Beside a power punch of feel-good fuel, this belly filling side or main course has a number of other benefits. Most similar salads call for black beans. The smaller size of the lentils blends nicely into a pilaf. All ingredients are readily available and cheap in the summer, and it can be served warm or…
Chilly & Cheese
The versatility of this dish has no bounds. You can create an all-beef or vegetarian “chilly” variety, a gluten free or pasta “cheese” option, and all flavors will meld nicely if following these basic concepts. 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves 1 cinnamon stick 4 allspice berries ½…
Fluffy baked falafel
If you like more texture, you can leave your chickpeas a little crunchy rather than cook them through but be warned they may not hold together as well. 1 cup of dried chickpeas 3 cloves garlic ½ a small Onion 1T coriander 1T cumin 1t Harissa 1T tahini ¼ C parsley 2T sesame seeds (toasted…
Stuffed kabocha squash
A vegetarian can saddle up to one half of this stuffed kabocha squash and scoop out a meal of it. Alternately. add sausage and divide each half into smaller increments for a warm fall side dish. 2T butter, divided Olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 carrot, chopped, 8 cremini mushrooms, sliced…
Basic ‘Thanksgiving-style’ stuffing
This is a variation on my grandmother’s Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. While she celebrated the invention of packaged, pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, I prefer using real bread, not sliced bread, not precut cubes, but actually cutting a loaf of bakery bread. This poses a perception challenge because the bread swells with the liquid and the stuffing can end…
Rice 4 beans
A perfect compliment to most bean recipes. 1 strip bacon, cut into large slices 6 scallions, sliced 2 stalks celery, minced 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, minced 1 garlic clove, grated 1 bay leaf 1T thyme 2 whole dried chile de arbol 1c rice In a rice cooker or pot, render the bacon over…
Roasted pepper and radicchio salad
Sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter, try this roasted pepper and radicchio salad when you are looking for a creative side dish. Can also be made with kale, red preferred, tossed with some olive oil and roasted until just crispy. 1 red bell pepper 1 Anaheim pepper 1 yellow or orange bell pepper 1T olive oil…
Napa cabbage slaw
A fresh and crisp napa cabbage slaw can help brighten up everything from heavy barbecue dishes to light fish preparations. You can also crumble in some ramen noodles to make a meal out of it. 2T red wine vinegar ½ C each mayo and sour cream 3T pineapple juice 3 carrots, shredded 2 shallots, sliced…
Roasted Green Bean Salad
Looking for a hearty green bean salad that stands up to bold flavors yet has a refreshing crunch to cut through rich dishes? Look no further. Pair with some simply prepared salmon or steak for a satisfying meal. 1lb green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch lengths Olive oil, salt & pepper 2 anchovies…
Lighter Crab Tamales
Tamales do not need lard to make them tasty. These crab tamales use the richness of crab, with a little help from lean dairy. Like most tamales, they require a time commitment, but are well worth it. 3 lb of live Dungeness crab 2 jalapenos 2 garlic cloves, unpeeled ½ of an onion, cut in…