I tried this recipe to repurpose kombu seaweed that we had simmered to flavor a vegetarian Korean soup base: https://omnivorescookbook.com/chinese-seaweed-salad/ Our modifications: for the hot chili oil, we used 1.5 Tbsp corn oil and 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (which we ground by hand). We garnished with part of a chopped Thai bird's eye chili. This… Continue reading Chinese seaweed salad
Welcome
I cook as a hobby, and I maintain this blog primarily to keep track of recipes that my family has enjoyed over the years. I started blogging back in 2015, in response to requests from friends for recipes they had seen me post on Facebook (but that I couldn't easily catalog). My original blog was… Continue reading Welcome
Indian stewed red lentils
We made this recipe from Shubhra Ramineni's Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking, and it was surprisingly delicious. First, pick through 1/2 cup split red lentils to remove grit, then place in a small bowl and rinse the lentils with cold water (filling and carefully draining 3 times). Second, place the lentils, 2 1/4 cup water, 1… Continue reading Indian stewed red lentils
Chinese chicken and asparagus in brown sauce
We were intrigued by a chicken and asparagus stirfry recipe that didn't feature white sauce: https://thewoksoflife.com/chicken-asparagus-stir-fry/ For the chicken breast, we used 1 1/4 medium boneless breast, sliced across the grain as thin as possible. We found this sauce delicious and satisfying. (Aug. 2022)
White bean hummus with coriander and white miso
We love hummus and wanted to try more variations. This recipe offers an unlikely combination of cannellini beans, tahini, white miso, and coriander that works surprisingly well: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019521-white-bean-hummus-with-tahini-and-coriander?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For the coriander, we used 1.5 tsp ground coriander. (July 2022)
Roasted eggplant pasta
We had one medium eggplant and one zucchini, so we tried this recipe: https://asimplepalate.com/blog/roasted-eggplant-pasta/ We cut the eggplant and zucchini into 1" dice, then separately tossed in enough canola to coat, and placed on separate baking sheets (because zucchini leaks more liquid). We roasted at 450 for 20 mins, tossing midway (and we broiled the… Continue reading Roasted eggplant pasta
Quinoa and vegetable soup
We tried this America's Test Kitchen recipe from its Bowls cookbook, available at Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities https://a.co/d/dyP4wtB To make this a brothier stew, we doubled the garlic, spices, and chicken broth. We found the diced avocado and fresh cilantro brightened the soup. (July 2022) We found a very similar recipe here: https://www.cookingclassy.com/quinoa-vegetable-stew/… Continue reading Quinoa and vegetable soup
Black bean dip
We generally followed this Melissa D'Arabian recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/black-bean-dip-5536208 Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe to only one 14.5 oz can of no-salt black beans. Second, we drained the beans, placed in a small pot, then added 1/2 cup water. We brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer (uncovered) until the beans were… Continue reading Black bean dip
Greek-style cauliflower and chickpea stew
We made this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013051-stewed-cauliflower-with-red-onions-and-tomatoes?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For variety, we reduced the cauliflower (from one whole medium to 3/4) and added 1/2 red bell pepper and 1.5 cups canned chickpeas. Towards the end, we added 1 Tbsp pomegranate quince white balsamic vinegar in addition to 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar. (July 2022)
Black bean and sweet potato tacos
We combined two favorite recipes into a healthy and satisfying meal: first, we were inspired by a NYT recipe for sheet-pan chicken with sweet potatoes (https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019161-sheet-pan-chicken-with-sweet-potatoes-and-peppers?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share): Preheat oven to 450. Prepare 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (approx. 3/4" x 1/2"), 1 bell pepper (we used 1/2 yellow, 1/2 red); cut into… Continue reading Black bean and sweet potato tacos