Recipe: Chef Kevin Belton's Marinara Sauce And Baked Ziti

Who’s hungry for some delicious food? I’ve got some amazing recipes to share with you, straight from the kitchen of the one and only Chef Kevin Belton! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering dishes. But before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate Chef Kevin Belton himself. This man knows how to whip up some amazing Creole and New Orleans cuisine!

French Quarter Beignets

Let’s start with a classic New Orleans treat - French Quarter Beignets. These fluffy, powdered sugar-covered delights will transport you straight to the heart of the French Quarter. And who better to guide us through the recipe than Chef Kevin Belton himself? Just look at these golden beauties!

French Quarter Beignets### Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, melted butter, milk, and eggs.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.

7. Cut the dough into squares or circles, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 375°F.

9. Fry the beignets in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

10. Remove the beignets from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

11. Dust the warm beignets generously with powdered sugar.

Now that you’ve got a plate of warm, heavenly beignets in front of you, it’s time to indulge. Take a bite and savor the fluffy texture and sweet flavor. These beignets are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just as a little pick-me-up throughout the day. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

New Orleans TV chef Kevin Belton dishes on Thanksgiving sides

Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in all your favorite dishes, and Chef Kevin Belton has some incredible sides that will take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level. From creamy mashed potatoes to cheesy baked macaroni, Chef Belton knows how to make your taste buds dance with joy. Get ready to wow your guests with these delicious Thanksgiving sides!

Thanksgiving Sides### Ingredients:

  • For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Cheesy Baked Macaroni:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

- Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a handheld mixer until smooth.

- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and melted butter over low heat until warmed through.

- Pour the cream mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. For the Cheesy Baked Macaroni:

- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly golden.

- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

- Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish and add the cooked macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir until evenly coated.

- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

With these creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy baked macaroni, your Thanksgiving sides will definitely steal the show. The velvety texture and rich flavors will keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Trust me, your guests will be thanking you for these sides!

Chef Kevin Belton’s Mexican Beef Skillet and Asian Beef Stir

Ready for a little global fusion in your kitchen? Chef Kevin Belton has you covered with his Mexican Beef Skillet and Asian Beef Stir recipes. These dishes bring together the best of both worlds - the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine and the incredible aromas of Asian spices. Let’s dive in and explore these mouthwatering creations!

Mexican Beef SkilletAsian Beef Stir### Ingredients:

  • For the Mexican Beef Skillet:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortilla chips, for serving
  • For the Asian Beef Stir:
  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. For the Mexican Beef Skillet:

- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the flavors meld together.

- Serve the Mexican beef skillet over tortilla chips for a delicious twist on nachos!

2. For the Asian Beef Stir:

- In a wok or large skillet, heat some oil over high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

- In the same skillet, cook the sliced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until tender.

- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir fry for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

- Serve the Asian beef stir over steamed rice for a delightful fusion of flavors!

These Mexican Beef Skillet and Asian Beef Stir recipes are perfect for when you want to spice up your weeknight dinners. They’re packed with delicious flavors and are sure to satisfy your cravings for something unique and tasty. Give them a try and prepare to be blown away!

Well, there you have it - a whirlwind tour of Chef Kevin Belton’s incredible recipes. From the French Quarter Beignets to the Thanksgiving sides and the global fusion creations, these dishes are guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to cook up a storm. Your taste buds will thank you!