Pasta with roasted grape tomatoes

This is a great pantry recipe. We used ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan instead of pecorino cheese and ¼ cup matzoh meal instead of bread crumbs. Details here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1778-penne-with-roasted-cherry-tomatoes?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share When tossing the al dente pasta with the roasted tomatoes, we used about ¼ cup pasta water and 1 additional Tbsp olive oil. We also sprinkled… Continue reading Pasta with roasted grape tomatoes

Pasta with mushrooms and gremolata

Gremolata is an intoxicating combo of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. We tried this recipe, and it was delicious: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12791-pasta-with-mushrooms-and-gremolata?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used 8 oz (½ lb) cremini mushrooms (instead of 1 lb mixed mushrooms), cut into ½" slices. We found the amount of mushroom to be sufficient. Second,… Continue reading Pasta with mushrooms and gremolata

Sicilian-style pasta with anchovies, capers, and roasted cauliflower and cremini mushrooms

First, preheat the oven to 425. Wash ½ head cauliflower (about 2 cups) and cut into medium-size florets (about 2"x1"), pat until bone-dry, and toss in 1 Tbsp olive oil and black pepper. Wash 8 oz (½ lb) cremini mushrooms, pat bone-dry, and cut into large bite-sized pieces (1" thick). Toss with 1 Tbsp olive… Continue reading Sicilian-style pasta with anchovies, capers, and roasted cauliflower and cremini mushrooms

Microwaved Korean sweet potatoes

Our conventional oven conked out, so we baked these in the microwave. Carefully wash the skin, fork-pierce a few times, and then wrap each tuber in a few damp paper towels. Place the wrapped tubers on a large, microwave-proof plate, and microwave on high until tender (about 5 to 5 ½ mins for two small-medium… Continue reading Microwaved Korean sweet potatoes

Persian spiced omelette with caramelized dates

This is a warm and comforting breakfast that reminded us of sweet matzoh brie and French toast. We tried this recipe, but we doubled the amounts (for two servings) and also added specific measurements where needed: https://www.eater.com/2017/1/28/14421434/recipe-persian-date-omelet Our modifications: first, cut ½ cup pitted Medjool or Persian dates in half, lengthwise. Place the halved dates… Continue reading Persian spiced omelette with caramelized dates

Crispy baked cubed tofu

We accidentally purchased pre-cut tofu (cubed extra firm tofu in 2" dice), so we tried making it crispy. We followed this recipe generally, except we increased the oven temp to 425: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/baked-tofu/ Because we planned to use this as a neutral topping for Japanese curry rice, we omitted seasonings and used only cornstarch and olive… Continue reading Crispy baked cubed tofu

Orecchiette with kale and cannelloni beans. We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020968-pasta-with-spicy-sausage-broccoli-rabe-and-chickpeas?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We modified the ingredients based on our pantry: first, kale instead of broccoli rabe, cannelloni beans instead of chick peas, and chicken broth instead of white wine. For the sausage, we used a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage. (Apr. 2020)

Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup

We tried this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_soup_with_ginger_and_shiitake_mushrooms/ Our modifications: first, instead of chicken thighs, we used ½ chicken, which we carved into standard pieces (breast, thigh, drumstick) and did not cut into the bones. Our inspiration was this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chicken-mushroom-soup/ Second, I guestimated that 1 oz = 12 dried shiitakes, which we soaked in 3 cups boiling… Continue reading Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup

Vietnamese grilled chicken skewers

We followed a bun recipe from Andrea Nguyen’s Vietnamese Food Any Day cookbook, but we served it with green leaf lettuce, cucumber, spearmint, red cabbage, and jasmine rice instead of thin rice noodles. First, start with 1 ¼ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Using paper towel, pat until bone-dry, trim off fat, and then cut… Continue reading Vietnamese grilled chicken skewers