RECIPES
Torta Rustica
Veggie Burgers
Samosa Pie
Couscous
Potatoes: Braising, Garlic-Parmesan Mashed,, Baked, Crisp Roast, Home Fries, Garlic Swiss Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole
Pad Thai Fried Noodles
Baked Beans
Fried Rice
Spanakopita
Vegetarian Bowl
Carrots: Glazed, Parmesan Roasted, Honey Garlic Butter Roasted
Cauliflower: Roasted, Steaks, Gratin, Broccoli-cauliflower Casserole
Eggs: Poached, Omelettes, Fried, Boiled
Afghan: Ashak, Banjan, Bolani.
TORTA RUSTICA
Slice all vegetables thinly using a mandolin, toss in ¼ c olive oil and 1 tbsp rosemary and roast in 350° oven: 1 eggplant, 2 zucchinis, 2 red peppers, 2 yellow peppers, 2 yams, 2 potatoes, 2 red onions. Use 2 sheets in 2 shifts.
Rest of ingredients: 1 c pesto, 8 oz goat cheese finely crumbled, 3 c mozzarella grated, package 10” flour tortillas (nicest is to alternate red and green).
Assembly: in 10” springform pan, assemble layers of tortilla alternating colors /pesto/one kind of vegetable/goat cheese/mozzarella. Rub the top with olive oil, and add grated mozzarella. Cover tin foil and bake 350° for 50-60 minutes.
Let rest for 5 minutes. Remove the sides of the pan. Slice like cheesecake. Serves 12.
Tomato Chipotle Sauce: 10 tomatoes quartered, 1 red onion large dice, 3 cloves garlic. Toss in ¼ c olive oil with 1 tbsp brown sugar. Roast oven 350° for 30 minutes. Add 1 tsp chipotle in adobo paste chopped + ¼ c cilantro ch and puree with a hand blender or food processor.
Lemon Basil Aioli: Mix 1 c mayonnaise, juice 1 lemon, ½ c fresh basil chopped.
To Serve: Spoon warm tomato chipotle sauce onto a plate. Place a slice of pie on top. Drizzle with basil aioli. Serve with salad.
VEGGIE BURGERS
#1. (makes 12 burgers) In a large skillet, saute 1 onion diced, 1 clove garlic minced in 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Place in a large bowl, cool and add: 1 tbsp cumin, 1 1/2 tbsp chilli powder, 1 – 19 oz can black beans drained rinsed and roughly pureed, 1 tsp oregano, 1/4 c parsley or cilantro chopped, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 c almonds roasted and chopped, 1 c sunflower seeds roasted and chopped, 3 c fine bread crumbs, 1/2 c soy sauce, 5 eggs, 2 c carrots grated and 2 cups oats. Mix well and shape into patties. Dredge lightly in flour. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to brown the burgers on both sides. Serve with whole wheat burger buns topped with Daikon sprouts and roasted garlic aioli or tzatziki.
#2. Moroccan Yam Burgers. Peel 6 cups (1.5 litres, 2 lbs) of yams and grate them, place in a large bowl. Use a food processor for the rest of the prep. Finely chop 2 tbsp garlic and 2 tbsp ginger peeled. Add half of 1 – 19 oz can chickpeas to garlic and ginger and process till smooth. Add to yams. Mash the remaining chickpeas in a bowl and add to the main bowl. Coarsely chop 1 1/2 cups unsalted mixed nuts in FP and add to bowl. Add 1/2 c cilantro chopped, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp black pepper and mix well. Add 2 beaten eggs and 1/3 c dry breadcrumbs and mix well. Measure 1/2 cup portions and form into patties. Saute on medium-low ~5 minutes on each side. Serve on a whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, sliced red onions and tzatziki.
SAMOSA PIE
Crust: In a food processor – 2 1/2 c all-purpose flour + 1 c unsalted butter cut into small pieces, 1/2 tsp salt. Process until coarse meal. Add ice-cold water slowly until the dough forms a soft ball. Wrap in Saran and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. The dough is soft and moist.
Filling: In a large saute pan, heat 4 tbsp oil. Add 2 c onions ch, 10 c 1/2″ cubed potatoes cooked. Saute for a few minutes. Add spices: 1 1/2 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp coriander, 1 1/2 tbsp madras curry powder, 2 tsp turmeric, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbsp crushed red chilli pepper flakes. Stir well to blend. Add 1/4 c packed fresh cilantro ch, 1/2 c fresh lemon juice, 1 c blanched or frozen peas.
Assembly: Leave 1/3 of the dough for the top crust. Roll out remaining dough ~1/8th inch thick. Line 10″ springform pan with the dough letting it hang over top ~1/2″. Brush with egg wash (large egg + 1 tbsp water whisked). Pour in filling and press down well. Roll out the remaining crust and place it over the pan. Trim the pastry, and crimp the edges sealing well. Brush with remaining egg wash.
Bake preheated oven at 375 for 1 hour till golden. Best made a day ahead and reheated @350 for 40-45 min.
Serve with mango chutney and raita.
COUSCOUS (Jeff Krueger recipe)
2 c couscous + 2 1/2 c boiling water, cover and stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 tbsp cumin. Cover and cool for 25 minutes.
Combine 1/2 c oil, 1/2 c lemon juice, 1 tbsp vinegar, 3 cloves garlic minced. Let stand.
Combine 1 red pepper ch, 1/2 c onion ch, 1 can corn kernels, 1 can black beans rinsed, 1/2-1 cup parsley chopped, and 1 tsp salt.
Add oil to vegetables then couscous. Mix well. Refrigerate.
POTATOES
The rules for cooking potatoes are generally straightforward: undercook them and they stay intact, overcook and they’ll break down into crumbly bits. Overcooked starchy potatoes like russets break apart but overcooked waxy or new potatoes hold together. Why? They contain different amounts of two different starches: amylopectin and amylose. Waxy potatoes contain very little amylose and as they cook, the starch granules in waxy potatoes burst, releasing very sticky amylopectin, which in essence glues the potato structure together, giving the impression of creaminess.
In a russet or other starchy potato, there is a higher ratio of amylose that is made up of smaller, less sticky molecules. So although russets contain more starch than waxy potatoes, russets simply fall apart once overcooked since most of the starch is the less sticky amylose.
The more starch a potato has, the more water from inside the potato can be absorbed during baking. As the starch granules swell with water within the spud’s cell walls, they eventually force the cells to separate into clumps that result in the texture we perceive as dry and fluffy.
Simmering in broth? flavour picked up from chicken broth barely discernable even if thin sliced, removes any browning. So skipped.
Heavily salted water? Salt would penetrate into potatoes much better than fat-soluble parts of chicken broth.
Waxy potatoes (red and new potatoes): Low starch 16% – steaming turns them tender and creamy, good for tossing with butter and herbs. Red bliss. Benefits of overcooking
Yukon Gold: 16-18% starch.
Russets: The classic choice for baked potatoes is dry, and floury with a high (20-22%) of starch.
1. BRAISING
To cook waxy potatoes, braise with water, butter, garlic, thyme and salt in a covered skillet until potatoes soften, then remove the lid to let the liquid evaporate and let the butter brown, colouring and enriching the flavour. This produces silky interiors and crispy crusts.
Halve 1½ lbs small red potatoes, unpeeled and arranged in a single layer, cut sides down, in 12” nonstick skillet. Add 2 c water, 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 garlic cloves peeled, ¾ tsp salt, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Increase heat to medium-high and vigorously simmer, swirling pan occ. until water evaporates and butter starts to sizzle, 15-20 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, mince garlic to paste, transfer to a bowl, and stir in 1 tsp lemon juice and ¼ tsp pepper.
Continue to cook potatoes swirling pan frequently until butter browns and cut sides of potatoes turn spotty brown, 4-6 minutes longer. Off heat, add garlic mixture and 2 tbsp minced fresh chives.
Braised Red Potatoes with Dijon and Tarragon
Substitute 2 tsp Dijon mustard for lemon juice and 1 tbsp minced fresh tarragon from chives.
2. GARLIC-PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES
Potato: Yukon Golds are great for mashing: buttery tasting, moderately starchy.
2 pounds, peeled and sliced ½” thick. Bring to simmer med-high heat and gently simmer till the paring knife can be slipped into it and out with no resistance, 18-22 minutes. Drain.
Garlic Paste: use a rasp-style grater to transform 2 garlic cloves into 1¼ tsp of a flavor-packed, ultrafine paste. Combine ½ tsp garlic powder with ½ tsp water in a small bowl. Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces in 8” skillet medium-low heat. Saute 1 tsp of paste and garlic powder mixture, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Transfer to medium bowl and thoroughly stir in 1½ oz Parmesan grated (¾ cup), 1¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and remaining ½ tsp garlic paste.
Set empty saucepan over low heat, set ricer of food mill over saucepan and process potato. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the butter-Parmesan mixture until incorporated. Stir in ⅔ c warm milk until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
3. BAKED POTATOES
Russets are the classic choice for baked potatoes. Soak the potatoes in salty water when cleaning. Pricking probably doesn’t matter as exploding potatoes very rare. Bake on a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet to allow the hot air to circulate evenly around the potatoes. Cook the interiors to 205-212° for perfect fluffy, light results. 450° for 45 minutes is the sweet spot. Crucial to cut the potatoes open immediately after baking to let steam escape. Without will turn dense and gummy. Apply a light coating of vegetable oil after they are cooked and return to oven for 10 minutes to make skins deep brown and crisp (the skin dehydrates during cooking; the extra time increases the interior temperature 2-3°).
Recipe: 4 (7-9oz russet potatoes, unpeeled, each lightly pricked with fork in 6 place. Adjust oven rack to middle, heat 450°. Dissolve 2 tbsp salt in ½ c. water in large bowl. Toss potatoes so exteriors moistened. Transfer wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet and bake till center of largest potato registers 205°, 45-60 minutes.
Remove potatoes from oven and brush tops and sides with oil. Return and bake 10 minutes more.
Remove and using paring knife make 2 slits forming X in each potato. Using clean dishtowel, hold ends and squeeze slightly to push flesh up and out. Season salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Creamy Egg Topping (makes 1 c). Stir together in bowl and season with salt and pepper: 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped, 4 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley, 1½ tbsp. minced cornichons, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp capers rinsed and minced, 1 tbsp minced shallot.
Herbed Goat Cheese Topping (makes ½ c). Mash 4 oz goat cheese softened with fork. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp minced parsley, 1 tbsp minced shallot, ½ tsp lemon zest, salt and pepper.
4. CRISP ROAST POTATOES
Theory: Desire a well-browned, crispy, exterior and a creamy interior. For a potato to brown and crisp, two things need to happen, and both depend on moisture. First, starch granules must absorb water and swell, releasing some of their amylose (a water-soluble starch). Second, some of the amylose must break down into glucose (sugar). Once the moisture evaporates on the surface of the potatoes, the amylose hardens into a shell, yielding crispness, and the glucose darkens, yielding an appealing brown color. In the dry heat to the oven , this is a lengthy process because the starch granules swell slowly, releasing little amylase. Parboiled potatoes are swimming in the required moist heat, releasing lost of amylose on the surface of the a potato.
The Potato: Yukon Golds with medium starch and medium moisture, crisp best and produce the creamiest interiors. Precooked spuds begin browning and crisping almost immediately when in the oven. Cut into ½” rounds. Rough up the surface (allows more escape routes for moisture, speeds up evaporation as crisping can’t begin unit all the moisture on the surface is boiled off -212°) by tossing with olive oil and salt.
Parboil for 5 minutes: bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat so that vigorous boiling does not wash away produce too much starch.
Recipe: Oven lowest rack, preheat rimmed baking sheet 450°.
2½ pounds Yukon Gold, unpeeled, sliced ½” thick. Bring to boil starting in cold water and immediately reduce the heat, cooking for 5 minutes. Drain, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle ½ tsp salt. Using rubber spatula, toss to combine and repeat with more oil and salt and toss till coated with starchy paste, 1-2 minutes.
Working quickly, remove baking sheet from oven, drizzle remaining 1 tbsp oil over, transfer to sheet. Bake till bottoms golden brown 15-25 minutes, rotating sheets every 10 minutes. Using spatula and tongs, loosen potatoes from sheet and flip. Roast 10-20 minutes, rotating once. Season salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
5. HOME FRIES
Recipe: Adjust oven rack to lowest and place rimmed baking sheet 500°.
3½ lbs russet potatoes peeled and cut into ¾” cubes.
Boil 2½ quarts water, add potatoes and ½ tsp baking soda, return to boil and cook for 1 minute. Drain, return potatoes to pot, place over low heat, cook, shaking occ., until any surface moisture has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
Off heat, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 12 pieces, 1½ tsp kosher salt, pinch cayenne pepper. Using rubber spatula, mix till coated with thick, starchy paste, about 30 seconds.
Remove preheated sheet from oven, drizzle with 2 tbsp oil, transfer potatoes and spread evenly. Roast 15 minutes.
Remove sheet and turn potatoes. Combine 2 onions cut into ½-inch pieces, 1 tbsp oil, ½ tsp salt in bowl and add to 8×5 inch space in middle of potatoes. Roast 15 minutes.
Scrape and turn again, mixing onions into potatoes. Roast till potatoes browned and onions beginning to brown, 5-10 minutes loner. Stir in 2 tbsp minced chives and season salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
6. GARLIC SWISS POTATOES
Thinly slice 5-6 large potatoes with skins on (use mandolin @ ⅛”).
Mix 500 ml whipping cream, 3 large cloves minced garlic, 1 ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper.
Layer half of potato slices, pour over half cream mixture, then repeat.
Bake 450° for 45 minutes on upper shelf uncovered. Check at 40 minutes.
When cooked, sprinkle 1 ½ x 227 gm brick Swiss cheese shredded on top. Return to oven until bubbly. Remove. Let sit 5 minutes.
SWEET POTATOES
1. MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Combine 2 lbs. sweet potatoes peeled, quartered lengthwise and sliced crosswise ½” thick, 4 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp sugar and ½ tsp salt in large saucepan and cook, covered,, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork, 35-45 minutes.
Off heat, mash potatoes in a saucepan with a potato masher. Stir in pepper and serve immediately.
Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Use 100% maple syrup; stir in 2 tbsp syrup and ½ tsp grated orange zest with pepper just before serving.
2. SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Pierce 5 medium sweet potatoes, place on paper towels and microwave high for 15-18 minutes or till tender. Cool. Peel and mash to make 3 cups. Mix potatoes, 1/2 c butter or margarine, 1/4 c brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup milk. Beat till smooth. Place in greased 2 liter casserole. Microwave medium for 3 minutes, then stir. Combine 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1/2 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts and sprinkle over. Microwave medium 5 minutes till heated through.
PAD THAI FRIED NOODLES Serves 6
Cook 16 oz rice noodles according to the package
Large skillet: ½ c oil, sauté 5 cloves garlic till golden. Add 1 lb cooked shrimp, ¼ c pickled radish ch, 1 package tofu cut into ½” cubes, cook 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
Reheat skillet: add ½ c white vinegar, ¼ c fish sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, ¼ c sugar. Heat well. Add noodles. When completely coated, spread to sides of the pan and scramble 2 eggs beaten in the middle. Fold noodles over the eggs, add shrimp, tofu, radish, 3 green onions sliced, ¼ c bean sprouts.
BAKED BEANS
The instructions are the same for all three recipes.
Soak navy beans overnight or for up to 12 hours for even softer baked beans. Drain beans and rinse. Put beans into Crock Pot or slow cooker. Add all the ingredients from your preferred baked beans recipe. Stir. Cover and cook 6-7 hours on high, or 10-12 hours on low. Add water to the Crock Pot, if needed.
Serve on toast for breakfast, with scrambled eggs for lunch, or as a side dish with dinner. Enjoy!
1. Homemade Baked Beans
1.5 lbs (3 cups) dried small white beans, or navy beans
2.5 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon salt
1 (6 ounces) can tomato paste
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup molasses
2 tablespoons dried mustard
Optional: 2 garlic cloves, minced
Optional: sautéed chopped onion
2. Boston Baked Beans
1.5 lbs (3 cups) dried small white beans, or navy beans
1/4 pound bacon
2.5 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup molasses
2 tablespoons dried mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 sautéed chopped onion
3. Vegetarian Baked Beans
This one is similar to the homemade baked beans recipe, but is less sweet as it contains no honey and the salt has been cut. Feel free to add more molasses.
1.5 lbs (3 cups) dried small white beans, or navy beans
2.5 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup molasses
2 tablespoons dried mustard
Optional: 2 garlic cloves, minced
Optional: sautéed chopped onion
4. Great Canadian Beans
In saucepan, medium 1 tbsp oil, sauté 1 small onion chopped fine x 5min. Add 28 oz can plum tomatoes undrained and chopped, pinch hot pepper flakes, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 6 sun dried tomatoes chopped, 2 x 398 cans navy beans drained and rinsed. Salt and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes.
FRIED RICE
1 c Uncooked rice
5 T Butter
1 c Chopped onion
1 c Chopped carrots
2/3 c Chopped scallions
3 T Sesame seeds
5 Eggs
5 T Soy sauce
Salt Pepper
Cook rice according to package directions.
In a large skillet melt butter. Add onions, carrots and scallions. Saute until carrots are translucent. Set aside. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Place sesame seeds in a shallow pan. Bake until golden brown (10 to 15 minutes), shaking pan occasionally for even colour.
Lightly grease another skillet. Beat eggs. Pour into hot skillet. Cook as you would scrambled eggs. Combine rice, vegetables,
sesame seeds and eggs. Add soy sauce. Stir. Salt and pepper to taste.
SPANAKOPITA Serves eight – Yields one 9x13x2-inch pie.
For the filling:
2 lb. fresh spinach, washed, dried, trimmed, and coarsely chopped OR 1 lb. frozen chopped spinach. Thaw the spinach overnight or in a colander under warm running water. Squeeze out the liquid and skip the pan-wilting step.
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 bunch scallions (about 3 oz. or 10 small), white and light-green parts only, trimmed and finely chopped
1 onion chopped
2 cups crumbled feta cheese (10 oz.)
1/2 cup finely grated Greek kefalotyri cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh dill
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher or fine sea salt
?2-5 cloves garlic minced
For the assembly:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter or combination of both for brushing; more as needed
Eighteen 9×14-inch sheets frozen phyllo dough (I use Athens brand), thawed and at room temperature
2 tsp. whole milk
Tips for working with phyllo (phyllo dries out very fast and becomes brittle when exposed to air)
• Phyllo sheets thaw more evenly and are less likely to stick together if you let the unopened package thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can keep unopened, thawed phyllo in the fridge for up to a month.
• Don’t open the phyllo package until you have all the other ingredients prepared and you’re ready to work.
• Unroll the phyllo sheets and lay them flat on a dry surface. Immediately cover with plastic wrap and then a damp towel. (Covering with just a damp towel will moisten the sheets and make them stick together.)
• Keep the phyllo covered when not working with it, and don’t leave it uncovered for more than a minute at a time.
• Work as fast as you can.
• Use a soft-bristle pastry brush to lightly coat the sheets with melted butter or oil. Start at the edges (to keep them from cracking) and work in toward the centre.
• Roll up any unused sheets, wrap well in plastic, and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Or, wrap in plastic and then foil to freeze for up to two months.
Position a rack in the centre of the oven and heat to 375°F.
Make the filling: Heat a 10-inch straight-sided saute pan over medium-high heat. Add a few large handfuls of the spinach and cook, tossing gently with tongs. As the spinach starts to wilt, add the rest a few handfuls at a time. Cook until all the spinach is wilted and bright green, about 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the spinach to a colander set in a sink. Let cool slightly and squeeze with your hands to extract as much of the remaining liquid as you can.
Wipe the pan dry with a paper towel. Heat the oil or butter in the pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and scallions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Stir in the spinach, turn off the heat, and let cool for 5 minutes. Then stir in the cheeses, eggs, parsley, nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp. salt and mix thoroughly. Add dill at very end as fragile.
Assemble the pie: With a pastry brush, lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with some of the oil. Working quickly, lightly oil one side of a phyllo sheet and lay it in the pan oiled side up and off centre so that it partially covers the bottom and reaches halfway up one long side of the pan (the edge on the bottom of the pan will be about 1 inch from the side). Lightly oil the top of another phyllo sheet and lay it oiled side up and off centre so it reaches halfway up the other long side of the pan. (If your pan has sloped sides, the sheets may be slightly longer than the bottom of the pan; if so, let the excess go up one short side of the pan and then alternate with subsequent sheets.) Repeat this pattern with 4 more phyllo sheets. Next, lightly oil the tops of 3 phyllo sheets and layer them oiled side up and centreed in the pan.
Spread the filling evenly over the last layer.
Repeat the oiling and layering of the remaining 9 phyllo sheets over the filling in the same way you layered the previous 9. With the oiled bristles of the pastry brush, push the edges of the phyllo down around the sides of the pan to enclose the filling completely.
With a sharp knife, score the top phyllo layer into 24 rectangles, being careful not to cut all the way through to the filling. Using the same pastry brush, brush the milk along all the score marks (this will keep the phyllo from flaking up along the edges of the squares). Bake the spanakopita until the top crust is golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes. When you take it out of the oven cover it with a damp cloth while it cools for a little bit to prevent top dough from drying out and crumbling. Let cool until just warm. Cut out the rectangles carefully along the score marks and serve.
Serve with pita and hummus and Greek salad. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before eating to get the full flavour out of the dish. Greeks typically serve food at room temperature to enjoy the full taste.
Tips
1. Destem the spinach as the stems are bitter.
2. Excess moisture kills this dish: spin spinach dry thoroughly, squeeze the spinach between 2 plates to remove the liquid, use pre-washed baby spinach (simple and no need to wash or dry), squeeze and drain frozen spinach well (put in strainer and press down with a plate), saute the frozen spinach in a bit of olive oil until the moisture evaporates (about 5 minutes).
3. smooth and flatten the phyllo as much as possible, especially the top layer because it won’t puff up when you are baking it.
4. Also put the spanakopita in the fridge before baking so the butter/oil mix solidifies, easier to cut into squares, reduces the amount of moisture and bakes much better on the top
5. Use melted butter to brush the phyllo – better flavour and better browning. Don’t drench in oil or butter and use only enough to add flavour.
6. Extra phyllo? Put some in middle.
7. You can make the pie up to 4 hours ahead. Keep warm, if desired, or serve at room temperature. Can also make up to the baking point, freeze and cook an extra 20-30 minutes.
8. Bake covered with foil for first 30 minutes at 350 then remove foil, turn up heat to 375 for another 10 minutes or so until phyllo lightly browns.
9. Try adding plain cream cheese to the feta cheese for a creamier texture
10. One tip with phyllo. Before putting in the oven, cut the top into squares. Take 1/2 cup olive oil in a saucepan and heat until it is just starting to smoke white (before it burns black), pull off fire. Pour it on top of the layers of [phyllo dough, so it crisps. This will prevent any soggy phyllo dough. Then cook in the oven for the 40 or so minutes. (I am not sure how good an idea this is but give it a try and see if it works).
VEGETARIAN BOWL
Roast chosen vegetables (pumpkin, butternut squash, red peppers, onion, broccoli, sprouts, garlic tossed in olive oil) in the oven for 30 minutes. Toss with paprika, cumin, chilli powder or onion or garlic powder. Cook quinoa with organic vegetable stock. Top with roasted pine nuts, and cashews. Squeeze lemon or lime juice on top. Garnish with parsley or coriander, and hemp seeds.
PERFECT BOILED CORN
Theory: the liquid inside the kernels (the milk) is chalky thanks to the presence of raw starches. As corn heats, those starches absorb water, swell and gelatinize, and the starchy liquid becomes seemingly smoother, silkier and more translucent. Simultaneously, the pectin (essentially the glue holding the cell wall inside the kernel together) dissolves, the walls no longer stick together and the corn softens (the more pectin that dissolves, the more mushy the corn becomes).
To cook the corn perfectly, the water temperature with corn in it should equalize at 150-170°, the sweet spot where starches gelatinize but little pectin breaks down so remain snappy. The best formula is to boil 4 quarts of water for 6 ears of corn, immediately remove from the heat and let sit for 10-30 minutes (it never overcooks).
Recipe: Boil 4 quarts water, turn off heat, remove silk and husks from 6 ears corn, add to water, cover and let stand at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Transfer to large platter and serve immediately with:
Chili-Lime Salt: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 4 tsp chili powder, ¾ tsp lime zest.
GARLIC
How much and what kind of flavor to develop. Garlic cells do not develop the flavorful, aromatic compound called allicin until they are ruptured by cutting or smashing. The intensity depends on the size of the cut. The finer the cut (more broken cells and thus greater allicin production), the sharper the taste – slices or slivers will pack less of a punch than minced.
Cooking: The fiery punch of raw garlic is tamed by heat that converts allicin into mellower-tasting compounds. If cook whole, uncut cloves, allicin is never produced and only a sweet, mild taste emerges.
CARROTS
Glazed Carrots – Carrot coins simmered in brown sugar and butter and topped with parsley.
Place 1½ lbs carrots (peeled cut ½ inch thick pieces) in a large pan and add 1 1/2 cups of water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until carrots are tender. Drain.d
Add ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup brown sugar and ¼ tsp salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots.
Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a sauce has formed.
Sprinkle with parsley
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots – Panko breadcrumbs add crunch – for dinner or a snack.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a baking sheet with cooking oil spray.
Arrange 2 pounds carrots, washed and halved on baking sheet. Add ¼ cup olive oil, 4 large cloves garlic minced, ¼ cup parmesan grated, 2 tbsp Panko bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Toss all ingredients together to completely coat the carrots. Spread out and bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Toss with a spatula half way through.
Remove from oven and serve immediately. Top with fresh parsley if desired.
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots – Glazed roasted carrots with garlic butter and sweet honey sauce.
Preheat oven to 425F. Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
2 pounds carrots cut into 2-3 inch pieces and set aside.
Melt 5 tbsp butter over medium-heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add 4 cloves garlic minced and cook for 3 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring very frequently. DO NOT burn the garlic.
Remove from heat and stir in 2tbsp honey; stir until thoroughly combined.
Toss the carrots with the prepared sauce either in the skillet, or pour the sauce over the carrots in a mixing bowl. Season with ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper, and mix until well combined.
Transfer carrots to previously prepared baking sheet. Arrange in one layer and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until carrots are browned and tender.
Taste for salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower recipes have a bad reputation for being watery – it’s made of a ton of water! To combat this, start recipes by roasting the cauliflower florets until browned. prevent the gratin from being watery and soggy in the oven.
1. Roasted Cauliflower 4-6 servings
Rinse cauliflower (dry completely), cut into florets (cut the head in half, cut out the core, break or cut the cauliflower into florets (2” pieces, 1/2-inch thick, at least one side cut flat for maximum contact, evenly sized to roasts evenly).
Make extra crispy 1. Hot oven 425 2. largest baking sheet avoiding crowding (avoid steaming and soften) 3. If wash first, be sure to dry completely.
Preheat oven 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut cauliflower as above. Drizzle with the 1 tbsp. olive oil and 2 tbsp melted salted butter, sprinkle 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Mix well to thoroughly coat the cauliflower. Spread into a single layer.
Roast until the cauliflower starts to brown and the stems are tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss with the 2 tbsp shaved parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
Pair it with a juicy steak dinneror creamy butternut squash pasta
Once roasted, eat within three days. To crisp up before eating, return to oven for three to five minutes at 425 degrees.
2. Cauliflower Steaks
Preheat the oven to 450°F with an oven rack in the upper third of the oven. Cutting: cut vertically through the core into 4 (about 1-inch-thick) steaks. (Reserve the remaining cauliflower for another use.) Arrange the steaks in a single layer on a large-rimmed baking sheet.
Brush both sides of the steaks evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 1/4 tsp lemon pepper seasoning and 1 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt.
Roast the cauliflower until the bottom side is golden brown, 18 to 22 minutes. Carefully flip the steaks over and continue roasting until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the steaks from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Top each steak with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and let stand for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Serve these steaks with a drizzle of chimichurri, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, or on a bed of pesto!
3. Cauliflower Gratin 8 servings
Use cauliflowers to replace potatoes or have both mashed potatoes
Roast cauliflower. Preheat the oven to 425˚. Generously butter a 3-quart baking dish. Spread the cauliflower (large head cut into large florets about 8 cups) on a rimmed baking sheet and roast (brown edges but firm, about 20 minutes). Set aside to steam 5 minutes. Oven 375˚.
Mornay sauce. Melt 3 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan medium-low. Add 3 tbsp flour and stir to combine. Let cook until bubbling, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in 2c milk and 1c heavy cream. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and comes to a gentle simmer, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low; add 2 tsp salt and three-quarters of the shredded 8 oz gruyere cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth about 1 minute.
Breadcrumbs. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add 1 tbsp. each fresh rosemary and fresh thyme, chopped until bubbling, 30 seconds. Add the 1 c panko and stir to coat. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 c. parmesan and remaining gruyère.
Transfer the cauliflower to the baking dish. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle the panko mixture on top. Bake until the panko is golden brown and the cauliflower is tender, about 25 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
4. Broccoli-Cauliflower Casserole 8 servings
Vegetables. Break the broccoli and cauliflower (1 large head each) into small florets, cutting off the thick stalks. Steam for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green. Set aside.
Sauce. In a large skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter, add 1/2 medium onion diced and 2 cloves garlic and saute till onion is translucent 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle 1/4 c. flour over the top, whisk to combine, and cook for 45 seconds. Pour in 2 1/2 c. chicken broth, whisking constantly, then cook till thickens. Reduce the heat to low and add 4 oz. cream cheese, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt (plus more to taste), and 1/4 tsp. paprika (plus more for sprinkling). Stir till smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Keep warm.
In a small bowl, combine the 1/3 c. seasoned breadcrumbs and 1 tbsp melted butter. Set aside.
1 1/2 c. grated Monterey jack cheese, plus more to taste
Assemble. Layer half the broccoli and cauliflower in a small casserole dish. Pour on half of the cream sauce, then sprinkle on half the cheese. Sprinkle a little paprika on the cheese, then repeat with another layer of broccoli, sauce, and cheese. End with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs. Bake in a 375°F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.
EGGS
1. Perfect Poached Eggs
Theory: A fully set white and a yolk that’s fluid but thickened, almost saucy. The white must not be raggedy or wisp at the edges and must have a plump, ovoid flying-saucer shape ideal for sitting atop an English muffin.
Eggs: Must be the freshest possible as a greater percentage of the white is not watery.
Recipe: Bring 6 cups of water to boil. Crack 1-4 eggs into a colander to rid any watery, loose whites – let stand 20-30 seconds. Gently transfer eggs to a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.
Add 1 tbsp white vinegar and salt to boil, gently tip eggs into water, one at a time, leaving space between them. Cover pot, remove from heat, and let stand until whites closest to yolk are just set and opaque about 3 minutes. If not set, let stand at 30-second increments. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove and drain eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Perfect Omelettes
Theory: Ideally, unblemished golden yellow, ultra-creamy texture and minimal filling. Preheat pan completely – 10 minutes on low – to make sure pan is completely evenly heated. Use a fork to mix eggs. Beat eggs to make them lighter.
Recipe: Place oven rack in middle, 2 heat-proof plates 200°.
Freeze 1 tbsp butter cut into several small pieces, at least 10 minutes
Heat ½ tsp oil in 8” non stick skillet low heat 10 minutes. Crack 2 eggs + 1 yolk into bowl. Add ⅛ tsp salt and pinch pepper. Break yolks with fork and beat 80 strokes until yolks and whites well combined. Stir in half of frozen butter.
When skillet fully heated, use paper towels to wipe out oil, melt ½ tbsp. butter and add egg mixture. Increase heat to medium high. Use 2 chopsticks, wooden skewers, or wooden spoon to scramble eggs, using quick circular motion, scraping cooked egg from sides until eggs almost cooked but still slightly runny, 45-90 seconds. Remove heat and smooth into even layer with spatula. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp Gruyere cheese and 2 tsp minced chives. Cover and let sit 1-2 minutes depending on desired texture.
Heat low over 20 seconds. Use spatula to loosen edges. Place folded paper towel on warmed plate and slide onto it the omelet so that it overhangs paper towel by 1”. Using paper towel, roll omelet into neat cylinder and set aside.
3. Perfect Fried Eggs
Theory: Sunny side up and crispy on its underside and edges with a tender opaque white and perfectly runny yolk. But yolks and whites are set at different temperatures – yolks at 158° and whites at 180°. Preheat pan (12-14” for 4 eggs and 8-9” for 2 eggs) fully – add 1 tsp of oil on low for 5 minutes. Cover to set equally.
Add 2 pats butter to pan just before pouring in eggs.
Recipe: Heat 2 tsps vegetable oil in 12 -14” skillet low 5 minutes. Crack 2 eggs each into 2 bowls. Increase heat to medium-high until oil shimmers. Add 2 tsp chilled, unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces and swirl. Working quickly, pour 1 bowl of 2 eggs into one side and the other into the other side, cover and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let stand, covered for 15-45 seconds for runny yolks, 45-60 seconds for soft but set yolks and about 2 minutes for medium-set yolks. Serve.
4. Easy-Peel Hard-Cooked Eggs
Theory: Fresh eggs are harder to peel. The white is slightly alkaline. As eggs age, the white becomes more alkaline as the dissolved carbon dioxide (a weak acid) it contains dissipates – and the more alkaline the white, the easier it is to peel when cooked. The higher alkalinity causes the egg white proteins to bond to each other not to the membrane directly under the shell.
Eggs: Use large eggs with no cracks and are cold from the refrigerator. If you don’t have a steamer basket, use a spoon or tongs to gently place the eggs in the water. It does not matter if the eggs are above the water or partially submerged. You can use this method for fewer than six or up to 12 eggs without altering the timing. The eggs can be peeled at any time. Eggs are still fit for consumption 3-5 weeks past the sell-by-date.
Recipe: Bring 1” water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Place 6 eggs in a steamer basket and transfer to a saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook eggs for 13 minutes.
When the eggs are almost finished, combine 2 cups ice cubes and 2 cups cold water in a medium bowl. Using tongs or a spoon, transfer eggs to ice bath, let sit for 15 minutes. Peel before using. An efficient way is to use a plastic box with a lid instead of a bowl for the ice bath. Once the eggs are chilled, pour off half the water and shake the container vigorously 40 times.
AFGHAN FOOD
BAGJAN – Afghan Eggplant
1. Traditional
5 tomatoes (3 chopped, 2 sliced 1 cm ), sliced thin 1 onion, 2 serranos in half remove seeds
5 small eggplants, cut half, cut 1 cm planks. Fry in 1 ¼ cups oil, high, and fry till golden on both sides one layer at a time 2-3 minutes. Strain to drain oil. Repeat
Oil ¼ cup medium. 4 cloves garlic golden, add peppers, chopped tomato, 2 tsp tomato paste, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt. stir cook for 1 minute, reduce heat to med-low, Layer onion, half eggplant, sliced tomato, and half eggplant, and cover low for 20 minutes till onion softened, don’t stir.
Yoghurt sauce 1 cup yoghurt, 2 cloves garlic, ½ salt
Serve – layer yogurt, transfer layers of eggplant, and decorative chilis, drizzle over all sauce, generous yogurt sauce, and sprinkle mint and paprika.
Serve salad – tomato, cucumber, finely chopped onion, lime or lemon, salt, mint. Mix.
2. Classic. Large narrow eggplant, peel and slice into about ¼ inch slices, deep fry (about 4 slices time until light brown and remove from oil. Reserve. Remove excess oil,
fry 1 ½ tsp garlic light brown, ¼ tsp chilli flakes, Chop coarse 2 cups tomato, turmeric ¼ tsp pepper, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli/paprika, water ½ cup, cover and simmer low heat, for 15 minutes, stir occ, add eggplant mixture and spoon some sauce on top and cook covered for 5-7 minutes
Plain yogurt 1 cup,½ tsp salt, pinch salt, stir well
Plate a thin layer of yogurt, top with eggplant, and sprinkle cumin and mint.
ASHAK – Afghan dumpling. Served on special occasions
Filling. 2 leeks (5 cups) and chop very fine, transfer strainer over a bowl, add 1 tbsp oil, 2 tsp salt, mix with hands, sit 5 minutes, squeeze mixture to extract water, add 2 cups finely green onion, 1 tsp chilli powder, ¼ tsp pepper,
Garlic Yoghurt sauce. 2 cups, 2 cloves garlic, 1 ½ tsp mint, ½ tsp salt. Stir and set aside
Tomato Sauce (Geymeh) medium-high fry pan ¼ cup oil, 1 chopped onion cook 5 min, add 1 chopped green chilli pepper, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp paprika, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, toast 1-minute stirring, ¼ cup tomato paste, 200 ground veg beef,1 cup water, cook covered 5 minutes, set aside.
Pamdam wrappers. 1 tbsp of filling centre, wet ½ wrapper, edges, fold over and pinch edges, press out all air.
Boil water, 1 tbs oil, cook one layer at a time, 5 minutes, repeat, put strainer, to drain water
Serve. Layer yogurt, layer dumplings 1-2 layers, more yogurt, top meat sauce, garnish cilantro and/or mint
BOLANI (Stuffed flatbread)
Dough. Very shallow bowl – 1c warm water, 1/1/2 tbsp oil, 1 ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp quick rising yeast, 3 c + 1tbsp bread flour, mix, knead, add flour if too sticky, knead, cover 30 min hour damp cloth to rise.
Filling. Boil 2 peeled and cubed large potato till cooked, set aside. Mix 1 cup green onion, 1 cup fresh cilantro, 1 green pepper, 1 top cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp pepper,
Add potatoes and mash to remove chunks.
On a floured surface, cut the dough into 8, roll hands, pull the dough to a circle, and roll out very thin 20-22 cm.
Place filling on 1/3, press down with a fork, 1 cm edges, wet half, fold half, press down from the center to get out all air and seal edges.
Fry in oil hot, add Bolani, fry hot on both sides to golden, oil top and flip.
Chutney to serve with. Food processor – 3 cups packed parsley, 3 cups packed cilantro, 5 cloves garlic, ½ cup walnuts, 3 green serranos with seeds removed,1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, finely minced but not pureed. Add 1 cup white vinegar, mix and store in a jar overnight.
Cut Bolani into triangles and serve with chutney
