Spicy black bean nachos

We made this recipe: https://hispanickitchen.com/recipes/spicy-black-bean-nachos/ Our modifications: first, instead of ½ onion, we used a few small shallots. Second, in lieu of Monterey Jack cheese, we sprinkled about ¼ cup each thick shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Third, we made only one layer of nachos, and we served the remaining black bean puree on the side.… Continue reading Spicy black bean nachos

Jamaican-style peas and rice with coconut milk

We tried this recipe: https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/caribbean-red-beans-and-rice/ We used a straught and high-walled 10" All-Clad stainless steel saute pan. Our modifications to the recipe: first, we doubled the pigeon peas to 1 cup (from ½ cup); we used canned “dry pigeon peas” (which were fully cooked) that we rinsed and drained. Second, for the rice, we used… Continue reading Jamaican-style peas and rice with coconut milk

Harissa white bean and broccolini stew

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020754-spicy-white-bean-stew-with-broccoli-rabe?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, we added ¼ lb (4 oz) small diced Wisconsin summer sausage, which we browned and then set aside, adding later with the chopped florets. Second, in lieu of preserved lemon, we used 2 dried Persian limes (which we reconstituted in hot water for 20 mins and… Continue reading Harissa white bean and broccolini stew

Egyptian fava beans (ful mudammes)

We tried this recipe, using a 14.1 oz can of Asmar’s fava beans in brine: https://www.food.com/recipe/egyptian-fool-fava-beans-traditional-breakfast-345433 Our modifications: first, we heated 1 Tbsp olive oil in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1/8 tsp cayenne, then added drained fava beans and 2 Tbsp chicken broth. When heated through, we removed the pot from heat and added… Continue reading Egyptian fava beans (ful mudammes)

Chicken taco soup

Details here: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-chicken-taco-soup-248133 We used shredded meat from 1/3 rotisserie chicken. Despite its generous seasonings, we found the soup flat. We supplemented with a dash of Worchestershire sauce, soy sauce, and white wine vinegar. We found that freshly squeezed lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro added brightness. We served with tortilla chips. (Jan. 2021)

Nigerian black-eyed pea patties with piri piri sauce

To celebrate the new year, we tried this recipe: https://www.foodandspice.com/2008/11/black-eyed-pea-patties-with-chili-sauce.html We used canned no-salt black-eyes peas. Based on our pantry, we made minor modifications to the batter such as substituting the fresh chilies with a combination of small Thai pepper with a 1" sliver of red bell pepper (about 1/8 of a bell pepper). When… Continue reading Nigerian black-eyed pea patties with piri piri sauce

Afghan kidney bean curry

Details here: https://www.thecuriouschickpea.com/afghan-kidney-bean-curry/. We made slight modifications: first, we toasted the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and ¼ tsp dried epazote (which we used in lieu of ½ tsp dried mint) in a small pan without oil, and then used a mortar and pestle. Then we heated 2 tsp vegetable oil in a low-walled Dutch oven,… Continue reading Afghan kidney bean curry

Chinese steamed cod fillet with black bean sauce

This recipe is from Grace Young’s The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen, which used a whole sole fish. First, thoroughly rinse 1 lb cod fillet (in lieu of sole) in cold water, pat dry, and sprinkle the front and back ½ tsp (we used ¼ tsp) salt. Peel and julienne a 2" knob of ginger… Continue reading Chinese steamed cod fillet with black bean sauce

Middle Eastern stuffed vegetables

When our friend Mary gifted us two baby bell peppers and an ancho chile from her garden, we felt inspired to make stuffed tomatoes and peppers, along with a stuffed purple topped turnip (mainly to keep the vegetables snug in our 6 quart pot). We followed this recipe: https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/middle-eastern-stuffed-vegetables-4-ways/ Our modifications: first, we identified the… Continue reading Middle Eastern stuffed vegetables