Why limit yourself to latkes during Hanukkah? Potato pancakes are for anyone, anytime! After all, they do look like little FSMs, albeit somewhat flattened. I’m sure His Noodliness would still approve. Moreover, savory pancakes can be made from many different root vegetables, in my case baking potatoes and sweet potatoes, with a kick of scallions [...]
Tag Archives: vegetarian
Salmorejo, a creamy gazpacho without cream
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
While making room in the freezer for this year’s batch of tomato sauce, I came upon several containers of same from previous years. What to do? Make soup! It wasn’t until Simon made the homemade variety that I ever dared to touch tomato soup —after a childhood (and adulthood) of making wrinkled faces at the [...]
Tasting soy milks
Thursday, 24 May 2007
I admit it, I find soy milk suspicious. Sure, it works nicely as a creamy substitute in soups; and the occasional soy cheese I’ve had at izakaya restaurants has been tasty. I’ve even had a couple soy-based ice cream sandwiches which nearly fooled me, taste and texture-wise. But soy milk. As a drink, especially a [...]
Fresh pea soup with leeks & mint
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
It’s now the peak of the pea season in our backyard. For me it’s the sweet announcement that Spring has arrived. Peapod from Climbing Sugar Snap. I have bad memories of split-pea soup from childhood. Pasty, with chunks of nasty ham. Blech. But soup made from fresh peas? That is a completely different creature.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Saturday, 21 October 2006
I enjoy a good creamy mushroom soup, preferably not from a can. The secret here is sautéing the mushrooms so that they become browned and aromatic. The addition of wine, almonds and thyme make the soup so rich and tasty for me that cream is optional.
Vegetarian Carbonara Pasta
Thursday, 24 August 2006
The combination of a strong flavored cheese and egg is mighty delish. Smoked gouda, or a mix of sharp cheddar with Parmesan Reggiano, works quite well. But one the most memorable variations was using the alder-smoked goat cheese from Elk Creamery. This recipe would serve two people. Boiled peas, or sautéed zucchini, nicely complements this [...]
Variations on risotto
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
This basic risotto recipe can be modified in many tasty ways. You can also reheat leftovers in a microwave oven. Here are some ingredient ideas: While heating the stock, throw in about an ounce of dried porcini mushrooms. After the mushrooms have reconstituted, remove and squeeze excess liquid back into the stock. Then treat the [...]
Brown Rice, Bulgur and Nut Pilaf
Thursday, 1 July 1999
Originally from Pamela Rino Evans, I’ve only lightly modified this dish. Experiment with nuts: I’ve used a mix of pine nuts and pecans, as well as cashews and pecans. You can also substitute chervil for the parsley. For extra spice-pep, add some cinnamon and/or ground coriander at step 3.
Porcini Mushroom Pasta
Tuesday, 17 February 1998
Dried (then reconstituted) porcini adds the bulk of flavor to this pasta dish. For the fresh mushrooms, you can use the common button mushrooms, creminis, portabellos, oyster, even chanterelles would work nicely. But you probably don’t want to compete with the porcini by using a stronger flavored mushroom like shiitake or morels.
Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
Monday, 16 February 1998
This sauce is so flavorful that you don’t need to add any cheese! This recipe yields about 2 quarts. My apologies for the huge time range when simmering the sauce down: it depends on how watery (or pasty) the tomatoes are, and your desired thickness. Don’t be deterred by the large amount of garlic. As [...]
