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
Tag: 2014
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 jorim)
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 jorim)
Classic hummus
Drain 15 oz canned chick peas, setting aside 3 pieces for garnish. Mix the chick peas with ½ cup water in a sauce pan, bring to a boil for a few minutes until water reduces by half. Pour the hot chick pea mixture into a food processor, add 2 cloves garlic and 1 tsp salt,… Continue reading Classic hummus
Basil pesto pasta garnished with cherry tomatoes
The basil and tomatoes came from our balcony garden. Recipe from Ina Garten: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pesto-recipe.print.html#. This was my first time making pesto, and I loved Ina’s use of walnuts as well as pine nuts. (Oct. 2014)
Salvadoran beef and vegetable soup (sopa de res con verduras)
I fell in love with this soup at a Salvadoran restaurant in Columbia Heights, and I’m happy that I finally did it justice at home. Using a stockpot, combine 10 cups water, 2 ½ lb boneless beef chuck (cut into small chunks), 1 chopped tomato, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped leek (white only), 3 stalks… Continue reading Salvadoran beef and vegetable soup (sopa de res con verduras)
Mini-frittata with grape tomatoes, leeks, Gruyere, and chorizo
We made two dozen of these as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Recipe to come. (Nov. 2014)
Chicken and andouille gumbo
After having a sublime gumbo at Bayou Bakery, I decided to try a gumbo recipe at home. This recipe is from Chef Emeril Lagasse: https://www.emerils.com/129273/chicken-and-andouille-gumbo. (Nov. 2014)
Cooking Adventures 