Middle eastern lentils and basmati rice with caramelized onions (mujadara)

We followed this recipe from Faye Levy’s Feast from the Mideast, which is also available online here: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-11-fo-1350-story.html We followed the book recipe, which called for 1 1/3 cup (not 1 cup) dried lentils. We increased the cumin from 1 tsp to 2 tsp. We also set aside only 1/3 of caramelized onion as topping.… Continue reading Middle eastern lentils and basmati rice with caramelized onions (mujadara)

Sweet and sour cabbage

We tried this recipe from Joan Nathan’s cookbook, King Solomon’s Table, also available at this link: https://jewishfoodexperience.com/recipes/slightly-sweet-sour-cabbage/ Our modifications: the ¼ cup white wine vinegar we used was too mild, so we supplemented with 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and a tsp sugar for brightness. We served this as a side dish to complement brisket… Continue reading Sweet and sour cabbage

Moroccan beet and orange salad

We tried this recipe from Joan Nathan’s cookbook, King Solomon’s Table, also available at this link: https://www.stljewishlight.com/moroccan-beet-and-orange-salad/article_be0f5dce-989d-11e7-bd11-0be10411f646.html We lightly toasted the pistachios before sprinkling them over the salad. We also used only 1 Tbsp (not ½ bunch) chopped parsley as garnish. We served this as the first course for our Rosh Hashanah dinner. We used… Continue reading Moroccan beet and orange salad

Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

We tried this Ina Garten recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/balsamic-roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe-1996813 Our modifications: first, we used 2 slices precooked bacon instead of pancetta. Second, we washed, trimmed, and halved the Brussels sprouts. We carefully dried the brussel sprout halves with paper towels (to maximize browning and minimize steaming) before tossing the bacon and sprout halves with ¼ cup olive… Continue reading Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Celery, carrot ribbon, and parsley salad

We tossed together this simple salad based on our pantry: 7 celery heart stalks (or 4 celery stalks), cut along a 1-inch diagonal; 2 medium carrots, peeled and then shaved into ribbons (using a textured peeler), and 2 Tbsp Italian parsley, roughly chopped. We served this with a simple French vinaigrette: https://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/186480832981/basic-french-vinaigrette-details-here (July 2019)

Fingerling potato salad with vinaigrette

We tried this recipe: https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/healthy-fingerling-potato-salad/ Our modifications: we boiled 1.5 skin-on fingerlings for 25 mins (larger potatoes) and 15 mins (smaller potatoes), drained, cooled under cold water, and then halved lengthwise. We skipped the salad ingredients (sundried tomatoes, spinach, etc.) and made the vinaigrette. For the vinaigrette, we used 2 Tbsp minced shallot. We tossed… Continue reading Fingerling potato salad with vinaigrette