Liven up Your Life with Fajitas!

Many people enjoy Mexican themed dishes and love to try out their own variations at home. Fajitas for example, are a common dish with a whole lot of options! Not only are they delicious, they are nutritious too. For those of us looking for healthier options in food these days, which has become quite a struggle honestly, this is a great start. There are only a few ingredients which are full of vitamins and plenty of protein, not to mention the benefits of all the spices you can add.

The bell peppers alone, depending on which ones you use, have varying amounts of each nutrient. All have a decent amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants. A number of B vitamins, folate, as well as vitamin E, vitamin k, potassium and fiber can be found in these peppers as well. So, they really pack a punch, as far as nutrition is involved. Who knew you could get so much from something so simple?

This has become my go-to staple, I make this recipe a couple nights a week. I rotate between steak and chicken. Both make great fajitas, but the variety helps keep boredom away. Now in my opinion, the peppers are the real stars of the show. I like to use two to four different peppers each time. Make sure they are firm and fresh. Red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers work best for me, occasionally I will add a poblano or jalapeno though. I do not add onions because I am allergic to them. But you can add whatever you like!

Quick and easy, this recipe is really fun to make as well. For those people who love to cook, it is very satisfying to round up all your ingredients and appreciate them before you start. And even if you do not enjoy cooking, well, at least it is straightforward and overall very easy to get started and get it done. Either way, you are about to make some delicious food the whole family will love!

Mix, match and change it up however you like, I know everyone will enjoy this base recipe.

Prep time: 10 to 15 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

• Skirt or Flank Steak / (Chicken) one to two lbs.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 to 3 tablespoon olive oil (preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 orange bell pepper

Directions:

1. Cook steak choice 4 to 6 minutes on each side in the skillet, depending on your preference. Slice to desired thickness, usually about 1/2 inch or so and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the garlic, cumin, lime juice, olive oil and cayenne. This is your marinade.
3. Wash and cut the peppers into 1/4-inch strips, or larger if you prefer.
4. Mix the steak, peppers and spice marinade together. (Can be cooked immediately or for best flavor refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.)
5. Add mixture to skillet again. Cook until peppers are desired texture, softened but not mushy about five to eight minutes.
6. Heat tortillas of choice, (corn or flour), serve with sour cream, salsa or hot sauce.

Tips:

• Can add other vegetables, onions if you like. I like to add mushrooms.
• Can add or subtract garlic, some people prefer chili powder. I like the garlic cayenne combo.
• Mixture should not be refrigerated longer than 12 hours after prepared, the meat gets dry I have noticed.
• I have also added some four-state cheddar to the tortillas before adding the fajita mix, I do love cheese! Turned out great, so yes you can add cheese if you would like.