Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

After a night of heavy meals, we opted for a light brunch. Recipe here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016062-red-lentil-soup-with-lemon We used 1 lemon and ½ lime for acidity and balance, and we garnished with fried onions (from an Indian grocery store) instead of fresh cilantro. This recipe can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.… Continue reading Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

Crispy oven-baked tofu

We tried this recipe, which offered a healthier version of pan-fried tofu: https://cookieandkate.com/2016/how-to-make-crispy-baked-tofu/ Our modifications: first, we used Trader Joe’s firm (not extra firm) tofu. After pressing water out for 30 mins, we also used a paper towel to gently squeeze water out of each piece before tossing in olive oil. Second, we seasoned with… Continue reading Crispy oven-baked tofu

Minced turkey and chipotle chili

We tried this NYT recipe, which is based on Mexican pozole: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013041-turkey-and-hominy-chili-with-smoky-chipotle Our modifications: first, we increased the amount of minced turkey from 2 ½ lb to 3 lb. Second, we used yellow and red bell peppers (no green, which imparts a bitter flavor). Third, we used 12 oz beef broth in lieu of beer.… Continue reading Minced turkey and chipotle chili

Indian semolina upma with cashews

We tried this tiffin breakfast recipe: http://indianhealthyrecipes.com/upma-recipe-how-to-make-upma/ Our modifications: first, because the recipe serves only one, we doubled the ingredients. Second, we used cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, and whole fresh cayenne pepper (the recipe was fairly unclear). Also, “hing” is asofoetida. Third, although the ingredient list did not mention salt, the video did. We… Continue reading Indian semolina upma with cashews

Curried lentil and amaranth soup with spinach

Heat a large Dutch oven, add 2 Tbsp olive oil, and then sauté 1 chopped medium onion and five minced garlic cloves until tender (about 3-4 mins). Add the following spices: 2 tsp cumin seeds, ¾ tsp each turmeric and ground coriander, ½ tsp ground black pepper, and ½ tsp ground ginger (here, microplaned fresh… Continue reading Curried lentil and amaranth soup with spinach

Middle eastern-style chicken and chick pea stew. We tried this recipe: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252878/middle-eastern-chicken-chickpea-stew/ We used 4 boneless chicken breasts (equivalent to two packages of Purdue packets, which we got at BJ’s Wholesale Club). After finding the stew too acidic, we added dash of sugar and about ½ tsp chicken beef bouillon (Better Than Bouillon) directly into… Continue reading

Roasted root vegetable and mushroom shepherdess pie, version 1

We followed this recipe, but made several modifications: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/11/mushroom-and-root-vegetable-shepherds-pie-recipe.html First, we seasoned the mushrooms and the vegetables separately with a few sprigs each marjoram and thyme, 1-2 Tbsp olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. In addition to oven-roasting 6 oz cremini mushrooms (halved or quartered for uniform size) for 30 mins, we oven-roasted… Continue reading Roasted root vegetable and mushroom shepherdess pie, version 1