Mixed Vegetable Curry (Mix Sabji)

This dish could be made with any assortment of leftover vegetables in the refrigerator. It was healthy and flavorful.

The recipe was adapted from Chetna’s 30 Minute Indian: Quick and Easy Everyday Meals by Chetna Makan. I must mention that prepping all of the vegetables was not taken into account when including this dish in a 30-minute meal cookbook! I did double the recipe though. It was worth the extra time.

I served it over brown Basmati rice with warm naan on the side. Topping it with cucumber raita was also suggested in the original recipe.

Yield: Serves 4

• 4 T canola or sunflower oil
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp black mustard seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeños, seeded, if desired
• 6 garlic cloves, grated or pushed through a garlic press
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
• 2 tsp coarse salt
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp amchur (mango powder) or tamarind concentrate
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
• 200 ml (7 oz) boiling water

For the Vegetables:

• 4 T canola or sunflower oil
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 12 oz green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

To Serve: (as desired)

• brown Basmati rice
• warm flatbread such as naan
• cucumber raita or whole milk plain yogurt

1. If desired, mince the jalapeños and garlic in a food processor; remove and set aside. Chop the onions in a food processor; set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan (with a lid available) and add the cumin and mustard seeds as well as the bay leaves.
3. Once the spices start to sizzle, add the chopped onions with the jalapeños and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until golden.
4. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Meanwhile, heat the oil for the vegetables in a large frying pan.
6. Add all of the vegetables and cook them over medium to high heat for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly colored.
7. Stir the salt, ground spices and sugar into the onions with the tomatoes and cook for a minute.
8. Add the vegetables and pour in the boiling water.
9. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
10. Serve with rice and/or flatbread, as desired. Top with yogurt or raita, if desired.

Summer Corn Pasta with Sausage & Basil

This is a crowd-pleasing and quick summer dish. It was a wonderful meal served with a giant green salad. The original recipe notes that any summer vegetable, or a combination, can be used instead of the fresh corn. Chopped tomatoes, broccoli, summer squash, or even green beans would work.

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appétit, contributed by Chris Morocco. I modified the proportions. Great!

Yield: Serves 6

• 16 oz rigatoni
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 sprigs basil, plus 1 cup leaves for serving
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper (or other mild red pepper flakes)
• fresh corn kernels from 3 large ears
• 5 T unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 oz (about 1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain, reserving 2 cups pasta cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high.
3. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and cook sliced garlic in same pot, stirring occasionally, until light golden around edges, about 2 minutes.
5. Add basil sprigs and Aleppo pepper; cook, stirring, until basil is wilted, about 1 minute.
6. Place an ear of corn upright in a medium sized bowl. Use a knife to cut off the kernels. (The bowl will prevent the kernels from flying all over the counter.)
7. Add corn and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the pot and cook, stirring often, until corn is mostly tender, about 3 minutes.
8. Stir in pasta and 1 cup pasta cooking water.
9. Add butter and cook, stirring, until butter is melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
10. Add the Parmesan in several additions, stirring after each addition until sauce is smooth.
11. Return sausage to pot and cook until flavors meld, about 1 minute. If needed, add additional pasta cooking liquid to loosen the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
12. Place in a serving bowl or individual shallow bowls. Top with basil leaves and more Parmesan and serve.

Grill-Roasted Corn & Tomato Melange

The genius of this recipe is that the corn is roasted on the grill prior to shucking it. The corn is completely clean and fabulously roasted after 20 minutes. I can’t believe I’d never done this before! This method can actually be done in an oven as well. Fabulous.

We ate this dish as a side salad but it could also be used served over pasta, gnocchi, or with steamed green beans. The melange is prepared ahead of time so that the flavors blend and develop before serving. Perfect for guests! This dish is from Mad Hungry Family: 120 Essential Recipes to Feed the Whole Crew by Lucinda Scala Quinn. It’s a must try before the late summer corn is gone.

Yield: Makes enough sauce for 1 pound of pasta, gnocchi, or steamed green beans

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped or 2 pounds grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• handful of basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
• 2 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 5 ears fresh sweet corn, in the husk

1. Preheat a grill or oven to 400 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, oil, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Meanwhile, place the unshucked ears of corn on the grill (or in the oven) and roast for about 20 minutes (you’ll smell the aroma of sweet corn when they’re done).
4. Let the corn cool in the husks. Remove the husks and cut the kernels off the cobs.
5. Incorporate corn into the tomato mixture. Let flavors meld for up to several hours prior to serving. Use as desired.

One Year Ago:

• Zucchini & Black Bean Tacos

Two Years Ago:

• Grilled Corn & Poblano Dip
• German-Style Bacon & Shallot Potato Salad

Three Years Ago:

• Rick Bayless’ Roasted Poblano Gazpacho
• Green Couscous with Arugula

Four Years Ago:

• Corn Chowder with Zucchini, Scallions, & Orzo Topping
• Spicy Israeli Couscous with Summer Squash

Pasta Salad with Peas & Summer Beans

This dish is going to be the beginning of an appetizer and side dish extravaganza of belated posts I have been wanting to share. Perfect timing (I’d say!) right before the Fourth of July and the peak of cookout season. 🙂

I especially loved this pasta salad because it had an equal ratio of vegetables to pasta. It was super garlicky, without even modifying the original recipe, and fresh. I loved the use of whole wheat penne too.  This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart Living. I increased the peas and green beans and omitted the wax beans. We ate it with grilled salmon sandwiches but it would also pair well with grilled chicken or tuna. Nice!

Yield: Serves 8

• 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
• coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 12 ounces haricots verts or green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 7 ounces frozen peas (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh juice (about 1 1/2 limes)
• 1 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 4 minutes.
2. Add beans; cook until pasta and beans are al dente, 4 to 5 minutes more.
3. Add peas and immediately drain. Run cold water over pasta and vegetables until completely cool; drain and transfer to a large bowl.
4. In a small skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic; cook, stirring often, until golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat; stir in lime zest and juice (it may splatter).
6. Add dressing and 3/4 teaspoon salt to pasta bowl; season with pepper. Toss with cilantro.
7. Adjust seasoning, if necessary, to taste.
8. Serve, or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 day.

One Year Ago:

• Pappardelle with Mashed Peas & Pecorino

Two Years Ago:

• Stove Top Pasta & Cheese

Three Years Ago:

• Soba Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms & Bok Choy

Browned Butter Green Beans with Slivered Almonds

I made this side dish in an attempt to make my non-green bean appreciating husband a convert. Who wouldn’t gain appreciation for anything once covered in browned butter? Well, I think you can guess. 😉 I liked it though! The following night I sautéed collards and kale with bacon and red onions… Do you see what I’m dealing with? 🙂 He did enjoy that one.

This recipe was adapted from Fine Cooking.com. I reduced the amount of butter and almonds.

• 2 to 3 T unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1. Melt 1 1/2 T of the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook, tossing frequently, until they’re light brown and toasted, 3 to 4 min. Transfer them with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Add the green beans, garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt to the pan. Toss to coat the beans with the residual butter.
3. Add the water and simmer gently, tossing occasionally, until the beans are fork-tender and fully cooked (taste one to check), about 15 min. The liquid should be reduced to about 1/4 cup or less; if there’s too much liquid, increase the heat to a boil and let it reduce briefly.
4. Add the remaining 1/2 to 1 1/2 T butter (as needed/desired) and toss to coat the beans and emulsify with the liquid.
5. Add the pepper, toss, and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Scatter the slivered almonds over the serving platter or over each serving.

Two Years Ago:

• Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing
• Creamy Garlic, Parsley, & Feta Salad Dressing

Three Years Ago:

• Classic Split Pea Soup

Stir-Fried Chicken & Bok Choy

I receive SO much baby bok choy in my CSA share… especially because the friend I split my box with gives ALL of it to me! I actually really like bok choy. 🙂 I usually sauté it with other greens, or incorporate it in my husband’s favorite Thai dish. This time I wanted something new…

This simple stir-fry recipe was adapted from the New York Times, contributed by Melissa Clark. I rarely make stir-fry, so it was “something new!” I doubled the recipe, reduced the oil, and used 8 baby bok choy. We ate it served over brown Basmati rice. Quick and great.

Yield: Serves 4

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, about 5, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 4 tablespoons finely chopped ginger root
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 8 baby bok choy, trimmed and thinly sliced (can substitute other green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, or spinach)
• 1 large yellow onion or 2 leeks (1/2 pound), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• pinch chile flakes
• coarse salt, as needed
• cooked brown Basmati rice, for serving

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour half the mixture over the chicken, along with half the ginger and half the garlic. Let stand 20 minutes.
2. Heat a large, 12-inch skillet over high heat until extremely hot, about 5 minutes. (Open the windows and put on the exhaust fan!)
3. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut oil and the chicken. Cook, stirring constantly, until meat is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining peanut oil to the skillet. Add the bok choy and cook 1 minute.
5. Stir in the onions and chili flakes; cook, tossing frequently until bok choy and onions are tender, about 1 minute.
6. Stir in the marinade and a pinch of salt. Move vegetable mixture to the border of the pan.
7. Add remaining ginger and garlic to center of pan and cook, mashing lightly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
8. Return chicken to skillet and combine with ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Serve immediately, over rice.

One Year Ago:

• Quick Crusty Mustard Chicken

Two Years Ago:

• Mario Batali’s Chocolate Chicken Mole

Three Years Ago:

• Pad See Ew

Green-Lentil Curry

I just feel so healthy eating a dish like this. 🙂 Served over brown rice with yogurt and warm naan, this dish is an amazing complete vegetarian meal. The lentils have a little bit of heat and the yogurt tempers it perfectly.

This recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Madhur Jaffrey. It was voted one of their “Best New Vegetarian” dishes. I believe it! 🙂 I doubled the recipe, used French green lentils, a combination of ghee and coconut oil, and substituted beet and turnip greens for the kale. Satisfying and tasty!

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

• 2 teaspoon finely grated ginger
• 4 garlic clove, put through a garlic press
  
• 4 teaspoons ground coriander
  
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  
• 3 tablespoons ghee
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  
• 2 large shallots, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste mixed with 2 tablespoon of water
  
• 2 1/2 cups dried French green lentils
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  
• 8 ounces green beans, cut into 3/4-inch lengths
  
• 8 ounces kale, or other greens stemmed and leaves cut into ribbons (I used about 10 cups of mixed beet & turnip greens)
  
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  
• 2 cups finely chopped cilantro
  
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  
• coarse salt, to taste
• brown Basmati rice, warm naan, and plain Greek yogurt, for serving

1. In a small bowl, combine the ginger, garlic, coriander and ground cumin. Stir in 1/2 cup of water to make a paste.
2. In a small skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the cumin seeds and cook over moderately high heat for 5 seconds, just until sizzling.
3. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add the spice paste and let cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until thick, about 1 minute longer. 
   
5. In a saucepan, combine the lentils with the turmeric and 10 cups of water; bring to a boil. Cover partially and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, until the lentils are barely tender.
6. Add the green beans, greens, carrot, three-fourths of the cilantro and the cayenne and season with salt.
7. Cook until the lentils and vegetables are tender, 15 minutes.
8. Scrape in the spice paste and the remaining cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve.
   

One Year Ago:

• Pad Se Ew #2

Two Years Ago:

• Pasta with Greens, Caramelized Onions, & Garlicky Bread Crumbs
• Sautéed Greens with Bacon & Mustard Seeds

Three Years Ago:

• Spicy Fresh Tomato Sauce