2 cups cooked millet
3 cups cooked chickpeas
1/3 cup shelled roasted peanuts
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
3 T corn meal
1 cup chopped carrot
parsley or cilantro
salt and pepper
olive oil
Combine first 8 ingredients in food processor and chop together. If burger is not sticking together, add warm water 1 tsp at a time till it does. Season to taste, shape into patties, and fry in a little olive oil till browned.
12 December 2008
15 November 2008
Potato, Salmon and Spinach Patties With Garlicky Dill Cream
-NYT 15 Nov 2008
Potato, Salmon and Spinach Patties With Garlicky Dill Cream
Time: 45 minutes plus at least 30 minutes’ chilling
FOR THE POTATO SALMON PATTIES:
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
8 ounces cooked salmon fillet, flaked
2 1/2 cups panko or bread crumbs
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
FOR THE GARLICKY DILL CREAM:
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive or vegetable oil for frying.
1. Squeeze as much water from spinach as possible. Place in a bowl and add potatoes, salmon, 1 cup panko, 2 eggs, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
2. Place remaining bread crumbs in a wide, shallow bowl. Place remaining eggs in a second bowl and beat lightly. Place flour in a third bowl.
3. Form spinach mixture into 3-inch patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Dip each patty into flour, tapping off excess, then the egg, letting excess drip into bowl. Coat evenly with panko crumbs. Transfer patties to a large baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
4. Meanwhile, make dill cream: In a mortar and pestle or with the back of a knife, mash garlic and salt together to make a paste. Stir it into the sour cream or yogurt. Add dill and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Heat 1/4-inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; if using olive oil, you don’t need to use good extra virgin oil. Cook patties in batches, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes a side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot, with a dollop of dill cream.
Yield: 12 patties.
Potato, Salmon and Spinach Patties With Garlicky Dill Cream
Time: 45 minutes plus at least 30 minutes’ chilling
FOR THE POTATO SALMON PATTIES:
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 cups mashed potatoes, chilled
8 ounces cooked salmon fillet, flaked
2 1/2 cups panko or bread crumbs
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
FOR THE GARLICKY DILL CREAM:
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive or vegetable oil for frying.
1. Squeeze as much water from spinach as possible. Place in a bowl and add potatoes, salmon, 1 cup panko, 2 eggs, salt and pepper; mix well to combine.
2. Place remaining bread crumbs in a wide, shallow bowl. Place remaining eggs in a second bowl and beat lightly. Place flour in a third bowl.
3. Form spinach mixture into 3-inch patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Dip each patty into flour, tapping off excess, then the egg, letting excess drip into bowl. Coat evenly with panko crumbs. Transfer patties to a large baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
4. Meanwhile, make dill cream: In a mortar and pestle or with the back of a knife, mash garlic and salt together to make a paste. Stir it into the sour cream or yogurt. Add dill and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Heat 1/4-inch oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; if using olive oil, you don’t need to use good extra virgin oil. Cook patties in batches, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes a side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot, with a dollop of dill cream.
Yield: 12 patties.
27 September 2008
1975: Challah
This recipe from Sarah Schecht of Brooklyn appeared in an article by Craig Claiborne.
9 cups sifted, unbleached
flour, plus additional flour
for kneading
2 (¼-ounce) packages dry active yeast
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
¾ cup corn oil or clarified butter, plus more for greasing
baking sheet
¾ cup plus 1 1/88 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame or
poppy seeds.
1. Place 6 cups of the flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. In a small bowl, stir the yeast into 1 cup of lukewarm water until dissolved. Add this to the well. Using a fork, stir around the well, gradually incorporating ¼ of the flour — no more — into the yeast mixture. Set the bowl in a warm place and let stand 45 to 50 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the baking powder, cinnamon and salt over the flour mixture. Add the vanilla, 3 of the eggs, the oil (or butter) and 3/4 cup of the sugar. Add 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water and blend again, first using the fork and then your hands. Add 2 cups of flour, kneading for about 10 minutes. If the mixture is still too sticky, add up to a cup more of flour. The dough is ready when it doesn’t stick to your hands. Shape into a rough ball, cover, let stand 20 minutes and then turn it out onto a lightly floured board. Knead well for about 5 minutes, adding a little flour to the board as needed to prevent sticking. Set the dough in a floured bowl and lightly coat in flour. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
3. Turn the dough onto a flat surface and knead briefly. Cut off 1/8 of the dough, knead quickly, shape into a ball, flour lightly and let rest briefly. Repeat with remaining 7 pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece into a 12-to-15-inch-long rope. Continue with remaining balls.
4. Align the ropes vertically, side by side. Gather the tops together, one at a time, pinching down to seal. Separate the ropes down the center, 4 to a side. Braid them as follows: bring the outer right rope over toward the center next to the inside rope on the left. Bring the outer left rope over toward the center next to the inside rope on the right. Repeat this process until the loaf is braided. As the last ropes are brought over, pull and stretch them a bit as needed. When braided, gather the bottom ends of the ropes and pinch them together.
5. Generously oil (or butter) the bottom and sides of a large baking sheet. Carefully lift the braided loaf and transfer to the baking sheet. Cover the loaf with a towel and place in a warm spot until the loaf is doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
6. Beat the remaining egg with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of sugar. Brush the loaf with the egg wash and then sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake until puffed and golden, about 1 hour. Makes 1 loaf.
9 cups sifted, unbleached
flour, plus additional flour
for kneading
2 (¼-ounce) packages dry active yeast
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
¾ cup corn oil or clarified butter, plus more for greasing
baking sheet
¾ cup plus 1 1/88 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon sesame or
poppy seeds.
1. Place 6 cups of the flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. In a small bowl, stir the yeast into 1 cup of lukewarm water until dissolved. Add this to the well. Using a fork, stir around the well, gradually incorporating ¼ of the flour — no more — into the yeast mixture. Set the bowl in a warm place and let stand 45 to 50 minutes.
2. Sprinkle the baking powder, cinnamon and salt over the flour mixture. Add the vanilla, 3 of the eggs, the oil (or butter) and 3/4 cup of the sugar. Add 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water and blend again, first using the fork and then your hands. Add 2 cups of flour, kneading for about 10 minutes. If the mixture is still too sticky, add up to a cup more of flour. The dough is ready when it doesn’t stick to your hands. Shape into a rough ball, cover, let stand 20 minutes and then turn it out onto a lightly floured board. Knead well for about 5 minutes, adding a little flour to the board as needed to prevent sticking. Set the dough in a floured bowl and lightly coat in flour. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
3. Turn the dough onto a flat surface and knead briefly. Cut off 1/8 of the dough, knead quickly, shape into a ball, flour lightly and let rest briefly. Repeat with remaining 7 pieces. Using your hands, roll each piece into a 12-to-15-inch-long rope. Continue with remaining balls.
4. Align the ropes vertically, side by side. Gather the tops together, one at a time, pinching down to seal. Separate the ropes down the center, 4 to a side. Braid them as follows: bring the outer right rope over toward the center next to the inside rope on the left. Bring the outer left rope over toward the center next to the inside rope on the right. Repeat this process until the loaf is braided. As the last ropes are brought over, pull and stretch them a bit as needed. When braided, gather the bottom ends of the ropes and pinch them together.
5. Generously oil (or butter) the bottom and sides of a large baking sheet. Carefully lift the braided loaf and transfer to the baking sheet. Cover the loaf with a towel and place in a warm spot until the loaf is doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
6. Beat the remaining egg with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon of sugar. Brush the loaf with the egg wash and then sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake until puffed and golden, about 1 hour. Makes 1 loaf.
23 September 2008
Green and White Salad
1 package cooked pasta (I use penne rigate)
1 cup julienned green bell peppers
2/3 cup green peas
1/3 cup soy mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
juice of 3 key limes
1 T sugar
8-10 basil leaves, chopped
(optional) toasted pine nuts
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup julienned green bell peppers
2/3 cup green peas
1/3 cup soy mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
juice of 3 key limes
1 T sugar
8-10 basil leaves, chopped
(optional) toasted pine nuts
salt and pepper to taste
16 September 2008
Caramel Sauce
-Bon Appetit, 2006
Makes about 1 1/3 cups.
ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup whipping cream
preparation
Combine sugar, 1/2 cup water, and corn syrup in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully add cream (you may want to stand back — mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir sauce over low heat until any caramel bits dissolve and sauce is smooth. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium-low heat just until pourable, then let caramel sauce cool to room temperature.)
Makes about 1 1/3 cups.
ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup whipping cream
preparation
Combine sugar, 1/2 cup water, and corn syrup in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully add cream (you may want to stand back — mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir sauce over low heat until any caramel bits dissolve and sauce is smooth. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium-low heat just until pourable, then let caramel sauce cool to room temperature.)
14 September 2008
Hainanese Chicken With Rice
-Bittman, NYT Sep 2008
Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus resting
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 whole (3- to 4-pound) chicken, trimmed of excess fat
Several cloves smashed garlic, plus 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Several slices fresh ginger, plus 1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 cup peanut oil, or neutral oil, like corn or canola
3 shallots, roughly chopped, or a small onion
2 cups long-grain rice
1/2 cup minced scallions
2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sesame oil.
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add chicken to pot along with smashed garlic and sliced ginger. Bird should be completely submerged, but only just. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let bird remain in water for 45 minutes to an hour, covered, or until it is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken from pot, reserve stock, and let bird cool to room temperature. Put half the peanut oil in a skillet over medium heat; you may add trimmed chicken fat to this also. When oil is hot, add remaining garlic, along with shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until glossy. Add 4 cups reserved chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover; cook for about 20 minutes, until rice has absorbed all liquid. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
3. Make a dipping sauce of remaining oil, ginger, half the scallions and a large pinch of salt.
4. Shred or chop chicken, discarding skin. Put rice on a large platter and mound chicken on top of it; decorate platter with cucumbers, tomatoes, remaining scallions and cilantro. Sprinkle sesame oil over all and serve with dipping sauce.
Yield: 4 to 8 servings.
Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus resting
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 whole (3- to 4-pound) chicken, trimmed of excess fat
Several cloves smashed garlic, plus 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Several slices fresh ginger, plus 1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 cup peanut oil, or neutral oil, like corn or canola
3 shallots, roughly chopped, or a small onion
2 cups long-grain rice
1/2 cup minced scallions
2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons sesame oil.
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Add chicken to pot along with smashed garlic and sliced ginger. Bird should be completely submerged, but only just. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let bird remain in water for 45 minutes to an hour, covered, or until it is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken from pot, reserve stock, and let bird cool to room temperature. Put half the peanut oil in a skillet over medium heat; you may add trimmed chicken fat to this also. When oil is hot, add remaining garlic, along with shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until glossy. Add 4 cups reserved chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover; cook for about 20 minutes, until rice has absorbed all liquid. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
3. Make a dipping sauce of remaining oil, ginger, half the scallions and a large pinch of salt.
4. Shred or chop chicken, discarding skin. Put rice on a large platter and mound chicken on top of it; decorate platter with cucumbers, tomatoes, remaining scallions and cilantro. Sprinkle sesame oil over all and serve with dipping sauce.
Yield: 4 to 8 servings.
14 August 2008
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
-NYT 13 Aug 2008
2 (15-ounce) cans chick peas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, or a combination of parsley and other herbs, such as chives, tarragon, marjoram, basil, or mint
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, white and light green parts only, sliced (optional)
6 kalamata olives, pitted and quartered lengthwise
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
To make the dressing:
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or sherry vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced or put through a press
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and crushed or coarsely ground
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt
1. Toss together the salad ingredients. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, cumin seeds, salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic. Toss with the chick peas.
Advance preparation: The salad can be assembled several hours before you wish to serve it. Keep in the refrigerator. Leftovers are good the next day.
Yield: Serves four as a main dish, six as a side
2 (15-ounce) cans chick peas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, or a combination of parsley and other herbs, such as chives, tarragon, marjoram, basil, or mint
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, white and light green parts only, sliced (optional)
6 kalamata olives, pitted and quartered lengthwise
1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
To make the dressing:
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or sherry vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced or put through a press
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and crushed or coarsely ground
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt
1. Toss together the salad ingredients. Whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, cumin seeds, salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic. Toss with the chick peas.
Advance preparation: The salad can be assembled several hours before you wish to serve it. Keep in the refrigerator. Leftovers are good the next day.
Yield: Serves four as a main dish, six as a side
Tuna and Bean Salad
-NYT 11 Aug 2008
1 small red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 (6 1/2-ounce) can water-packed tuna, drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or borlotti beans, drained through a strainer and rinsed
3 fresh sage leaves, slivered
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small or medium garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt (or omit and use 4 tablespoons olive oil)
1/2 Japanese cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced, for garnish
1. Place the onion in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of the vinegar and cold water to cover. Let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then dry on paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl or salad bowl, combine the tuna, beans, onions, sage, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the remaining vinegar, salt to taste, freshly ground pepper, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and the yogurt. Toss with the tuna and beans and serve, garnishing each plate with cucumber slices.
Yield: Serves two as a main dish, four as a starter
1 small red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 (6 1/2-ounce) can water-packed tuna, drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or borlotti beans, drained through a strainer and rinsed
3 fresh sage leaves, slivered
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small or medium garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon plain low-fat or nonfat yogurt (or omit and use 4 tablespoons olive oil)
1/2 Japanese cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and sliced, for garnish
1. Place the onion in a bowl and add 1 teaspoon of the vinegar and cold water to cover. Let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then dry on paper towels.
2. In a medium bowl or salad bowl, combine the tuna, beans, onions, sage, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the remaining vinegar, salt to taste, freshly ground pepper, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and the yogurt. Toss with the tuna and beans and serve, garnishing each plate with cucumber slices.
Yield: Serves two as a main dish, four as a starter
Summer Minestrone with Fresh Basil
-NYT, 12 Aug 2008
You can finish this hearty summer soup with slivered fresh basil or with pistou, the Provençal version of pesto. (It’s pesto without the pine nuts.) A Parmesan rind, simmered in the soup and then removed, provides great depth of flavor without additional fat. On a hot summer day in Italy, the soup might be served at room temperature or just barely warm.
To make the soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
1 medium turnip, peeled and diced
3/4 pound zucchini, diced
A bouquet garni consisting of 1 Parmesan rind, 1 bay leaf, 3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs thyme, tied together with kitchen string or bundled into a piece of cheesecloth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup soup pasta, such as elbow macaroni or broken spaghetti, or 3/4 cup penne
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 cup pistou (recipe below)
Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
1. Heat the olive oil to medium-low range in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring about three minutes until vegetables begin to soften, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, until tender, about five more minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about a minute, then mix in the tomatoes. Keep stirring until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir in two quarts water, the turnip, zucchini and the bouquet garni, and bring to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the canned beans. Taste and adjust salt. Remove the bouquet garni.
2. While the soup is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Boil five minutes, until tender but still bright green. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, allow to cool, and drain. Retain the cooking water in case you want to thin the soup.
3. Add the pasta to the soup and simmer another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir the cooked green beans into the soup. Grind in pepper, and adjust seasonings. Soup should be savory and rich-tasting.
4. Stir in the basil or pistou, or place a spoonful of pistou in each bowl and stir in. Serve in wide soup bowls, with a sprinkling of Parmesan over the top.
Yield: Serves six to eight
Advance preparation: The soup can be made through step 2 a day or two ahead. It improves overnight. If you’re making the soup ahead, cook the pasta separately and add to the soup, along with the green beans on the day you are serving it.
To make the pistou:
2 cups basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, blanched if desired
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 ounce Parmesan, freshly grated (1/4 cup tightly packed)
Grind the basil leaves to a paste in a mortar and pestle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove from the mortar and pestle, and place the garlic and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in the mortar. Grind the garlic to a paste. Return the ground basil and slowly work in the olive oil. Stir in the Parmesan.
Alternatively, place all of the ingredients except the Parmesan in a food processor fitted with the steel blade or a blander, and blend until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan.
You can finish this hearty summer soup with slivered fresh basil or with pistou, the Provençal version of pesto. (It’s pesto without the pine nuts.) A Parmesan rind, simmered in the soup and then removed, provides great depth of flavor without additional fat. On a hot summer day in Italy, the soup might be served at room temperature or just barely warm.
To make the soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
1 medium turnip, peeled and diced
3/4 pound zucchini, diced
A bouquet garni consisting of 1 Parmesan rind, 1 bay leaf, 3 sprigs parsley and 3 sprigs thyme, tied together with kitchen string or bundled into a piece of cheesecloth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or borlotti beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup soup pasta, such as elbow macaroni or broken spaghetti, or 3/4 cup penne
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup slivered fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 cup pistou (recipe below)
Freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
1. Heat the olive oil to medium-low range in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, and add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring about three minutes until vegetables begin to soften, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Continue to cook, stirring often, until tender, about five more minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about a minute, then mix in the tomatoes. Keep stirring until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Stir in two quarts water, the turnip, zucchini and the bouquet garni, and bring to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in the canned beans. Taste and adjust salt. Remove the bouquet garni.
2. While the soup is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Boil five minutes, until tender but still bright green. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, allow to cool, and drain. Retain the cooking water in case you want to thin the soup.
3. Add the pasta to the soup and simmer another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir the cooked green beans into the soup. Grind in pepper, and adjust seasonings. Soup should be savory and rich-tasting.
4. Stir in the basil or pistou, or place a spoonful of pistou in each bowl and stir in. Serve in wide soup bowls, with a sprinkling of Parmesan over the top.
Yield: Serves six to eight
Advance preparation: The soup can be made through step 2 a day or two ahead. It improves overnight. If you’re making the soup ahead, cook the pasta separately and add to the soup, along with the green beans on the day you are serving it.
To make the pistou:
2 cups basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, blanched if desired
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 ounce Parmesan, freshly grated (1/4 cup tightly packed)
Grind the basil leaves to a paste in a mortar and pestle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove from the mortar and pestle, and place the garlic and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in the mortar. Grind the garlic to a paste. Return the ground basil and slowly work in the olive oil. Stir in the Parmesan.
Alternatively, place all of the ingredients except the Parmesan in a food processor fitted with the steel blade or a blander, and blend until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan.
16 May 2008
meyer lemon buttermilk pudding cake with fresh berries
- Bon Appétit | January 2005
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
Whipping cream
Assorted fresh berries
preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Blend buttermilk, 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, flour, butter, and salt in blender until smooth. Transfer buttermilk mixture to medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Gently fold buttermilk mixture into whites in 3 additions (batter will be runny).
Pour batter into prepared dish. Place dish in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of dish. Bake until entire top is evenly browned and cake moves very slightly in center but feels slightly springy to touch, about 45 minutes. Remove dish from roasting pan.
Cool cake completely in baking dish on rack. Refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours and up to 6 hours. Spoon pudding cake out into shallow bowls. Pour cream around cake. Top with berries
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 cup sugar, divided
4 large egg yolks
1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
Whipping cream
Assorted fresh berries
preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Blend buttermilk, 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, flour, butter, and salt in blender until smooth. Transfer buttermilk mixture to medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Gently fold buttermilk mixture into whites in 3 additions (batter will be runny).
Pour batter into prepared dish. Place dish in roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of dish. Bake until entire top is evenly browned and cake moves very slightly in center but feels slightly springy to touch, about 45 minutes. Remove dish from roasting pan.
Cool cake completely in baking dish on rack. Refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours and up to 6 hours. Spoon pudding cake out into shallow bowls. Pour cream around cake. Top with berries
Buttermilk pudding
-ehow.com
* 1 quart buttermilk
* 3 eggs
* 1 tbs. lime juice
* 4 tbs. granulated sugar
* 2 tbs. powdered sugar
Step1
Beat the eggs well. Caramelize the brown sugar.
Step2
Heat up the sour milk in a saucepan on a low setting. After the milk separates, pour it through a sieve, saving the curds. Return curds to pan.
Step3
Mix in the lime juice, powdered sugar and beaten eggs with the curds and beat well.
Step4
Pour the brown sugar syrup into a pudding mold, then follow it with the pudding mixture.
Step5
Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F.
* 1 quart buttermilk
* 3 eggs
* 1 tbs. lime juice
* 4 tbs. granulated sugar
* 2 tbs. powdered sugar
Step1
Beat the eggs well. Caramelize the brown sugar.
Step2
Heat up the sour milk in a saucepan on a low setting. After the milk separates, pour it through a sieve, saving the curds. Return curds to pan.
Step3
Mix in the lime juice, powdered sugar and beaten eggs with the curds and beat well.
Step4
Pour the brown sugar syrup into a pudding mold, then follow it with the pudding mixture.
Step5
Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F.
08 March 2008
Olive Oil cookies
-Bittman, NYT
* 2 1/2 cups flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup olive oil, plus a little for cookie sheet
* 3/4 cup , or a little more, dry red wine
Method
* 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients. Beat the eggs with the olive oil and wine. Use a rubber spatula to stir the liquid mix into the dry one, just until well combined; if the mixture is stiff, add a little more wine.
* 2. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and back 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool a couple of minutes, then remove the cookies to a rack to cool further.
* 2 1/2 cups flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup olive oil, plus a little for cookie sheet
* 3/4 cup , or a little more, dry red wine
Method
* 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients. Beat the eggs with the olive oil and wine. Use a rubber spatula to stir the liquid mix into the dry one, just until well combined; if the mixture is stiff, add a little more wine.
* 2. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet and back 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool a couple of minutes, then remove the cookies to a rack to cool further.
17 February 2008
smoothies and popsicles
Bases:
Pureéd bananas
Silken tofu
Yogurt
Pudding (milk cooked with corn starch, rice, or tapioca)
Cream
Cool Whip
Sweeteners:
Dates
Maple syrup
Honey
Sugar
Sugar syrup steeped with herbs (lemon verbena, mint)
Flavors:
Chai (ground cardamom, cinnamon) or sweet potato chai (add pureéd sweet potato)
Green tea or jasmine tea (steep several tea bags in hot milk, blend with thick pudding or cream base)
Dark chocolate (sifted good quality cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate, almond extract) or Mexican chocolate (add cinnamon and red pepper) or chocolate cherry (add canned cherries)
Khulfee (ground pistachios, ground cardamom, dash of vanilla extract)
Mango peppermint (pureéd mango, fresh mint and/or peppermint extract)
Orange peppermint (orange juice, a few fresh peppermint leaves, orange zest and lime juice and peppermint extract to taste)
Bluebana (blueberries and orange juice in a banana base)
Mocha (strong coffee + dark chocolate)
Strawberry lime
Strawberry kiwi
Strawberry banana
Raspberry cheesecake (vanilla pudding or cream base, balsamic vinegar and raspberries)
No-guilt cheesecake (balsamic vinegar and vanilla pudding or cream base)
Salty, spicy, sweet adventure (Tabasco sauce and vanilla pudding)
Plum lemon
Prune lime cucumber
Cucumber watermelon lime
Carrot orange pineapple
Peach cherry (add amaretto!) in a cream base
Don't be afraid to add some acid and salt to balance the flavors!
Pureéd bananas
Silken tofu
Yogurt
Pudding (milk cooked with corn starch, rice, or tapioca)
Cream
Cool Whip
Sweeteners:
Dates
Maple syrup
Honey
Sugar
Sugar syrup steeped with herbs (lemon verbena, mint)
Flavors:
Chai (ground cardamom, cinnamon) or sweet potato chai (add pureéd sweet potato)
Green tea or jasmine tea (steep several tea bags in hot milk, blend with thick pudding or cream base)
Dark chocolate (sifted good quality cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate, almond extract) or Mexican chocolate (add cinnamon and red pepper) or chocolate cherry (add canned cherries)
Khulfee (ground pistachios, ground cardamom, dash of vanilla extract)
Mango peppermint (pureéd mango, fresh mint and/or peppermint extract)
Orange peppermint (orange juice, a few fresh peppermint leaves, orange zest and lime juice and peppermint extract to taste)
Bluebana (blueberries and orange juice in a banana base)
Mocha (strong coffee + dark chocolate)
Strawberry lime
Strawberry kiwi
Strawberry banana
Raspberry cheesecake (vanilla pudding or cream base, balsamic vinegar and raspberries)
No-guilt cheesecake (balsamic vinegar and vanilla pudding or cream base)
Salty, spicy, sweet adventure (Tabasco sauce and vanilla pudding)
Plum lemon
Prune lime cucumber
Cucumber watermelon lime
Carrot orange pineapple
Peach cherry (add amaretto!) in a cream base
Don't be afraid to add some acid and salt to balance the flavors!
15 February 2008
Chocolate Truffles
-Mark Bittman, NYT 12/12/07
7/8 cup heavy cream
8 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Unsweetened cocoa powder as needed.
1. Heat cream in a pot until it steams. Put chocolate in a bowl, pour hot cream on top, and stir until chocolate is melted and incorporated into cream.
2. Chill until solid all the way through, 1 to 2 hours. Using a chilled melon baller or latex gloves to prevent the ganache from melting or sticking to your hands, scoop out about a tablespoonful and quickly roll it into a ball. Repeat, lining truffles on a plate or a baking sheet.
3. If truffles become too soft to handle, place them in refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Roll them in cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar or a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. Serve immediately or store, wrapped in plastic, in refrigerator for up to four days.
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups ganache, or 24 truffles.
7/8 cup heavy cream
8 ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Unsweetened cocoa powder as needed.
1. Heat cream in a pot until it steams. Put chocolate in a bowl, pour hot cream on top, and stir until chocolate is melted and incorporated into cream.
2. Chill until solid all the way through, 1 to 2 hours. Using a chilled melon baller or latex gloves to prevent the ganache from melting or sticking to your hands, scoop out about a tablespoonful and quickly roll it into a ball. Repeat, lining truffles on a plate or a baking sheet.
3. If truffles become too soft to handle, place them in refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Roll them in cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar or a mixture of sugar and ground cinnamon. Serve immediately or store, wrapped in plastic, in refrigerator for up to four days.
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups ganache, or 24 truffles.
09 February 2008
sticky cinnamon rolls
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 envelope rapid-rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup warm water (125°F. to 130°F.)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 egg
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
Using electric mixer fitted with dough hook or paddle, mix first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Add water, butter and egg and mix until smooth dough forms, about 4 minutes. Transfer dough to greased bowl. Cover with plastic and clean towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
Butter 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter to boil in heavy small saucepan. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup walnuts. Pour into prepared dish. Punch dough down. Roll out on lightly floured surface to 15x9-inch rectangle. Spread dough evenly with remaining 1/2 cup butter. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup walnuts and raisins. Roll up jelly roll style, starting at one long side. Slice dough into 1-inch-thick rounds.
Arrange dough slices cut side down in prepared dish, spacing evenly. Cover with plastic. Let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Turn out onto platter. Cool slightly. Serve warm.
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 envelope rapid-rise yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup warm water (125°F. to 130°F.)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 egg
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins
Using electric mixer fitted with dough hook or paddle, mix first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Add water, butter and egg and mix until smooth dough forms, about 4 minutes. Transfer dough to greased bowl. Cover with plastic and clean towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
Butter 9x13-inch baking dish. Bring 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter to boil in heavy small saucepan. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup walnuts. Pour into prepared dish. Punch dough down. Roll out on lightly floured surface to 15x9-inch rectangle. Spread dough evenly with remaining 1/2 cup butter. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup walnuts and raisins. Roll up jelly roll style, starting at one long side. Slice dough into 1-inch-thick rounds.
Arrange dough slices cut side down in prepared dish, spacing evenly. Cover with plastic. Let rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Turn out onto platter. Cool slightly. Serve warm.
low-cholesterol cinnamon rolls
-Bon Appetit 1990
1 large russet potato, peeled
1 envelope dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water (105°F. to 115°F.)
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups (about) unbleached all purpose flour
2 egg whites, beaten to blend
1 1/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup raisins
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil
preparation
Cook potato in medium saucepan of boiling water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid. Mash potato and transfer 1 cup to large bowl, reserving remainder for another use. Mix 3/4 cup cooking liquid into potato. Cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle yeast and sugar over 1/2 cup warm water in small bowl; stir to dissolve.
Let yeast mixture stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add yeast to mashed potato mixture.
Add milk, honey, 3 tablespoons oil and salt to potato mixture.
Stir in enough flour, 1 cup at a time, to form soft dough. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if dough is sticky, about 5 minutes. Let dough rest on floured work surface 20 minutes. Gently punch dough down.
Grease large bowl.
Add dough, turning to coat entire surface. Cover bowl. Let dough rise in warm area until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Grease large cookie sheet.
Gently punch dough down. Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to 20x15-inch rectangle. Brush dough with egg whites. Mix brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon in medium bowl. Spread sugar mixture over dough, leaving 1-inch border on all sides.
Starting at 1 long side, roll dough up jelly roll fashion to form cylinder. Pinch seam to seal. Cut cylinder into 2-inch-wide pieces. Arrange rolls on prepared sheet, placing cut side up and spacing 2 inches apart. Brush rolls with vegetable oil. Let cinnamon rolls rise until doubled in volume, about 35 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Starting at 1 long side, roll dough up jelly roll fashion to form cylinder. Pinch seam to seal. Cut cylinder into 2-inch-wide pieces. Arrange rolls on prepared sheet, placing cut side up and spacing 2 inches apart. Brush rolls with vegetable oil. Let cinnamon rolls rise until doubled in volume, about 35 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
1 large russet potato, peeled
1 envelope dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water (105°F. to 115°F.)
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups (about) unbleached all purpose flour
2 egg whites, beaten to blend
1 1/4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup raisins
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil
preparation
Cook potato in medium saucepan of boiling water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup cooking liquid. Mash potato and transfer 1 cup to large bowl, reserving remainder for another use. Mix 3/4 cup cooking liquid into potato. Cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle yeast and sugar over 1/2 cup warm water in small bowl; stir to dissolve.
Let yeast mixture stand until foamy, about 10 minutes. Add yeast to mashed potato mixture.
Add milk, honey, 3 tablespoons oil and salt to potato mixture.
Stir in enough flour, 1 cup at a time, to form soft dough. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if dough is sticky, about 5 minutes. Let dough rest on floured work surface 20 minutes. Gently punch dough down.
Grease large bowl.
Add dough, turning to coat entire surface. Cover bowl. Let dough rise in warm area until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
Grease large cookie sheet.
Gently punch dough down. Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to 20x15-inch rectangle. Brush dough with egg whites. Mix brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon in medium bowl. Spread sugar mixture over dough, leaving 1-inch border on all sides.
Starting at 1 long side, roll dough up jelly roll fashion to form cylinder. Pinch seam to seal. Cut cylinder into 2-inch-wide pieces. Arrange rolls on prepared sheet, placing cut side up and spacing 2 inches apart. Brush rolls with vegetable oil. Let cinnamon rolls rise until doubled in volume, about 35 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Starting at 1 long side, roll dough up jelly roll fashion to form cylinder. Pinch seam to seal. Cut cylinder into 2-inch-wide pieces. Arrange rolls on prepared sheet, placing cut side up and spacing 2 inches apart. Brush rolls with vegetable oil. Let cinnamon rolls rise until doubled in volume, about 35 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake rolls until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool slightly in pan on rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
05 February 2008
Tofu with Key West Barbecue Sauce
-Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook
To make the sauce, combine .5 c ketchup. 1/3 to .5 c sugar/honey, 2 T lime juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 minced onion, 4 T Worcestershire, 1 t hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil then simmer 20-30 minutes.
To make the tofu you need:
1 lb firm tofu
2 T flour
2 T cornmeal
1.5 t poultry seasoning
2 t nutritional yeast
.5 t salt
.25 t pepper
2 T mustard
4 T oil for frying
Drain tofu and slice into 1/4" pieces. Mix together dry ingredients, dredge tofu in mustard and dry mixture, then fry over medium heat until golden brown.
To make the sauce, combine .5 c ketchup. 1/3 to .5 c sugar/honey, 2 T lime juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 minced onion, 4 T Worcestershire, 1 t hot pepper sauce. Bring to a boil then simmer 20-30 minutes.
To make the tofu you need:
1 lb firm tofu
2 T flour
2 T cornmeal
1.5 t poultry seasoning
2 t nutritional yeast
.5 t salt
.25 t pepper
2 T mustard
4 T oil for frying
Drain tofu and slice into 1/4" pieces. Mix together dry ingredients, dredge tofu in mustard and dry mixture, then fry over medium heat until golden brown.
26 January 2008
spicy chickpea and spinach curry
2 cups dried chickpeas, picked over
-Epicurious, Feb 2007
8 cups baby spinach leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala*
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
In large bowl, combine chickpeas and enough cold water to cover by two inches. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Drain chickpeas, then combine in slow cooker with 1 cup water. Cover and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 4 hours. Add spinach, tomatoes and their juices, coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook 1 hour more. Sprinkle in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir in cilantro and serve.
-Epicurious, Feb 2007
8 cups baby spinach leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala*
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
In large bowl, combine chickpeas and enough cold water to cover by two inches. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
Drain chickpeas, then combine in slow cooker with 1 cup water. Cover and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 4 hours. Add spinach, tomatoes and their juices, coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook 1 hour more. Sprinkle in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stir in cilantro and serve.
25 January 2008
ding dong eight-alarm chili
-Gourmet, 2002
Makes 8 servings.
ingredients
2 oz dried ancho chiles (4 large), stemmed and seeded
6 large garlic cloves, 3 of them finely chopped
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder (not pure chile)
4 lb well-marbled beef brisket or boneless chuck, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (28- to 32-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 lb white onions, chopped (4 cups)
1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican), crumbled
1 to 4 fresh serrano or other small green chiles, finely chopped, including seeds (1 is fine for most tastes; 4 is the eight-alarm version)
1 (12-oz) bottle beer (not dark)
2 cups water
2 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans (optional; 30 oz), rinsed if canned
Soak ancho chiles in hot water to cover until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
While chiles soak, mince 1 whole garlic clove and mash to a paste with 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, and 1/2 tablespoon chili powder. Pat beef dry and toss with spice mixture in a large bowl until coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wide 6- to 7-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown beef in 3 or 4 batches, without crowding, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes per batch (lower heat as needed; spice mixture burns easily). Transfer beef as browned to another bowl. (Do not clean pot.)
Purée anchos in a blender along with tomatoes (including juice), chipotles in adobo, cilantro, remaining 2 whole garlic cloves, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon salt until smooth.
Add enough oil to fat in pot to total 3 tablespoons, then cook onions and chopped garlic over moderate heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits from beef, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add oregano, remaining tablespoon cumin, and remaining tablespoon chili powder and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add chile purée and 1 chopped serrano and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes. Stir in beer, water, and beef along with any juices accumulated in bowl and gently simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally and checking often to make sure chili is not scorching, 2 hours.
Taste sauce, then add more serrano if desired and continue to simmer, partially covered, until beef is very tender and sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 hours more. (If chili becomes very thick before meat is tender, thin with water as needed.)
Coarsely shred meat (still in pot) with 2 forks and cool chili completely, uncovered, then chill, covered, 1 to 2 days to allow flavors to develop.
Reheat over low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 30 minutes. Add beans (if using) and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes.
Accompaniments: cubed avocado; chopped white onion; shredded Cheddar; chopped fresh cilantro; sour cream
Makes 8 servings.
ingredients
2 oz dried ancho chiles (4 large), stemmed and seeded
6 large garlic cloves, 3 of them finely chopped
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder (not pure chile)
4 lb well-marbled beef brisket or boneless chuck, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (28- to 32-oz) can whole tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 lb white onions, chopped (4 cups)
1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican), crumbled
1 to 4 fresh serrano or other small green chiles, finely chopped, including seeds (1 is fine for most tastes; 4 is the eight-alarm version)
1 (12-oz) bottle beer (not dark)
2 cups water
2 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans (optional; 30 oz), rinsed if canned
Soak ancho chiles in hot water to cover until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
While chiles soak, mince 1 whole garlic clove and mash to a paste with 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, and 1/2 tablespoon chili powder. Pat beef dry and toss with spice mixture in a large bowl until coated.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wide 6- to 7-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown beef in 3 or 4 batches, without crowding, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes per batch (lower heat as needed; spice mixture burns easily). Transfer beef as browned to another bowl. (Do not clean pot.)
Purée anchos in a blender along with tomatoes (including juice), chipotles in adobo, cilantro, remaining 2 whole garlic cloves, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon salt until smooth.
Add enough oil to fat in pot to total 3 tablespoons, then cook onions and chopped garlic over moderate heat, stirring and scraping up brown bits from beef, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add oregano, remaining tablespoon cumin, and remaining tablespoon chili powder and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add chile purée and 1 chopped serrano and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes. Stir in beer, water, and beef along with any juices accumulated in bowl and gently simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally and checking often to make sure chili is not scorching, 2 hours.
Taste sauce, then add more serrano if desired and continue to simmer, partially covered, until beef is very tender and sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 hours more. (If chili becomes very thick before meat is tender, thin with water as needed.)
Coarsely shred meat (still in pot) with 2 forks and cool chili completely, uncovered, then chill, covered, 1 to 2 days to allow flavors to develop.
Reheat over low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 30 minutes. Add beans (if using) and simmer, stirring, 5 minutes.
Accompaniments: cubed avocado; chopped white onion; shredded Cheddar; chopped fresh cilantro; sour cream
02 January 2008
Spaghetti Squash with Spicy Braised Greens, Raisins and Pine Nuts
-The New York Times, Jan 2 2008
1 small spaghetti squash, about
2 1/2 pounds, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 tablespoons coconut oil (see note)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 canned chipotle chilies in adobo, seeded and minced
1 large bunch (12 to 16 ounces) kale, chard or collard greens, thick ribs removed, leaves sliced crosswise
1 cup vegetable stock
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons olive oil.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash cut-side down in a roasting pan. Pour in 1/4 inch water and bake until flesh is soft, 50 to 60 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and chipotles and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add greens, a few handfuls at a time, stirring between additions. Add stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt and raisins. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer until greens are tender, 10 to 20 minutes (collard greens take the longest). If pan becomes dry, add a little water. Stir in 3 tablespoons pine nuts.
3. When squash is done, use a metal spoon to scoop flesh out into a bowl, separating into strands. Add olive oil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss gently. Transfer to plates, top with greens and serve, garnishing with remaining pine nuts.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
Note
1 small spaghetti squash, about
2 1/2 pounds, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
2 tablespoons coconut oil (see note)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 canned chipotle chilies in adobo, seeded and minced
1 large bunch (12 to 16 ounces) kale, chard or collard greens, thick ribs removed, leaves sliced crosswise
1 cup vegetable stock
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons olive oil.
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash cut-side down in a roasting pan. Pour in 1/4 inch water and bake until flesh is soft, 50 to 60 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and chipotles and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add greens, a few handfuls at a time, stirring between additions. Add stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt and raisins. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer until greens are tender, 10 to 20 minutes (collard greens take the longest). If pan becomes dry, add a little water. Stir in 3 tablespoons pine nuts.
3. When squash is done, use a metal spoon to scoop flesh out into a bowl, separating into strands. Add olive oil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss gently. Transfer to plates, top with greens and serve, garnishing with remaining pine nuts.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
Note
Lebanese Lentil Soup
-adapted from The Complete Color Cookbook
1.5 c lentils
2 carrots, chopped
1 potato, chopped
6.25 c water
1.5 lb spinach or chard
4 T olive oil
1 onion
5 cloves garlic
2 T chopped cilantro leaves
Simmer the 1st 4 ingredients together for 45 minutes. Sautee onions and garlic until lightly browned. Add onions, spinach to soup and simmer. Season to taste. Serve with cilantro on top and fresh lemon wedges on the side.
1.5 c lentils
2 carrots, chopped
1 potato, chopped
6.25 c water
1.5 lb spinach or chard
4 T olive oil
1 onion
5 cloves garlic
2 T chopped cilantro leaves
Simmer the 1st 4 ingredients together for 45 minutes. Sautee onions and garlic until lightly browned. Add onions, spinach to soup and simmer. Season to taste. Serve with cilantro on top and fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)