Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates

We followed this Food Network Kitchens recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/cauliflower-couscous-recipe-2105437.html?soc=itksocialshareSMS%7Cios%7Cp However, we made substantial modifications: first, instead of sautéing the cauliflower and shallots (which we increased from 1 to 3 shallots), we seasoned them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper and oven-roasted them at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (we increased heat to 450 for… Continue reading Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates

Taiwanese steamed eggplant with garlic and chilies (suan rong qie zi)

Trim the top and ends off of 2 Japanese eggplant and cut in half lengthwise (here, ½ large eggplant, cut into half lengthwise and then into ½ inch slices). Separately, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped scallion, 3-4 red chilies (I used 1, cut on a diagonal), and 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and set… Continue reading Taiwanese steamed eggplant with garlic and chilies (suan rong qie zi)

Taiwanese okra with garlic, chilies, and fermented black beans (dou chi chao qui kui)

Rinse 1 Tbsp Chinese fermented black beans a few times, drain, and set aside. Heat 2 Tbsp neutral oil in a high walled skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 red chilies (sliced on a diagonal) until fragrant. Add ½ lb okra (cleaned and trimmed, but left whole) with a dash of salt… Continue reading Taiwanese okra with garlic, chilies, and fermented black beans (dou chi chao qui kui)

Taiwanese dry tofu with edamame (dou gan chao mao dou ten)

Boil shelled edamame (fresh or frozen) until tender (about 3 mins), drain, and set aside. Separately, heat 2 Tbsp neutral oil in a large wok, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp microplaned ginger. When fragrant, add ½ lb dry tofu (tofu-gan) cut into ½ inch cubes. Sauté until lightly browned, then add… Continue reading Taiwanese dry tofu with edamame (dou gan chao mao dou ten)

Korean persimmon punch with cinnamon and ginger (sujeonggwa)

After having this dessert beverage at Korean restaurants for years, I finally tried making it at home. Recipe from Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking cookbook. Similar recipe on her blog: http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/sujeonggwa. The directions were the same, with only slight differences in ingredient proportions. Her cookbook calls for 10 cups water, 5 cinnamon sticks, 3 oz ginger,… Continue reading Korean persimmon punch with cinnamon and ginger (sujeonggwa)

Navy bean and chickpea vegetable soup with peanut butter

The peanut butter provides surprising depth to this soup. Sauté 2 chopped onions, a few cloves minced garlic, and ¼ cup chopped parsley in oil until fragrant and lightly browned. Add 1 tsp each cumin and cumin seeds, 2 cups stewed tomatoes (here, I added 15 oz canned stewed tomatoes with juice and 1 ripe,… Continue reading Navy bean and chickpea vegetable soup with peanut butter