Category Archives: Seasons

Appetizer, Dinner Party, Quick, Salad, Side, Summer

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

July 7, 2024 Sam

This insanely good summer salad is worth the time it takes, including the time to make and then cool the balsamic glaze. You could substitute mint, but I think the basil is best, to match the feta. Choose a good quality feta!

Print Recipe

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

Prep Time30

Cook Time10

Total Time40

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Picnic, Pyrex, Summer

Servings: servings

Calories: 158kcal

Ingredients

6 cups watermelon seeded and cubed
1 pint blueberries washed and cleaned
3 oz feta crumbled from block
12 leaves basil slivered
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey

Instructions

Make the balsamic glaze first, so it has maximum time to cool. In a small sauce pan, mix the ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey well, and heat over medium until it is bubbling, about 2 minutes. Watch it carefully until it reduces by half and is thickened. Cool by pouring into a heat-safe dish and placing in the fridge.
Prepare the other ingredients. Slice the 6 cups watermelon and clean and prep the 1 pint blueberries. Crumble the 3 oz feta and clean and slice the 12 leaves basil.
If you are serving immediately, you can add it all together. If not, keep ingredients separate until ready to serve.

Notes

Makes six servings as a side.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Watermelon Blueberry Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 158 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 13mg4%

Sodium 169mg7%

Potassium 268mg8%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 23g26%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 1020IU20%

Vitamin C 20mg24%

Calcium 93mg9%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Fall, Meal Prep, Rice, Slow Cooker, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Tomatillo White Bean Soup

December 17, 2023 Sam

This was an invention of mine, and it’s actually just in testing.

Print Recipe

Tomatillo White Bean Soup with Rice

Rice on the side

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California, Mexican

Keyword: Dry Beans, Slow Cooker

Servings: servings

Calories: 456kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb tomatillos husked, rinsed, and diced
1 tsp cumin
1 leek cleaned and half-moon sliced
2 stalks celery cleaned and chopped
6 cloves garlic minced
1 bunch cilantro thin stems chopped, leaves set aside
1 tsp salt
2 jalapeño sliced
2 poblano peppers
½ lb dry white bean

Rice / Serving

2 cup brown jasmine rice
3 limes

Instructions

Prepare all ingredients. This assumes you're using an Instant Pot slow cooker; if not, pre-cook the ingredients in a pot and then transfer to the slow cooker.
Turn IP to saute and add 2 tbsp olive oil to heat. Then add the 1 lb tomatillos, 1 leek, and 2 stalks celery and cook until they start to develop color.
Then add the 6 cloves garlic, the stems from the 1 bunch cilantro, 2 jalapeño, 1 tsp salt, and 2 poblano peppers, 1 tsp cumin and cook until fragrant.
Turn to low on the slow cooker and add the ½ lb dry white bean and 1-2 quarts of water (TBD). Cook for 4-6 hours until the beans are soft.

Rice and Serving

About an hour before serving, add 2 cup brown jasmine rice to a rice cooker along with 3 cups of water and a sprinkle of salt and some of the chopped leaves from the 1 bunch cilantro. Cook until done. Add a splash or two of lime juice and salt to taste.
When ready to serve, squeeze in lime juice from 3 limes to taste and serve over or next to the cilantro-lime rice.

Notes

Makes 6 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tomatillo White Bean Soup with Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 456 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Sodium 416mg18%

Potassium 1220mg35%

Carbohydrates 84g28%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 16g32%

Vitamin A 702IU14%

Vitamin C 60mg73%

Calcium 150mg15%

Iron 6mg33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Appetizer, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Lunch, Pressure Cooker, Side, Slow Cooker, Summer

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

September 2, 2023 Sam

Print Recipe

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Prep Time3

Cook Time30

Soaking Time8

Total Time11 30

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: California, Mexican, Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans, Fresh Corn

Servings: servings (as a side)

Calories: 215kcal

Ingredients

1 large green pepper Anaheim, or 2 small
2 bunches green onions trimmed
3 tsp olive oil divided use
4 ears of corn shucked, cleaned and kernals removed, cobs can be saved for soup or discarded
1 tbsp butter
½ lb Ayocote Morado beans or similar large bean
¼ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
3 limes
1 tbsp hot sauce ideally smoky and deep
1 tsp Rancho Gordo New Mexican Red Chile Powder or other chile powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

Halve the pepper, remove the stems, pith, and seeds, then cut into thick strips. Put the pepper strips and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a bowl and toss to coat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; once the skillet is hot, add the peppers and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board or plate to cool.
In the bowl, toss the green onions with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add them to the skillet (in two batches if necessary) and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the cutting board. Once cool, cut into 1-inch chunks. Return the green onions and pepper to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In another bowl, toss the corn with a teaspoon of olive oil. Add to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter. Return the corn to its bowl and stir in the beans.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, juice of 1 lime, hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of water; mix well. Add to the bowl with the corn and beans, and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In another small bowl, combine the chile powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
Arrange a third of the pepper-onion mixture and a third of the corn-bean mixture on a platter or in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with some of the feta, some of the chile mixture, and some cilantro. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used. Add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Notes

Serves six as a side dish

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 215 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 309mg13%

Potassium 380mg11%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 409IU8%

Vitamin C 18mg22%

Calcium 108mg11%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Fall, Favorites, Great Leftovers, Quinoa, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Tofu Katsu with Quinoa and Lemon-Tahini Sauce

July 23, 2022 Sam

This is fantastic and not too difficult!

Print Recipe

Tofu Katsu with Quinoa and Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Quinoa, Tofu

Servings: servings

Calories: 861kcal

Ingredients

Tofu Katsu

5 tbsp canola oil
0.33 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs beaten
1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
2.25 tsp granulated onion
salt and pepper
1 lb extra firm tofu pressed, cut about ¼-inch thick, into 12 equal slices
12 oz shiitake mushrooms stemmed and sliced ½-inch thick (4 packed cups)

Quinoa

1 cup quinoa rinsed well and drained
0.33 cup tahini
0.33 cup canola oil
0.25 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp soy sauce
0.75 tsp grated garlic about 1 large clove

Instructions

Make the katsu: Heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 2 large rimmed baking sheets with the oil. Put cornstarch, eggs and bread crumbs in three separate shallow bowls, and add 3/4 teaspoon of the granulated onion to each bowl. Season all with salt and pepper and mix well. Add 3 tablespoons oil to the bread crumbs and mix well.
Working with one piece at a time, dust tofu in cornstarch, then dredge in egg, shaking off excess. Press in bread crumbs to evenly coat. Arrange on one baking sheet, and transfer to oven. Bake until golden and crisp, 15 minutes.
Place mushrooms on second baking sheet, season with salt and pepper and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until golden, 12 minutes.
Make the quinoa: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until the quinoa is tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, then return quinoa to the pan. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes; fluff into a large bowl.
In a small bowl, combine tahini, oil, lemon juice, mustard, soy sauce, garlic and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk together and season with salt and pepper.
To the quinoa, add mushrooms, cauliflower, parsley and 1 cup of the dressing and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide quinoa in bowls and top with tofu. Serve with remaining sauce for drizzling on tofu and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tofu Katsu with Quinoa and Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 861 Calories from Fat 504

% Daily Value*

Fat 56g86%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 18g

Monounsaturated Fat 29g

Cholesterol 93mg31%

Sodium 1703mg74%

Potassium 887mg25%

Carbohydrates 68g23%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 160IU3%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 151mg15%

Iron 6mg33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Fall, Great Leftovers, Quick, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Beyond “Meat”balls and Pasta

July 2, 2022 Sam

I like meatballs, but in reducing my meat consumption substantially, I do not find myself eating them often. Well, this is a fantastic substitute for meatballs at home!

While this is with pasta and marinara sauce, I bet this would be fantastic in a meatball sandwich.

Print Recipe

Beyond “Meat”balls and Pasta

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California, Italian

Keyword: Pasta, Substitutes

Servings: Servings

Calories: 707kcal

Ingredients

Meatballs

16 oz Beyond Meat substitute
½ large yellow onion diced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 cup bread crumbs
2 large eggs
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic minced, crushed or grated

Tomato Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
½ large yellow onion diced
4 cloves garlic minced, crushed or grated
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp salt
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 tsp honey

Pasta

1 tbsp olive oil
½ lb Fergola pasta or other pasta

Instructions

Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (375ºF convection). Mix together all meatball ingredients, with the eggs last. Lightly oil a sheet pan. Form meatballs into large balls, about 2 tbsp each. Place on sheet pan (can be close together, but not touching) and place in oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes until browned and cooked through.
16 oz Beyond Meat substitute, ½ large yellow onion, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp red pepper flakes, 4 cloves garlic

Tomato Sauce

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium in a very large skillet or a large pot. (You want a pan with a large bottom surface area, to thicken the sauce some.) Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softening and translucent. Add the garlic, oregano, and salt and continue cooking. Then add the crushed tomatoes and honey. Stir well while it comes up to heat, then turn heat down.
1 tbsp olive oil, ½ large yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp honey
Simmer for 5-30 minutes on low or just above low, so you get a nice simmer without too much splattering. Taste for salt and flavors.

Pasta

To a large sauce pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium. Add fergola pasta and stir well.
1 tbsp olive oil, ½ lb Fergola pasta
Add about 2 quarts water. Boil on high for 8-14 minutes. Pasta may stay a bit toothy, in a good way. Drain any remaining water (if any) and return to pot.

Serve

Serve with a layer of pasta, the meatballs, and then the sauce.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Beyond "Meat"balls and Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 707 Calories from Fat 234

% Daily Value*

Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Monounsaturated Fat 12g

Cholesterol 93mg31%

Sodium 2167mg94%

Potassium 1274mg36%

Carbohydrates 85g28%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 38g76%

Vitamin A 1220IU24%

Vitamin C 23mg28%

Calcium 308mg31%

Iron 11mg61%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Fall, Farro, Great Leftovers, Quick, Roasted Vegetables, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Lemon-Tahini Farro Broccoli Bowl

June 30, 2022 Sam

Fantastic dish that employs tahini to great effect.

Print Recipe

Lemon-Tahini Farro Broccoli Bowl

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California, Vegetarian

Keyword: Farro, Inspired by New York Times, Roasted Vegetables

Servings: servings

Calories: 759kcal

Ingredients

Grain Bowl

4 large eggs
1½ cups farro rinsed and drained
1½ lb broccoli cut into florets, tender stems sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 scallion thinly sliced
hot sauce for serving

Dressing

2½ tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced, crushed or tested
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp tahini

Instructions

Eggs

In a large saucepan or pot with enough room for the eggs to fit in a single layer, add 1 inch of water and a steamer basket (ideally, but not required). Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, gently lower eggs into the basket or place at the bottom gently. Cover the pot and cook the eggs for up to 11 minutes (at most, and as little as 6 minutes for a liquid yolk and just-firm whites). Drain eggs, set aside for 5 minutes, and then carefully peel.
4 large eggs

Farro

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil – it will need to be at least 2 quarts of water. Add farro. Cover and turn heat down so the boil is vigorous but isn't overflowing. Cook for 20-40 minutes, checking after 20 minutes and then regular intervals.
1½ cups farro

Broccoli

Preheat the oven to 425ºF (if convection). Trim and prepare the broccoli. Toss with olive oil and soy sauce. Roast for up to 15 minutes, until slightly charred and well roasted.
1½ lb broccoli, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp soy sauce
Let broccoli cool slightly. Then toss with the sesame oil and sesame seeds.
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Dressing

Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic and ½ tsp salt. Let sit for a minute. Then whisk in the oil until emulsified. Whisk in tahini and set aside.
2½ tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, ½ tsp salt, ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp tahini

Complete and Serve

Once the farro is cooked, toss with a bit more than ¼ cup of the dressing. Then divide into four servings, top with the broccoli, scallions, and egg (halved or quartered). Divide the remaining dressing among the bowls. Add hot sauce if desired.
1 scallion, hot sauce for serving

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lemon-Tahini Farro Broccoli Bowl

Amount Per Serving

Calories 759 Calories from Fat 405

% Daily Value*

Fat 45g69%

Saturated Fat 7g44%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 10g

Monounsaturated Fat 26g

Cholesterol 186mg62%

Sodium 514mg22%

Potassium 902mg26%

Carbohydrates 74g25%

Fiber 17g71%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 1384IU28%

Vitamin C 157mg190%

Calcium 170mg17%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Appetizer, Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Fall, Great Leftovers, Low Calorie, Lunch, Salad, Side, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

June 28, 2022 Sam

This fairly simply meal is delicious and saves well. It probably needs to have a secondary side of some kind.

Print Recipe

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Bean Soaking6

Total Time7

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Inspired by New York Times, Roasted Vegetables, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 392kcal

Ingredients

Beans

½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
1 bay leaf

Salad

1 lb cauliflower trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup celery thinly sliced
3 tbsp parsley chopped, optional
3 tbsp green onions sliced

Dressing

1 large shallot small diced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp ground fennel seed
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Beans

Soak the beans in 1.5% salinity water for 6-8 hours, ideally. (If not soaked, switch to pressure-cooker method for next step and cook for 20-40 minutes under pressure, depending on the bean.)
½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
Drain the soaked beans. To a large sauce pot, add the drained beans and lots of water, enough to cover by two inches. Add the bay leaf. Cover and heat over high until boiling (and turn down to keep hearty boil but not overflow the pot). Boil heartily for 10 minutes, then turn heat to just above low, so you have a steady simmer. Cook for at least 20 minutes, and up to an hour, checking at regular intervals if the beans are cooked through. When fully cooked, drain and set aside.
1 bay leaf

Cauliflower and Other Prep

Once you start the beans, prepare the cauliflower by trimming and cutting. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until nicely cooked and developing some browned bits. Set aside to cool.
1 lb cauliflower, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper
Prep the other salad ingredients. Celery can go into the ultimate salad bowl. The scallions and parsley (if using) should be kept separate, ideally.
1 cup celery, 3 tbsp parsley, 3 tbsp green onions

Dressing

In a medium bowl, place all dressing ingredients (minus the salt and pepper for now). Whisk well to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
1 large shallot, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp ground fennel seed, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper

Combine and Rest

Once the beans and cauliflower and done, and hopefully have cooled some, add to the bowl with the celery. Gently toss with the dressing. Let it rest for 30 minutes so the flavors combine. Then add the green onions and parsley (if using). Toss again. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

Amount Per Serving

Calories 392 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 13g

Sodium 1273mg55%

Potassium 1513mg43%

Carbohydrates 45g15%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 16g32%

Vitamin A 422IU8%

Vitamin C 62mg75%

Calcium 197mg20%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Fall, Great Leftovers, Quick, Spring, Summer, Tofu, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables and Tofu

February 19, 2022 Sam

This great meal is fairly quick and easy and makes a healthy number of servings of fairly healthy food, even if the coconut milk adds quite a bit of saturated fat.

Note: start the tofu among the first steps, before cutting the veggies, to be most efficient. You can chop the veggies while the tofu bakes.

Print Recipe

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables and Tofu

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian, California, Thai

Keyword: Inspired by New York Times, Tofu, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 639kcal

Ingredients

Tofu

14 oz tofu dried, pressed and cubed
2 tsp olive oil
½ tsp salt

Curry and Veggies

13½ oz coconut milk do not shake can
½ cup vegetable stock
4 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
3 tbsp Thai green curry paste vegan, check ingredients
1 medium onion cubed
1 medium red bell pepper cubed
1 large zucchini cubed
½ small peeled sweet potato cubed
1 cup green beans trimmed, cut into 1-2"
1 large lime juiced
8 leaves basil cut into thin strips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF with a sheet pan in the top third position. Cube and pat-dry the tofu. Place in a bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil and lightly salt, mix. Once oven is pre-heated, pour tofu onto sheet pan and place back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to give both sides a bit of a crisp. Remove and set aside. Turn off oven.
14 oz tofu, 2 tsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt
Open the can of coconut milk without shaking it. Spoon 6 tablespoons of the coconut cream from the top of the can into a medium saucepan. Pour remaining contents of can into a medium sealable glass and mix well by shaking (or stir well in a bowl). In a medium measuring cup or bowl, combine vegetable stock, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
13½ oz coconut milk, ½ cup vegetable stock, 4 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar
Place saucepan of coconut cream over medium-high heat until it begins to bubble. Add curry paste and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir constantly until very fragrant, about 3 minutes; adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
3 tbsp Thai green curry paste
Add onion, red pepper, zucchini, sweet potato, green beans, and tofu. Stir until vegetables are hot, 2-3 minutes. Stir in remaining coconut milk, bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
1 medium onion, 1 medium red bell pepper, 1 large zucchini, ½ small peeled sweet potato, 1 cup green beans
Add the soy sauce mixture and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste; you may use the juice of an entire lime. Stir and mix well. Add up to 1/4 cup water if the curry seems too thick.
1 large lime
To serve, place the curry in a warm serving bowl and garnish with the basil strips. Serve over rice.
8 leaves basil

Notes

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables and Tofu

Amount Per Serving

Calories 639 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 19g119%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Sodium 785mg34%

Potassium 726mg21%

Carbohydrates 87g29%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 18g20%

Protein 26g52%

Vitamin A 7790IU156%

Vitamin C 83mg101%

Calcium 262mg26%

Iron 10mg56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Fall, Favorites, Pressure Cooker, Rice, Rotation, Spring, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Sheet-Pan Fried Rice

January 25, 2022 Sam

This recipe is best with pre-planning, so you can cool the rice to give it the perfect texture. But even if you cook the rice fresh before making it, this meal is worth it. The four generous servings are packed with deliciousness.

Print Recipe

Sheet-Pan Fried Rice

Prep Time1

Cook Time30

Total Time1 30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian, California

Keyword: Inspired by New York Times, Rice

Servings: servings

Calories: 703kcal

Equipment

1 Pressure cooker optional, for the rice

Ingredients

Rice (Make Ahead)

200 g brown rice
250 g water

Everything Else

1 tsp salt
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 onion finely diced
½ cup neutral oil
6 oz great mushrooms finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
1 inch ginger finely chopped
1 tsp red-pepper flakes
2 tbsp soy sauce
16 oz frozen mixed vegetables do not thaw
6 eggs
2 scallions thinly sliced

Instructions

Rice

Do not rinse the rice. Add 200g rice and 250g cold water to the Instant Pot (or other pressure cooker). Add a tiny pinch of salt and mix well.
200 g brown rice, 250 g water
If you do rinse the rice, account for the added water as part of the cold water. To do this, first measure the dry rice out to be 200g and measure the weight of the dry rice and inner pot of the Instant Pot. Remember that. Then rinse the rice and drain well. Add to the inner pot and put on the scale. Add enough water to equal a total of 250g above the weight of the dry rice and the Instant Pot weight. (Alternatively, subtract about 45 grams from the water per cup of rice.)
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Then let pressure release naturally for 5 min. Then release remaining pressure. Check if rice is cooked and moisture has been absorbed. If it has, fluff and serve. If not, let steam release for a bit and it will likely solve itself.

Everything Else

Place a sheet pan on the middle oven rack and heat to 450 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with salt, 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, sesame oil and half of the diced onion. Toss to combine well. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and spread the rice out evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 onion
While that cooks, make the sauce. In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp neutral oil and the remaining diced onion. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the onions start to soften, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 2 minutes more until translucent.
½ cup neutral oil, 1 onion
Add most of the remaining neutral oil except about 1 tbsp, along with the mushrooms, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, and red-pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the mushrooms are completely soft. If the oil bubbles too much, reduce the heat to low.
½ cup neutral oil, 6 oz great mushrooms, 4 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp red-pepper flakes
After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven, add the frozen mixed vegetables and toss with the rice to evenly distribute. Make 4 to 6 divots in the rice (depending on how many eggs you are using), drizzle a tiny bit of neutral oil into each divot to prevent sticking, and break an egg into each. Return to the oven for 6 to 10 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
16 oz frozen mixed vegetables, 6 eggs
To serve, spoon some of the sauce over the rice and top with scallions. If the rice needs more seasoning, add more sauce or season with salt.
2 scallions

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Sheet-Pan Fried Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 703 Calories from Fat 396

% Daily Value*

Fat 44g68%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 246mg82%

Sodium 1754mg76%

Potassium 719mg21%

Carbohydrates 62g21%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 6324IU126%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 107mg11%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Fall, Favorites, Great Leftovers, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Winter

Baked Royal Corona Beans

January 23, 2022 Sam

This delicious preparation of Royal Corona beans is fantastic. The huge beans are well-flavored and taste great in the rich tomato sauce. Serve with bread, pasta, vegetables, rice, farro, etc. It pairs exceptionally well with a full-flavor feta.

Print Recipe

Baked Royal Corona Beans

Prep Time30

Cook Time2 30

Total Time3

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Inspired by Rancho Gordo

Servings: servings

Calories: 389kcal

Ingredients

Beans

1 lb Royal Corona beans
1 onion peeled and cut in half
2 bay leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp peppercorn

Tomato Sauce

3 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp oregano
28 oz crushed tomatoes
½ tbsp honey
2 tsp salt

Instructions

Beans

Soak beans overnight in a huge bowl, covered, with 3 liters of water and 45 grams of salt.
1 lb Royal Corona beans
Drain the beans. Place soaked beans in a large pot and cover with water by 3 inches. Add the halved onion directly to the pot; add the other bean spices to a small spice bag or a steeper. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down to a bare simmer and cook until tender but holding their shape, which could be 30 minutes (highly unlikely) to 3 hours (also unlikely); probably around 2 hours total. Beans will be super creamy in texture when done. Add salt to taste just before the beans are finished cooking. When done, do not drain; set aside.
1 onion, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp peppercorn

Tomato Sauce

When the beans are done or nearly done, add the olive oil to a very large all-in-one pan or Dutch oven. Add the onion and cook until soft and browning; the trick is to let the onion sit for a bit once heated, so it develops some brown spots.
3 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion
Add the garlic, tomato paste and oregano. Mix well until aromatic.
2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp oregano, 4 cloves garlic
Add the tomatoes, sugar and salt and stir well. Let it simmer down some, but it should remain quite saucy. Taste for flavors here and add anything additional, like salt, pepper, more oregano, etc.
28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tsp salt, ½ tbsp honey
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Drain the beans but reserve the liquid and discard the onion halves and other spices. Gently mix in the beans. If the mix is looking a little dry, add some of the bean water. You want the beans to be fully submerged and the sauce to be fairly liquid, as it will cook down in the oven further.
Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot, at room temperature or cold.

Notes

Serves 6

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Baked Royal Corona Beans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 389 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 1007mg44%

Potassium 1884mg54%

Carbohydrates 63g21%

Fiber 15g63%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 384IU8%

Vitamin C 17mg21%

Calcium 257mg26%

Iron 10mg56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.