Dinner tonight: Leftovers, Indo-American Style

8/19/2013

Mario Goveia wrote in to submit what he calls “a gourmet, spicy Indo-American dish for leftovers.” Beef, pork, lamb, turkey, or chicken can be used, and he recommends three ways of serving it: with white rice (or try Basmati rice), with mashed potatoes, or wrapped in tortillas. It isn’t just Indo-American, it can be Mexican, too.

Leftovers, Indo-American Style

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small jalapeño chopped fine
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
• ¼ cup water
• 2 cups leftover meat, any kind, diced
• 2 tablespoons fat-free Italian dressing
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste
• Salt

Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onions, jalapeño, and bell peppers and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, spices, and water and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add meat and Italian dressing and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Serve hot or refrigerate for later use.

— Mario Goveia

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