Pressure cooker beef stew

We tried this recipe: https://www.wellplated.com/instant-pot-beef-stew/. Our minor modifications: first, we used brisket instead of chuck, which we cut into chunks and browned in four rounds of searing. Second, we used 4 medium carrots (about 2/3 lb) and 1 lb baby fingerling potatoes (which we left whole). Third, we did add the optional 1 Tbsp Worchestershire… Continue reading Pressure cooker beef stew

Italian mushroom ragu with pan-seared polenta rounds

We modified a recipe from David Ruggerio’s Little Italy Cookbook. As a shortcut, we used a tube of premade polenta. First, in a 10" straight-walled stainless steel pan, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil on medium heat. Saute 4 shallots (diced) until fragrant, then added 1 lb (16 oz) cremini mushrooms (cut into ½" slices) and… Continue reading Italian mushroom ragu with pan-seared polenta rounds

Summer minestrone soup with zucchini, turnip, and basil

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016431-summer-minestrone-with-fresh-basil?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, instead of canned cannelini beans, we used 1 ¾ cups homemade presoaked cannelini beans, which are not as fully cooked as the canned version (method here: https://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/622117884905259008/quick-soaking-cannellini-beans-pressure-cooker). As a result, we added the presoaked cannelini beans earlier, at the same stage as the bouquet garni. Second, instead… Continue reading Summer minestrone soup with zucchini, turnip, and basil

Filipino minced beef with string beans (ginisang baguio beans)

I first learned this recipe many years ago from a college friend. I misplaced her recipe, so we tried this one: http://www.russianfilipinokitchen.com/2014/07/30/sauteed-green-beans-with-ground-beef-filipino-style-ginisang-baguio-beans/ Our modifications: consistent with my friend’s recipe, we used ¼ cup white vinegar instead of water. We added the vinegar at the same time as the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Second,… Continue reading Filipino minced beef with string beans (ginisang baguio beans)

Ethiopian mild yellow split pea stew (kik alicha)

We made one of our favorite dishes. Details here: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Authentic-Kik-Alicha-_Ethiopian-Split-Pea-Puree_-1257837?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=pinterest&utm_term=Authentic-Kik-Alicha-_Ethiopian-Split-Pea-Puree_-1257837&utm_campaign=app-social-recipe#directions This recipe easily could be vegetarian, but we used 3 cups chicken broth in lieu of 3 cups water and ¾ tsp salt. We skipped the jalapeño. We found the end result too liquidy, and we had to strain the final dish before serving it… Continue reading Ethiopian mild yellow split pea stew (kik alicha)

Persian beef and yellow pea stew (khoresh gheymeh)

We tried this Persian Mama recipe and made a few modifications: http://persianmama.com/khoresh-gheymeh-beef-and-split-pea-stew/. First, we used 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1" cubes. Second, because we used ¾ cup standard supermarket split yellow peas, we skipped steps 3-4 and followed the Note instructions to boil for 2-3 mins, cool, and added in the last 20… Continue reading Persian beef and yellow pea stew (khoresh gheymeh)

Chicken cacciatore with mushrooms

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015416-chicken-cacciatore-with-mushrooms-tomatoes-and-wine?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Based on our pantry, we used ½ cup dried shiitakes (instead of porcini) for the dried mushroom and corresponding 1 cup of mushroom soaking liquid. We also used 29 oz (two 14.5 oz cans) of no-salt diced tomatoes, which we pulsed in our handheld processors. We omitted much of the… Continue reading Chicken cacciatore with mushrooms

Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup

We tried this recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_soup_with_ginger_and_shiitake_mushrooms/ Our modifications: first, instead of chicken thighs, we used ½ chicken, which we carved into standard pieces (breast, thigh, drumstick) and did not cut into the bones. Our inspiration was this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chicken-mushroom-soup/ Second, I guestimated that 1 oz = 12 dried shiitakes, which we soaked in 3 cups boiling… Continue reading Chinese chicken and shiitake mushroom soup