We were invited to a friend's Lunar New Year dumpling potluck party. We prepared this filling from Maangchi: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/dakgogi-mandu Here is the tray of chicken and zucchini mandu that we assembled at the party. We enjoyed reconnecting with friends and feasting on a wide variety of dumplings. (Feb. 2024)
Tag: pasta
Tuscan pasta and bean soup (pasta e fagioli)
We had the most delicious pasta e fagioli at our favorite local Italian restaurant. But unlike other pasta e fagioli recipes, the restaurant's version was heavy on the beans (tender, nearly disintegrated, velvety), light brown, and had virtually no other vegetables. We suspected the soup's foundation was homemade bean broth (as opposed to stock plus… Continue reading Tuscan pasta and bean soup (pasta e fagioli)
Cheesy baked orzo with marinara
We tried this recipe for an easy weeknight meal. Because we wanted leftovers for the week, we doubled the recipe. For the sauce, to reduce sodium, we combined 32 oz Rao's marinara, 16 oz no-salt tomato sauce (two 8-oz cans), and 2 oz water mixed with 1 Tbsp no-salt tomato paste. We reduced the thick… Continue reading Cheesy baked orzo with marinara
Orzo with chick pea in tomato sauce (pasta e ceci)
We tried this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pasta-and-beans-257210 This recipe calls for chicken broth, but if you use vegetable broth, it easily could be vegetarian. Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe. Second, based on our pantry we used 1/2 tsp dried basil instead of fresh, and we added it just before simmering the orzo in sauce. We…… Continue reading Orzo with chick pea in tomato sauce (pasta e ceci)
Moroccan chick pea and lentil soup (harira)
We have made harira before, but we were intrigued by this recipe's use of two different types of lentils (red and green) plus chick peas: https://www.feastingathome.com/harira-soup/ We followed the recipe pretty closely, and it turned out well. Our minor modifications: first, instead of cayenne pepper, we used 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili, a lower heat ground… Continue reading Moroccan chick pea and lentil soup (harira)
Vegetable and pasta soup with chicken broth
I am feeling under the weather, so we tried this soup: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vegetable-noodle-soup-recipe-1928029 We made some modifications: first, we doubled the broth, aromatics, and pasta. Second, for the vegetables we supplemented the carrot and celery with a medium Yukon potato (diced) and 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas. Finally, we added juice from a large lemon, which…… Continue reading Vegetable and pasta soup with chicken broth
Chinese sesame noodles
We were hungry and didn’t want a fussy meal, so we tried this recipe based on Shanghai sesame noodles: https://thewoksoflife.com/sesame-noodles/ Our modifications: first, we doubled the recipe as follows: 8 oz wheat noodles (we used dried Wang udon kuk-soo noodles, which are thinner than other brands of udon); for the sauce: 1 Tbsp sesame paste…… Continue reading Chinese sesame noodles
West African vermicelli rice with spinach and cashews
At Beacon Hill Bookshop, we found an intriguing cookbook, Vegan Africa, by Marie Kacouchia. This evening we tried her recipe for a West African dish of Lebanese origin. Here's how we made it, with modifications: First, heat a large saute pan (we used The Ultimate Pan) with 1/4 cup olive oil on medium-high heat. Add… Continue reading West African vermicelli rice with spinach and cashews
Polish chicken noodle soup (rosol)
My husband loves chicken soup, and I enjoy exploring new ingredients and recipes. We tried this recipe by a Polish-British blogger: https://www.everydayhealthyrecipes.com/chicken-vegetable-soup-vermicelli-rosol/ This soup gave me the opportunity to learn more about Polish cuisine and staples, including celeriac. It also taught me some tips to yield a clear chicken broth and intact cooked vegetables. Our… Continue reading Polish chicken noodle soup (rosol)
Orzo with cherry tomatoes and slivered almonds
We loosely followed this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/orzo-with-cherry-tomatoes-capers-lemon-recipe Our modifications: first, we started cooking the orzo in unsalted chicken broth (which we lightly salted). Second, for aromatics we sauteed 3 garlic cloves (sliced), 4 anchovies, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper in 2 Tbsp olive oil. (We did this instead of the capers, thyme, and single garlic…… Continue reading Orzo with cherry tomatoes and slivered almonds
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