We tried this quick version with two 13.5 oz cans of black beans. We used two small jalapeño peppers in lieu of bell pepper. We also used a small sprig fresh oregano instead of dried. Details here: http://www.food.com/recipe/frijoles-negros-cuban-black-beans-8969 (Feb. 2017)
Tag: side dishes
Boiled ripe plantains
For a healthier alternative to fried plantains, we tried this recipe: http://www.livestrong.com/article/548364-how-to-cook-boiled-plantains/ Our modifications: we cut the ends off each plantain and then cut a tiny slit in the skin of each chunk prior to placing in lightly salted boiling water. We also partially covered the pot while the plantains cooked (approx. 13 mins). We… Continue reading Boiled ripe plantains
Simple salad with persimmon and toasted pecans
We placed prewashed mixed baby greens on a large serving plate, garnished with sliced fuyu persimmon, drizzled with fruit-infused white balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkled with toasted pecan pieces. A touch of freshly ground pepper would have been nice, too; we’ll do that next time. (Feb. 2017)
Jamaican-style okra and bell pepper stirfry
I adapted a Chinese stirfry technique and added Dry Jerk Seasoning (see recipe below) for a Jamaican flavor. Cut one large (2 bulb) shallot into ¼ inch lengthwise slices. Separate, cut one red bell pepper into ¼ inch-lengthwise strips, removing seeds. Cut about 6 fresh large okra on a diagonal into ¼ inch slices. Set… Continue reading Jamaican-style okra and bell pepper stirfry
Simple cucumber salad
We loosely followed this recipe: http://www.coffeeandquinoa.com/2013/05/simple-cucumber-salad/ Our modifications: first, using a mandolin slicer, we thinly sliced three unpeeled Persian cucumbers (seedless mini-cucumbers) into a mixing bowl. Second, we thinly sliced one small shallot (about 2 Tbsp) in cross sections and added them to the bowl. Third, we used ¼ cup Japanese seasoned rice vinegar (Marukan… Continue reading Simple cucumber salad
Skillet cornbread with blueberries
We were looking for a not-too-sweet recipe, so we tried this: http://www.jessicagavin.com/skillet-cornbread-blueberries/ We used ¾ cup coarse yellow cornmeal and ½ cup blue cornmeal. Note: The blueberries all sank beneath the surface. What we might try next time is to wait to add the 15 reserved berries to the top of skillet after 15 mins… Continue reading Skillet cornbread with blueberries
Avocado, persimmon, and grapefruit salad
We tried this recipe: http://thelatinkitchen.com/r/recipe/avocado-grapefruit-and-persimmon-salad but made a few modifications. First, based on our pantry, we omitted the salad greens and used pecans in lieu of pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Second, instead of toasting the pecans on the stovetop, we toasted them in our toaster oven at 325 until toasted (about 5 mins) and then sprinkled… Continue reading Avocado, persimmon, and grapefruit salad
Quick-baked potato
We tried this microwave recipe for baking a potato, and it was surprisingly good: http://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/10-minute-baked-potatoes/ We baked 2 medium Yukon potatoes in 11 mins total. Specifically, we poked the top of each potato several times with a fork, placed about 3 inches apart on a large, microwave-proof plate, and microwaved for 10 mins on high… Continue reading Quick-baked potato
Simple couscous
We followed this recipe from the Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-couscous-165983 We first toasted the couscous in 1 ½ Tbsp melted butter before adding 1 cup hot chicken broth (we skipped the salt). Then we stirred, covered, and turned off the heat and let the covered pan sit for 10 mins undisturbed. (Nov. 2016)
Simply dressed avocado and tomato salad
We cut one avocado and half a tomato into ¼ inch slices, then drizzled with the juice of one lime, seasoned rice wine vinegar (Marukan yellow label), and olive oil. We sprinkled lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and garnished with cilantro. We loosely based this dish on delicious Peruvian sliced avocado salad… Continue reading Simply dressed avocado and tomato salad
Cooking Adventures 