Javanese carrot, shallot, and apple pickle 

This dish is based on the Indonesian dish, adar timun, except that I substituted Fuji apple (or Anjou pear) for cucumber.  Cut 1 apple and 1 large carrot into matchsticks, and thinly slice 3 shallots, add 1 ½ Tbsp kosher salt, and cover with 2 cups hot water for 15 minutes.  Drain vegetables, then mix… Continue reading Javanese carrot, shallot, and apple pickle 

Grilled vegetable antipasti

We followed this recipe:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-vegetable-antipasti-recipe-1911133 but swapped out some veggies.  The recipe calls for a 1:4 ratio of red wine vinegar to olive oil, but we typically use a 1:3 ratio of vinegar (½ red wine, ½ balsamic) and olive oil. Here, we marinated portobellos, bell peppers (yellow, orange, and red), cauliflower, broccoli, and eggplant.… Continue reading Grilled vegetable antipasti

Indian kidney bean curry

Heat 3 Tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan on medium heat, then add 1 small onion (grated), 1 Tbsp microplaned ginger, and about 2 garlic cloves (minced).   When fragrant and onion is golden brown, add 1 ripe tomato, cut into quarters.  Reduce heat to medium-low and stir frequently until tomato melts into the onion mixture (about 5… Continue reading Indian kidney bean curry

Korean-Chinese fish cake soup over noodles (ool myun)

This is a dish from my childhood, one that I did not realize was part of a Korean-Chinese fusion (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Chinese_cuisine) until many years later.  This is one of my childhood favorites, with its delicate flavor and contrasting textures.  Sauté bite-sized pieces of 1/2 lb beef chuck (see Note below) in a little oil.  Season… Continue reading Korean-Chinese fish cake soup over noodles (ool myun)

Indian-style quinoa pilaf

Another great recipe by Shubhra Ramineni's Healthy Vegetarian Indian Cooking. This is makes an easy and portable lunch. Rinse, clean, and drain 1 cup uncooked quinoa, and set aside. Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a medium sauce pan, then add 20 whole cashews (split into halves). Saute until cashews are light golden (about 20… Continue reading Indian-style quinoa pilaf

Indian cauliflower and potato (aloo gobi)

This recipe is from a wonderful and easy-to-follow cookbook, Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Shubha Ramineni. Using a large skillet (or a low-walled Dutch oven), heat 3 Tbsp vegetable oil, then add 1 medium vine-ripe tomato (quartered).  Cover the skillet and cook until tomato becomes soft, stirring frequently.  Add 1 medium head cauliflower (washed and… Continue reading Indian cauliflower and potato (aloo gobi)

Vietnamese caramelized minced pork and/or chicken

We love this recipe with freshly cooked jasmine rice. We often serve this dish with Javanese pickle (see Note 2 below). Mince 1/2 small onion (or 1 shallot). Heat a large wok, then add 3 Tbsp neutral oil and saute the onion on medium heat until fragrant. Then add 1 lb minced pork and saute… Continue reading Vietnamese caramelized minced pork and/or chicken