Showing posts with label Quick and Easy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quick and Easy. Show all posts

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Caramelized Asian Pork Chops with Sizzled Ginger Rice

Inspiration:
Food & Wine

Pork Chop Ingredients:
  • 4 garlic cloves, halved
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 8 very thin pork rib chops (about 4 ounces each)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper


Pork Chop Instructions:
  1. Put the garlic, soy sauce, sugar and oil in a mini food processor and process until the garlic is pureed. Put the pork chops on a rimmed baking sheet and pour the marinade over them; turn to coat the chops. Let stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
  2. Light a grill. Season the chops with salt and pepper and grill over high heat until charred and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to plates.

Rice Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup julienned fresh ginger

Rice Instructions:
  1. Put the rice in a small saucepan, rinse well and drain. Add the 2 cups of water to the rice and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat for about 13 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and cover again.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ginger and cook over low heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir the ginger into the rice and serve.

Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 9/10

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Grilled Soy-Glazed Halibut

Inspiration:
Real Simple

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 4 6-ounce pieces white fish fillet (such as cod or halibut)

Instructions:
  1. Heat grill to high.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger; set aside.
  3. Grill fish skin side up for 5 minutes. Flip and grill an additional 7 minutes, brushing twice with the sauce.

Notes:
Loved the ginger-soy combination with the fish.

Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 8.5/10

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Green Beans with Goat Cheese and Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette

Inspiration: Oprah.com and green beans from our CSA.


Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds green beans , trimmed
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 ounces goat cheese , softened and crumbled

Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add green beans. Cook 3 minutes; drain well. Set beans aside in colander; do not rinse (they will continue to cook).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon zest, juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add beans to bowl and toss.
  3. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.

Notes: Loved the combination of lemon zest and goat cheese with the green beans. We took this to work with our lunches- it's a nice way to mix up the monotony of bagged lunch.

Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 9.5/10

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Product Rave: Trader Joe's Red Curry Simmer Sauce

If you like curry, and you have a Trader Joe's nearby, and you need a quick weeknight meal, you MUST try this sauce!

I cut chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks and sauteed them in a little canola oil until cooked through. I threw in a few handfuls of baby spinach, about a cup of frozen peas, and sauteed a couple minutes longer, added the simmer sauce, and simmered until warm. I served over rice, although you can't tell from the photo.It was absolutely delicious. My only slight complaint was that it was pretty salty. But it's otherwise as good as you'd get at any Thai restaurant.

When Tim tasted it, he looked at me and said, "This is the BEST curry sauce you've ever made!" I told him I didn't actually make it, but I don't think he heard me. He was too busy with his dinner. Then he gave the sauce the best compliment ever: "I think I love this more than tacos."

Enough said.

Tim's Rating: 10/10
Liz's Rating: 9.5/10

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Fettuccine with Lima Beans, Peas, and Leeks

Inspiration:
Real Simple


Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces fettuccine (3/4 box)
  • 1 10-ounce package frozen lima beans (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into half-moons
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/4 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan (1 ounce)

Instructions:
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the beans and peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (but not brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cream and cook until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the pasta and tarragon to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the cheese before serving.

Notes: This was really good, and really quick to make. Boiling water took the most amount of time! I think it would be even better with some lemon zest tossed in at the end and/or some minced garlic sauteed along with the leeks.

Liz's Rating: 9/10

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Quinoa Salad with Cucumber

Inspiration:
A search for a new rice/pasta/other salad to take for lunch, and Martha Stewart's Living.


Ingredients:
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Instructions:
  1. Bring water, quinoa, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer until tender and water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet, and let cool on a wire rack.
  2. Combine shallot, vinegar, and red-pepper flakes in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil until emulsified.
  3. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl, and stir in cucumber, parsley, and vinaigrette. Season with salt.

Notes:
I substituted white wine vinegar for the champagne vinegar and used a regular cucumber.

While this was ok, I think it would be even better with some feta or ricotta salata cheese added-- or kalamata olives or diced red bell pepper.


Liz's Rating: 7.5/10
Tim's Rating: 8/10

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Pioneer Woman's Restaurant-Style Salsa

Inspiration:
I love restaurant-style salsa, so when I saw Pioneer Woman's recipe on my friend Sarah's blog, I had to make it immediately!


Ingredients:
  • 1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes With Juice
  • 2 cans (10 Ounce) Rotel (diced Tomatoes And Green Chilies)
  • ¼ cups Chopped Onion
  • 1 clove Garlic, Minced
  • 1 whole Jalapeno, Quartered And Sliced Thin
  • ¼ teaspoons Sugar
  • ¼ teaspoons Salt
  • ¼ teaspoons Ground Cumin
  • ½ cups Cilantro (more To Taste!)
  • ½ whole Lime Juice

Instructions:
  1. Combine whole tomatoes, Rotel, onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro in a blender or food processor. Pulse until you get the salsa to the consistency you’d like—I do about 10 to 15 pulses. Test seasonings with a tortilla chip and adjust as needed.

  2. Refrigerate salsa for at least an hour. Serve with tortilla chips or cheese nachos.


Notes: I used one large jalapeƱo, including the ribs and seeds. I would describe the salsa as medium-hot. Tim loves spicy food, so I'll probably use two next time. This makes a lot, but we ate the entire batch within a week.

I make my own salsa in summer using fresh tomatoes, but I never had made it in winter. This recipe is so good! I think it may be my favorite salsa of all time.


Liz's Rating: 10/10
Tim's Rating: 9.5/10

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Bok Choy Salad

Inspiration:
A desire to increase my vegetable intake during lunches and Martha Stewart's Living.


Ingredients:
  • 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 5 cups sliced, raw bok choy (any type; about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews

Instructions:
  1. Whisk together 4 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 3/4 teaspoon sugar in a bowl. Toss in 5 cups sliced, raw bok choy. Top with 2 tablespoons chopped cashews.

Notes:
I had a little extra bok choy, so I doubled the dressing amount and tripled the cashews :)

Updated Notes:
If you are going to store this for later, one batch of the dressing should be enough. This salad is so good!

Liz's Rating: 9/10

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Asian Dumpling Soup with Shitakes and Edamame

Inspiration:
Have you ever returned from a vacation where you overindulged, and all you wanted to do was eat spinach and drink water for a week? Tim and I just had a fun-filled trip to the Caribbean, and we enjoyed all the food--perhaps a little too much. This soup was just the healthy, vegetable-packed recipe we were craving.
Recipe adapted from Real Simple


Ingredients:
  • 64 ounces low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 16-ounce package frozen pot sticker dumplings or Japanese gyoza
  • 2 medium carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 4 ounces shiitake or white mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
  • 2 cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 bunch watercress, thick stems removed (or spinach, see note; about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • kosher salt
  • 4 scallions, sliced

Instructions:
  1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth and ginger to a boil. Add the pot stickers and carrots and simmer until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Add the mushrooms and edamame and simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the watercress, soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sprinkle with the scallions before serving.

Notes: I substituted 3 cups of spinach for the watercress as my food co-op didn't have watercress. I doubled the mushrooms as Tim loves them.
This is really easy to make as long as you don't mind chopping a few carrots/mushrooms/scallions.

See recipe for nutritional information.


Liz's Rating: 9.5/10
Tim's Rating: 9/10

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Easiest Chicken Chili

Inspiration:
The last week of regular season NFL football
and
Pink Parsley's recipe


Ingredients:
  • 4 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
  • 8 ounces Pepper jack cheese, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 cups salsa
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, extra salsa, tabasco

Instructions:
  1. Combine the beans, cheese, and salsa in a crockpot. Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture, and cook on low 6-8 hours.
  2. Remove chicken breasts, shred with a fork, and return to crockpot. Stir to combine, and serve with desired garnishes.

Notes:
I thought that a little more tomato would be good. I'd consider replacing one can of beans with one big can of stewed tomatoes or additional salsa, and I'd maybe add a little cumin. Tim was completely satisfied with the recipe as written. It's so easy, I think he can make it next time!


Tim's Rating: 10/10
Liz's Rating: 9/10

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Cod ProvenƧal

Inspiration:
Martha Stewart Living


Ingredients:
  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each), skinned
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 2 T extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 small onions, chopped (2 cups)
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 4 medium-ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 t fresh thyme, plus 3 sprigs

Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Place cod filets in a nonreactive dish, and squeeze lemon on top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper.
  2. Heat 1 T oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions; cook until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Top with half the zucchini, tomatoes, and thyme. Drizzle with 1.5 t oil, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Add cod and remaining zucchini, tomatoes, thyme, oil, and salt. Season with pepper.
  3. Bake, covered, for 10 minutes. Baste with the juices, and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes more.

Nutritional Information (per 1/4th recipe):
317 calories, 2g saturated fat, 8g unsaturated fat, 80mg cholesterol, 8g carbohydrate, 465mg sodium, 46g protein, 2g fiber


Notes:
  • Caramelizing the onions properly is very important. You want a deep golden brown, not burned. The delicious flavor is the base of the entire dish.
  • I think I will put all of the zucchini under the fish next time I make this. The zucchini cooked in the amazing broth was tastier than the zucchini that cooked on top of the fish.
  • I think this will be a recipe in our regular rotation-- fast, healthy, delicious.
  • Taking photos when it gets dark so early is difficult-- this tasted better than it looks here!

Tim's Rating: 9.5/10
Liz's Rating: 9.5/10

Monday, November 2, 2009

Sausage and Lentils with Spinach

Inspiration:
Bon AppƩtit


Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 6-ounce packages sliced crimini (baby bella) mushrooms
  • 3 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 pound dried brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups (or more) low-salt chicken or vegetable broth
  • 10 oz fresh baby spinach leaves

Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and sautƩ until browned, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to plate.
  2. Add onion and mushrooms to pot; sprinkle with salt and sautƩ until mushrooms are soft, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; stir 1 minute. Add lentils and bay leaves; stir to coat. Add 6 cups broth; bring to boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 18 minutes. Return sausage to pot. Add spinach in 2 batches, stirring until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Notes: A complete, one-pot meal. Total time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information--One serving (1/8th of the recipe) contains the following:
Calories (kcal) 466.8
%Calories from Fat 42.0
Fat (g) 21.8
Saturated Fat (g) 6.4
Cholesterol (mg) 41.2
Carbohydrates (g) 43.0
Dietary Fiber (g) 15.2
Total Sugars (g) 6.1
Net Carbs (g) 27.8
Protein (g) 26.9


My Notes:
  • Local Twin Citians must try the Hardwood Smoked Country-Style Sausage from Prairie Pride Farm (available at the Saint Paul Farmers Market). I am obsessed with it and look for any excuse to use it! I don't see it for sale on their website, but they always have it at the market.
  • Vegetarians/Vegans can try to substitute veggie sausage.
  • Chicken sausage could be substituted for those who do not eat pork. Trader Joe's makes a great smoked chicken apple sausage that would be delicious in this.

Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 8/10 (9/10 with bites that included sausage!)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Taco Cornbread Bake

Inspiration:
Adventures in my Freezer

adapted due to ingredients I had available


Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 pkg. taco seasoning
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup pureed salsa
  • 1 batch corn bread batter (see below)
  • 2 fresh jalapenos, sliced thinly
  • 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Cornbread Batter:
  • 1 cup corn meal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil


Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Brown meat; drain. Stir in next 4 ingredients. Pour into 8x12 baking dish.
  3. Prepare corn bread batter:
    Mix dry ingredients, add milk egg and oil, mix just enough to moisten dry ingredients.
  4. Spread over meat. Top with jalapeƱos if desired. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Top corn bread with cheese. Bake 5-7 minutes.

Notes: This is a great meal for a weeknight. It's easy, filling, and good.


Liz's Rating: 8.5/10
Tim's Rating: 9/10

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Banh Chuoi Nuong (Vietnamese Banana Cake)

Inspiration:
The Amazing Race's pit stop in Vietnam
and
this recipe


Ingredients:
  • 1.25 lbs ripe bananas
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 7 slices of sandwich bread

Instructions:
  1. Slice the banana diagonally and sprinnkle with half the sugar. Cook the remaining sugar in coconut milk until dissolved, then add the vanilla. Remove crusts from the bread. Soak the bread in the sweetened coconut milk.
  2. Butter a 12-inch non stick pan. Arrange a layer of banana on the bottom of the pan. Cover with a layer of bread, then another layer of bananas, another bread layer, and then finish with a layer of bananas, another bread layer, and then finish with a layer of bananas. Drizzle the remaining butter over the top, then cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 1 hour.
  3. Rest for 12 hours before cutting.

Notes: This bread pudding-like dessert was really easy and quick! I assembled this dish in a pie pan, and I only had one layer of bread and two layers of bananas. It tastes much better than it looks.

Liz's Rating: 8.5/10
Tim's Rating: 8.5/10

Friday, May 22, 2009

Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Pasta


Inspiration:
Smitten Kitchen and Bon AppƩtit

Notes:
Whenever Tim needs to work late, I see an opportunity to make a recipe I know he won't enjoy... like a pasta with a creamy goat cheese sauce. This was fantastic, and very quick!

Liz's Rating: 9/10

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce

Inspiration:
Food & Wine

Ingredients:
  • 4 (10-ounce) pork rib chops, 1-inch thick
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
  • 1/2 cup veal stock or canned low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley

Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat half of the oil until shimmering. Add the pork chops and cook over moderate heat until golden, turning once, 8 minutes. Transfer the meat to a baking sheet and roast until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, pour off the fat from the skillet. Add the remaining oil and heat until shimmering. Add the shallot and cook over moderately high heat until softened, 3 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook until nearly evaporated, about 1/2 minute. Add the stock and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the cream and cook over moderately high heat until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the mustard and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pork to plates and spoon the sauce on top.

Notes: I served the pork chops over sautƩed leeks... delicious.

Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 8.5/10

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Bittman's Ma-Po Tofu

Inspiration:
The Amazing Race's pit stop in China
and Mark Bittman


Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon peanut or other oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 to 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions, green part only
  • 1/2 cup stock or water
  • 1 pound soft or silken tofu, cut in 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Minced cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions:
  1. Put oil in a deep 10-inch skillet or wok, preferably nonstick, and turn heat to medium-high. A minute later, add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes, and cook just until they begin to sizzle, less than a minute. Add pork, and stir to break it up; cook, stirring occasionally, until it loses most of its pink color.
  2. Add scallions and stir; add stock. Cook for a minute or so, scraping bottom of pan with a wooden spoon if necessary to loosen any stuck bits of meat, then add tofu. Cook, stirring once or twice, until tofu is heated through, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce; taste, and add salt and red pepper flakes as necessary. Garnish with cilantro if you like, and serve.

Notes: We are moving in a few weeks, and I am trying to use up items in my freezer and pantry. This recipe fit the bill, as I had ground pork and a lot of rice on hand. Apparently this recipe isn't very authentic (due to the lack of black bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns), but it was quick and tasty. Tim loves the combination of ginger, garlic, and scallions, as do I. Next time I might try a more authentic recipe. Meat lovers may want to use 1 pound of ground pork and 1/2 pound tofu. We used 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes and didn't find it very spicy.


Tim's Rating: 8.5/10
Liz's Rating: 8/10


Next week on The Amazing Race: China (again). Any suggestions?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Puffed Rice Crunch

Inspiration:
The Amazing Race's pit stop in India
and
Food & Wine


Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups unsweetened puffed rice

Instructions:
  1. Set a 12-by-18-inch sheet of parchment on a large baking sheet and oil the paper. Have a kitchen towel ready.
  2. In a medium saucepan, cook the brown sugar with the lemon juice over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until richly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Working quickly, stir in the puffed rice until coated, then immediately scrape the mixture onto 1 end of the baking sheet.
  3. Fold the paper over the rice, cover with the kitchen towel and roll into a tight 3-inch log. Unwrap and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Using a serrated knife, gently slice the log crosswise 1/2 inch thick and serve.

Recipe Notes: In India, the chicki wallah (sweets vendor) knows to set up shop near a school: Children find this crunch irresistible.

Click here for a photo of a chicki wallah!


Notes: I had a slight (actually big) problem trying to roll it into a log. I used a silpat instead of parchment paper, which could have been my problem. Taking photos of these wasn't easy either. I'll post a bad photo below this. I am glad I tried this-- many of the recipes I found were more Indian-American recipes, and I wanted to find something that people in India actually eat.
Tim's Rating: 7.5/10
Liz's Rating: 7/10


Next week on The Amazing Race: Thailand!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Pesto alla Anna

Inspiration:
A Lidia Bastianich recipe, adapted and printed in GQ


Ingredients:
  • handful of almonds, lightly toasted
  • bunch of fresh basil
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • pinch of crushed red-pepper flakes
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes
  • salt and black pepper
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated (for the non-vegans)

Instructions:
  1. Boil water for the pasta, and cook when ready.
  2. Place the almonds, a handful of the basil, the garlic, and red-pepper flakes in a food processor. Process while drizzling in about a half cup of olive oil, until pureed but still chunky.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes. Process until incorporated. The sauce should look like bolognese--thick and hearty, a yellowish orange. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Just before pasta is done, scoop out about a cup of cooking water. Drain pasta.
  5. Place sauce in a large serving bowl. Add some of the water (start with just a little) and stir until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add pasta to the bowl and toss until coated. Let cool a bit, then toss with lots of Parmigiano-Reggiano (if desired).
  7. Taste. Season. Serve. Devour.

Recipe Notes: A bright, bracing alternative to traditional pesto genovese. And as easy a recipe as you'll find, provided you own a food processor.

My Notes: Super easy and flavorful. A nice bright bunch of flavors as spring arrives but the winter produce still fills the grocery store.

Liz's Rating: 8.5/10
Tim's Rating: 9/10