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Indian mung bean dal (moong dal)

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We made this recipe as a side dish: https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/moong-dal-recipe/ We used a pressure cooker, and we followed the blogger's tip about adding a bit (1/2 tsp) of red lentil to the 1/2 cup of moong dal to reduce stickiness. We found the instructions confusing and imprecise (for ex, it is vague about the amount and… Continue reading Indian mung bean dal (moong dal)

15-bean Cajun stew with andouille sausage

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We tried this recipe: https://hurstbeans.com/recipes/slow-cooker-cajun-15-bean-soup We do not have a slow cooker, so we made some modifications: first, following the bean prep instructions here (https://hurstbeans.com/recipes/15-bean-soup-with-smoked-sausage-swp) and we soaked the 20 oz Hurst's dried beans overnight in 8 cups of water in the fridge (we set the Cajun seasoning packet aside). Second, the next day, we… Continue reading 15-bean Cajun stew with andouille sausage

Split pea soup with smoked turkey (+ potato), version 2

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Split pea soup always reminds me of my childhood, when one of my mom's good friends made the soup from scratch (and it took hours). We had a craving for an old fashioned split pea soup, but we were searching for one that didn't use ham or a ham bone. We tried this recipe, which… Continue reading Split pea soup with smoked turkey (+ potato), version 2

Chinese smashed cucumber salad, version 2

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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)

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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)

Italian pasta and bean soup (pasta e fagioli )

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We had an incredible homemade pasta e fagioli over the holidays, and we felt inspired to try a recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pasta-e-fagioli Our modifications: first, instead of a ham hock, we browned 1 oz center cut bacon cut into match sticks. We also used 2 parmesan rinds. Second, we did a quick soak of 8 oz dried… Continue reading Italian pasta and bean soup (pasta e fagioli )

Mild kichidi (Indian mung bean and rice porridge)

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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)

Portuguese potato and collard greens soup (caldo verde)

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We tried this recipe from a great cooking blog, Feasting At Home: https://www.feastingathome.com/caldo-verde/ This is our favorite caldo verde recipe to date. Our modifications: first, for the smoked sausage, we used Aidell's Spanish chorizo (made from chicken). We halved lengthwise and then cut into 1/2" thick half-moons, which we browned in about 2 tsp canola… Continue reading Portuguese potato and collard greens soup (caldo verde)

Andouille sausage and vegetable soup

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We had a craving for broth-based soup flavored with sausage, so we tried this recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/summer-vegetable-soup-with-andouille-3364832 Our modifications: first, we used 1/2 lb (2 links) Whole Foods frozen, uncooked chicken andouille sausage, which we cut into 1/2" thick slices, cooked thoroughly, and browned in 1 Tbsp canola oil in a stainless steel, low-walled Dutch oven.… Continue reading Andouille sausage and vegetable soup