De Ma Cuisine

Sauces Archive

Saturday

11

July 2020

0

COMMENTS

Pasta with Otamot

Written by , Posted in Affiliate Post, Beans, Beef, Burlap & Barrel, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Main Dishes, Meat, Otamot, Pasta, Pork, Poultry, Quick and Easy, Sauces, Sausage, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

The flavor of a tomato that’s been warmed by the sun. It’s simultaneously bright and deep, acidic, sweet, and deeply rich. The warmth of the sun mellowing its sharp acidity, turning it into a gentle escape. I know these tomatoes. I can still taste them on my tongue. A childhood memory that’s grown up.

This summer I will consider it an accomplishment if I can coax tomatoes out of what last spring was just lawn. The cherry tomatoes will be eaten out of hand. Dirt brushed off while the sun kisses our cheeks. Each tomato bursting as we bite into it. Beefsteaks will be sliced thick and served on toasted bread with a smear of mayo or a drizzle of very good olive oil, topped with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Maldon salt. San Marzanos will be saved for sauce. Thick, rich, flavorful sauce that will envelop penne, luxuriate over meatballs on a sub, or gently braise meat. I love to make my own sauce. I think I’m good at it too. But, the other day I tried a sauce that gives mine some tough competition.

Otamot.

The Brooklyn based company started because the founder, Andrew Suzuka, wanted fewer battles over food with his daughter. (That’s fair.) So he created a tomato sauce that doesn’t have added sugar or preservatives and packed it with veggies and nutrients.

Tomato, carrot, red bell pepper, sweet potato, butternut squash, spinach, red beet, sweet onion, garlic, and shiitake mushroom are blended up to a thick purée that begs to have crusty garlic bread swiped through. (Have you tried Burlap & Barrel’s Purple Stripe Garlic yet?? It makes the most amazing garlic bread!)

I compared Otamot to another popular sauce brand. The other one could be fine. But, I want more than that. Otamot is a nutrient dense food that’s got 25% of your daily recommended vitamin E, 10% vitamin C, 20% vitamin A, 15% vitamin B3… Read the label. It’s really good stuff.

Sometimes I don’t have the energy to make food that’s this healthy and delicious. Or I don’t have all the ingredients on hand. Maybe it’s 5:30pm and I’m still working on a blog post and dinner needs to be quick and right now. I’m thankful that there are companies out there making truly high quality food that allows us to easily feed ourselves well.

I learned about Otamot at the virtual Yellow Co conference in June. A free jar was in our virtual goodie bag. Yes please! I used the entire jar to make a simple pasta. I’m regretting not saving some for pizza night though. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Next time I think I’ll get the Otamot Organic Mixed Sauce 4-Pack. It’s a good deal and I’d get to try all the flavors. And, youguys, Otamot is offering 10% off to my readers (code RACHO10)!

Here’s an easy dinner to make with your Otamot. Use the veggies that you have on hand. Sub any type of ground meat, or try a meat free option like cannellini beans, seitan, or vegan sausage.

Happy Eating!

Pasta with Otamot

Serves: 4

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta (wheat or rice)
  • 1 pound ground beef/pork/chicken/turkey, vegan sausage, seitan, or 1 can cannellini beans (drained)
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 8 button mushrooms, chopped
  • 1-16 ounce jar Otamot (Organic Essential) sauce
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • to taste salt
  • 1 t unsalted butter or olive oil (optional)

Directions

  1. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Cook your protein in a large skillet for about 3-5 minutes. Add the bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Cook until the veggies are tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes more. Add the Otamot sauce and cook until it’s bubbly.
  3. While the veggies cook, cook the pasta to just shy of al dente. Add 1 cup pasta water to the sauce before draining the pasta. Stir the pasta into the sauce and let it finish cooking. Add salt if desired. Stir in butter, if using. If not, drizzle each serving with a bit of olive oil.

Otamot and Burlap & Barrel are affiliate links. I get a small commission for any sales generated from these referrals.

Tuesday

5

November 2019

0

COMMENTS

Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner – A Cooking Show with Rachel O – Ep. 3

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Contests, Dinner, Gluten Free, Main Dishes, Meat, One Dish Dinners, Poultry, Roasting, Sauces, Vegetables

This is going to be easy. Like, not as easy as making toast from store bought, pre-sliced bread. But, not as difficult as making toast from homemade bread. More like making toast from store bought not sliced bread.

The only difficult thing is waiting for the oven to heat up (ours takes twelve years) and making sure the chicken isn’t still frozen (ugh, mine is).

So while I wait for both of those things to correct themselves, I’m gonna halve some brussels sprouts and think about whether or not I could write a cookbook.

It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. Just recently it’s been on my mind a little more. I was talking to Maggie Green about it last week and she asked “Why not you?” Yeah, why not me?!

So I’m putting this out there. Not for any reason but to tell you, so you can know first. “I’m gonna do the thing that scares me. Let my dreams be big enough to scare me.” –Arielle Estoria (paraphrase)

Ok, I think the oven’s ready. Remember, this is easy. You can swap out the veggies if you want to. I’m using brussels sprouts and broccoli, because it’s what I have on hand. I’d also like to make it with cauliflower, carrots, or even just a simple chicken and potatoes dinner. You could try rutabagas or parsnips, beets (chioggia beets would be super pretty), maybe even some cabbage wedges?? You’re the boss of your dinner, so make it how you want, use what you have on hand, and use this recipe as a guide, not something you have to follow exactly.

Since I’m the boss of my dinner, I’m using one of my favorite things: Sir Kensington’s Pepperoncini Italian Vinaigrette AND giving it away!! Winner winner chicken dinner!

The giveaway has now closed. Congratulations to the winner: @brambleberrybear!

To Enter:

  1. Follow both @De_Ma_Cuisine and @sirkensingtons on Instagram.
  2. Leave a comment on the @De_Ma_Cuisine Instagram post announcing the giveaway or on this blog post. You can comment about sheet pan dinners, whether or not you’d buy my cookbook, what Sir Kensington’s products you love the most, or anything else you find interesting.

Rules:

  1. Giveaway is open to residents of the United States.
  2. Winner will get to select any two Sir Kensington’s vinaigrettes.
  3. Giveaway will close Wednesday November 13, 2019 at 3pmEST.
  4. Winner will be chosen through random drawing.
  5. Winner will be contacted to get their shipping address.

Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway, Sir Kensington’s!

Happy eating and bonne chance!

Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner

Serves 4-6 (with leftovers)

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Using two baking sheets, toss the chicken and all veggies in 1 cup of Sir Kensington’s dressing. Spread everything out evenly. It’s good if it touches. I like to keep the chicken skin side up, keeping the bottom in contact with the baking sheet. Bake, turning sheets once and stirring the veggies, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender inside and browned and crispy outside, about 50-60 minutes (depending on your oven).
  3. While everything roasts, whisk together the remaining vinaigrette and the mayo to make a sauce.
  4. Top veggies with Maldon salt. Serve the veggies and chicken with the sauce poured overtop or on the side for dipping.

Wednesday

29

May 2019

4

COMMENTS

Udon and Spicy Pork – A Cooking Show with Rachel O – Ep.1

Written by , Posted in A Cooking Show with Rachel O, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Herbs, Main Dishes, Meat, Pasta, Pork, Quick and Easy, Sauces, Vegetables

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in this space. I’ve missed it. I’ve been dying to be back.

A month ago, I made the decision to make the best of a situation that was beyond my control. It allowed for some time to be spent working from home. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to start doing the cooking show again. So, I’m gonna try. The format is similar, just set in a different kitchen, in a different state (did you know we moved across the country?).

You with me?

This episode is a better than takeout Udon and Spicy Pork. It’s easy. So easy. The featured ingredients are red cabbage, scallions, udon noodles, and ground pork. Umm, that’s actually most of the ingredient list. I mentioned that it’s simple, right? Yeah. I wasn’t joking. 

I cooked the pork. Easy. I added cabbage. Delicious. I found some scallions that had survived the winter and tossed those in too. Then the sauce is a quick whisk together of tamari, Sriracha, Hoppy Valley Sweet and Hot Pepper Jelly, and rice vinegar. I whisked it with cornstarch and cold water, then added it to the cabbage and pork. That’s it. Dinner without having to wait for delivery.

It wasn’t as spicy as I wanted it to be. So next time I’m adding a whole teaspoon of Sriracha and more of the hot pepper jelly. For my vegan pals, I think you could substitute immature jackfruit (drained from the brine that it’s packed in) or crumbled tofu in place of the pork. For my gluten-free friends, rice noodles would be perfect. Make it however you want. You do you.

I can’t figure out how to add the recipe plugin that I used to use. It’s been one thousand years since I’ve done this. So for now, just take a screen shot and print out the recipe. Do people still print recipes? I don’t know. I’m going to have a glass of wine and watch Schitt’s Creek.

Happy Eating!

Udon and Spicy Pork – Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound ground pork
  • 1/4 red or green cabbage, chopped (should yield about 2 C)
  • 1 bunch scallions, green and white parts, chopped
  • Udon noodles (enough to serve four people)
  • to taste, salt
  • 2 T tamari/soy sauce/liquid aminos
  • 1/4 t (or more like 1 t) Sriracha
  • 3 T (or 1/4 C) red pepper jelly
  • 2 T rice vinegar
  • 1 T cornstarch
  • 1/4 C cold water
  • Crispy onions

Directions

  • Cook the udon noodles, reserving 1/2 to 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid for your sauce.
  • Cook the pork over medium heat until it’s mostly cooked through. This should take a few minutes. Then add the cabbage and cook until it’s tender, but still has a bit of crunch, about 5 minutes. Add the scallions and cook for 1 minute more.
  • While the pork and cabbage cook, whisk together the tamari, Sriracha, red pepper jelly, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Add it to the pork and cabbage mixture and let it thicken. Add the reserved pasta water too. Toss it a few times, then add the cooked udon and toss some more (enough to get everything nicely coated). Taste and add salt if you need it.
  • Top each bowl with some crispy onions (you know, the kind from a jar).

Thursday

12

November 2015

0

COMMENTS

Roasted Broccoli and Squash with a Basil and Tahini Sauce

Written by , Posted in Condiments, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Main Dishes, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Rice, Roasting, Sauces, Sides, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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As I type this, I’m practicing my songs for the Christmas concert in December. This seems wrong because the weather doesn’t match the feel of the songs. I don’t know if it will ever not be weird to me to have 90 degree weather in October, but I’m coping. I try to avoid using the oven too much when it’s hot. But, today I made an exception. It just has to be done earlier in the day when it’s still cool out. And, even though it warms up the house a lot, it’s worth it to be rewarded with roasted veggies.

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Roasted broccoli is one of my favorite things. Sure, it can make the house smell like toots, but it tastes so good that it doesn’t really bother me. And roasted summer squash, I can eat the entire pan by myself. Easy.

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I tossed them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Simple.

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While they roasted I blended together some sauce (which could be a dip, just make it a little thicker). It contained things like garlic, ginger, basil, tahini paste, and homemade yogurt. I’m totally on a homemade yogurt kick right now. It’s the best, and it’s not too difficult to make. When I make it, I feel like I’m winning at life. Same with homemade bread. I guess we all have our things that make us feel like we’ve accomplished something great. Those are two of mine.

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This sauce might be another. It’s a bit Asian-inspired, with the soy sauce (liquid aminos if you’re gluten-free) and the tahini. If you have leftovers, you might use it on an Asian Chicken Salad or a Napa Cabbage Slaw. If you don’t have tahini paste (which is ground up sesame seeds), you could use almond or peanut butter.

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I served the veggies drizzled with the sauce, over some brown rice. Other options would be to serve it over pasta, spaghetti squash, chicken, tofu, or just dip the veggies in the sauce. They’re great that way too.

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I see cooler weather in the forecast. It’s almost the season for all the roasted veggies, soups, and stews.

Happy Eating!

Roasted Broccoli and Squash with a Basil and Tahini Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 2

Roasted Broccoli and Squash with a Basil and Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 head broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces (stems too, just peel the tough outer skin)
  • 1 medium or 2 small summer squash, cut into sticks
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • pinch cayenne
  • sauce: 1 T tahini paste
  • 1 t soy sauce or liquid aminos
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2" cube fresh ginger (or good pinch dried)
  • pinch cayenne
  • 2-3 T plain yogurt (Greek or coconut) or silken tofu
  • 1/4 t dried thyme or 1 t fresh
  • 2-3 T fresh basil
  • to taste olive oil
  • cooked rice, rice noodles, spaghetti squash, chicken, tofu, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 400F.
  2. Toss broccoli and squash with oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Roast for 10 minutes, flip, and roast for 10 minutes more (or until a bit crispy outside).
  3. Blend tahini through olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  4. Serve veggies drizzled with sauce (over rice, rice noodles, spaghetti squash, chicken, or tofu, if desired).

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/roasted-broccoli-tahini-sauce/

Thursday

25

June 2015

0

COMMENTS

Green Bean Fries

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Inspired By, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Roasting, Sauces, Sides, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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I’m crazy about French fries. With a burger they’re fabulous, topped with gravy and cheese curds they’re comforting, with a hearty dip they’re a meal. Of course they don’t have to be made with potatoes. Parsnips, carrots, and summer squash all work perfectly. And while we’re at it, why not try sweet potatoes, beets, or rutabagas?

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And when I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to take the time to cut up some veggies for roasting, or when I’ve got so many green beans just waiting to be used, I figure I might as well turn them into fries.

Never mind the fact that roasting green beans is one of my favorite ways to eat them. Ever.

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So it’s pretty simple. The beans are tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper and head into a hot oven. High heat and not a lot of time will work well here.

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While the beans roast, a quick “ketchup” is blended together. Garlic, basil, a few spices, a little this (maple syrup), a little that (dijon mustard)… a minute or two in the mini food processor and we have some sort of tomatoey, herby, ketchup-like dipping sauce.

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This could be used for any of the above French fry options. If there are leftovers, it’d be great heated up and served over pasta, or used as a pizza sauce. Oh and it’d be fabulous atop a burger.

I have some suggestions in the recipe for three different herb combinations. I was also thinking that if you wanted to go a completely different direction and opt for a creamy dip, crème fraîche would be an awesome option. I might try that next time. (P.S. Crème fraîche is actually pretty easy to make from scratch! Who knew?!)

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The meals that I make and photograph for these posts usually end up being lunch. So, I fried up some eggs, washed some strawberries, and we were set. Of course Green Bean Fries would be a great compliment to a meal; a wonderful side, But, more often than not of late, I’ve been enjoying veggies as the star.

Happy Eating!

Green Bean Fries

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Green Bean Fries

Ingredients

  • 1-2 pounds green beans, stems removed
  • 1 t olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 T total (fresh if possible, if dried, crumble and reduce amounts): dill + parsley + basil OR basil + parsley + savory + thyme OR tarragon + parsley + dill + fennel pollen
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • pinch cayenne
  • pinch ginger
  • 1 t maple syrup
  • 1 t dijon
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1 T chives or shallots (optional)
  • 1 C tomato puree
  • 1 T vinegar
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425F.
  2. Toss beans with 1 t olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour beans onto two baking sheets (so they're not over-crowded). Roast for 10 minutes, flip and rotate their position in the oven, and roast for 6-7 minutes more.
  3. While beans roast, blend herbs through pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Serve green beans dipped in "ketchup".

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/green-bean-fries/