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

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

Tuscan white bean and tuna salad

We were in search of a protein-rich, no-mayo lunch option. We made this recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/tuna-and-white-bean-salad. Based on our pantry, we used water-packed no-salt tuna, canned Great Northern beans, fresh baby spinach (in lieu of watercress), and half a shallot (which we diced and marinated in 2 tsp fresh lime juice to mute sharpness). We halved… Continue reading Tuscan white bean and tuna salad

Vegetarian chipotle chili

We sought a plant-forward chili that used chipotle in adobo. Details here: https://healthynibblesandbits.com/chipotle-vegetarian-three-bean-chili/ Based on our pantry, we used white kidney beans instead of red. We prefer thicker chilis, so we used 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (instead of 3 cups). This easily could be vegetarian with vegetable broth. At the end of cooking, we… Continue reading Vegetarian chipotle chili

Moroccan chicken and seven vegetables couscous

We tried this recipe: https://www.finecooking.com/recipe/moroccan-lamb-and-seven-vegetable-couscous Our modifications: First, instead of lamb, we used 4 skin-on drumsticks and 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Second, for vegetables we featured carrot, eggplant, purple topped turnip, kabocha squash, zucchini, and red cabbage; the next time, we will omit the eggplant (soggy and unappetizing). Third, because we exceeded volume in… Continue reading Moroccan chicken and seven vegetables couscous

Roasted vegetable burrito

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022905-roasted-vegetable-burritos?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For the roasted vegetables, we reduced the mushrooms to 8 oz and supplemented with 3/4 jalapeño and 3/4 of a small shallot (see Note below). We had only 2 poblano peppers, so we added 1 Fresno. For the roasted vegetable seasoning, we used 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp Turkish… Continue reading Roasted vegetable burrito

Indian-style spiced mixed vegetables (sabzi)

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022751-mixed-sabzi?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share To transform this recipe from a side dish to a full meal, we added 14.5 oz chick peas (drained and rinsed) and doubled the aromatics, onion, and tomatoes as follows: 6 Tbsp ghee (not quite double); 2 tsp each cumin seeds and black mustard seeds; 2 Tbsp each grated ginger… Continue reading Indian-style spiced mixed vegetables (sabzi)

Thai candied kabocha squash

Kabocha squash has become a recent obsession; it evokes the best qualities of a sweet potato and a custardy pumpkin. We tried this simple recipe for a kabocha dessert: https://praneesthaikitchen.com/2012/11/03/thai-kabocha-pumpkin-candy-recipe/ We made half a recipe (1/4 kabocha, which yielded 3 wedges, each of which we cut in half crosswise for 6 pieces.) The recipe instructions… Continue reading Thai candied kabocha squash

Italian fish stew of the Marchi region (brodetto di pesce alla marchigiana)

We tried this recipe: https://apple.news/AabuGzchZTMSBAZBSggJ4kg Based on our local supermarket, we couldn't find fresh halibut or similar fish, so we used 1.5 lb cod fillet and 1 lb catfish fillet. The cod worked really well, but the catfish wasn't as compelling. We skipped the squid and added 7 jumbo shrimp (shelled). This was very tasty.… Continue reading Italian fish stew of the Marchi region (brodetto di pesce alla marchigiana)