Thyme & Mint Roasted Eggplant with Arugula, Spinach, Tomato and Yogurt Sauce

Thyme Roasted Eggplant Salad

Thyme & Mint Roasted Eggplant

Japanese Eggplant, Arugula, Spinach, Tomato
Garlicky Yogurt Sauce, Arugula Flowers Garnish

While the presentation may look a bit familiar, the dish itself is unique.  It is inspired by one of my all time favorite chefs ~ Yotam Ottolenghi. His fans will recognize the Japanese eggplant presentation from the cover of his innovative vegetarian cookbook Plenty, where he adorns them with pomegranate arils and za’atar. Try Ottolenghi’s dish in autumn when pomegranates are in season, but try my version this summer with bursting ripe tomatoes and vibrant fresh greens.

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Alaskan Cod, Mediterranean Style

Alaskan Cod, Mediterranean Style

Alaskan Cod, Mediterranean Style

Wild-Caught Cod, Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives
Artichoke Hearts, Onion, Lemon
White Wine, Olive Oil, Oregano

Sitting in a waiting room, flipping through Martha Stewart Living, I came across a recipe for a one-skillet fish dinner. I didn’t have time to read the recipe,  but I quickly took a photo of the description with my camera phone. This dish is my interpretation of that description.

And it just so happens that my friends over at Food Network are featuring “frozen treats” this week. Being a savory kind of gal, I am not really drawn to sweet icy desserts, but this dish, made by cooking frozen Wild-Caught Alaskan Cod is included in the event, because hey, it was frozen, and it is most definitely a treat! Try it with fluffy white rice or crusty French bread for sopping up the juices.

Alaskan Cod, Mediterranean Style Recipe

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THIN IS IN: Fennel, Mushroom, Watercress, Parmesan, Walnut

Fennel, Mushroom, Watercress, Parmesan, Walnut, Olive Oil, Balsamic Syrup

Fennel, Mushroom, Watercress, Parmesan, Walnut
Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Syrup

It’s almost summer and thin is in! Thin vegetables, that is. A mandoline slicer can help turn a fennel bulb and common white mushrooms into a graceful salad or side dish. Pretty paper-thin watercress leaves add a bold peppery flavor. Their deep green color contrasts the pale fennel, mushroom, and cheese. Walnuts bring nutty, earthy flavors and a crunchy texture. Dressed with fruity olive oil and balsamic syrup, the final dish has a synergistic elegance beyond its everyday components.

THIN IS IN SALAD/SIDE DISH RECIPE

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Global Shrimp: Haricots Verts, Chickpeas, Feta

Global Shrimp: Haricots Verts, Chickpeas, Feta with a Korean Marinade

Shrimp, Haricots Verts, Chickpeas
Soy Soju Marinade
Feta, Gochugaru, and Sesame Seeds

The classic Greek pairing of shrimp and feta, along with French haricots verts, Indian chickpeas, and a Korean soju & soy marinade result in a side dish most likely to attract attention. This global amalgamation of ingredients is finished with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and gochugaru, a Korean red chile powder that is barely spicy, and somewhat sweet and smoky. Served at room temperature – it’s a fusion dish that would make a terrific addition to any buffet, BBQ, or picnic.

Global Shrimp Recipe

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Korean Grilled Salmon, Gochujang-Soju Marinade

Korean Grilled Salmon, Gochujang-Soju Marinade

Korean Grilled Salmon, Gochujang-Soju Marinade
Mixed Lettuce Salad with Cucumber & Radish Batons
Served with Ice Cold Soju

Gochujang, a red chili paste with sweet heat and a funky fermented umami richness is used as a base for many marinades. Combined with soju, sesame oil, and soy sauce – this gochujang marinade lends a complex flavor profile to the smoky salmon’s unctuous texture.

Ice cold soju makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled salmon. This Korean alcoholic beverage distilled from rice has slightly floral and barely sweet flavors. Pleasantly light and refreshing with a round mouth-feel, and an alcoholic content of 20%, it is usually enjoyed neat, sipped from a shot glass. In this dish, the salmon is obviously the star, a fresh crisp salad and smooth snappy soju play the supporting roles.

Korean Grilled Salmon, Gochujang-Soju Marinade Recipe

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