.
6. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking pan. Set aside.
7. Add the pineapple and dates to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently. Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened.
8. Spread the thickened fruit mixture over the oat mixture.
9. Top with the remaining oat mixture.
10. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fruit bars begin to brown.

Notes

You can use other nuts in place of the walnuts.
To make the oat flour, blend enough old-fashioned oats to make 1 cup.
If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water. Drain before adding.

© Karen Breyer

Strawberry Sauce

by Leave a Comment

This easy strawberry sauce is naturally sweet with no sugar added and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for everyday meals and works well on pancakes, waffles, French toast, or peanut butter toast.

Yield: 6 servings

Strawberry Sauce

Strawberry Sauce
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups strawberries, sliced, halved, or whole (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (12-ounce) can apple juice concentrate
  • 1½ cups water, divided
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch

Instructions

    1. In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, apple juice concentrate, and 1 cup of the water. Stir to mix.
    2. Place the pan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
    3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. While the mixture is simmering, mix the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup of water in a small bowl or cup until dissolved.
    5. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
    6. Stir the cornstarch mixture again to make sure it is smooth, then slowly pour it into the strawberry mixture, stirring constantly.
    7. Return the pan to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
    8. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
    9. Serve the strawberry sauce warm or chilled.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, mash some of the strawberries or blend part of the mixture using an immersion blender.
  • Try this Strawberry Sauce over toast with peanut butter for a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack.
  • It’s also great on pancakes, French toast, waffles, and more.
  • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

© Karen Breyer

Crockpot Indian Spiced Lentils

by Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off meal, these Crockpot Indian Spiced Lentils are a great option. Everything goes right into the crockpot, making it simple to prepare without much effort.

This recipe is warm, savory, and full of flavor using easy-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect served over rice or alongside naan for a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy day or just want something simple and healthy, this is a recipe you can come back to again and again.

Crockpot Indian Spiced Lentils

Crockpot Indian Spiced Lentils
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups dried lentils
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions

    1. Add all the ingredients into the crockpot
    except the garam masala. Stir to combine.
    2. Cook on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until
    the lentils are tender.
    3. Stir in the garam masala at the end of
    cooking.
    4. Serve.

Notes

Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Serve over rice or with naan for a complete meal.
You can use regular or petite diced tomatoes.

Recent Posts