Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Tonight, we're crafting a truly unique and flavorful dish: 7 Brew Nightshade. Inspired by the bold and slightly mysterious flavors found in the popular 7 Brew coffee chain's Nightshade drink, this recipe transforms those tantalizing notes into a surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend experiment, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your healthy meal repertoire.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities as needed.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Tortillas (corn or flour), for serving
- Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Let's get started!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bell pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve hot in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired heat.
- Meat Substitute: Ground turkey or even lentils can be substituted for the ground beef to make this a vegetarian or vegan-friendly dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and jalapeños will significantly enhance the flavor profile.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Variations on the Nightshade Theme:
- Creamy Nightshade: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamier texture.
- Cheesy Nightshade: Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese over the top before serving.
- Breakfast Nightshade: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and serve with scrambled eggs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This 7 Brew Nightshade recipe is a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and adaptable. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to find your perfect Nightshade creation! It's a fantastic homemade cooking experience, sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and flavorful food recipes.