Welcome!

Welcome to Romeo's Food Lady! This blog contains recipes for delicious vegetarian food. Most of these are not recipes authored by me. Rather, this is just a compilation of great veggie food I've found from all over the place, usually tweaked just a little. It's intended to be a reference FOR ME so I don't lose great food I've found nor the changes I've made to suit my tastes, but I'm happy for you to use it, too. After more than 25 years of being a vegetarian, I know what tastes good.
Romeo's Food Lady is named after my friend and cat, Romeo. Romeo is not a vegetarian, but his Food Lady is!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Grits with Smoky Black-eyed Peas and Collards

Yet another fantastic dish from Food Network magazine.  If you want to make this vegan, just omit the cheese from the grits (and probably increase the salt in the grits, but that is your call).  I know you're going to love this!


Ingredients:
1 T. canola oil
2 bell peppers, chopped (any color works, but orange is colorific)
1 small onion, chopped
1 bunch fresh collard greens, stemmed and chopped
¼ t. cayenne
Salt
1 t. smoked paprika
2 15-oz. cans chopped tomatoes (not drained)
2 15-oz. can black-eyed peas (not drained)
1 c. grits (not the quick-cooking kind)
4 c. water 
Method:
Heat the canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Add the bell peppers, onion, collard greens, cayenne, and ½ t. salt.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft (about 8 minutes).  Add the paprika, tomatoes (with liquid), and black-eyed peas (with liquid) and bring to a simmer.  Simmer 15 minutes, then season with salt, if desired.
Meanwhile, combine the grits, water, and ¼ t. salt (or salt to taste) in a large saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Cover, turn heat down to low, and simmer 5 minutes or until desired consistency.  Remove from heat.
Divide the grits between 4 pasta-style bowls, and top with tomato mixture.
Serves 4.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Roasted Cauliflower and Pepper Salad

I've been getting a lot of food inspiration from Food Network magazine, and that includes this recipe.  It goes perfectly with the tofu Cuban sandwiches previously posted.
 
 

Ingredients:
 
3 bell peppers, seeded and veined
3 T. olive oil, separated
½ t. cumin
½ t. salt, separated
pinch cinnamon
pinch cayenne
1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 T. lemon juice
freshly ground black pepper
 

Method:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Cut each bell pepper into 8 large pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 T. olive oil, cumin, ¼ t. salt, cinnamon, and cayenne.  On a rimmed baking sheet, toss this mixture with the bell peppers, cauliflower, and celery.
Roast 15 - 20 minutes in the preheated oven, toss with remaining 1 T. olive oil, lemon juice, remaining ¼ t. salt, and black pepper.  Serve warm.

Serves 4.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Tofu Cubans

I got this excellent Cuban recipe from Food Network magazine...and no, I didn't substitute the tofu for something else.  Their recipe called for it!  Although I was a little skeptical about the combination of the ingredients, these sandwiches were so good last night that we're having them again for lunch today.  YUM.



Ingredients:
1 14-oz. pkg extra-firm tofu, well drained (Not the silken kind.  I like to freeze my tofu for 24 hours, then thaw it.  It improves the texture.)
1.5 T. canola oil
1 small onion, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
juice of one orange
4 small hoagie rolls, split
1/4 c. yellow or stone-ground mustard (optional)
2/3 c. roasted red peppers, drained
1/2 kosher dill pickle, sliced (about 1/4 cup)
Method:
Squeeze the excess moisture out of the block of tofu.  Lay the tofu on a cutting board and cut into 8 equal slices.

Heat the canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.  Remove the onion and garlic from the pan and set aside.

Add the tofu slices to the iron skillet and pour the orange juice evenly over the tofu. Salt to taste.  Turn the heat to medium-high, and cook until the tofu is golden, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side.  Remove the tofu from the pan.  Turn heat back down to medium.
Spread the cut sides of the rolls with mustard, if using. Sandwich each prepared roll with 1/4 of the peppers, pickle, tofu, and onion mixture.  Working in batches, add the sandwiches to the hot cast-iron skillet, then top with another heavy skillet to flatten.  Cook until golden brown, 2 - 3 minutes per side.  Serve warm.
(I admit, sometimes I skip cooking the whole sandwich and just layer the onion/garlic mixture, tofu, pepper, and pickle on the roll and get chomping!)

Serves 4.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Candy Cane Cookies

I don't know where my mom got this recipe, because we've been making and eating it since I was a child.  At that time, we shaped the cookies into candy canes.  That's how the recipe went.  As I've gotten, ahem, older, we changed them to pinwheels.  The candy cane hooks were ornery and often broke off, damaging the appearance - but not the taste! - of these cookies.  The pinwheels give the cookies an impressive, complicated look, but they're not at all difficult to form.

These cookies have a cakey cookie texture, and they are not as sweet as many modern cookies.  Maybe that's why I like them:  the mild sweetness, the texture, and definitely the almond flavoring, which is my favorite.  I hope you enjoy them, too.



Ingredients:
2 sticks vegan margarine, room temperature (I recommend Earth Balance or some other vegan margarine that has no hydrogenated oils in it.)
1 c. sifted confectioner's sugar (a.k.a. "powdered sugar")
1 egg (Vegans, feel free to try this with an egg replacer like Ener-G and let me me know how it turns out!)
2 - 2.5 t. almond extract (I go with the extra half teaspoon.)
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 t. plus 1/8 t. salt
1 T. plus 1.5 t. baking powder
red food coloring, to color
granulated sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix the butter, confectioner's sugar, egg, and almond extract in a medium bowl.  In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.  Combine the flour mixture with the butter mixture.

Divide the dough in half.  In a separate bowl, blend red food coloring into half of the dough.  I'd start with about 20 drops, then go from there until you have the color you want.

Now, on a lightly floured surface (Don't worry if the red dough gets white flour dust on it.  It won't show up after cooking.), roll a 6-inch strip of red dough and a 6-inch strip of non-colored dough so that it looks like, well, a worm!  (You can make longer strips, but keep in mind the cookies will be larger and take longer to bake.  I usually make mine bigger.)  Twist the red worm with the white worm so that you now have a single red-and-white twisted worm.

At this point, you decide if you want "candy canes" or "pinwheels.":
(1)  If you want a candy cane, just make the cane hook at the end and move to an ungreased cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
(2)  If you want pinwheels, shown above, curl the twisted worm in a spiral, and you have your pinwheel.  Move to an ungreased cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with granulated sugar, if desired.
Either way, repeat with remaining dough.

Bake about 12 - 15 minutes or until risen and set.  Remember that finished cookies look a little undercooked in the oven.  The moment you notice the non-colored dough just starting to brown, it's time to remove them from the oven.  Cool on a rack, then enjoy!

The amount this recipe makes will vary, depending on how large you make your cookies.  I made large pinwheels last year, and I got probably 20 cookies.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Uncle Ken's Banana Pudding

My Uncle Ken was known for his homemade banana pudding.  He brought it to every family gathering.  After losing Uncle Ken earlier this year, it's comforting to remember him by making - what else? - his banana pudding.  I modified his recipe slightly to make it non-dairy, but that only makes it even more popular at the Today Tomorrow household.  Miss you Uncle Ken!





Ingredients:
1/3 c. flour
1/2 c. plus 2 T. plus 2 t. sugar
2 T. plus 2 t. cornstarch (Try to get non-GMO cornstarch.  I use Rumford brand.)
2 c. plant-based milk
4 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 t. vanilla or almond extract
vanilla wafers
2 - 3 bananas

Method:
In a large saucepan, mix the flour, sugar, and cornstarch with a whisk.  Whisk in the plant-based milk, then the egg yolks.

Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly.  When the mixture is thickened to a pudding, whisk in the vanilla or almond extract and remove from heat.

In the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish, layer vanilla wafers to cover the bottom and create an edge with a row of wafers standing around the perimeter.  Cover the vanilla wafer layer with sliced bananas, then pour the pudding to cover both layers.  Refrigerate, then serve.

Serves 4 - 6.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Roasted Okra

Here's another okra recipe to help use this summer's bumper crop, and happily it's something a little different.  This recipe comes from www.allrecipes.com, and I made a couple of small adjustments.
 
 
Ingredients:
about 18 - 25 tender okra pods, 2-3 inches long, capped (larger okra can be used but should be cut into 1/3-inch lengths)
1 T. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
 
Method:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
 
Add the okra, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the baking sheet, and toss to coat.  Arrange the okra on a single layer, and roast in the preheated oven 10 - 15 minutes or until desired texture.  Serve warm.
 
Serves 2 - 3 as a side dish.


 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Cornbread Pancakes

Cornbread without having to make an entire skillet of cornbread!  This is perfect for me and Scott so we don't have to struggle to eat an entire skillet of cornbread between just 2 people before it goes bad.  This recipe came from www.simpledailyrecipes.com, and I made only minimal adjustment to the post.  And, oh yeah, it's vegan!  Woot!



Ingredients:
1/2 c. yellow cornmeal (not cornbread mix)
1/2 c. unbleached AP flour
2 1/4 t. baking powder
3/4 t. salt
3/4 c. plant-based milk
2 T. canola oil
1 T. white vinegar
1 T. vegan margarine (I like Earth Balance brand.)

Method:
In a medium bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt together.  Add the milk, oil, and vinegar and stir until mixed.

Heat a griddle (I use cast iron.) over medium heat.  Put 1 t. vegan margarine on the griddle and melt to coat.  Add 1/4 c. of the batter to the griddle, and cook 1 - 2 minutes (until golden on the bottom and dry-ish on top), then flip.  Cook until the other side is golden and the cake is cooked through.  Repeat with remaining batter, refreshing the melted margarine as needed.  Serve hot.

Makes 5 - 6 pancakes.  Doubles easily.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Smoky Potatoes

I don't remember what magazine I found this recipe in.  I was sitting in the doctor's office with Scott when I saw this in a magazine and literally just photographed the recipe for later.  It's good!  Scott's not even a potato fan but still enjoyed this smoky vegan side dish.
 
 
 
Ingredients:
1 lb. potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bell pepper, any color, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 T. olive oil
1 T. smoked paprika (This recipe is not the same with regular paprika.  Be sure to get the smoked paprika.  You won't be sorry!)
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly-ground pepper
4 scallions, chopped
 
Method:
Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
 
On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the potatoes and bell pepper with the olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.  Arrange in an even layer, and roast, turning once or twice, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender (20 - 25 minutes).
 
Toss with the chopped scallions, and serve warm.  Serves 3 - 4 as a side dish.
 


Friday, September 27, 2013

Hearts of Palm Carnival

I'd never had hearts of palm, but my friend Natasha had been particularly exuberant about her love for them just before I saw this vegan recipe featuring them in the paper years ago.  The Commercial Appeal credited the The Sugar Mill Caribbean Cookbook by Jinx and Jefferson Morgan, but when Scott and I finally got around to trying this recipe last night it tasted more Mediterranean than Caribbean.  Either way it was guh-ood.  I think this would be a popular appetizer.  We literally ate it standing at the counter, leaning over the cutting board, glasses of chilled white wine on hand.  Hope you love it as much as we did!


Ingredients:
1/2 c. coarsley chopped Kalamata olives
3 coarsely chopped tomatoes
3 chopped green onions, white and green parts
1 - 2 jalapeno peppers, minced
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
18 canned hearts of palm, cut in half vertically
loose-leaf lettuce

Method:
In a bowl, mix all ingredients except the hearts of plam and lettuce.   Arrange the lettuce on 6 salad plates, place hearts of palm in a fan shape in the center of the lettuce.  Mound the vegetables at the base of each fan and serve.  Serves 6.

NOTE:  We did not do this fancy presentation.  We just broke off pieces of warm pita bread, topped with a leaf of lettuce, then mounded on the vegetables.  This would work on toasted bread or crackers or whatever you like.  It was really delicious!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Ice Cream Sandwich

A seriously yum snack from Dash magazine...

 
 
Ingredients:
1 pint Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream (or your ice cream of choice)
1 package Pepperidge Farms soft-baked Montauk chocolate chip cookies
1/2 of an 11- or 12-oz. pkg chocolate chips
1 T. canola oil

Method:
Allow the ice cream to soften slightly.  Lay 4 cookies upside down on your work surface.  Spread each cookie with a thick layer of softened ice cream (up to an inch thick).  Top the ice cream with another cookie, right-side up.  This should leave the "right side" of each cookie facing out.  Wrap each sandwich with plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 1 hour.

In a small bowl, mix the chocolate chips and canola oil.  Microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments until the chips are melted.  Use a fork to whisk out the lumps.

Cover a small cookie sheet with waxed paper.  Unwrap each sandwich and dip half of it into the melted  chocolate.  Set on waxed paper, and freeze the sheet for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is hardened.

Wrap in plastic wrap again, and freeze at least an hour.  Ready to eat!  Serves 4.

NOTE:  If the sandwiches have been freezing for several hours, they may need to soften slightly before eating.  Enjoy!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Stuffed Zucchini

Here is a timely, seasonal recipe from Food Network magazine: stuffed zucchini!  We had this last night with lemony couscous, chickpeas, and steamed carrots.  A lovely Mediterranean meal!
 
 
Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini
salt, to taste
1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 c. mixed chopped fresh herbs (I used 3 T. fresh oregano and 1 T. fresh lemon balm.)
2 T. chopped walnuts
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
2 T. olive oil
freshly-ground pepper, to taste.
 
Method:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
 
Split the zucchini lengthwise.  Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and make a cavity for the filling.  Season the zucchini shells with salt.
 
In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, tomato, herbs, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.  Spoon this filling into the zucchini shells and place in a baking dish sized to hold all 4 shells.
 
Bake 25 - 30 minutes, then serve warm.  Serves 4 as a side dish.
 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Indian Green Tomato Pakoras

These fritters are SERIOUSLY GOOD.  A big thank-you to Country Living magazine for the recipe!
 

Ingredients:
1 c. chickpea flour (a.k.a. garbanzo bean flour)
1/2 c. rice flour
1 t. cumin seeds
1 t. chili powder
1 t. turmeric powder
salt
1 lb. green tomatoes, chopped into matchsticks
3 shallots or 1 onion, thinly sliced
3 c. vegetable oil, for frying
 
Method:
In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, rice flour, cumin seeds, chili powder, turmeric powder, and 2 t. salt.  Stir with a fork to combine.  Add the tomatoes and shallots/onions to the mixture.  Divide the mixture into 16 patties, using your palm to gently flatten.
 
(NOTE:  I used green Roma tomatoes, and I had trouble getting the batter to hold together into patties.  I assume this is due to the fact that Romas have less juice and more meat.  I suggest using green slicers instead of Roma or paste tomatoes to make patties.  I made a few patties, but I ultimately just tossed in the coated vegetable pieces into the oil without forming patties.  It was still very good, mind you!  Just not what I expected.)
 
In a heavy 2-quart pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F.  Working in batches of 4, fry the fritters until golden, 3 - 4 minutes.  Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.  Serve hot.
 
The magazine provided this analysis per 2-fritter serving:  4g protein, 15g fat, 19g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 603mg sodium, 0mg cholesterol, 220 calories.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Vegan Breakfast Smoothie

Here's my new breakfast smoothie "formula", and it's perfect light fare for hot summer mornings:

1/3 can whole coconut milk (or use the plant-based milk of your choice)
1 piece of fresh fruit (usually either a banana or a mango, peeled and de-pitted of course!)
1 T. aloe vera juice (optional)
frozen fruit, to taste (usually for me this will be either some type of berries or peaches)

Put the coconut milk (or plant-based milk), fresh fruit, and aloe vera juice (if using) in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the frozen fruit, about 1/4 cup at a time, blending until smooth after each addition.

Pour the blended smoothie into a glass and drink up! (This also goes perfectly with a piece of toast if you want something solid with it.)

Monday, August 5, 2013

Potato Salad With Green Beans

I don't really like "creamy" or mayonaise-y potato salads.  But I love potatoes in pretty much any form, so I jumped at the chance to try this non-creamy potato salad published in a recent Food Network Magazine.  I changed it just a little, but not enough to make a wave.  AND I got to use lots of stuff from my own garden:  potatoes, garlic, oregano, and dried red pepper.  Woot!
 
 
Ingredients:
2 lbs. new potatoes, scrubbed clean
2 cloves garlic, peeled
salt
1/4 to 1/3 c. sherry vinegar
1/4 to 1/3 c. plus 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil, separated
1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 lb. green beans, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1.5-inch pieces
1/2 c. pitted and slivered kalamata olives
4 large stems fresh oregano, leaves washed, dried with a paper towel, and chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias
red pepper flakes, to taste
 
Method:
 
Put the potatoes and garlic in a pot and cover with well-salted water.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.  Drain.  When the potatoes are cool enough to handle but still hot, carefully cut the potatoes into large bite-sized chunks (try not to pull off the skins) and transfer to a large bowl.  Finely chop the garlic and add it to the potatoes along with 2 T. each vinegar and olive oil.  Season generously with salt.  (NOTE:  It is important to do this while the potatoes are still warm so they absorb the vinegar and oil and are seasoned all the way through.)
 
Meanwhile, heat 1 T. olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet large enough to hold the green beans.  Add the onion, green beans, and salt, to taste.  Cook, stirring frequently, until the green beans are wilted and browning and the onions are transluscent.  Remove from heat.
 
Add the green beans, olives, oregano, scallions, and red pepper flakes to the bowl with the potatoes.  Stir to combine.  Taste and adjust the salt.  Add the remaining oil and vinegar, to taste.  Allow the salad to sit one hour at room temperature for the flavors to marry.  Serves 6 - 8.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Peach Pie

Aaaaahhhhh, summer.  It's the only time of year I don't flat-out require my desserts to be chocolate (although I certainly don't turn down a delicious vegan chocolate sorbet).  For Independence Day this year, I made a peach pie, and it was completely gone two days later.  The recipe is from the seminal cookbook Joy of Cooking.



For the crust, use the same crust recipe previously posed with the cherry pie recipe (here), right up to the point where you put the 2 discs of dough into the fridge to rest for 20 - 30 minutes.  For the peach pie:

Ingredients:
3 lbs. peaches, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/2 - 3/4 c. sugar (depending on how sweet the peaches are)
3 T. cornstarch
3 T. fresh lemon juice
1/4 t. almond extract
1/8 t. salt
2 T. vegan margarine (I like Earth Balance brand.), cut into small pieces
2 T. sugar


Method:
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Mix the peach slices, 1/2 - 3/4 c. sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt in a bowl.  Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, roll out one disc of pie dough to line a 9- or 10-inch pie plate.  Line the plate.  Pour the filling into the bottom crust, and dot the filling with the vegan margarine pieces.
Roll the other disc of pie dough into a circle large enough to cover the pie, and lay it over the filling.  Use your fingers to pinch the top and bottom crusts together.  Cut vents into the top crust, and sprinkle with the remaining 2 T. sugar.
Bake 55 - 65 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.  Cool completely on a rack.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Tomato-Ginger Couscous (or Quinoa) with Chickpeas

I was very happy to find this simple main dish, because I was in the mood for something new and different.  It easily pairs with the lemony cauliflower, previously posted.
The recipe is courtesy of Food Network Magazine, although I added the chickpeas and the gluten-free quinoa variation.  The chickpeas are optional and can be omitted for a side dish of "just" couscous or quinoa.



Ingredients:
2 tomatoes, cored
2 T. tomato paste
2 T. water
1 T. red wine vinegar
fresh ginger, 1-inch to 2-inch piece (I used a 1-inch piece, but the recipe called for a 2-inch piece.  That seemed kind of intense to me, but you can be the judge.), peeled
1 garlic clove, peeled
3/4 t. salt
1/4 t. ground turmeric
2 T. olive oil
1 c. water (or 2 c. water if using quinoa)
1 c. couscous or quinoa  (if using quinoa, first rinse it under cool water.)
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional)
Method:
In a blender, purée the tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 T. water, red wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, salt, and turmeric.
In a skillet with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the purée and cook, stirring, until thickened to a paste (about 12 minutes).

If making COUSCOUS:  Add 1 c. water, and bring to a simmer.  Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let sit 10 minutes.

If making QUINOA:  Add 2 c. water, and bring to a simmer.  Add quinoa, and stir.  Cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and toss with chickpeas, if using.  Season with additional salt, if desired, and serve warm.

Serves 3 - 5 as a main dish.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Lemony Cauliflower Sauté

This is a good side dish for Middle Eastern food OR for Italian food.  It's one I made up, so it's nice and simple.  The photo shows it with green bell pepper, because that's what I had tonight, but I think red looks prettier.



Ingredients:
1 T. olive oil
1 bell pepper, any color, deseeded and thinly sliced lengthwise
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
salt and pepper, to taste
12-oz. bag frozen cauliflower
2 scallions, chopped
juice of one lemon
 
 
Method:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and celery with salt and pepper, to taste.  Sauté 5 minutes, then add the frozen cauliflower and additional salt, to taste.  Sauté until the onions are translucent and the cauliflower is soft to bite and lightly browned.  Add the chopped scallions and sauté 1 - 2 minutes more, then add the lemon juice and toss to coat.  Serve warm.  Serves 2 -4 as a side dish.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Spicy Green Tomato Salad

Looking for something to do with those green garden tomatoes until they turn red?  Me, too!  Enter Food Network Magazine with this fantastic recipe.  It allowed me to use some green tomatoes and a garden jalepeno.  Tell me what you think!


Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. green (unripe - not the kind that are SUPPOSED to be green) tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
1.5 t. salt, separated
juice of 1 lime
1 t. dijon mustard
1 T. honey (local honey is best)
1 small jalepeno pepper, deseeded and minced
1 T. fresh thyme (or 1 t. dried thyme)
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
2 avocados
2 c. chopped lettuce leaves (or more, to taste)

Method:
Put the tomato wedges in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 t. salt.  Let set 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the lime juice, mustard, honey, jalepeno, thyme, 1/2 t. salt, and pepper, to taste, in a large bowl.  Gradually pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified.

When ready to serve, half the avocados, remove the pits, peel, and thinly slice.  Add to the bowl with the dressing, then add the lettuce and tomatoes.  Gently toss to coat.  Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.

Serves 6 - 8.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Creole Black-Eyed Peas

 Remember when Scott and I went to NOLA for his birthday (see post here)?  I was so impressed by the food at The Gumbo Shop that I bought their cookbook at a lovely little cookbook shop (called Kitchen Witch) in the French Quarter.

The Gumbo Shop is one of the few places in NOLA I've found where I can get local flavor that's vegetarian.  The food there is good.  I finally got around to making one of their recipes from the cookbook last week, so I'm sharing it with you here.  I've adjusted the seasoning only slightly.  The dish is served over steamed rice, so prepare that when the time is right.


Ingredients:
1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
2 qts. water
1 bay leaf
1/4 c. olive oil
1 3/4 c. finely chopped onion
1 1/4 c. finely chopped yellow bell pepper
3/4 c. finely chopped shallot
1 T. minced garlic
1/2 t. freshly-ground black pepper (or more, to taste)
1/4 t. cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
1/2 t. sage
1/2 t. thyme
1 1/2 c. celery, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 t. salt (or more or less, to taste)
1 1/2 t. Balsalmic vinegar
1 1/2 t. Tabasco sauce (or more or less, to taste)
1/3 c. sliced green onions (green and white parts)

Method:
Sort through the dried peas, removing any small rocks or other foreign objects, then rinse the peas well.  Place them in a large pot, cover with the water, and soak in the fridge for at least 8 hrs.

Set the pot over medium heat, add the bay leaf, and slowly bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer.  Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet, add the chopped onions, peppers, garlic, and shallots, and sauté until lightly brown.  (Use the stick and scrape method:  let the vegetables brown and somewhat stick to the bottom of the pan, then scrape them off and incorporate the brown scrapings into the dish.)  Add the black pepper, cayenne pepper, sage, thyme, celery, and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes.  Stir the entire contents of the skillet into the pot of simmering peas and continue cooking until the peas, celery, and carrots are tender.

Add the salt, vinegar, Tabasco, and green onions and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.  Adjust the seasoning and serve over white rice.  Greens or spinach make a nice side dish.

Serves 6 - 8.