Careme Recipes

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

Stove-Top Chili-Cumin Beef Tacos with Winter Cabbage–Lime Slaw & Avocado

A fast, high-impact taco night that feels fresh in winter: juicy, cumin-chile beef tucked into warm tortillas, topped with crunchy WA-seasonal cabbage-lime slaw and creamy avocado. Big flavor, minimal dishes, and it uses one of the best sale proteins.

Ingredients

  • Certified Angus Beef 80/20 Ground Chuck 12 oz $5.99 (sale) / 1 lb
  • Organic Green Cabbage 8 oz (about 3 cups shredded) $2.49 / 1 lb
  • Fresh avocado (medium ripe) 1 avocado, sliced $1.99 each
  • Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion 1/2 onion, thin-sliced (about 4 oz) $2.19 / 1 lb
  • Simple Truth Organic® Thai basil A small handful, torn (optional but great) $2.79 / 0.5 oz
  • Romaine lettuce hearts (optional for extra crunch) 1–2 cups shredded (optional) $3.49 / 7 oz
  • Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas) 6–8 small tortillas not provided
  • Lime 1 lime not provided
  • Garlic 1 clove, grated or minced not provided
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp not provided
  • Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) 1 tbsp not provided
  • Honey or sugar 1 tsp not provided
  • Spices: ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt See steps not provided
  • Hot sauce to serve not provided

Instructions

  1. Prep: Thin-slice 1/2 organic yellow onion (about 4 oz). Shred 8 oz organic green cabbage (about 3 cups). Mince/grate 1 garlic clove. Slice 1 avocado. Cut 1 lime into wedges. Tear a small handful of Thai basil (optional).
  2. Make the slaw: In a bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 tsp honey (or sugar) + 1/2 tsp salt + plenty of black pepper. Toss with the shredded cabbage (and 1–2 cups shredded romaine if using). Squeeze in juice from 1–2 lime wedges. Set aside to crisp while you cook the beef.
  3. Cook the beef (stove): Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add 12 oz 80/20 ground chuck and 1/2 the sliced onion. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin + 1 tsp chili powder + 1/2 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp dried oregano + 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain off excess fat if you want it lighter.
  4. Finish the filling: Add the minced garlic and 2 tbsp water. Stir 30 seconds to bloom the garlic/spices, scraping up browned bits. Taste and adjust salt/lime/heat (hot sauce welcome).
  5. Warm tortillas: Warm 6–8 tortillas in a dry pan 20–30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds.
  6. Assemble: Fill tortillas with the spiced beef, top with cabbage slaw, avocado slices, and Thai basil (optional). Serve with extra lime wedges and hot sauce.

Health notes: ~800–950 kcal per serving (depends on tortillas and avocado). High protein; good fiber from cabbage; moderate-to-high saturated fat if using full 80/20—drain excess fat for a lighter plate. Add extra cabbage or romaine to boost volume/nutrients.

Drink pairing: Wine: go for bright fruit + medium body to handle chili and lime. Great fits: Grenache (Spanish or Washington), Tempranillo (Rioja joven), or a juicy Washington Syrah (cool-climate, not too oaky). Local WA tip: look for a Columbia Valley Grenache-based blend or a lighter-style Yakima Valley Syrah. Beer alt: crisp lager or a west-coast IPA.

Tomato–Garlic Steamed Mussels over Crispy Oven Fries (Moules-Frites-ish)

A quick, cozy seafood dinner that still feels bright: tender mussels steamed in a garlicky tomato-wine broth, then spooned over crisp-edged oven fries. It’s a bistro move without the heavy cream (and not a repeat of your recent crab pasta/cream-sauce lane).

Ingredients

  • Fresh Wild Mussels (never frozen) 1 lb $12.99 / 1 lb
  • Organic Russet Potatoes 1 lb (about 2 medium), cut into fries $2.29 / 1 lb
  • Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion (or peeled onion) 1/2 onion, finely sliced $2.19 / 1 lb (or $1.99 each)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Roma Tomatoes (or on-the-vine tomatoes) 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 10 oz) OR 1 1/2 cups chopped $3.99 / 16 oz (or $3.99 / lb)
  • Organic Garlic 2 cloves, minced $6.99 / 1 lb (or bulbs)
  • Lemon 1 lemon not provided
  • Olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp not provided
  • Dry white wine (or seafood stock) 1/2 cup not provided
  • Tomato paste (optional, for depth) 1 tbsp not provided
  • Red pepper flakes pinch not provided
  • Fresh parsley (or dill) 2 tbsp chopped (optional) not provided
  • Salt and black pepper to taste not provided

Instructions

  1. Prep (and heat oven): Heat oven to 450°F. Cut 1 lb russet potatoes into fries (about 1/2-inch thick). Slice 1/2 onion thin. Dice 2 medium tomatoes (about 10 oz). Mince 2 garlic cloves. Zest and halve 1 lemon.
  2. Oven fries: Toss the cut potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil + 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper. Spread on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and crisp-edged.
  3. Clean mussels: While fries roast, rinse 1 lb mussels under cold water. Scrub shells if needed, and debeard by pulling the “beard” toward the hinge. Discard any cracked mussels or any that stay open after a firm tap.
  4. Build the broth (stove): In a wide pot with a lid, heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Add the sliced 1/2 onion + 1/2 tsp salt and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic + pinch red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Tomato base: Stir in diced tomatoes and 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional). Cook 3–4 minutes until tomatoes start to break down. Add 1/2 cup dry white wine (or stock) and bring to a simmer.
  6. Steam mussels: Add the cleaned mussels, cover, and steam 4–6 minutes, shaking the pot once or twice, until mussels open. Turn off heat. Discard any that didn’t open.
  7. Finish: Squeeze in juice from 1/2 lemon and add lemon zest to taste. Add chopped parsley/dill if using. Taste and adjust salt/pepper/lemon.
  8. Serve: Pile oven fries into bowls, spoon mussels and plenty of broth over the top. Serve with remaining lemon wedges for squeezing.

Health notes: ~700–900 kcal per serving (depends on fries oil). High protein and minerals from mussels; potatoes add satisfying carbs. Keep it lighter by using 1 tbsp oil on the fries and plenty of lemon.

Drink pairing: Wine: you want high acid + saline friendliness. Best bets: Muscadet (Loire), Albariño (Rías Baixas), or dry Riesling (Washington State is excellent here). Local WA tip: choose an off-dry-to-dry Columbia Valley Riesling—its citrusy lift loves tomato + shellfish.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri, Charred Cauliflower “Steaks” & Blistered Grape Tomatoes

A grill-forward winter dinner with real steakhouse vibes—without repeating your recent balsamic mushroom-onion sauce patterns. Skirt steak gets a punchy chimichurri, and you grill charred cauliflower “steaks” plus quick blistered cherry/grape tomatoes for a bright, smoky plate.

Ingredients

  • Beef Choice Skirt Steak 12 oz $18.99 / 1 lb
  • Organic Cauliflower 1 small head (about 1–1.25 lb) $3.49 / 1 lb
  • Simple Truth Organic® Fresh Grape Snacking Tomatoes 10 oz $4.79 / 10 oz
  • Organic Garlic 2 cloves, finely minced $6.99 / 1 lb (or bulbs)
  • Fresh parsley (or cilantro) 1 packed cup, finely chopped not provided
  • Red wine vinegar 2 tbsp not provided
  • Olive oil 4 tbsp, divided not provided
  • Crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp (or to taste) not provided
  • Ground cumin (optional for cauliflower) 1/2 tsp not provided
  • Salt and black pepper to taste not provided
  • Lemon (optional) 1/2 lemon to finish not provided

Instructions

  1. Prep chimichurri: In a bowl, combine 1 packed cup finely chopped parsley + 2 minced garlic cloves + 2 tbsp red wine vinegar + 3 tbsp olive oil + 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes + 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper. Let sit while you grill so flavors meld.
  2. Prep cauliflower + tomatoes: Trim 1 small cauliflower and slice into 2–3 thick “steaks” (about 3/4-inch) plus any florets that break off. Toss cauliflower with 1 tbsp olive oil + 1/2 tsp salt + black pepper + 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional). Toss 10 oz grape tomatoes with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt.
  3. Prep steak: Pat 12 oz skirt steak dry. Season generously with 1 tsp salt total (about 1/2 tsp per side) and black pepper. Let rest at room temp 10–15 minutes while grill heats.
  4. Grill (method: grill): Heat grill to medium-high (about 450–500°F). Oil grates. Grill cauliflower steaks 4–6 minutes per side until well-charred and just tender. Grill tomatoes in a grill basket or on foil 3–5 minutes, shaking occasionally, until blistered.
  5. Grill steak: Grill skirt steak 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (timing depends on thickness). Move to a board and rest 5–8 minutes.
  6. Slice + serve: Slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain. Spoon chimichurri over steak (use as much as you like). Plate with grilled cauliflower and blistered tomatoes. Optional: finish vegetables with a squeeze of 1/2 lemon.

Health notes: ~650–850 kcal per serving (depends on steak portion and oil). High protein; cauliflower adds fiber and micronutrients. Chimichurri is healthy fat-forward—measure oil if watching calories.

Drink pairing: Wine: chimichurri loves herbaceous reds with lift. Go for Cabernet Franc (Loire or WA), Malbec (Argentina, not too oaky), or a savory Washington Syrah. Local WA tip: Yakima Valley or Walla Walla Cabernet Franc is a home run with parsley-garlic sauces.

Shopping list
  • Certified Angus Beef 80/20 Ground Chuck 12 oz
  • Organic Green Cabbage 8 oz (about 3 cups shredded)
  • Fresh avocado (medium ripe) 1 avocado, sliced
  • Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion 1/2 onion, thin-sliced (about 4 oz)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Thai basil A small handful, torn (optional but great)
  • Romaine lettuce hearts (optional for extra crunch) 1–2 cups shredded (optional)
  • Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas) 6–8 small tortillas
  • Lime 1 lime
  • Garlic 1 clove, grated or minced
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp, 1 1/2 tbsp, 4 tbsp, divided
  • Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) 1 tbsp
  • Honey or sugar 1 tsp
  • Spices: ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt See steps
  • Hot sauce to serve
  • Fresh Wild Mussels (never frozen) 1 lb
  • Organic Russet Potatoes 1 lb (about 2 medium), cut into fries
  • Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion (or peeled onion) 1/2 onion, finely sliced
  • Simple Truth Organic® Roma Tomatoes (or on-the-vine tomatoes) 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 10 oz) OR 1 1/2 cups chopped
  • Organic Garlic 2 cloves, minced, 2 cloves, finely minced
  • Lemon 1 lemon
  • Dry white wine (or seafood stock) 1/2 cup
  • Tomato paste (optional, for depth) 1 tbsp
  • Red pepper flakes pinch
  • Fresh parsley (or dill) 2 tbsp chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste, to taste
  • Beef Choice Skirt Steak 12 oz
  • Organic Cauliflower 1 small head (about 1–1.25 lb)
  • Simple Truth Organic® Fresh Grape Snacking Tomatoes 10 oz
  • Fresh parsley (or cilantro) 1 packed cup, finely chopped
  • Red wine vinegar 2 tbsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 tsp (or to taste)
  • Ground cumin (optional for cauliflower) 1/2 tsp
  • Lemon (optional) 1/2 lemon to finish

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Planned by Careme.