Caldo Verde

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Grade: A-

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Best of America's Test Kitchen 2009

I really don't know where this recipe can be found. I just got the lastest Best of book, and this version does not give the original source of the recipe. I assumed it came from the International cookbook, but I don't see it in there. There was a somewhat similar recipe in the Best 30 minute cookbook, but more streamlined.

Regardless of the source, I know I liked it, although the final product was a bordering on being too salty. Probably from the sausage. I acutally used half the called for chorizo, which works fine, IMO since it is so flavorful. Anyway, this is a simple soup, with chorizo, kale and potatoes and nice to have on a cold day. I will make this again when I find the chorizo on sale.

The only time consuming thing here is that you need to peel the potoates. Mine were small so it added to the time. Otherwise, a simple recipe.

Spicy Pasta Bake with Chorizo

Total Time: 28 minutes

Grade: A-

Make Again: Yes (modified)

Recipe Source: Cook's Country (February 2008)

I did modify this recipe a bit to make lighter (less sausage, cream, broth and cheese) and it was still very rich and good. I used a larger can of tomatoes and would do that again. I think I would even skip the cheese and baking, because there is enough flavor from the spicy tomatoes and chorizo, and I don't want a quick and easy dish like this to be so rich.

There was more sauce than I needed, so I think this is what I would do in the future:

4 oz horizo sausage , halved lengthwise and sliced thin
1 onion , chopped fine
4 garlic cloves , minced
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups water
1 (15-ounce) can Petite Diced tomatoes with chilies
1/4 cup heavy cream
12 ounces penne pasta
Salt and pepper


~ Saute onion and sausage. Add garlic saute until fragrant. Add broth, tomatoes, water, cream, Penne and 1/2 t. salt and pepper each. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until pasta is tender.

30-Minute Black Bean Soup

Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Grade: B

Make Again: Probably not

Recipe Source: Best 30-Minute Recipes

This was fine, but I didn't love it as much as the long cooking version. Since the long version is not hard, it just takes time, I don't mind doing that one, and will probably stick to that recipe instead. Especially because it freezes so well, that I can have the leftovers when I need a quick meal.

Skillet Sopa Seca

Total Time: 30 minutes

Grade: A

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Best 30-Minute Recipes

This is good and similar to a Cover & Bake recipe for Sopa Seca that I reviewed earlier, although is finished a little faster. In a way prefer being able to finish in the oven, but this one is done faster.

I MUST REMEMEBER to stop using my skillet and use my Dutch oven instead. I am having a lot of trouble with these 30-minute skillet suppers fitting in my pan and it is making cooking a little bit stressful and messy. I am using the asked for 12", but perhaps mine is a bit small.

I used half the amount of called for chorizo, because that was all I had, and I think I would always do it this way, because the chorizo has a strong flavor. I used the cured kind, not the crumbly kind that is easier to find at the store.

I also substituted cheddar for the jack cheese, and kindney beans for the black beans because that was what I had on hand. It was a clean out the fridge and pantry dish for me today.