Bring 6 cups of water to a light boil, then add 1 lb yukon gold potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled andquartered, and a rough-chopped onion. Bring to a boil, season with 2 tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cover and reduce to a simmer until potatoes are tender (20 mins). Using an immersion blender,… Continue reading Portuguese kale and potato soup (caldo verde)
Korean puréed soybean stew with kimchi and pork, family version (kong beejee)
Soak 2 cups dried soybeans for several hours, then clean and drain, and set aside. Sauté bite sized pieces of pork (here 1.5 lb of pork chops) until browned. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Using the blender feature of a food processor, purée the soybeans with some water (about a 2:1 ratio). The… Continue reading Korean puréed soybean stew with kimchi and pork, family version (kong beejee)
Filipino chicken ginger soup with rice (arroz caldo)
This recipe is from a college friend, Monica. Place a whole chicken, cut-up, in a large stock pot. Add water to cover the chicken (about 10-12 cups), then bring to a boil, remove protein scum, reduce heat, and then add about ½ lb thinly-sliced, fresh ginger (you can leave the skin on). Cover and let simmer until chicken… Continue reading Filipino chicken ginger soup with rice (arroz caldo)
Cider-poached pears
Combine 2 ½ cups apple cider, ¾ cup white sugar (here, vanilla-infused sugar), ½ cup orange juice, the zest of one orange (here, a lemon), 3 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 vanilla pod (split lengthwise) in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Separately,… Continue reading Cider-poached pears
Egg white omelette with roasted asparagus
We had about 8 stalks of leftover roasted asparagus, which already were seasoned with olive oil, salt and black pepper. We cut them into bite-sized pieces on a diagonal. We then sauteed the asparagus pieces in a small saute pan, and then add 6 egg whites (lightly mixed). We browned it on each side, then… Continue reading Egg white omelette with roasted asparagus
Roasted vegetable soup with lima beans
Broil on high: 3 eggplants (pierced a few times to release steam) for 30 mins. Turn over eggplant, then then add a second tray on the same level as the eggplant and add 2 seeded, halved bell peppers (here, red and orange) for 15 mins. Turn over the bell peppers, then add a tray of 3 tomatoes on… Continue reading Roasted vegetable soup with lima beans
Oven-roasted plums in spiced syrup
In a small sauce pan, mix ½ cup sugar (here, vanilla sugar), ¾ cup water, 1/8 tsp each nutmeg and allspice, and a small cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, then pour over 2 ½ lb red plums (stems removed, placed stem side down). Roast in… Continue reading Oven-roasted plums in spiced syrup
Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)
This recipe requires advance planning, as the chicken needs to marinate for 2 days before it can be cooked. Place a 4 lb chicken (cut into 10 pieces) in a large bowl containing 6 cups water and 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar. Drain and set aside. Then place the chicken pieces into the following marinade:… Continue reading Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)
Jordanian chicken with rice, cauliflower, and eggplant (makloubeh)
I tried my first glorious bite of makloubeh sometime around 2007, when a Palestinian-American friend and colleague brought me some from her family's weekend cooking. I was blown away by its flavors and textures, and I soon started searching for recipes. I learned that makloubeh is popular in many Middle Eastern countries. This recipe is… Continue reading Jordanian chicken with rice, cauliflower, and eggplant (makloubeh)
Korean soy-braised beef with mushrooms and hot peppers (jang jo rim)
This is one of my childhood favorites, something that always reminds me of my mom. Cut 2 ½ to 3 lbs of boneless stewing beef (such as flank or beef chuck) into bite-sized cubes (1.5-2") and place in the bottom of a large pressure cooker. Cover with 1 ½ cups soy sauce and ½ cup… Continue reading Korean soy-braised beef with mushrooms and hot peppers (jang jo rim)
Cooking Adventures 