Every once in a while when I was a kid, my sister and I enjoyed this special treat at Korean-Chinese restaurants. I decided to try it at home. Because we rarely deep-fry, I tried combining a healthier, roasted sweet potato method with a traditional candy coating. First, following this recipe, https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/paleo-korean-caramelized-sweet-potatoes-goguma-mattang-2/ , we cut two… Continue reading Candied Korean sweet potatoes (goguma mattang)
Tag: vegetarian
Persian meat spice blend
We tried this recipe as a base for a Persian beef and yellow split pea stew (koresh ghymeh): http://persianmama.com/all-about-spices-2/ (Persian meat spice blend I). Combine the following: 2 Tbsp turmeric, 1 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp crushed Bay leaf (about 1 medium leaf), and 1 tsp each ground black pepper, cayenne pepper (called “chili” in… Continue reading Persian meat spice blend
Persian spiced omelette with caramelized dates
This is a warm and comforting breakfast that reminded us of sweet matzoh brie and French toast. We tried this recipe, but we doubled the amounts (for two servings) and also added specific measurements where needed: https://www.eater.com/2017/1/28/14421434/recipe-persian-date-omelet Our modifications: first, cut ½ cup pitted Medjool or Persian dates in half, lengthwise. Place the halved dates… Continue reading Persian spiced omelette with caramelized dates
Chinese soy-braised turnips
We tried this recipe from Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian cookbook: first, peel 2 lb (about 4) purple topped turnips, cut into 1.5 inch pieces (vertically cut in half, then each half into 2-4 thick chunks). Second, heat 2 Tbsp peanut or corn oil in a large wok, then add the turnip chunks on medium-high heat.… Continue reading Chinese soy-braised turnips
Crispy baked cubed tofu
We accidentally purchased pre-cut tofu (cubed extra firm tofu in 2" dice), so we tried making it crispy. We followed this recipe generally, except we increased the oven temp to 425: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/baked-tofu/ Because we planned to use this as a neutral topping for Japanese curry rice, we omitted seasonings and used only cornstarch and olive… Continue reading Crispy baked cubed tofu
Simple charoset
During the pandemic, we tried to make charoset based on our pantry. We generally followed this recipe: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Basic-Charoset-511621 Our modifications: first, we used a mix of Fuji apple and Anjou pear, and we left the skin on. Second, in lieu of the 1 Tbsp each sweet red wine and honey, we used 2 Tbsp pomegranate… Continue reading Simple charoset
Blanched spinach
We bought 1 lb of fresh baby spinach, but we don’t have an immediate use for it. We tried this simple blanching method: http://beyondwonderful.com/how_to/preparing/blanch_spinach.htm After plunging the cooked spinach in a large bowl of ice water, we moved it to a large wire mesh colander to drain for 30 mins. After that, we manually squeezed… Continue reading Blanched spinach
Banana-nut muffins
Pantry baking. We tried this recipe: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/banana-muffins/ We used 3 ½ medium sized well-ripened bananas and 1 cup walnut pieces. This recipe yielded 15 muffins, which we baked for a total of 19 mins (5 mins at 425, 14 at 350). (Apr. 2020)
Crispy hash browns
We tried this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/06/shredded-hash-browns-recipe.html Our modifications: we used Simply Potatoes shredded potatoes (about 8 oz), which we microwaved in a paper towel-lined flat bowl for 1 min. We then heated 2 tsp ghee (clarified butter) in a cast iron pan, and we cooked until browned on one side, sprinkling with salt and pepper (about… Continue reading Crispy hash browns
Simple carrot and carrot salad
We tossed this together based on our pantry: Wash and pat dry two celery stalks, and cut into 1 inch diagonal pieces. Wash and peel 2 medium carrots, then cut into ½ inch diagonal slices. Add about 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped parsley. Drizzle with a fruity white balsamic vinegar (we used about 1 Tbsp pomegranate… Continue reading Simple carrot and carrot salad
Cooking Adventures 