As very late converts, we recently purchased an Instant Pot. For our first attempt with this new device, we tried one of our favorite stovetop recipes, Shubhra Ramineni’s black-eyed pea curry. We followed the Instant Pot instructions here: https://pipingpotcurry.com/instant-pot-black-eyed-peas-curry-lobhia/ but we used the ingredients from Shubhra’s recipe. Our only prinary modifications were to use uncooked…… Continue reading Indian black-eyed pea curry, Instant Pot style
Tag: healthy
Korean spicy braised catfish with daikon radish
We found a beautiful, juicy daikon radish this weekend, and I couldn't stop thinking about this braised fish dish: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/eundaegu-jorim Our modifications: first, we couldn't find black cod, so we got 1 1/4 lb fresh catfish filet. Second, we reduced the heat a little: (1) one red Korean finger pepper (down from two); and (2)… Continue reading Korean spicy braised catfish with daikon radish
Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2
We had Persian cucumbers and decided to try this recipe: https://thewoksoflife.com/smashed-asian-cucumber-salad/ Our modifications: first, we found 5 Persian cucumbers equivalent to the 2 standard cucumbers called for in the recipe. Second, for the chili oil, we used 1.5 tsp Sichuan chili sauce (laoganma). This was a refreshing and delicious side dish to gong bao chicken… Continue reading Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2
Pakistani mildly spiced chick peas (chikad chanay)
I carry a lot of food memories. I recently craved a delicately spiced chick pea side dish that we had enjoyed at a local Afghan kabob place many years ago. While I couldn't find that exact recipe, I stumbled upon this Pakistani recipe: https://sabihaskitchen.com/chikad-chanay/ Our modifications: first, after soaking the 1 lb dried chick peas… Continue reading Pakistani mildly spiced chick peas (chikad chanay)
Sichuan stirfried chicken breast, mushrooms, and asparagus
We tried this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/pork-and-mushroom-stir-fry/ We followed the instructions but made protein and vegetable substitutions. First, we used 8 oz chicken cutlets (thinly sliced across the grain, approx. 1/8″ thick) instead of pork. Second, we dislike biting into ginger or garlic slices, so we microplaned both ginger and garlic. Third, instead of shiitake mushrooms, we…… Continue reading Sichuan stirfried chicken breast, mushrooms, and asparagus
Vegetable soup
This is a flexible soup recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024427-vegetable-soup?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used the vegetables we had on hand in the following order: first, onion, carrots, celery; second, russet potato; and finally, pipian squash (related to zucchini), fresh beans, sugar peas, and corn. We used unsalted chicken broth and added 2 Parmesan rinds for umami, so this was not…… Continue reading Vegetable soup
Persian lentil soup
We had a craving for lentil soup and were intrigued by this recipe: https://girlandthekitchen.com/persian-lentil-soup/ Although we used chicken broth (4 cups unsalted, 4 cups Better Than Bouillon), this recipe easily could be vegetarian if made with vegetable broth. Although we try to use no-salt canned tomatoes, we used stewed tomatoes (which are seasoned and contain…… Continue reading Persian lentil soup
Tuscan bean soup (ribollita)
We craved a plant-forward soup with beans and leafy greens, so we made this: https://www.feastingathome.com/ribollita-recipe/ We followed the recipe pretty closely, and this was very tasty. We omitted the bacon / pancetta, but we used chicken broth (4 cups unsalted, 2 cups Better Than Bouillon). For the white wine, we estimated a "splash" to be… Continue reading Tuscan bean soup (ribollita)
Blistered green beans
We are still at the beach with a limited pantry. We tried this simple recipe using 1/2 lb string beans, 1.5 Tbsp canola oil, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and juice from 1/2 a lime. As the recipe notes, the key is maintaining medium-high heat and letting the string beans sit, untouched, for a few mins.… Continue reading Blistered green beans
Simple summer melon salad
We are still at the beach. A local olive oil merchant recommended this simple recipe: peel and cut cantaloupe and watermelon into bite-sized pieces, then drizzle with peach-infused white balsamic vinegar and basil-infused olive oil (in a 4:3 ratio). Lightly toss, then serve. This was refreshing and delicious. If we were home with our full… Continue reading Simple summer melon salad
Cooking Adventures 