Wednesday

1

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Polenta with Tomatoes and Savory – Episode 65

Written by Rachel, Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Appetizers, Brunch, Gluten Free, Herbs, Quick and Easy, Sides, This Week's Feast, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Right now I can’t stop thinking about the fava beans that we’re going to have with this Polenta for dinner. I’ve been waiting for fava beans since last year.

But this post isn’t about fava beans. So let’s talk about polenta, shall we?

I will admit that when I make polenta, I have a really hard time not eating more than I need to. And it’s one of the few times when I’m happy to jump up and put the leftovers into the fridge, because it means I can sneak some out of the pot and lick the spoon (which I will accidentally forget to thump on the side of the container, leaving a good amount there for me to eat). Yes. Guilty. I love polenta.

When I read that we were getting Savory in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box, I was intrigued. I think it is a new herb for me (or, it could be one that I hadn’t known how to use in the past, so maybe it just got dried and is sitting in the back of the cupboard in a jar). I must say, I think I like it.

I like that it goes with A LOT! I went to the Flavor Bible for help and was pleasantly surprised by how many things I could pair it with. Things like basil, fava beans, chicken, cheese, eggs, legumes, meats, rice, salads, tomatoes, and polenta.

When I saw “polenta” I knew what I needed to do. And I knew that it needed to have some tomato on top and that the tomato needed to be slightly roasted.

And so it did. And so it was.

Happy Eating!!

Polenta with Tomatoes and Savory

Recipe Type: Side, Vegetable, Vegetarian

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 24 mins

Total time: 29 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

3 C water
1 C milk
3/4 C cornmeal
1 C cheese, grated (parmesan and gruyère), a bit reserved for topping
1/2 to 1 t salt
pepper
1/2 to 1 T savory, finely chopped
4 slices of tomato (could also cut them into small pieces, as a slice is more difficult to eat)

Instructions

Bring water and milk to a boil. Turn heat to medium-low. Add cornmeal, a bit at a time, whisking to combine. Whisk occasionally as it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in cheese, salt, pepper, and savory.
Pour into individual ramekins (or small oven proof bowls). Top with a slice of tomato, a bit more cheese, and a savory leaf.
Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tomato has softened. (I used a countertop convection oven. In the regular oven, keep the door open and an eye on it so it doesn’t burn – cooking time may be shorter.)

Notes

I served this with some Chicken Braised with Tomato and Red Wine, and some Fava Beans with Butter and Savory. It could also be served for breakfast, along with a fried egg and some whole wheat toast. If you don’t like cornmeal, substitute with mashed potatoes, then broil as directed. To re-heat, cover ramekins with foil let stand on the counter for about 15 minutes. Then set in the oven as it pre-heats to 350F. Bake for about 45 minutes, then uncover, top with a little more cheese, and bake 15 minutes more.

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil Company, Waterfall Creative, and Molly Jenson.

Monday

8

April 2013

2

COMMENTS

Joanna – An Ambassador for De Ma Cuisine

Written by Rachel, Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Herbs, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Rice, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

A long long time ago (or about a year and a half ago), when I first started my blog, I asked a few people if they would be ambassadors. I told them that if they would tell people about my blog, I’d create a dish for and named after them.

Today, it’s Joanna’s turn.

Joanna is a dear friend of mine.

She is one of the most talented graphic designers I know.

She came up with my logo.

She designed business cards for me.

She loves food.

Jo prefers a vegetarian diet. A while ago she asked for suggestions for getting enough protein and iron.

When I was creating a dish for her, lentils and protein were my inspiration.

Lentils are a good source of lean protein. They have lots of folic acid and fiber and are a good source of iron. (1)

I’m thankful for this amazing, beautiful, sweet woman. Jo, I hope you enjoy this dish!!

Lentil and Rice Stew

Ingredients

1 T garlic infused olive oil
1 carrot, diced
1 shallot, diced
2 T tomato paste
1 t dried parsley
1/2 t dijon mustard
pepper
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 to 1 t red pepper flakes
pinch cumin
pinch smoked paprika
1/4 C balsamic vinegar
1 t maple syrup
1 C lentils, sorted and rinsed
1/2 C uncooked brown rice
6 1/2 to 7 C vegetable stock (warmed - opt.)
2-4 C water
2 C spinach, roughly chopped
1 t good olive oil
1 lemon wedge/serving

Instructions

Heat soup pot. Add oil. When oil is hot, add carrot and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add shallot and another pinch of salt. Cook 2 minutes more.
Add tomato paste, parsley, dijon, pepper, remaining salt, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir and cook 2 minutes.
Add lentils and rice to pan. Cook 2 minutes, stirring often.
Add stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce heat to medium and cook for 55-65 minutes, adding more stock if needed, until veggies are tender and lentils and rice are cooked.
In last 5 minutes of cooking time turn heat to low and add spinach.
Remove from heat and stir in olive oil.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/joanna-an-ambassador-for-de-ma-cuisine/

(1) Nutrition Almanac, Fifth Edition, Lavon J. Dunne 2002

Friday

8

March 2013

0

COMMENTS

Minestrone the Third

Written by Rachel, Posted in Beans, Cheese, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Soups, Vegetables, Vegetarian

This week, I had the‚ privilege‚ of making dinner for a sick friend and his wife. When someone’s ill, there isn’t much one can do to help (doctors and nurses are excluded from this statement). So being able to provide food is a blessing to those of us who want to do something, but other than praying for healing, can’t make it better.

It’s also the case when a new baby arrives. You can’t fix the sleepless nights, but you can bring dinner over so the exhausted parents can have a break. (Hint hint, Andy and Laura, Geoff and Angie, Sean and Paige… If you’re reading this, please can I make you dinner?! I freely admit that it is mostly just an excuse for me to get to hold your wee child. Oh wait, you’re not reading this, because you’re hanging out with your new small person… Right.)

On Tuesday, after making the Roasted Broccoli and Fried Egg Sandwiches for my show, I made this Minestrone Soup for dinner. It was a kinda last minute idea. I had most of the ingredients, and Husband picked up a few extras on the way home from work. It was a chilly day and soup just seemed essential, plus it seemed like a good meal to bring to friends.

I’ve made Minestrone so many times. I’ve written it down twice. Tim loved this particular version so much that, even though it’s probably not too different from some of the others, I wanted to record what I’d done. When he yells that “it’s so freaking good”, it’s hard not to. 🙂

I had it for lunch again the next day. It was just as good, and maybe even a little better.

Oh how I love soup. Especially this one.

Happy Eating!!

Minestrone the Third

Recipe Type: Main, Soup, Dinner, Beans, Legumes, Vegetables

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 37 mins

Total time: 47 mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

1/2 pkg. rice penne pasta
1 t olive oil
1 head broccoli diCicco, chopped (including leaves and stems)
3 carrots, chopped
1 shallot or onion, chopped
1/4 C water
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 C peas
1 C kale (or spinach), chopped
3 T balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 to 2 t salt
1 1/2 to 2 C diced tomatoes
2 T tomato paste
1 1/2 to 2 C garbanzo beans, cooked
1 1/2 to 2 C cannellini beans, cooked
3 C vegetable stock
3 C water
1 T Italian herb mix (or a bit of each: oregano, thyme, and basil)
1 t fresh rosemary
1 T lemon juice
lemon wedges, for serving
parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Heat soup pot, add olive oil; add broccoli, carrot, shallot, and 1 t salt. Cook covered over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 C water, cook covered for 5 minutes more. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add vinegar, tomato paste, kale/spinach, broccoli greens, and peas; cook 2 minutes.
Add stock, water, and herbs; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10-20 minutes, or until veggies are tender. Add 1 T lemon juice.
Cook pasta, but do not add to soup. Drain and keep warm.
Add beans to soup, cook 3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Place a scoop of pasta in a bowl, add soup, and top with parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

This could be made in the Crock Pot too. Add the lemon juice and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just cook the pasta separately. Leftovers can be frozen, without pasta.

Wednesday

13

February 2013

0

COMMENTS

Spaghetti and Meatballs – Episode 55

Written by Rachel, Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Beef, Cheese, Dinner, Fruit, Herbs, Main Dishes, Meat, Pasta, Sauces, This Week's Feast, Vegetables

Originally, I was going to suggest making this dinner for Valentine’s Day. I was going to make heart shaped meatballs. Then I tasted it and it was so yummy and delicious and full of garlic. I love garlic. But, maybe it isn’t the best thing for Valentine’s Day? Unless you’re both eating garlic? Maybe? You can make an educated decision on this one. I started shaping the meatballs, but they kinda just looked awkward, and not really like hearts. So they are just round.

My new idea: just make this. Make it today. Make it for dinner. Or lunch. Is it lunchtime now? I think that’s a perfectly good time to eat Spaghetti and Meatballs.

The meatballs are simple. Since the rest of the meal has lots and lots of flavor, I didn’t feel the need to add too much to these guys. A little mustard, some lemon juice, garlic, yeah, more garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. They cook up pretty quickly and are nice and tasty. Oh and PS: You could easily flatten them and turn them into sliders (hello Oscar party idea!).

In today’s episode, there are quite a few veggies that co-star. Things like napa cabbage, Korean daikon radish, carrots, and kale… (You could chop them as small as you’d like, or purée them, making them hide-able, if you have any picky eaters in your home.)

I paired it with some Caesar Salad. I could eat this salad for every meal. Ummm, maybe not breakfast. Might not go so well alongside my cereal… but if I’m having eggs and toast??! No. Stop… The Caesar Salad that I make as a side for our dinners is my usual recipe, sans chicken and fava beans.

We had this for dinner last night. Here’s Tim’s response after a few bites, (almost yelling) “Is there more of this?!!???” Be still my heart.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 38 minutes

Total Time: 53 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

spaghetti noodles
sauce: 1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, grated
1 C Korean daikon radish, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 C kale, roughly chopped
2 C napa cabbage, chopped
1/2 to 1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 t dried thyme
1/2 t dried oregano
3/4 t dried basil
1/2 t dried rosemary
1/2 t dried parsley
dash cayenne
2 C tomato sauce
2 C pasta water
meatballs: 1 lb. ground beef
drizzle olive oil
1/2 t garlic smoked sea salt (or sea salt)
1 t lemon juice
pepper
1 t dijon mustard
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T olive oil
parmesan, grated, for topping
fresh basil, for topping

Instructions

Add pasta to salted, boiling water. Cook according to package directions. Reserve 2 C pasta water before draining*.
Heat skillet. Add 1 T olive oil. When it's hot, add onion, carrot, radish, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and balsamic vinegar, cook 1 minute more. Add kale, cabbage, herbs, cayenne, tomato sauce, and pasta water. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add more water if needed.
Combine beef, salt, lemon juice, dijon, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Using hands, mix (but don't over mix). Divide in 8. Shape each of the 8 pieces into a ball. Heat skillet, add 1 T oil, when hot, add meatballs and flatten ever so slightly. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes. Flip and cook, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes more (or until internal temperature of meatball reaches 160F).
Top pasta with sauce, meatballs, parmesan, and basil.

Notes

*If pasta is finished cooking before sauce and meatballs, drain, return to hot pot, toss with olive oil, and cover to keep warm. This works best with whole wheat and not as well with rice pasta.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/oodles-of-veggies-ep55/

Happy Eating!

This episode is sponsored by: Abundant Harvest Organics, Bari Olive Oil Company, Waterfall Creative, and Molly Jenson.

Wednesday

8

August 2012

0

COMMENTS

Ta-may-toh Stuffed with Keen-Wah – Stuffed Tomatoes – Episode 34

Written by Rachel, Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Abundant Harvest Organics, Cheese, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grains, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Pork, Quinoa, Roasting, Sides, This Week's Feast, Vegetables

It’s almost lunch time as I type this post. I’m hungry. I want to eat everything.

When I was looking at what was going to arrive in this week’s box, the tomatoes (“Ta-may-toh”) kinda jumped out at me. I’ve made stuffed peppers before. Why not stuffed tomatoes?! I’ve heard of other people doing it. I guess we just use our tomatoes up too quickly to get around to doing this. Tomatoes are really good for us: We’re talking lycopene (a natural antioxidant) and it’s thought to benefit the heart*!

Do we really need an excuse to eat tomatoes though?!

I often have leftover quinoa in the freezer. It’s pronounced “keen-wah”. Did you know that? I’d been calling it the wrong thing for years. Now I know. It’s easy to make, higher in protein (about 14g/3.5oz.) than rice or pasta (I still totally eat rice and pasta), and is very versatile. It’s not just a protein, but a complete protein and is high in dietary fiber**. Yay Quinoa!

This could be a dinner, going alongside some Roast Beef (haha I typed “meef”: meat + beef = funny), Pan Seared Pork, Roasted Chicken… You could chop up any of said meats (cooked first) and add to the filling and have this as your main dish with a big salad.

You could eat it as a light lunch (or even breakfast), alongside a Fried Egg and a slice of hearty toast! You could make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding chopped almonds for crunch. Get creative with your food!

Happy Eating!

Stuffed Tomatoes

Recipe Type: Side

Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 28 mins

Total time: 43 mins

Serves: 2-6

Summer tomatoes are stuffed, roasted, and topped with crunchy bacon!

Ingredients

4-6 tomatoes, seeded and cored
1 T fresh oregano, diced (1 leaf reserved per tomato for topping)
1 ear of corn, off the cob
1 onion, diced
1 C squash, diced (I used a small zucchini, but any summer squash would work)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 C quinoa, cooked (I used leftovers)
1/2 t salt (I used Lemon, Thyme, and Bay Sea Salt, but regular salt would work just as well)
1/4 t pepper
1 T olive oil
1 T tomato paste
1 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 C parmesan cheese, grated (reserve 2 T for topping)
2 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled (for topping)

Instructions

Heat a medium sized pan. Add oil. Add onion, squash, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, corn, tomato paste, vinegar, and quinoa, stir (make sure tomato paste is combined) and cook 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then stir in parmesan cheese (reserving a bit for topping).
Stuff filling into hollowed out tomatoes. Bake at 350F (I used the toaster oven) about 20 minutes.
Top each tomato with crumbled bacon, 1 T parmesan and a fresh oregano leaf.

Notes

If you’re not using leftover quinoa: Bring 1 C water to a boil. Add 1/2 C quinoa. Cook about 15 minutes. Will yield about 2 C cooked. It freezes well.

Sponsored By

Abundant Harvest Organics

Bari Olive Oil Company

Llano Seco Organic Pork

Molly Jenson

Waterfall Creative

*Info from Wikipedia

**Info from Wikipedia

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