Vegetable Baked Rice with White Beans & Leeks

Baked rice is quick and easy to prepare and is really delicious. This baked rice dish was inspired by prasorizo, the classic Greek rice-and-leek dish. It makes a great vegetarian main dish or a phenomenal side. We ate it as a main dish with rotisserie chicken on the side. 😉 The freshly grated Parmesan really added richness to the meal.

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Ali Slagle. Almost any vegetable can be incorporated into the dish.  I added my beautiful CSA Romanesco cauliflower (with its greens) as well as baby spinach. The original recipe suggests alternatively adding tomatoes, zucchini, and/or broccoli with the leeks, or arugula and/or sliced sugar snap peas after the dish is removed from the oven.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 4 to 5 leeks (about 2 pounds), trimmed, white and pale green parts, cut lengthwise & sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 lemon
• chopped tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli florets, and/or cauliflower florets, optional (I used Romanesco cauliflower florets)
• 1/4 cup raw almonds (I used raw slivered almonds), or more, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white basmati rice
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (such as cannellini or great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups boiling water or stock
• coarsely chopped spinach and/or arugula, or sliced sugar snap peas (I used 2 cups chopped baby spinach)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced or chopped basil, chives, mint or fennel fronds, plus more for serving

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. Soak sliced leeks in a bowl of water, remove with a slotted spoon or spider, then shake or pat dry.
3. Using a vegetable peeler, peel 1-inch-thick strips of lemon zest, then cut the lemon in half. Cut one half into four wedges and reserve the other half.
4. In a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, combine the leeks, lemon zest strips, almonds, red-pepper flakes and olive oil. (I used an enameled cast iron baking dish.)
5. If adding chopped tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, and/or cauliflower, add to the pan with the leeks. (I added Romanesco cauliflower florets.)
6. Season generously with salt and pepper, and arrange in an even layer. Roast until the leeks start to caramelize, about 20 minutes.
7. Remove and finely chop the lemon zest strips, then stir the zest back into the leek mixture. Arrange in an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the rice evenly over the leeks, then top with the beans and 1 teaspoon salt.
9. Add the boiling water or stock, then seal the pan tightly with foil.
10. Bake until the rice is tender, 20 to 22 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven, and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
12. If adding spinach and/or arugula, or sliced sugar snap peas, add them in at this time. (I added the Romanesco cauliflower greens, ribs removed and finely sliced, as well as 2 cups of baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped.)
13. Squeeze the lemon half over the rice, then stir in Parmesan and herbs.
14. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
15. Serve with lemon wedges, and more Parmesan and herbs, as desired.

Pork Cutlets with Arugula & Jammy Tomatoes

This is another wonderful dish that showcased my CSA greens. Arugula is my favorite item to receive in my weekly share. I supplemented my CSA arugula with Trader Joe’s wild arugula to make this salad.

This light Italian dish was adapted from Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food. I modified the proportions, method, and plating. Delicious!

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 3 T fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for serving (2 lemons)
• 9 T extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 boneless pork chops (about 2 pounds total), cut in half horizontally to make six 5 to 6-ounce chops, fat trimmed
• 6 T all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 pound arugula, thick stems trimmed
• shaved Parmesan, for serving

1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and 6 tablespoons of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. One at a time, place pork chops between two large pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a small heavy pan, pound until 1/4 inch thick.
3. On a plate, combine flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
4. Coat each cutlet with flour mixture, shaking off excess. Set aside.
5. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high. (I used a 12-inch cast iron skillet.)
6. Add tomatoes, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove tomatoes and season with salt and pepper; set aside.
7. In same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium-high. Add 3 cutlets; cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over; cook until opaque throughout, about 30 seconds more.
8. Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
9. Repeat with remaining 3 cutlets, using another tablespoon of oil.
10. Toss arugula with the dressing, using as much as desired. (I had extra dressing.)
11. Place arugula on a platter and top with cutlets, sautéed tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Double Mustard Sheet-Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Greens

I have a couple sheet-pan dinners to share. Cooking an entire meal on one sheet pan may be the ultimate method for easy back to school dinners. Love it.

This dish uses Dijon mustard in the marinade and whole grain mustard in the dressing. Perfect for all of the mustard chicken fans in my house.

This recipe was adapted from epicurious.com, contributed by Anna Stockwell. I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduced the oil, and substituted my beautiful CSA arugula for the frisée. We ate it with Ritzy Summer-Squash Casserole. Great.

Yield: 6 servings

For the Chicken Marinade & Potatoes:

• 2 T Dijon mustard
• 2 T honey
• 3 T extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 4 whole chicken legs (thigh and drumstick; about 2 lbs total), patted dry (I used 9 boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved lengthwise
• 4 rosemary sprigs

For the Dressing & To Serve:

• 1 large garlic clove, finely grated
• 3 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tsp whole grain mustard
• 4 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 6 to 8 cups arugula, 1 small head of frisée, or 1/2 small head of escarole, trimmed, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup parsley leaves

1. Place a rack in top third of oven; preheat to 375°F, preferably on convection roast.
2. Whisk Dijon mustard, 2 T honey, and 1 T olive oil in a medium bowl to combine.
3. Season chicken on all sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Transfer to bowl with honey mustard and toss to coat. (I marinated the chicken for 4 hours in the refrigerator.)
4. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss potatoes with remaining 2 T olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and remaining 1/2 tsp pepper.
5. Arrange chicken, “skin side” down, in the center of the sheet pan; discard excess marinade.
6. Arrange potatoes around outside of pan in an even layer, then turn cut side down (this will help them brown better). Arrange rosemary over potatoes.
7. Roast until chicken, flipping over to “skin side” up after 15 minutes, and potatoes are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken registers 165°F, 20 to 25 minutes for boneless, skinless thighs or up to 30–40 minutes for bone-in meat.
8. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Whisk garlic, lemon juice, whole grain mustard, olive oil, honey, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
9. Divide greens and parsley among plates, drizzle with dressing, then top with chicken and potatoes. Drizzle additional dressing over chicken and potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley, as desired.

Do Ahead: Chicken can be marinated 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Farro & Arugula Salad with Herbs

I made this wonderful salad for my birthday dinner celebration at home. This salad was not only published by Melissa Clark in The New York Times, Ina Garten also shared it in her book, Cook Like a Pro. What endorsements!

The original recipe is from Charlie Bird in NYC. It is a signature dish on the menu. The New York Times article stated,

 “There are two essential steps to a stellar farro salad. The first is cooking the farro with enough salt and aromatics so that it delicious before you combine it with the rest of the ingredients. The second is to use very good olive oil in the dressing. This farro salad, from the restaurant Charlie Bird in SoHo, hits both these marks. The chef Ryan Hardy cooks the farro in apple cider seasoned with bay leaves and plenty of salt, which renders it good enough to eat on its own. But it’s even better after he adds loads of olive oil, plus pistachio nuts and Parmesan cheese to make it even richer. Then, before serving, he folds in fresh vegetables to brighten it up: juicy tomatoes, radishes, arugula and plenty of herbs. There are many farro salads of this ilk out there. This is one of the best.”

I had to make it- it sounded incredible! It was loaded with so many of my favorite ingredients.

The recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Melissa Clark. I increased the amount of arugula in the salad and served it over a bed of arugula. It was for my birthday. 😉 I also incorporated my CSA cilantro and modified the proportions in the dressing. Next time, I would reduce the amount of salt in the farro, noted below.

I served it with rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal for my crowd. Happy Birthday to me. 🙂

Yield: Serves 6 for lunch/side dish or 4 as a main course

• 1 cup farro (I used Trader Joe’s 10 minute farro)
• 1 cup apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 1 to 2 tsp coarse salt, more as needed
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 T fresh lemon juice
• 70 grams Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about 1/2 cup), divided
• 70 grams chopped pistachio nuts (1/2 cup) (I used salt & pepper pistachios)
• 2 cups (2 large handfuls) arugula leaves, plus more for serving, as desired
• 1 cup parsley or basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
• 1 cup mint or cilantro leaves
• 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced radishes (I used my CSA French breakfast radishes)
• Maldon or other flaky sea salt, for finishing

1. In a medium saucepan, bring farro, apple cider, salt, bay leaves and 1 cup water to a simmer.
2. Simmer until farro is tender and liquid evaporates, about 20 to 30 minutes. If all the liquid evaporates before the farro is done, add a little more water. (If using regular pearled farro, increase the water to 2 cups.)
3. Let farro cool, then discard bay leaves.
4. In a salad bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
5. Add farro, 2/3 of the shaved cheese and pistachio nuts. Mix well. (This salad base will keep for up to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator (bring to room temperature before serving.)
6. Just before serving, fold in arugula, herbs, tomatoes, radish and flaky salt to taste.
7. Garnish with remaining shaved cheese.
8. Serve over additional arugula, if desired.

Arugula Salad with Grilled Chicken, Corn, Tomatoes & Blue Cheese

I have a couple more arugula summer salads to share. I eat arugula on a daily basis! 🙂 Loaded with toppings, this salad was hearty and delicious. I didn’t grill the corn but may next time. When fresh corn is really sweet, I prefer to eat it raw.

This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart Living’s Everyday Food. I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs and modified the proportions. I also dressed the salad with my favorite Mustard Vinaigrette.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• olive oil, for grates
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 to 4) or chicken cutlets
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ears corn, husks and silks removed
• 12 oz to 1 pound arugula or wild arugula, about 3 bunches, thick stems removed
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced into wedges
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) crumbled Stilton or Gorgonzola (I used Trader Joe’s Cave Aged Blue Cheese)
• 2 T fresh lemon juice, for dressing
• 2 T olive oil, for dressing

1. Heat grill to high; clean and lightly oil hot grates.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Grill until opaque throughout. Let rest 5 minutes; cut into strips. (Grill corn at this point, if desired.)
4. Cut off tip of each cob. Stand corn in a wide shallow bowl; using a sharp knife, slice downward to release kernels. Discard cobs.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and oil; season with salt and pepper. Alternatively, prepare this Mustard Vinaigrette.
6. Add arugula, tomato wedges, crumbled cheese, sliced chicken, and corn. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Zucchini with Farro, Chickpeas & Arugula

I have a couple more zucchini recipes to share. I receive a healthy amount of zucchini in my CSA share and I enjoy finding new dishes to make with all of it. I recently roasted a zucchini or two with fresh thyme and CSA onions, then added my special CSA corn (raw), and used it as a calzone filling. Delicious!

I knew that I would really enjoy this wonderful zucchini dish because it incorporates farro and arugula- my favorites. I ate it as a main course but my husband ate it as a side with grilled chicken and roasted potatoes. Everyone was happy. 🙂

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Sarah Jampel. I roasted the zucchini and increased the amount of arugula. I also decreased the amount of salt and oil and used a combination of basil, predominantly, with parsley, and oregano in the finished dish.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 1 cup farro
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
• kosher salt
• 1 pound small zucchini (about 2 medium/small) and/or summer squash, ends trimmed
• 4-6 T olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 T balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup soft, fragrant herbs, such basil, mint, tarragon, or a combination, roughly torn or cut
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 4 large handfuls of arugula
• 1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Parmigiano Reggiano, for shaving

1. Rinse and drain the farro and chickpeas. Add both to a medium pot with 2 large pinches of salt and add water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, skim foam from the top, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, divide your squash haul in half. With one group, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick planks. Reserve the other 1/2 pound for later.
3. Place the zucchini planks on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 1 to 2 T olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a preheated 425 degree oven, roast the zucchini planks until lightly browned and tender, about 10 minutes per side. (I set my oven to convention roast.)
5. Transfer browned zucchini to a shallow dish and, if desired, cut the planks into 2-inch pieces. (I cut mine.)
6. In a small bowl, whisk together 4 T olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and half the herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour about half the dressing over the zucchini and let marinate while you finish making the salad. Set remaining dressing aside.
8. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the rest of the zucchini into ribbons (here’s the easiest way: lay the zucchini on a cutting board, then drag the peeler across it). If your farro is far from done, you can preserve the zucchini strands by soaking them in cold salt water. Drain and pat dry before using.
9. Drain the farro and chickpeas and transfer to a large mixing bowl. (I returned mine to the pot.)
10. Toss with the reserved dressing and season with salt and pepper.
11. Add arugula, zucchini ribbons, marinated zucchini, lemon juice and Parmesan shavings. Gently toss to combine and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
12. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and top with the remaining herbs and more arugula and Parmesan, as desired.

Arugula Salad with Peaches, Basil, Goat Cheese & Pine Nuts

I have a quite a few summer recipes to share. 🙂  I loved this simple salad so much, I had to post it first. I’ve already made it a couple of times! It is composed of many of my seasonal favorites. Bright, fresh, creamy, crunchy and absolutely perfect.

This recipe is from The New York Times, contributed by Lidey Heuck. I used half of the dressing. I made the salad with white peach slices, but it would also be wonderful with sliced nectarines or mango. The author also suggested substituting cherries, strawberries, plums, raspberries or even cherry tomatoes. Lovely.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer or side salad

• 1/4 cup (4 T) pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 to 4 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 T champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 ounces baby arugula
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 10 ounces)
• 1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
• 2 ounces creamy goat cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup), plus more to taste

1. In a small sauté pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat, tossing often, until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. (I used a small cast iron skillet.) Remove from the heat.
2. In a small liquid measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. (I used 4 T olive oil and 2 T vinegar but used about half of the dressing on the salad and reserved the remaining dressing.)
3. Place the arugula in a large salad bowl. Pour just enough dressing over the greens to moisten, and toss to coat.
4. Add the peaches, basil, goat cheese and toasted pine nuts and toss to coat.
5. Toss gently and serve immediately.