DR Stuff (aka: Salami Guisado)

We refer to this as DR Stuff because it is so much easier to say than it's proper name. I must admit the first time Mike made this years ago I was quite skeptical, but it is actually delicious...I promise!

Ingredients:
- 3/4 c. salami, chopped (I actually get pepperoni because it's cheaper)
- 1/2 a medium red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 a medium green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 a medium onion, chopped
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce (I like the roasted garlic kind)
- Hot rice

Directions:
- Saute salami, peppers and onion in pan until onions and peppers are cooked.
- Stir in tomato sauce until heated through.
- Serve over rice!

Matoke/Mangu

A Fiesta grocery store just opened up near us so today the girls and I went to check it out. We saw quite a few of them when we lived downtown, but never ventured inside and I've always been curious just how good their "international" selections actually were. I was so excited today because they really do have TONS to offer! I bought some real plaintains and attempted to re-create one of the staples I enjoyed during my semester abroad in Uganda...matoke! I LOVED it and since my roommate didn't I would end up eating hers too... so no one would be offended of course :-)(that must be why I gained weight in Africa instead of losing it)! In comparing food from the DR and Uganda, Mike and I had figured that what they call mangu in the DR is probably the same thing as matoke, and we were right! Today I peeled and chopped up some plaintains and put some of the extra African Beef Curry on top from last night and it definitely was close to what I remember. I don't think I let the plaintains boil quite long enough, but I am excited to keep experimenting with them - yum!

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas/Dominican Republic (DR) beans

This is one of Mike's meals...it's healthy and tasty too!

Ingredients:
- 2 cans light kidney beans
- 1/2 c. chopped celery
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 cube chicken stock
- 1/2 t. chopped parsley
- 1/2 t. thyme leaves
- 1 T. chopped cilantro
- 1 T. tomato sauce (I just use spaghetti sauce)
- 1 T. oil
- 1/2 t. minced garlic
- 1 pinch of oregano
- Salt and water

Directions:
- Heat oil in pot and add oregano, onion, garlic, celery, parsley, cilantro and thyme.
- Stir and add 2 T. water. When the water has almost evaporated add the chicken stock and 2 more T. water, stir.
- Add the beans and then add enough water to cover them. Let them reach a boil and then mash the beans over heat.
- Continue to let boil at medium heat until it reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust salt to taste. Serve over rice.