De Ma Cuisine

Roasting Archive

Monday

14

April 2014

1

COMMENTS

Roasted Asparagus with Almonds and Crispy Bacon

Written by , Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Meat, Pork, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Vegetables

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-9

What a treat spring’s veggies are. Light and flavorful, they seem to bring a breath of fresh air to the table. I love hearty winter veggies, don’t get me wrong. But, there’s just something about those first crisp, slender, bright green asparagus that makes my heart happy.

Especially when they’re topped with bacon and almonds.

What a simply delightful side for your first spring barbecue.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-1

I read in last week’s Abundant Harvest Organics newsletter that asparagus stalks can grow up to ten inches in a day! What!? Imagine if we grew that much in a day… that would be weird. (Now I’m giggling to myself picturing really tall tall tall skiiiiiiiinny people who don’t fit in their houses… oh dear…)

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-4

This recipe is an easy one. You ready? Asparagus is tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-5

I love to roast veggies any time of the year, so that’s what I did with the asparagus.

Favorite.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-7

Things get a little bit crispy and nutty in the oven. This is the best part about roasting veggies. I could probably eat a whole pan by myself.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-2

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-3

Thick and delicious bacon compliments the asparagus nicely. It goes into a cold pan, which keeps it from curling too much. I’m not sure about the splattering though… sometimes I cover the pan… baking the bacon also works well.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-6

You could be fancy and wrap the bacon around a few stalks of asparagus to roast it. I thought about it, but then I thought that I’m too lazy practical. Chopping distributes the bacon a little better and takes way less time. But, if you’re in need of some serious bacon, or if you want something a little bit fancier, feel free to experiment.

The bacon and the almonds are chopped up in my version.

This was my Oma’s cutting board. I love having things that were once hers. It makes the fact that she’s gone a little more bearable. I have little pieces of her in the kitchen… that sounds weird… you know what I mean.

Oma means Grandma.

Mine was a fabulous cook.

I think she would enjoy the bacon and asparagus combination. Who wouldn’t?! I wonder, if there are any non-asparagus lovers out there, if they might enjoy it all roasted and topped with bacon and almonds.

Worth a try.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-10

Unless you live with me, a hungry food blogger, who might just devour it all and not save you any… Might.

AsparagusWithCrispyBacon-8

I want to make this again and again, it’s so good, and so easy. At the end, half a lemon is squeezed over the deliciousness. Make it for a spring brunch, an Easter dinner, or just to eat by yourself as you play Words with Friends with your brother.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Asparagus with Almonds and Crispy Bacon
Recipe Type: Side, Dinner, Vegetables, Pork, Bacon, Roasting, Quick and Easy
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2-4
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 T olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 almonds (I used roasted and salted), chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425F.
  2. Place bacon strips into a cold skillet. Turn on heat and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
  3. Toss asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 5 minutes. Turn and roast 5-8 minutes more, or until they are as crispy as you would like.
  4. Top asparagus with bacon and almonds. Pour lemon juice over.
  5. Serve immediately.

 

Wednesday

9

April 2014

0

COMMENTS

How To: Take the Bite Out of Radishes

Written by , Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, How To, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sides, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

RoastedRadishes1

Radishes they have a bit of a bite.

They’re peppery.

I get it.

They can be great raw, when mixed with the right flavors (ahem, two recent posts: Radish and Feta Toasts, and Radish Slaw).

They’re super in soups (yep, did that on purpose), tasty in frittatas, impossibly good (and impossible to detect) in Shepherd’s Pie.

Buuuut, let’s try one more way. Let’s roast them.

Let’s tame the heck out of them.

Oh, and this is gonna be really simple.

You ready?!

RoastedRadishes2

When I was working on this recipe I tried a few different things. I was going to make a sauce for the radishes, or maybe add a little more to them when roasting. But I realized that they didn’t need it.

They have a fun and interesting flavor. Why mask it?

I thought they’d be good quartered. They could be halved, or left whole. Just adjust the roasting time.

Then they’re tossed with just a few things: thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

RoastedRadishes3

On to a baking sheet and they’re ready for the oven.

I told you it was going to be easy.

RoastedRadishes4

Just like their flavor, the colors become muted.

The remind me a bit of Easter eggs.

RoastedRadishes5

They’re served with a squeeze of lemon.

Simple as that. They’ve been tamed.

RoastedRadishes6

In my experience, cooking is generally a good way to tame a bold food. Whether it’s braised, roasted, sautéed, grilled… the heat usually mellows things out. However, if you’d like to try keeping things raw, mixing with complimentary flavors will also do the trick.

For radishes, think things like:

Lemon + dill + crab + cucumber + cream cheese.

Lemon juice + olive oil + parsley + onions.

Shrimp + soy sauce + scallions.

I like to chop or grate loud veggies when they’re going to be eaten raw (hello garlic, red onion, and radish!). It lets them continue to sing, just a little bit quieter, in harmony with the other ingredients.

RoastedRadishes7

There’s no need shy away from radishes any more. Whether they’re raw or cooked, I’ve got you covered.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Radishes
Recipe Type: Side, Roasting, Vegetarian, Vegan, Vegetables, Radishes
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Serves: 2
Taming radish’s peppery bite by roasting them.
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch (about 8) radishes, tips and tails removed, quartered
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 t dried thyme, crushed
  • lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375F.
  2. Toss radishes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes. Flip and roast for 5 minutes more.
  3. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
3.2.1269

Monday

17

March 2014

0

COMMENTS

How To Cook Beets

Written by , Posted in How To, Roasting, Vegetables

Beets1

I haven’t always loved beets. They’ve been one of those foods that I’ve had to grow to even like. But, now that I know how to prepare them, I enjoy eating them, and even crave them.

Right now I’m craving a Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad that I’m planning to make later today.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad9

Are you craving beets?

If you are, my first suggestion for when you finish reading this post is to go and make this Mache and Citrus Salad or Roasted Beet Salad. I don’t think you’ll be sorry you did.

Since you’ve probably made extra beet chips for the salad (to eat right off the pan, right? Just me? Ok.), I would suggest saving them to make a simple and delicious pasta.

Then, if you have any beets left, I’d make some borscht.

And you thought you didn’t like beets. Wait, that was me.

Wrong.

Beets are awesome.

“Everybody loves beets.” – Dwight K. Schrute

Beets can be cooked in so many different ways. Like most vegetables, I prefer them roasted and a bit crispy. They’re also delicious roasted whole, so they get soft and tender, or in small, bite-sized pieces, to be dunked in a creamy sauce.

When roasting beets, I might peel them first, so they can be chopped small, or made into chips. I wouldn’t recommend trying to peel these after roasting. However, if you’re roasting whole or halved, you can let them cool a bit, then peel. The skin should come off suuuuper easily.

Beets7

Same goes for steaming or boiling.

Hey, if you’re going to boil, after you’ve removed the beets, what if you added some white vinegar to the water and saved it to dye Easter eggs!?

Or, throw in the beet peels and whatever other veggie scraps you have on hand and you’ve got homemade vegetable stock in about an hour.

Beets8

However you cook them, beets are a simple root, and can be dressed up to suit the occasion. They’re super dense, so they will take a while to soften. Do not be dismayed, they will eventually cook.

Roasted Whole/Halved/Quartered

Beets2

  1. Scrub well. Halve, quarter, or place whole on a baking sheet. Pierce a few times with a fork. Roast at 350F for about 60-90 minutes (or until the beet is easily pierced by a fork, but isn’t mushy).
  2. Remove from oven and let cool.
  3. Remove skin.

Beet Chips

Beets3

  1. Scrub and peel beets. Thinly slice.
  2. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay on a baking sheet and bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes, or until beets are slightly crispy and tender.
  3. Remove from oven and cool.

Steamed

Beets4

  1. Scrub well. Quarter and place in a steamer basket in a pot with boiling water. Steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the beet is easily pierced by a fork, but isn’t mushy.
  2. Remove from steamer and let cool.
  3. Remove skin.

Boiled

Beets5

  1. Scrub well.
  2. Quarter and place in a pot of cold water. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover and boil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the beet is easily pierced by a fork, but isn’t mushy.
  3. Remove from water and let cool.
  4. Remove skin.

Handling beets makes for red fingers. Beware. 😉

Beets6

Happy Beeting!

Wednesday

12

March 2014

10

COMMENTS

Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad – For Genevieve

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Salads, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad8A long long time ago, I asked a few friends to spread the word about my new blog. Two and a half years later, I’m finally finishing up with what I’d promised in return: a dish made up with them in mind.

Last, but definitely not least, Genevieve.

My friend Gen loves food, especially the healthy and delicious kind. I came up with this pretty little salad for her because it’s something I could totally see her making.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad9

Beets and carrots are thinly sliced and roasted.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad2

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad5

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad6

A quick dressing is whisked together.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad3

An orange is segmented and walnuts are chopped.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad4

Seems like the perfect meal for a busy Natural Chef.

I’d rather have shared it with Gen. But, like many friends, she lives far away.

So I had to eat it all myself.

I was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

RoastedBeetCarrotSalad7

Do not attempt to make or eat this salad while wearing white. You will probably be sorry. I was not wearing white, but I still made a mess. Sorrynotsorry.

Happy Eating!

Print
Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 beets, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 oranges, segmented
  • 1/4 C walnuts, chopped
  • dressing: 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • pinch ginger
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1/4 t dried thyme
  • 1/2 t dijon mustard
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 T lemon juice
  • 1 T honey
  • 2 T olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375F.
  2. Toss beets and carrots with 2 t olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375F for 10-20 minutes, or until beets are slightly crispy and tender. Remove from oven and cool.
  3. Whisk together dressing ingredients, streaming olive oil in last.
  4. Arrange beets, carrots, and orange segments on a serving platter. Sprinkle with walnuts. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/roasted-beet-and-carrot-salad/

Thursday

13

February 2014

0

COMMENTS

Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Written by , Posted in Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Holiday, Lunch, Main Dishes, Roasting, Soups, Storage/Prep, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-9

There are some serious nutrition trends out there. Here’s one that I can wholeheartedly embrace… no pun intended… Heart Healthy Eating.

Let’s do this.

Let’s get on the bandwagon.

Let’s treat out hearts well.

And, at the same time, let’s feed ourselves and our loved ones a delicious dinner.

You in? I am.

Let’s start with some soup. A creamy, dreamy, super simple butternut squash soup.

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-1

The squash is halved, seeds scooped out (and saved for another time – they will be seasoned and roasted), drizzled with olive oil, and roasted.

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-2

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-3

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-4

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-5

The sweet roasted flesh is scooped out. We will need about 3-4 cups for our soup.

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-6

This is a simple recipe. You won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day. Squash is the main ingredient, and it’s accented by honey, thyme, coconut milk, and some spices.

Trust me. This is a good one.

After the soup comes together on the stove for a few minutes, lemon juice is added. It brightens the soup and gives it a bit of a tang… just a bit.

ChardWraps-6

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-7

The soup is puréed with a hand blender (or your favorite countertop blender – be sure to remove the plug in the lid and cover with a clean tea towel). It’s the smoothest, creamiest soup I think I’ve ever made.

I’m ready for seconds.

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-8

This soup is so wonderfully good for you. Why?

Let’s look at the color. We’re told to eat a rainbow of colors (um, we’re talking fruits and veggies though, sorry Froot Loops, you are not included here). I’ve read that these colorful fruits and veggies are not just pretty, they contain bioflavonoids that are shown to “have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties” (4).

This bright orange vegetable is suuuuper high in vitamin A, it’s a great source of vitamin C, and a good source of folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and E.

For the heart, it’s got Omega-3 fatty acids, (the heart relies on fatty acids for fuel – two that are essential are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (4)) it’s very low in fat, and has no cholesterol. (1) (2) (3) It’s a good source of dietary fiber. Diets that are low in fat (especially saturated fats) and high in fiber are a great way to lower cholesterol, which in turn can improve your heart’s health. (4)

Niacin, also found in butternut squash, can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad one) and raise HDL cholesterol (the good one – it “is a fat that campaigns for free-flowing blood, and never sticks around to cause trouble in the arteries” (4)). Niacin can also help lower “fibrinogen, a blood protein that causes clot formation”. (4)

I’ve mentioned cholesterol quite a bit. Should we talk about why it’s bad? Easy, it’s a killer. It can lead to heart disease, or coronary artery disease. Let’s get off that road and on to a road to good heart health.

RoastedButternutSquashSoupVegan-10

For your heart healthy Valentine’s Day dinner (or any dinner, really), I’ve come up with a four course menu that’s full of delicious goodness.

Starter

Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Salad

Warm Arugula and Orange Salad

Main Course 

Oven Roasted Chicken

Chard Wraps with Quinoa and Walnuts

Honey Roasted Carrots

Dessert

Ginger Squash Cake with White Chocolate Frosting

Happy Heart Healthy Eating!

Vegan Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe Type: Healthy, Dinners, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Starters, Soups, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Easy Meals
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 75 mins
Total time: 1 hour 35 mins
Serves: 4-6
A heart healthy and delicious soup. Perfect to start a meal or to star as the main dish.
Ingredients
  • 4 small butternut squash (about 3-4 C when cooked), halved, seeds removed
  • 2 t olive oil
  • 1/8 t allspice
  • pinch cayenne
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 1/2 t dried thyme, crumbled (or 1/2 T fresh thyme, chopped)
  • 1 T honey
  • to taste, salt
  • 1 to 1 1/2 C coconut milk
  • 2 C water (or more if desired)
  • 1 T lemon juice
  • olive oil, for serving
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350F.
  2. Drizzle the cut side of the squash with olive oil. Place oil side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes, or until flesh pierces easily with a fork.
  3. Scoop flesh out of skin and place in a soup pot. Add seasonings, honey, coconut milk, and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, and reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice. Blend to desired consistency (with a hand blender or a countertop blender). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Serve with a drizzle of good olive oil.
3.2.1269

(1) Nutrition Almanac, Mc Graw-Hill 2001, Fifth Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

(2) http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2648/2

(3) Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

(4) Nature’s Medicines, Rodale Inc. 1999, Gale Maleskey

Newer Entries →
← Older Entries

Looking for Something?

Support My Cookbook!

I’m raising money to publish my first cookbook! You can donate through GoFundMe or send money via PayPal.

Favorites

Burlap & Barrel Single Origin Spices

Otamot (10% discount code: RACHO10)

These are affiliate links. I get a small commission for any sales generated from these referrals.

Instagram

Recent Posts