Old Country Herb Braised Green Beans
When I was a girl, there was such a thing as the Old Country – the place where the world still operated with magic and must. Small old men with thick accents knew languages that had intensity, a depth of experience that ordinary talking could never meet. The ancient women’s eyes smiled with secret ways. Communities felt close and happy even without modern luxuries.While the world has shrunk, these are Old Country beans. Cooked slowly over the lowest flame (ok, it’s a ...
Crusty Artisan Bread -Tweaking Jim Lahey’s Method
Artisan bread in minutes was a thing years ago, creating a sensation and bringing fresh-baked bread to ordinary home cooks who didn't have all day. Then, Jim Lahey, the owner of NYC Sullivan Street Bakery, made things even easier, with the technique of using a covered dutch oven to create a crispy crust in an ordinary home oven. This version tweaks his basic recipe a bit. I add a little rye (or whole wheat) flour so the flavor isn't so white and omit several steps (like the ...
Asparagus Stuffed Mushrooms
These delicious roasted mushroom caps filled with asparagus or other vegetable stuffing are a beautiful presentation-worthy dinner party option and are vegan-friendly too.The mushroom caps can also be served as a starter or as a great cocktail party snack, depending on how many you serve. Three to five makes a full size serving. We used leftover roasted asparagus but you can use any leftover or cooked veggie including spinach, roasted peppers, eggplant or whatever you have.Feel free ...
Fava Spinach Soup: A Cold Weather Pantry Foray
It’s ridiculously freezing outside, with temps in the teens and lower. When I ran outside for a second to get something, I remembered the steamy warmth that soup brings. A quick visit to the pantry and I spied some fava beans and some summer canned tomatoes and this soup was born. With the addition of spinach, potatoes, onion and garlic, it’s a hearty soup that pairs well with some crusty bread or a salad.NOTE ON DRIED FAVA BEANS: Fava beans are high in dietary fiber, protein, ...
The Lowly Lima Part One: Artichoke Fennel and Lima Bean Stew
This recipe makes us love the lima bean, the humble bean that many people are not even sure they actually like. Fresh bulb fennel is combined with canned or frozen artichokes, lemon juice and lima beans. Don’t like fennel? Try this and you may change your mind as the vegetable combination mellows the anise flavor and creates a fresh taste.With its lemony sauce and less common blend of vegetables, this stew is delicious and hits the spot for flavor, with the fennel melting into a ...
Red Beans and Coconut Rice – Under Pressure
Pressure cooking can really save time and make it easier to avoid heating up the kitchen -- so necessary in the hot summer and really, at any time of year, who wants to spend extra time cooking? This recipe with its West Indian flair makes the best use of it, turning a rice dish into a hearty meal in itself or a great accompaniment to other foods. Rather than standard red beans, try the Salvadorean frijoles rojo de seda, which are actually silky in texture as the name suggests.We like ...
Easiest Pickled Dandelion Capers
Dandelions are getting a makeover in the public eye. Sure, they're weeds marring the green lawn perfection. But the health benefits and culinary side of them have been getting increasing attention. Greens bursting with flavor and calcium, vitamins A and C, and iron, they are abundant and generally free. This recipe for naturally fermented (pickled) dandelion buds shouts gourmet but is the easiest way to preserve the ever-present weeds. No boiling, no vinegar, just easy. Bonus points ...
Stress Less Burgers: Vegan Under Pressure
The world's a stressy place, right? How about a way to create less stress? That's where a pressure cooker comes in handy, which you may have noticed we mention more and more. One source of recent inspiration is the fantastic new book by Jill Nussinow, aka The Veggie Queen, who is an extraordinary cook, long-time food expert and a full fledged RD (Registered Dietitian).Vegan Under Pressure doesn't just refer to how we feel each day. It is a compendium of recipes and more important...
Easy Seitan for Any Recipe
Seitan is one of those vegan foods you either love or hate. To the gluten-free among us, it's a real no-no. Personally, we think it sometimes gives the chewiness some recipes need. We've sliced for stir fries, chopped for "meaty" sauce and used on sandwiches.This basic version can easily be adapted depending upon your flavor preferences. Adding to Mexican food? Try cumin and chili powder. Indian? Add curry powder and coriander. Like a chicken-ish flavor? Use no-chicken seasoning. You get ...
More Fish-Friendly Vegan ‘Tuna’ Salad… This Time with Tofu
Oddly, though I ate my share of tuna fish salad before going vegan, usually on toast, it was not close to my top sandwich choice. These days, I find myself enjoying the vegan versions far more than I ever did actual fish-based recipes.Real tuna are being rapidly depleted by overfishing, with some Bluefin varieties pushing extinction. Plus, tuna often contains mercury and other metals that come from our contaminated seas. And many state tuna feel pain as they are slaughtered. Just a ...
