Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

This is a multi-step recipe that took over 4 hours to make. First, make the chicken stock: place a whole chicken in a stock pot, cover with 12-14 cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then skim scum off the top. Add carrot chunks, celery chunks, 2 bay leaves, an onion… Continue reading Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

Filipino salmon and white miso soup  

Heat a medium pot and add 2 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil on medium heat. Saute chopped 2 onions and 8 cloves minced garlic.  Add 4 chopped tomatoes (or 28 oz canned chopped tomatoes, drained) and cook until wilted.  Deglaze with 2 cups white wine, increase heat until reduced by half.  Pour in 8 cups water,… Continue reading Filipino salmon and white miso soup  

Colombian chicken and potato soup with whole corn (ajiaco), version 2

I thought of my Colombian friend Laura while making this. Place a whole chicken in a stock pot with 12 cups water, 2/3 of a bunch of cilantro (tied with kitchen string), and 1 piece celery tied to 2 whole scallions (tops cleaned off) with kitchen string. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low… Continue reading Colombian chicken and potato soup with whole corn (ajiaco), version 2

Italian chick pea and swiss chard soup

Using a stockpot, saute 2 oz thick-cut bacon (cut into matchsticks) in a little olive oil until browned, then remove and set aside. Add 1 chopped onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, 5 sprigs thyme (leaves only), 2-3 minced sage leaves, and ¼ tsp crushed red pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Add 1 bunch… Continue reading Italian chick pea and swiss chard soup

Korean braised short ribs (kalbi jjim)  

This marked my first time making this dish and using a new kitchen appliance (food processor).  First, soak 2-3 lb beef short ribs (about 6 ribs) in water for a few minutes, then pat dry.  Score the fleshy part of each rib, then set aside.  Second, make the marinade:  using a food processor, blend 1… Continue reading Korean braised short ribs (kalbi jjim)  

Italian rustic vegetable, sausage, and polenta soup

Saute 2 hot Italian chicken sausages (casings removed) with some olive oil in a large Dutch oven, breaking up into pieces.  When sausage is browned, remove and set aside.  Using the same pot, add 2 onions (chopped), minced garlic, several sprigs thyme, 4 sage leaves (julienned), and 2 carrots (chopped).  Season with a little salt… Continue reading Italian rustic vegetable, sausage, and polenta soup