Careme Recipes

Location: Quality Food Center - Bellevue East (1510 145th Pl SE)

Ground Lamb Tomato Ragù Pasta with Garlic & Rosemary

A hearty winter pasta with plenty of meat: browned ground lamb in a rosemary-garlic tomato ragù, tossed with pasta and finished with a little cheese. No lemon/dill/cream profile and not mushroom-forward.

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb (1 lb) 1 lb $9.99 (sale)
  • Pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti) 8 oz (half a 1-lb box)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Roma Tomatoes (16 oz) 1 can crushed tomatoes (14–28 oz) or 2 cups chopped $3.99
  • Fresh Onions – Peruvian Gold Sweet Onion (3 lb bag) 1/2 medium onion, finely diced $5.49
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 3 cloves, minced $2.79
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp (plus more if needed)
  • Dried rosemary (or Italian seasoning) 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika (optional) 1/2 tsp
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan or Pecorino 1/3–1/2 cup, grated
  • Pasta water 1/2–1 cup reserved

Instructions

  1. Start pasta water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Brown the lamb: Heat a large skillet over medium-high with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add lamb and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until deeply browned. Season with pepper and a pinch of salt. If there’s lots of fat, spoon off a bit (leave ~1 tbsp for flavor).
  3. Build the base: Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, rosemary, and paprika/red pepper flakes (if using) and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Simmer ragù: Stir in crushed tomatoes plus 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 12–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy. Taste and adjust salt.
  5. Cook pasta: Boil pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  6. Toss: Add pasta to the ragù with 1/4–1/2 cup pasta water. Toss 1 minute to coat and gloss up the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
  7. Finish & serve: Off heat, stir in half the cheese. Plate and top with remaining cheese.

Health notes: ~700–900 kcal/person depending on pasta/cheese. High protein and iron; add a romaine side salad to balance.

Drink pairing: Wine: Washington Sangiovese, Syrah, or a medium-bodied Cabernet Franc.

Oven-Roasted Soy–Ginger Sockeye Salmon with Winter Cabbage–Cucumber Salad & Sautéed Snow Peas

Bright, savory-sweet sockeye with a soy-ginger glaze (no miso) that bakes quickly in the oven. Served with a crunchy winter cabbage–cucumber salad and quick sautéed snow peas.

Ingredients

  • Sockeye salmon (already purchased) 2 fillets (about 10–14 oz total)
  • Organic Green Cabbage (1 lb) ~1/2 small cabbage, thin-sliced (about 4 cups) $2.49
  • Organic Cucumber (1 ct) 1/2 cucumber, thin-sliced $1.49
  • Kroger® Brand Snow Peas (8 oz) 1 bag $3.89
  • Organic Ginger Root 2 tsp, grated (divided) $5.99/lb
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 2 cloves, minced (divided) $2.79
  • Soy sauce (or tamari) 2 tbsp
  • Honey or brown sugar 2 tsp
  • Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 tbsp (divided)
  • Olive oil (or neutral oil) 2 tbsp (divided)
  • Toasted sesame oil (optional) 1 tsp
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice (optional) 1 cup cooked, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment.
  2. Make the glaze: whisk soy sauce, honey, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and sesame oil (if using).
  3. Bake salmon: place fillets skin-side down. Brush with glaze. Roast 8–12 minutes (depending on thickness) until just cooked. Optional: broil 1 minute at the end to caramelize the top—watch closely.
  4. Cabbage–cucumber salad: toss cabbage and cucumber with 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining ginger, a pinch of pepper, and a small pinch of salt (go light; soy sauce is salty). Let sit while salmon finishes.
  5. Snow peas: heat a skillet on high with 1 tbsp oil. Add snow peas and a pinch of salt; sauté 2–3 minutes until bright and lightly blistered. Add remaining garlic for the last 20–30 seconds.
  6. Serve salmon with salad and snow peas (over rice if you want a fuller meal).

Health notes: ~520–680 kcal/person depending on whether you add rice. High omega‑3s and lots of veg; use low-sodium soy sauce if needed.

Drink pairing: Wine: dry Washington Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. Beer: crisp pilsner.

Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Shoulder over Couscous with Cucumber–Dill Salad

Fast, cozy, and deeply satisfying: tender lamb shoulder simmered in a North African–style tomato sauce with warm spices, then piled over fluffy couscous. A cool cucumber-dill salad on the side keeps everything bright and winter-fresh.

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Natural Lamb Shoulder (1 lb) 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes $11.99 (sale)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Roma Tomatoes (16 oz) 1 can crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups chopped tomatoes if you prefer) $3.99
  • Fresh Onions – Peruvian Gold Sweet Onion (3 lb bag) 1/2 medium onion, diced $5.49
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 2 cloves, minced $2.79
  • Organic Ginger Root 1 tsp grated (optional but excellent) $5.99/lb
  • Organic Cucumber (1 ct) 1 cucumber, diced $1.49
  • Simple Truth Organic® Baby Dill (0.5 oz) 2 tbsp chopped $2.79
  • Couscous 3/4 cup dry
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • Cinnamon 1/8 tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Lemon (optional) 1/2, for salad and finishing
  • Plain yogurt (optional) 2 tbsp for cucumber salad (or use olive oil + lemon)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Pat lamb dry and season with 1 tsp salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon.
  2. Brown the lamb (stove): Heat a pot or deep skillet on medium-high with 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown lamb in a single layer (do in 2 batches if needed) 3–4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic (and ginger if using) for 30 seconds.
  4. Simmer: Add tomatoes plus 1/2 cup water. Return lamb and any juices. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender and sauce is thick. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
  5. Couscous: While lamb simmers, bring 1 cup water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  6. Cucumber-dill salad: Toss diced cucumber with dill, a squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp yogurt (or a drizzle of olive oil if skipping yogurt).
  7. Serve: Spoon lamb and sauce over couscous. Add cucumber-dill salad on the side (or on top for contrast).

Health notes: ~700–850 kcal/person. High protein; moderate fat (lamb). Lots of flavor without needing heavy cream; add extra veg (carrots/kale) if you want more fiber.

Drink pairing: Beer: a malty amber ale. Wine: WA Grenache/Syrah blend works beautifully with cumin/coriander.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Fuji Apple-Dijon Glaze & Garlicky Green Beans

A weeknight grill win: juicy pork tenderloin with a sweet-tart apple pan-glaze (made right on the stove) plus quick sautéed green beans with garlic. Winter apples in WA make this taste extra fresh and seasonal.

Ingredients

  • Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin (1 lb) 1 lb $3.99 (sale)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Fuji Apples – 2 Pound Bag 1 large apple (about 8 oz), grated or finely diced $4.99
  • Fresh Onions – Peruvian Gold Sweet Onion (3 lb bag) 1/4 onion, finely diced $5.49
  • Kroger® Fresh Trimmed Green Beans Bag (12 oz) 12 oz $4.49
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 2 cloves, minced (divided) $2.79
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Butter (optional) 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar) 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tsp
  • Honey or brown sugar 1–2 tsp (optional, to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Dried rosemary or thyme 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prep: Trim silver skin from tenderloin if needed. Pat dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and rosemary/thyme. Set grill for medium-high heat (about 400–450°F).
  2. Start the apple glaze (stove): In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 2–3 minutes. Add 1 minced garlic clove for 30 seconds.
  3. Simmer the glaze: Add grated/diced apple, 2–3 tbsp water, vinegar, Dijon, and honey (if using). Simmer 6–10 minutes, stirring, until jammy. Whisk in butter if using. Taste and adjust salt/acid/sweetness.
  4. Grill the pork: Grill tenderloin 14–18 minutes total, turning every 3–4 minutes, until it reaches 145°F in the thickest part. During the last 2 minutes, brush with some apple glaze to lacquer. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Cook green beans (stove): While pork rests, sauté green beans in a skillet on medium-high with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender and blistered. Add remaining minced garlic for the last 30 seconds; toss and remove from heat.
  6. Serve: Slice pork into medallions. Spoon extra apple glaze over the top and serve with garlicky green beans.

Health notes: ~550–700 kcal/person. Lean protein; good fiber if you keep skins on apples and add extra beans. Glaze has a bit of sweetness—easy to reduce if desired.

Drink pairing: Wine: Washington Riesling (dry/off-dry) or a crisp WA Chardonnay. Beer: a crisp pilsner.

Shopping list
  • Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb (1 lb) 1 lb
  • Pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti) 8 oz (half a 1-lb box)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Roma Tomatoes (16 oz) 1 can crushed tomatoes (14–28 oz) or 2 cups chopped, 1 can crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups chopped tomatoes if you prefer)
  • Fresh Onions – Peruvian Gold Sweet Onion (3 lb bag) 1/2 medium onion, finely diced, 1/2 medium onion, diced, 1/4 onion, finely diced
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 3 cloves, minced, 2 cloves, minced (divided), 2 cloves, minced, 2 cloves, minced (divided)
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp (plus more if needed), 2 tbsp, 2 tbsp
  • Dried rosemary (or Italian seasoning) 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika (optional) 1/2 tsp
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 tsp
  • Salt to taste, to taste, to taste
  • Black pepper to taste, to taste, to taste, to taste
  • Parmesan or Pecorino 1/3–1/2 cup, grated
  • Pasta water 1/2–1 cup reserved
  • Sockeye salmon (already purchased) 2 fillets (about 10–14 oz total)
  • Organic Green Cabbage (1 lb) ~1/2 small cabbage, thin-sliced (about 4 cups)
  • Organic Cucumber (1 ct) 1/2 cucumber, thin-sliced, 1 cucumber, diced
  • Kroger® Brand Snow Peas (8 oz) 1 bag
  • Organic Ginger Root 2 tsp, grated (divided), 1 tsp grated (optional but excellent)
  • Soy sauce (or tamari) 2 tbsp
  • Honey or brown sugar 2 tsp, 1–2 tsp (optional, to taste)
  • Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 tbsp (divided)
  • Olive oil (or neutral oil) 2 tbsp (divided)
  • Toasted sesame oil (optional) 1 tsp
  • Cooked rice (optional) 1 cup cooked, for serving
  • Simple Truth® Natural Lamb Shoulder (1 lb) 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Simple Truth Organic® Baby Dill (0.5 oz) 2 tbsp chopped
  • Couscous 3/4 cup dry
  • Ground cumin 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • Cinnamon 1/8 tsp
  • Lemon (optional) 1/2, for salad and finishing
  • Plain yogurt (optional) 2 tbsp for cucumber salad (or use olive oil + lemon)
  • Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Tenderloin (1 lb) 1 lb
  • Simple Truth Organic® Fuji Apples – 2 Pound Bag 1 large apple (about 8 oz), grated or finely diced
  • Kroger® Fresh Trimmed Green Beans Bag (12 oz) 12 oz
  • Butter (optional) 1 tbsp
  • Apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar) 1 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tsp
  • Dried rosemary or thyme 1 tsp

Planned by Careme.