Greek-style lemony fish and orzo soup

We love avgolemono (Greek lemony chicken soup), and we tried this version using cod and orzo: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023805-lemony-fish-and-orzo-soup?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share To our surprise, the recipe didn't call for any dill. We found the soup needed more brightness, so we added more lemon juice at the end (we ended up using one entire medium lemon for the entire recipe).… Continue reading Greek-style lemony fish and orzo soup

Lemony Greek chicken spinach soup with potato and white beans

We tried this recipe based on our pantry: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024015-lemony-greek-chicken-spinach-and-potato-stew?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, instead of 3 large potatoes, we used a combination of 4 baby Yukon potatoes (1" dice) and 13.5 oz can of no-salt white Northern beans (drained and rinsed). Second, we used one bunch of frozen dill (rough chopped) and 1/4 cup lemon juice,… Continue reading Lemony Greek chicken spinach soup with potato and white beans

White beans with rosemary, tomato, and olive oil

This is a delicious and easy dish with Mediterranean flavors: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023775-rosemary-white-beans-with-frizzled-onions-and-tomato?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, we increased the onion to one medium and one small, which we sliced along the grain. We cooked the onions in 2 Tbsp olive oil until caramelized, and we set aside 1/3 of them for garnish. Second, we used no-salt canned… Continue reading White beans with rosemary, tomato, and olive oil

Greek-style cauliflower and chickpea stew

We made this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013051-stewed-cauliflower-with-red-onions-and-tomatoes?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For variety, we reduced the cauliflower (from one whole medium to 3/4) and added 1/2 red bell pepper and 1.5 cups canned chickpeas. Towards the end, we added 1 Tbsp pomegranate quince white balsamic vinegar in addition to 1 Tbsp sherry vinegar. (July 2022)

Cannellini bean salad with Greek flavors

Inspired by a similar dish from my step-MIL, we tried this recipe: https://www.realgreekrecipes.com/white-bean-salad/ Our modifications: first, to accommodate our 15.5 oz canned low-sodium cannellini beans (which we rinsed and drained), we doubled the dressing (with some exceptions noted below) as follows: 2 garlic cloves, 2 tsp black mustard seeds, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/3… Continue reading Cannellini bean salad with Greek flavors

Smoky lentil stew with potatoes and leeks

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021588-smoky-lentil-stew-with-leeks-and-potatoes?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share The recipe called for 5 potatoes without specifying weight; we used 3 medium Russets, which was more than enough. At the end of cooking, we added 1.5 Tbsp pomegranate balsamic vinegar and ½ tsp sugar for brightness. (Dec. 2021)

Middle eastern-style couscous with pinto beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12757-couscous-with-tomatoes-cauliflower-red-peppers-and-olives?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Running low on time, we used 14 oz diced tomatoes with juice and used a combo of hot chicken broth (4 cups) and hot water (4 cups). We soaked 2 cups dried pinto beans overnight, then drained them. During step 1, after adding the drained beans, bouquet garni, and… Continue reading Middle eastern-style couscous with pinto beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper

Chicken Marbella

We tried this delicious, boozy recipe by Ottolenghi: https://www.thekitchn.com/ottolenghis-chicken-marbella-recipe-23123072 Our modifications: first, we used 3 drumsticks and 3 chicken thighs (instead of leaving them as quarters), and we used canola oil in lieu of olive (to mitigate setting off the smoke alarm). Second, we reduced the capers by half (to only 3 Tbsp plus some… Continue reading Chicken Marbella

Sicilian fish stew

We tried this recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/sicilian-fish-stew/ Our modifications: first, we had only 1.3 lb cod fillet, which we cut into 2.5" square-ish chunks (about 12 pieces). Second, we added 1 russet potato (peeled and cut into 2x1.5" chunks) at the same time as the plum tomatoes, capers, raisins, and broth. Third, based on our pantry, we… Continue reading Sicilian fish stew

Simple steak and tomato salad

We had half a serving of carne asada leftover, so we tossed together this simple salad with Mediterranean flavors: first, combine a finely minced shallot (about ¼ cup), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, ½ tsp dried Greek thyme, ½ tsp sugar, and a dash each of salt and black pepper. Second,… Continue reading Simple steak and tomato salad