Smoky lentil stew with potatoes and leeks

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021588-smoky-lentil-stew-with-leeks-and-potatoes?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share The recipe called for 5 potatoes without specifying weight; we used 3 medium Russets, which was more than enough. At the end of cooking, we added 1.5 Tbsp pomegranate balsamic vinegar and ½ tsp sugar for brightness. (Dec. 2021)

North African bean stew with barley and winter squash

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017916-north-african-bean-stew-with-barley-and-winter-squash?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We found that 2 cups diced butternut squash = half of a medium. We did add 1 cup of broth (for a total of 12 cups) at the end (to make it soupier) and balanced with red wine vinegar and a dash of sugar. We served with fresh lemon wedges.… Continue reading North African bean stew with barley and winter squash

Chicken thigh and chicken andouille gumbo

We tried this recipe, and it was very tasty: https://thecafesucrefarine.com/make-ahead-chicken-andouille-gumbo/. In lieu of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, we used no-salt diced tomatoes. To make up for the fire-roasted flavor, we used 2 tsp smoked paprika and only 1 tsp sweet paprika (for 1 Tbsp total paprika). At the end of cooking, we added 2 tsp pomegranate-quince… Continue reading Chicken thigh and chicken andouille gumbo

Moroccan eggplant and chick pea tagine

We tried this recipe from a UK website: https://skinnyspatula.com/moroccan-aubergine-chickpea-tagine/ We made some modifications: first, instead of frying the eggplant, we oven-roasted it at 425 F for 18 mins after cutting into 1 inch chunks, lightly salting, and tossing in 1 Tbsp canola oil (olive oil tends to smoke in our oven). Then we reduced the… Continue reading Moroccan eggplant and chick pea tagine

Pressure cooker chipotle chicken pozole

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020110-pressure-cooker-chipotle-chicken-pozole?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used all of the chipotle sauce in the 7 oz can of chile en adobo, but only 2 of the chipotle peppers (we froze the remaining peppers). We substituted half of the skinless, boneless chicken with chicken breast (3 thighs, 2 breasts), but we may reduce the amount of… Continue reading Pressure cooker chipotle chicken pozole

Turkey chili

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/7985-turkey-chili?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share In lieu of a bell pepper, we added 2 small-medium Korean sweet potatoes (skin on, diced). After sauteeing the minced turkey (which we reduced to 1 lb 10 oz), we set the turkey aside and then sauteed the diced sweet potato for about 5 mins before adding the onion,… Continue reading Turkey chili

Middle eastern-style couscous with pinto beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12757-couscous-with-tomatoes-cauliflower-red-peppers-and-olives?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Running low on time, we used 14 oz diced tomatoes with juice and used a combo of hot chicken broth (4 cups) and hot water (4 cups). We soaked 2 cups dried pinto beans overnight, then drained them. During step 1, after adding the drained beans, bouquet garni, and… Continue reading Middle eastern-style couscous with pinto beans, cauliflower, and bell pepper

Chicken broth with orzo and beet greens

This was a good use of beet greens that we had leftover from a beet salad for a potluck. We loosely followed this recipe: https://myhalalkitchen.com/summer-greens-soup-orzo-wholesome-chicken-broth/ Our modifications: first, for the greens we used: beet stems and leaves from 3 bundles of beets (about 4 cups total); stem and florets from 1 small broccoli stem; and… Continue reading Chicken broth with orzo and beet greens

Filipino chicken soup with bottle gourd and bean thread noodles

This is one of our favorite soups. It comes together quickly and makes a light, flavorful dinner. Details here: https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/sotanghon-at-upo-soup/ We prefer to cut the bottle gourd into 1/2" dice (instead of 1"). Instead of water, we use diluted chicken broth (1 Tbsp Better Than Bouillon dissolved in 4 cups hot water). In terms of… Continue reading Filipino chicken soup with bottle gourd and bean thread noodles