Dry Indian mung bean stew recipe (moong dal)

We recently stocked up on dried split mung beans (moong dal) and were intrigued by this recipe: https://indianambrosia.com/dry-moong-dal-recipe/ This was an easy, healthy, and satisfying meal. Our modifications: first, for the oil we used a combination of ghee (for flavor) and canola. Second, we used 1 medium red onion plus 1 regular shallot for 1.5… Continue reading Dry Indian mung bean stew recipe (moong dal)

Mafaldine pasta with roasted eggplant

I love the curly edges of lasagna sheets, so mafaldine pasta piqued my curiosity. We decided to try this recipe: https://www.acouplecooks.com/mafaldine-pasta-with-eggplant/ Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe, using 1/2 lb of mafaldine pasta. We used a low-walled Dutch oven to cook the pasta. Second, as a shortcut we used 15.5 oz Rao’s marinara sauce…… Continue reading Mafaldine pasta with roasted eggplant

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

Sicilian-style pasta with zucchini chunks

We unexpectedly had an abundance of zucchini, including 4 smaller ones. We tried this recipe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/23/lifestyle/recipe-this-unusual-method-cooking-zucchini-with-anchovies-becomes-sauce-pasta/ At the end of cooking, we added lemon juice (about 1/3 lemon) for brightness. This dish was decent, but we prefer a pasta with cauliflower that has a similar flavor base (garlic, anchovy, olive oil). (Jan. 2023)

South Indian legume and rice dry porridge (pongal)

We wanted to try a new porridge. We tried this recipe, but it turned out not to be soupy at all: https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/pongal-south-indian-rice-lentil-porridge-vegan/ Its texture is more like the mung bean filling of Korean sweet rice cake (dduk). The flavors are nice, and it is tasty as a drier rice and mung bean dish. This recipe… Continue reading South Indian legume and rice dry porridge (pongal)

Japanese chicken and potato stew (torijaga)

We have started cutting down on red meat, but we still crave old recipes such as nikujaga (a Japanese meat and potato stew featuring thinly sliced or minced beef or pork). We found this recipe for torijaga (chicken and potato stew), which uses chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces: https://youtu.be/jA-qNOIJ-LE Our modifications: first, we used… Continue reading Japanese chicken and potato stew (torijaga)

Kichidi (Indian savory rice and legume porridge), version 2 and our favorite recipe

After a few days of heavy, rich meals, we made this masala kichidi recipe to cleanse a bit: https://www.funfoodfrolic.com/masala-khichdi-recipe/ This is our favorite kichidi recipe to date. Our modifications: first, we used 1/2 cup white jasmine rice and 1/4 cup pink masoor dal (i.e., red lentil), soaked in water for 15 mins; and 1/4 cup… Continue reading Kichidi (Indian savory rice and legume porridge), version 2 and our favorite recipe

Korean spicy fish and radish stew (maeuntang)

We had a lot of daikon, and I suddenly had a craving for this dish. We tried Maangchi’s recipe: https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/maeuntang We followed Maangchi’s guidance to use fresh whole fish. We found two beautiful red snapper, which the fish monger graciously cut into 2-inch pieces (and we kept the head and tail). Our modifications: first, for…… Continue reading Korean spicy fish and radish stew (maeuntang)

Sicilian-style pasta with roasted cauliflower and crispy capers

We tried this recipe with Sicilian flavors, and it was delicious. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pasta-roasted-cauliflower-and-crispy-capers Because its flavor base includes anchovy filets in addition to lemon zest, capers, and pecorino, this recipe is not vegetarian. (Dec. 2022) Note: Instead of 4 anchovy filets, you can use 2 tsp anchovy paste (1/2 tsp paste = 1 filet).