Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2

We had Persian cucumbers and decided to try this recipe: https://thewoksoflife.com/smashed-asian-cucumber-salad/ Our modifications: first, we found 5 Persian cucumbers equivalent to the 2 standard cucumbers called for in the recipe. Second, for the chili oil, we used 1.5 tsp Sichuan chili sauce (laoganma). This was a refreshing and delicious side dish to gong bao chicken… Continue reading Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2

Pakistani mildly spiced chick peas (chikad chanay)

I carry a lot of food memories. I recently craved a delicately spiced chick pea side dish that we had enjoyed at a local Afghan kabob place many years ago. While I couldn't find that exact recipe, I stumbled upon this Pakistani recipe: https://sabihaskitchen.com/chikad-chanay/ Our modifications: first, after soaking the 1 lb dried chick peas… Continue reading Pakistani mildly spiced chick peas (chikad chanay)

Mild kichidi (Indian mung bean and rice porridge)

We are feeling under the weather, and we craved a mildly seasoned version of kichidi. This fit the bill, and it was comforting and tasty. https://myheartbeets.com/instant-pot-khichdi-rice-lentil-porridge/ We halved the recipe: 1/2 cup basmati and 1/4 cup moong dal (but see Note below); 1 Tbsp ghee, 3/4 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf; 3 cups water,… Continue reading Mild kichidi (Indian mung bean and rice porridge)

Katrina’s brown rice and sausage stuffing / dressing

This is a family recipe from my sister’s sister-in-law. We enjoyed it so much at Katrina’s Thanksgiving feasts in years past that she shared the recipe (which originated with her late uncle). Here’s the basic recipe, with some modifications from us: First, cook enough brown jasmine rice to yield 4.5 cups of cooked brown rice…… Continue reading Katrina’s brown rice and sausage stuffing / dressing

Korean kalbi-style king oyster mushrooms

We tried my grandmother’s kalbi marinade on thinly sliced oyster mushrooms and a handful of bonapi mushrooms. We cut 1 lb petite oyster mushrooms in 1/4″ slices lengthwise, and we also added a handful (about 1/4 cup bonapi mushrooms, trimmed). Then we placed them in the following kalbi marinade: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup…… Continue reading Korean kalbi-style king oyster mushrooms

Middle Eastern style lentil and split yellow pea soup

We were craving a legume-based soup and tried this recipe: https://thishungrykitten.com/2013/03/26/middle-eastern-delight-lentil-and-split-pea-soup/ This was comforting, earthy, and tasty. Our modifications: first, we don’t have a slow cooker, so we made this on the stovetop. Second, we increased the ground cumin and supplemented with ground coriander. Specifically, after sauteeing the onion, we added 2 tsp cumin and…… Continue reading Middle Eastern style lentil and split yellow pea soup

Orzo with chick pea in tomato sauce (pasta e ceci)

We tried this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pasta-and-beans-257210 This recipe calls for chicken broth, but if you use vegetable broth, it easily could be vegetarian. Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe. Second, based on our pantry we used 1/2 tsp dried basil instead of fresh, and we added it just before simmering the orzo in sauce. We…… Continue reading Orzo with chick pea in tomato sauce (pasta e ceci)