Red beans and rice

Details here: https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/15/red-beans-and-rice/Based on our pantry, we used a combo of red kidney beans and pinto beans. We added 2 large frozen jalapeños (seeded and chopped) instead of bell pepper. For the sausage, we used 12 oz of Aidells pork andouille. At the end of cooking, we mashed a bit and drizzled about 2 tsp… Continue reading Red beans and rice

Kedgeree with smoked fish

We tried this Indo-British version, and it was quite tasty. Details here: https://www.carolinescooking.com/kedgeree/ Our modifications: first, we doubled the recipe (except for the cardamom) as follows: 1 1/3 cup basmati rice, 2/3 cup red lentils, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 quart (4 cups) water or unsalted chicken broth; 15 oz smoked fish (see more below), 2-3… Continue reading Kedgeree with smoked fish

Simple quesadilla

We threw this together based on our pantry: 2 flour tortillas; 2 Tbsp spicy black bean puree (from this recipe: https://href.li/?https://hispanickitchen.com/recipes/spicy-black-bean-nachos/); 2 Tbsp cooked jasmine rice; a handful of fresh baby spinach (about 6 leaves); and about 2 Tbsp shredded Monterey Jack cheese. On a large cutting board, lay down a flour tortilla. Spread the… Continue reading Simple quesadilla

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

Middle Eastern stuffed peppers and tomatoes (filfil mahshi)

We generally followed this recipe: https://www.arabamerica.com/recipe/stuffed-peppers-mahshi-falafli/ Our modifications: first, we substituted a medium, dual-lobed shallot (finely diced) and 2 cloves garlic (minced) for one medium onion. For the spices, we used 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp allspice, and ¼ tsp cayenne. For the herbs, we used 1 Tbsp minced parsley, 2 tsp minced dill, and… Continue reading Middle Eastern stuffed peppers and tomatoes (filfil mahshi)

Spanish-style chicken and rice

This was a good use of 2 cups leftover cooked basmati rice. We tried this one-skillet recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/spanish-style-chicken-rice-skillet-recipe-23024698 Our modifications: in lieu of one small red bell pepper, we used 4 oz diced green beans and 1 diced jalapeño. For the 1 lb chicken, we used 2 boneless chicken breasts. (Dec. 2020)

Wild rice dressing with celery, nuts, and dried cranberries

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014036-wild-rice-almond-and-mushroom-stuffing?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For the dry sherry, we used sherry cooking wine. Our modifications: first, we substituted 8 oz dried cranberries and 8 oz water chestnuts (drained, sliced, and halved) for the cremini mushrooms. Second, we increased the diced celery to 1.5 cups (from 1 cup). Third, we substituted 2/3 cup toasted,… Continue reading Wild rice dressing with celery, nuts, and dried cranberries

Curry fried rice with leftover roast turkey

We tried this recipe: https://www.vietworldkitchen.com/blog/2015/05/fried-rice-tips-curry-recipe.html Our modifications: first, using a large nonstick frying pan, we browned 1 cup chopped, roast turkey in 1 tsp vegetable oil, then seasoned lightly (about ½ tsp) with Maggi Seasoning, and then set aside. Second, we added 2 tsp vegetable oil, then sauteed chopped raw vegetables (1.5 celery stalks, 2… Continue reading Curry fried rice with leftover roast turkey

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

Indonesian fried rice (nasi goreng)

We had about 3 cups leftover cooked rice and one leftover roast chicken thigh. We tried this recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/nasi-goreng-indonesian-fried-rice/ Our modifications: first, we used 3 small Thai chilis, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 medium shallot. Second, we didn’t have kecap manis, so we used 1.5 Tbsp Chinese thick soy sauce (made of molasses and soy)… Continue reading Indonesian fried rice (nasi goreng)