….because a girl can’t live on cake alone! (or can she?)
I’ve been on a savory kick lately, mainly because my mom’s been doing all the cooking and I’ve been doing all the eating. Tonight will be a rude awakening when I get home, open my fridge looking for chicken parmesan or pulled pork leftovers and all I find is a stale bagel.
Yeah…I’m on my way home to California right now if you haven’t guessed.
That being said, I’ve made it a personal goal to make more savory dishes this year! And to kick it all off, here are my top five favorites.
These chicken and biscuits complete me. There’s really not much else to say.
This white chicken chili is probably the number one requested recipe on ELR and probably the number one recipe that Adam requests for dinner! I make this once every few weeks and it makes me feel domestic.
Adam just made this marinated cedar plank smoked salmon the other night if you missed it! It won my dad over. It won me over. You need to make this…stat.
If white chicken chili is the number one savory recipe requested on ELR, these chicken and green chili enchiladas easily take second place. This is my mom’s recipe (obviously) and it’s so simple that you’ll want to smack yourself. And then make it again tomorrow.
I make this channa masala pretty regularly. It simple, it’s fast and it’s delicious. Plus, it’s even better the next day. When I’m feeling frisky, I’ll bake some homemade naan to go with it. Yum.
…..now the big question is, what are YOU cooking for dinner tonight?
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
January 5, 2011 at 5:10 amThat white chicken chili is absolutely to DIE for. We love that stuff.
Marie @ PeoniesnCupcakes
January 5, 2011 at 5:13 amHow I wish we could live on cake & nothing else! That would be fabulous! I made Turkey meatballs with sundried tomatoes & marinara on the weekend & ate them for leftovers. They were even better the next day & I sopped up all the goodness with some garlic bread! YUM!
The chana masala & the salmon look so amazing!
Lauren at KeepItSweet
January 5, 2011 at 5:17 amYum, so many delicious looking dishes! I really want to try the channa masala!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
January 5, 2011 at 5:19 amI’ve been wanting to make your white chicken chili for months now.
I’m convinced I can’t go another day without making it 🙂
safe travels home 🙂
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
January 5, 2011 at 5:19 amYour homemade Naan looks out of this world.. Chana Masala is one of my favorite dishes ever.
Stacy @ Every Little Thing
January 5, 2011 at 5:20 amI’m definitely going to make the enchiladas and the chili! That chili looks great.
Tonight, we’re having pork chops with pears and bleu cheese and I’m making your mom’s sweet and spicy beans!! haha
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
January 5, 2011 at 5:21 amWhatever I cook won’t be nearly as impressive as those dishes!! But I would happily eat any of them :).
Safe travels Jenna!
Lindsey @ Dishes'N'Diapers
January 5, 2011 at 5:22 amThe chicken and biscuits will be on our dinner table very soon! I’m excited to see what savory dishes you come up with! I’m always trying to think of more exciting ways to eat fish, maybe you could help me out with that? Thanks!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
January 5, 2011 at 5:26 amYummmm. I think I’m going to make a lentil loaf tonight. I’m excited! Have a safe trip home and stay away from stale bagels! 😛
Blog is the New Black
January 5, 2011 at 5:27 amI’ve been on a savory kick, too. Def want to try that white chicken chili! If it’s half as good as your buffalo wontons, I’m sold!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
January 5, 2011 at 5:31 amthese are all amazing…but i have to say your lemon-brown sugar chicken is a top one for me! your recipes never let me down 🙂
Bethany @Bridezilla Bakes
January 5, 2011 at 5:32 amWe make BOTH the chana masala as well as your enchiladas regularly — I love adapting that enchilada recipe, it’s such a good base!
I’m making a crispy tofu stir fry tonight. Can’t wait!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
January 5, 2011 at 5:32 amWhite chicken chili sounds delicious! And now I really wish I had the ingredients in my fridge because I’d really like it to be my dinner tonight! 🙂
megan @ whatmegansmaking
January 5, 2011 at 5:38 amCan’t believe I’ve never tried any of those recipes! The chili is calling to me.
I just made chicken stew with dumplings the other night and oh my gosh. It’s a 30 minute meal and it is SO GOOD! Seriously, i have to type that in caps, that’s how good it is. It will be on permanent rotation in our house!
Emily
January 5, 2011 at 5:50 amI’m excited to see more savory dishes!!!!
And tonight, we’re having whole wheat gnocchi (TJ premade kind – I’m cheating) with shrimp, asparagus and pesto…
Ann @ Day by Day
January 5, 2011 at 5:53 amYou’re inspiring me to cook some real food. I love cooking but I’m so basic- pretty much all I do is roasted vegetables or soup/salad/sandwich (or oatmeal if it’s in the morning). Hmm… add it to the New Year’s Resolutions list (which I haven’t actually made yet?).
Stephanie P @ Living and Loving
January 5, 2011 at 5:57 amThis morning before heading off for work, I was looking in the pantry thinking about dinner (i’m weird like that) and couldn’t think of anything to make. But now, it looks like i’m making white chicken chili!!! YUM!
Camille
January 5, 2011 at 6:02 amThese all look great!
Unfortunately, dinner tonight will consist of whatever is easiest to throw in to my mouth when I get home from a 9 hour school day at 5pm 🙁
Amanda (Eating Up)
January 5, 2011 at 6:02 amI’m cooking…nothing! Haha I have classes from 3-9 tonight with no break in between. It’s sandwich time!
Amalfi Girl (EatRunHaveFun!)
January 5, 2011 at 6:06 amI think I may have to make tuna cassarole, because more than anything all of your top 5 savory dishes scream comfort food (except for the salmon, which screams gourmet 5 star restaurant), and I love comfort food. Tuna cassarole (which I make with just tuna, olive oil mayo, sweet green peas, shredded carrots, tons of black pepper, some salt and some egg noodles or whole wheat pasta) is up there with my fav’s. 🙂
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 6:23 amwow, your tuna casserole sounds soo good! I might have to try it 🙂
Jen @ She said. She said.
January 5, 2011 at 6:12 amI have made your channa masala and love it!
Tonight I’m making an African Peanut Stew – in the crock pot. It’s a new recipe, but looks tasty – sweet potatoes, red beans, veggies, diced tomatoes, green chiles, stock, peanut butter, limes and crushed peanuts.
I am going to give Adams salmon a whirl….as soon as my grill is not covered with snow!
Kristin (Cook, Bake, Nibble)
January 5, 2011 at 6:20 amWell I was going to make fried tempeh but now I really want chana masala 🙂
Julie (Food & Other Things)
January 5, 2011 at 6:24 amI feel the same way about chicken and biscuits! I might have to make your recipe for dinner tonight!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
January 5, 2011 at 6:29 amTonight? Either Asian Vegetables and Tofu in Coconut Curry, or a salad with pork, orange, and fennel.
We’ll see how I feel tonight. 😉
Nelly
January 5, 2011 at 6:34 amI’m gonna try my hand at a big ol’ STEAK. I just stopped being vegetarian after almost 12 years, so I have a lot of time to make up for.
Also, I promise to try that cedar salmon before the month is up! As soon as I can find a plank. My normal grocery store is kinda ghetto and I don’t think they keep them on hand ;P
Taylor
January 5, 2011 at 6:37 amMmm I love that chili!! I have my eye on those chicken and biscuits too 🙂 tonight I have crunchy honey chicken on the menu…
Stephanie
January 5, 2011 at 6:38 amI brought all the ingredients over Christmas Break to make White Chicken Chili for my parentals and ended up not having enough time. So I left the recipe and ingredients there and the next day got a call from my mama telling me how much they worship it now. 🙂
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:29 amawww yay!
Natalia - a side of simple
January 5, 2011 at 6:38 amHmm.. I was planning on diving into some frozen cake…but maybe I’ll hold off until dessert 😉
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:29 amfrozen cake is always a really good idea in my book.
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
January 5, 2011 at 6:38 amMaybe those enchiladas. They’re kind of calling to me in my pre-breakfast hunger.
kate
January 5, 2011 at 6:40 amI need to make that white chicken chili. Ive been drooling over it for years! Its time to sieze the day!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
January 5, 2011 at 6:54 amI’m not making dinner tonight. I basically had a nervous break down yesterday after going back to work this week and told him “the last thing I want to do when I get home is make you dinner!”
He’s making me dinner for the first time today. I’m a little scared, a little anxious, but I know he’ll do great.
Gabby (Quest for Delicious)
January 5, 2011 at 6:58 amNot sure about dinner, but I’m thinking to find a good gluten free recipe for lunch. My friend recently cut out gluten and I want to make something we can both eat. Suggestions anyone? (:
M Brown
January 5, 2011 at 7:00 amI was just watching When Harry Met Sally this weekend and I was thinking to myself how young and adorable Meg Ryan looked in that movie. I then started to think that she looked like someone I knew and you popped into my head! I know that I obviously don’t know you, but I am a regularly reader of your blog and see your picture all the time. Anyways, I’m not sure if anyone has told you that you look like her in that movie, but I definitely do! Thanks for all the great recipes! I especially love your mushroom risotto!
Baking 'n' Books
January 5, 2011 at 1:11 pmOh my gosh – YES! I am trying to figure out who Jenna reminds me of too…this could be “one” that I’m thinking of…hmmm
Susan @ Mom Swim Bike Run
January 5, 2011 at 7:01 amToday is my husband’s birthday. There will be BEEF (MEN!) and cake… no brownies (his fave).
betsy
January 5, 2011 at 7:13 ami made your mom’s beans last night and they were the bomb! can’t wait to dig into the leftovers today for lunch!
Karen
January 5, 2011 at 7:17 amIt just so happens that I am planning to make your Chana Masala tonight! As you say, so easy and so flavorful…a regular and a favorite in my household!
Safe travels, Jenna!
Rachel Wilkerson
January 5, 2011 at 7:17 amThat white chicken chili is SO GOOD, as are your mom’s enchiladas. I need to try the channa masala too!
Anyway, looking forward to more savory recipes — I like sweets, but I’m definitely a savory (or sweet + savory) girl!!
Rochel
January 5, 2011 at 7:20 amDinner tonight looks like it’ll be homemade pita, foul mudammes, and tabouleh – per the husband’s request. But, your channa masala is calling my name…
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:29 amcan I come over?
Michele
January 5, 2011 at 7:26 amI made chicken wrapped with sage & prosciutto… sauteed & roasted asparagus!! Delicious!
Alina
January 5, 2011 at 7:30 amI am eating out tonight, but I am a huge fan of garlicky gingery stir-fries.
Nicole
January 5, 2011 at 7:34 amI just ate breakfast, but now I’m hungry again! Not exactly sure what I’m making, but the channa masala is looking very tasty.
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
January 5, 2011 at 7:35 amtonight…brocooli cheese soup. Best ever. As for my personal favorite of yours…definitely channa masala! But if I get around to making those chicken and biscuits soon….well….I think they might grab top honors!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Michelle
January 5, 2011 at 8:00 amThe chicken and biscuits is one of my favorite dinners ever ( and my kids love it too). It so dang good!! The enchiladas are next on my list! Happy New Year Jenna!
Whitney
January 5, 2011 at 8:01 amHelp! This is kind of off topic, but I need a healthy dish or “appetizer” to take for food day in my office. Any ideas? I wanted to be creative.
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:28 ambuffalo chicken wontons? The recipe is on the recipe journal page…or homemade hummus? I feel like everyone does that though. Maybe a spicy white bean dip?
Paige
January 5, 2011 at 8:07 amI just made your white chicken chili on Monday! So great! Your chana masala is also one of my favorites.
Tonight I’m cooking chicken tortilla soup for me + my dad. I’m visiting him in Dallas + I say when in Texas…cook Tex-Mex!
Laughter-Loving Stacy
January 5, 2011 at 8:19 amLast night I made turkey meat loaf (healthy version), and it was actually really good! I loooove chili, so maybe I’ll make the white chicken chili if my pantry permits? 🙂 🙂
Jill
January 5, 2011 at 8:21 amI also made the white chicken chili on Monday … so excited to have such great leftovers for the rest of the week! And that channa masala was to die for when I made it a few months ago. In fact … I’ve loved each and every one of your recipes I’ve tried. Thanks for such yummy food!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
January 5, 2011 at 8:24 amOk you have just convinced to me make that white chicken chili! I may make half with and half without chicken for a veggie option but either way, I am making it! 🙂
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:28 amtry it with just beans! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
January 5, 2011 at 8:29 amI LOVE homemade enchiladas! So delicious. For my easy weeknight dinners, I’ve made crunchy buffalo tenders (with homemade blue cheese dressing!) and lightened up penne alla vodka – 2 solid, easy options!
Becki @ Hike, Bike, Eat
January 5, 2011 at 8:33 amI keep telling myself that I’ll make some of your other savory recipes, and then end up making the chana masala over and over and over. I may have an addiction…
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:27 amchanna masala FTW!
Cat
January 5, 2011 at 8:34 amI’m making white bean, kale and prosciuottto soup tonight! I’ve been slowly using your recipes, though, to make my new(ish) boyfriend swoon. And yeah, it’s definitely working! Pretty sure that the next thing on the list is your enchiladas. Your chicken and biscuits are already a staple in my repertoire, so thanks for that 🙂
jenna
January 5, 2011 at 9:27 amyay! report back and tell me how everything is
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
January 5, 2011 at 8:40 amLove it – I’ve been wanted to make your channa masala forever…2011 will be the year. haha
Angie
January 5, 2011 at 8:47 amI’ve made your chicken and biscuits twice and it was delish both times. I will have to make your chili and enchiladas ASAP!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
January 5, 2011 at 8:48 amTonight I am making Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon. It is my last day of Christmas holidays so I thought I would spend it making a nice, and time consuming dinner for the husband and I to enjoy 🙂
Rae
January 5, 2011 at 8:50 am*drooling* over those chicken and biscuits…holy yum!!
Tonights veggie night at the homestead….got some black bean soup simering in the crock with homemade cornbread….really good upstate NY food for winter 🙂
Jaime Ramsay
January 5, 2011 at 9:45 amWow – you just gave me food ideas for the next few weeks! Yum! Tonight is chilli con carne spruced out with loads of fresh vegetables. I’m craving fruit and vegetables so much after a fatty fatty christmas! 🙂
Errign
January 5, 2011 at 9:47 amYum. These all look so good – though admittedly, I’m in a let’s eat fattening foods & watch cute movies mindset at the moment. 🙂 Nothin’ a night of cupcakes, chocolate, wine & chick flicks can’t help!
Clare @ Fitting It All In
January 5, 2011 at 9:52 amYUM! I think I’m going to make a variation of a recipe I saw on Gabriela’s blog — a tofu/kale/tomato/nutritional yeast casserole of sorts!
Katherine: Unemployed
January 5, 2011 at 10:48 amI like that you put salmon and channa masala in there; usually people associate stews and buttery sauces and decadent and savory. these are great items for your list!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking
January 5, 2011 at 11:02 ami’m going out for dinner with some old friends tonight, but if i was staying at home, i’d go for a bowl of oatmeal. seriously. i have been wanting to eat it for every meal lately! 🙂
Janna
January 5, 2011 at 12:52 pmYum. Definitely going to make that Chana Masala one of these days!
Tonight I`m making a cheesy brown rice casserole and a roasted veg salad.
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
January 5, 2011 at 1:58 pmthanks for introducing me to these scrumptious dishes! I look forward to making the famous white chicken chilli and the salmon in particular 🙂
Heidi xo
kaila
January 5, 2011 at 2:32 pmim sitting down with some BLT stew! recipe’s on my site! It is outstanding and perfect for a cold winter night!
Carolyn @ one lazy bride
January 5, 2011 at 2:45 pmWell, I just heated up some soup tonight, but last week I made your channa masala and it was delicious! And learning about pince-ing was fun too – I feel like a professional chef now.
The enchiladas look amazing, but I’m a vegetarian- perhaps some kidney beans instead?
Maria @ The Fitted Apron
January 5, 2011 at 2:48 pmEverything looks amazing!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
January 5, 2011 at 4:08 pmMy mom makes an awesome white chicken chili, but I’m going to have to try yours too! 😀
Tonight I made a Vegan Walnut Apple Lentil Loaf from “Clean Food”. I am eating it right now and “Mmm”ing with every bite!
Camille @ La Bella Vita
January 5, 2011 at 4:40 pmThat white chicken chili looks delicious! I am a lucky girl and the hubby is cooking pineapple chicken for me. Yum…
Christina
January 5, 2011 at 5:59 pmI have made cedar plank salmon only once, as part of our 4th of July menu. It was absolutely delicious and you just reminded me that I need to make it more often!
Lacey @ Lake Life
January 5, 2011 at 6:49 pmJust saved your chicken chili recipe to my faves 🙂
To answer you question, tonight I made a shrimp stir fry that I added rice noodles to instead of rice!
Pam (Holistic Health Coach)
January 5, 2011 at 6:52 pmLove the chicken enchiladas recipe! I have made it for my husband several times and now he can even make it himself 🙂
I’m a big fan of savory dishes, can’t wait to see what you come up with. I have cedar plank on my list of things to buy asap.
Amber K
January 5, 2011 at 7:26 pmHomemade black bean burgers, potato wedges, and a steamed medley of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Yum.
Lisa @ Dishes of Mrs. Fish
January 5, 2011 at 8:01 pmThis popping up in my google reader made me to decide we’re having White Bean Chicken Chili tomorrow night instead of whatever lame dish I planned. WBCC is my husband’s favorite!
P.S. This is the third post with an enchilada on it that I’ve seen today. Which means, this weekend…I’m makin’ your mama’s enchiladas. 🙂
michelle
January 5, 2011 at 8:50 pmI made your chicken enchilada recipe tonight and my family LOVED it. My husband usually complains that the enchiladas I make are too dry…but these were super saucy and delicious!
notyet100
January 5, 2011 at 11:55 pmspinach and potato curry with chapati
Charise
January 6, 2011 at 8:37 amMy versions of pretty much all those things are favorites around our house too!
Last night’s dinner was a curried lentil soup with roasted cauliflower on the side … another staple, easy to make when I’m crazy busy.
Fi
January 6, 2011 at 2:04 pmGenerally I crave savoury over sweet after Xmas.ultimate savoury kick for me is chicken wrapped in bacon with roast potatoes and dark greens. X
Liana @ femme fraiche
January 8, 2011 at 12:59 pmYour naan looks like it came straight from an Indian restaurant!! I love the look of that creamy white chicken chili…such a great healthy version. For dinner tonight, I’m letting the chef at the restaurant do the work for me;) Happy weekend.
corinne
January 11, 2011 at 7:25 amI just made your white chicken chili last night. ooooo baby. You are not insane, this is the best thing ever. I can see why its the most requested recipe on your blog and by Adam and why it has become such a go to recipe. Looking forward to the leftovers this wk!
jenna
January 11, 2011 at 11:36 amyay!! So glad you liked it 🙂
whitney
January 19, 2011 at 6:00 amI just wanted to give credit where credit was due. My husband and i LOOVE your white chicken chili. It is seriously hard for both of us to stop at two bowls. Yes, i said two bowls 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!!
jenna
January 19, 2011 at 7:41 amlove that!