African American Recipes

Ham and Pasta Soup

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chopped cooked, smoked ham
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 16-ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained and cut up
3 cups water
1/4 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano and pepper (or to taste)
1 cup cooked spiral macaroni
1 15-ounce can kidney beans
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped parsely
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Cook and stir onions, garlic and ham in oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until onion is tender, about five minutes. Stir in tomatoes, water, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni and reduce heat. Cook uncovered until macaroni is tender. Stir in beans and zucchini. Cook about three minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Yield: six servings

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Easy Barbecued Chicken

3 1/2 pound chicken
1 cup catsup
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon each of paprika, chili powder and dry mustard
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

Note: Remove skin from chicken and discard it before cooking.

Place chicken in a large baking pan. Pour sauce on top of meat. Cover pan with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes.

For an easy crock pot method, place chicken in a crock pot. Add sauce, cover and cook on low for eight to 10 hours.

Yield: six servings