Peel a butternut squash (about 2 lbs), then cut into 1-inch chunks and set aside. Heat 4 Tbsp oil in a Dutch oven, then add ½ tsp cumin seeds. When seeds start to pop, add the squash chunks, ½ tsp salt, and a ¼ tsp each turmeric, cayenne, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to… Continue reading Indian sweet and spicy butternut squash
Tag: side dishes
Indian spiced fruit salad (fruit chaat)
This is a simple salad of various fruits cut into bite-sized pieces (here, 3 small guavas, a red delicious apple, a red pear, a plum, 1 cup red grapes, and 1 banana) tossed with the juice of one lime, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp each cayenne and black pepper. The addition of savory spices… Continue reading Indian spiced fruit salad (fruit chaat)
Indian yellow squash curry
Wash 3 small yellow squash (1 lb), then cut into ¼ inch rounds. Separately, heat 3 Tbsp neutral oil in a Dutch oven on medium heat, then add ½ small onion (grated). Saute until onion is golden brown, then reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 small fully ripe tomato (halved and sliced). Cover the… Continue reading Indian yellow squash curry
Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates
We followed this Food Network Kitchens recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/cauliflower-couscous-recipe-2105437.html?soc=itksocialshareSMS%7Cios%7Cp However, we made substantial modifications: first, instead of sautéing the cauliflower and shallots (which we increased from 1 to 3 shallots), we seasoned them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper and oven-roasted them at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (we increased heat to 450 for… Continue reading Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates
Simply dressed tomatoes
Slice tomatoes (any type will do), drizzle with Marukan seasoned rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar (here, pomegranate and quince-infused white balsamic) and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Garnish with sliced, seeded jalapeños, if desired. Recipe inspired by my friend Amy. (Nov. 2014)
Korean seasoned acorn jelly (dotorimuk muchim)
I simplified this recipe from Maangchi: http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/dotorimukmuchim. I used store-bought acorn jelly, cut it into bite sized pieces, and then tossed with 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, ½ tsp sugar, a few minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Garnished with 1 tsp chopped scallion greens. (June 2015)
Indian cashew and green pea bhaji
Place 1 ½ cups whole raw cashews in a small pot. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 15 mins, then drain, cool, and dry with a paper towel. Using a large high-rimmed saute pan, heat 3 Tbsp oil on medium-high… Continue reading Indian cashew and green pea bhaji
Oven-baked plantains
I got inspiration for this lighter alternative to fried plaintains from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healthily-cook-plantains-3827.html, except I coated the baking pan with some canola oil spray. Preheat oven to 450, then lightly spray a cookie sheet with canola oil. Place two plantains, cut on a ½ inch diagonal, on the cookie sheet, then lightly spray with canola oil. … Continue reading Oven-baked plantains
Indian cumin-infused basmati rice with peas
Rinse and drain 1 dry cup Basmati rice. Heat 2 Tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan, then add 1 tsp cumin seeds. Let brown for about 10 seconds (do not burn), then add the rice and stir, coating the rice with the oil. Add 2 cups water, ½ tsp salt, and ½ cup frozen… Continue reading Indian cumin-infused basmati rice with peas
Japanese seasoned rice with green peas
Rinse and drain 1½ dry cups uncooked Japanese medium grain or haiga rice for 30 mins, then add to the rice cooker inner pot. Cover with 1 ¾ cups chicken broth, 1 Tbsp sake, and 1 tsp soy (the combined rice and liquid should meet the “2” line mark on the inside of the rice… Continue reading Japanese seasoned rice with green peas
Cooking Adventures 