De Ma Cuisine

lettuce Archive

Monday

7

September 2015

0

COMMENTS

Tuna Boats

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dinner, Eggs, Fennel Pollen, Fish, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Low Carb, Lunch, Main Dishes, Meat, Quick and Easy, Sides, Snacks, Vegetables

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There are so many things that you can do with tuna. It makes a fabulous sandwich, one of my favorites. It’s a great addition to pasta, one of my comfort foods. And, it’s good in a boat. Specifically a boat made of veggies.

This is one of those awesome recipes that’s great no matter the season. So I will share one of my favorite ways to make it, and then some mix and match options.

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For this recipe, the stars were hard boiled eggs, shallots, and fresh tarragon. Plus the boats: cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was fabulous.

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I started with the eggs. My method for hard boiling is what my mom taught me: boil water, add 1t white vinegar, add eggs, boil for 15 minutes, cool eggs under cold running water. I like to peel the eggs right away, while they’re still a bit warm. They’re easier to peel.

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After the eggs, the rest came together in no time.

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We loved the cucumber boats, the tomato boats were yummy, but the cabbage boats were our favorite. There was something so perfect about the slightly sweet cabbage that went so well with the tuna and egg mixture.

Since tuna goes with so so many things, it didn’t seem fair to limit the recipe to just a these few ingredients. So here are some mix and match ideas. Mix a little something that you think would taste great together, from each of the five categories, for a quick and easy treat.

Creamy/Liquidy

Mayo, yogurt, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, aioli, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, silken tofu, olive oil, sesame oil.

Herbs

Basil, cilantro, dill, chives, fennel pollen, parsley, Rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon.

Seasonings

Cayenne, paprika, pepper, salt.

Extras

Bacon, arugula, bell pepper, celery, back/white/fava/green beans, capers, chile peppers, hard boiled eggs, garlic, ginger, leeks, lemon zest, red onions, pancetta, scallions, shallots, radishes, tomatoes, salsa, olives.

Serve In

Avocado, cucumber, cabbage, carrots, celery, kale, chard, mixing, lettuce, radicchio, daikon radishes, radishes, fennel, beets, jicama, shiitakes.

Some may be best cooked and scooped out (beets and carrots). They could be served with the veggies at room temperature, or even chilled. Others will just need the seeds or some of the flesh scooped out (any good bits could be mixed with the tuna or saved for later). Those of the leafy variety need just be separated.

And now, here are some combos that I came up with, all of which I can’t wait to try.

French Inspired Tuna, tarragon or basil, hard boiled eggs, and mayo, served in a tomato or cucumber.

Asian Inspired Tuna, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, onion, chile pepper, and cilantro, served in summer squash, tomato, or cabbage.

Mediterranean Inspired Tuna, olives, olive oil, paprika, lemon zest, parsley, basil, dill, white beans or garbanzo beans, and red onion, served in cucumber, bell pepper, or tomato.

Mexican Inspired Tuna, yogurt, salsa, black beans, cilantro, chile pepper, bell pepper, tomato, and red onion, served in avocado, tomato, or bell pepper.

Italian Inspired Tuna, garlic, rosemary, parsley, basil, thyme, tomato, lemon juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, served in tomato, fennel, bell pepper, or summer squash.

Happy Eating!

Tuna Boats

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2-3

Tuna Boats

Ingredients

  • 2 hard boiled eggs
  • 1-2 T mayo
  • 1-2 T plain yogurt
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 T tarragon or basil, chopped or cut in a chiffonade
  • pinch cayenne
  • to taste salt
  • 1 T shallot or red onion, diced
  • 1-5oz. can tuna
  • cucumber, tomato, or cabbage (halved, center scooped out if applicable), for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook eggs (boil water, add 1t white vinegar, add eggs, boil for 15 minutes, drain, pour cool water over, peel right away).
  2. Combine eggs through tuna. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Scoop tuna mixture into cucumber, tomatoes, and cabbage.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/tuna-boats/

Thursday

20

August 2015

0

COMMENTS

Tofu and Eggplant Lettuce Wraps

Written by , Posted in Appetizers, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Quick and Easy, Sides, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Lettuce is one of those oft neglected veggies. I fall into the trap of thinking that lettuce is meant for sandwiches and salads alone. Never mind the fact that I’ve made it into Caesar Soup, which is at the other end of the spectrum for sure. You know, I think that soup would taste great with a sandwich. Double whammy on the lettuce.

But, if we can get away from tradition, here’s another way to use lettuce. As a wrap. Ok, I know, it’s been done before. In fact, one of our favorite Asian restaurants has the most amazing lettuce wraps. I hadn’t ever tried a lettuce wrap until we tasted them. They were a bit of the inspiration for this recipe. However, the main inspiration was that I need to be more creative with lettuce.

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We normally have red leaf lettuce on hand. It’s a bit more delicate, so I thought that it might be best to double up on the layers. In the end, doubling up was fine, but they were messy no matter what (and I think they’d be messy no matter the variety of lettuce used). So, fair warning: be ready to eat with your hands, and have a big napkin ready to catch falling food and wipe sticky fingers. 😉

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Here’s where things get so simple. This is a quick and easy meal. Perfect for a working lunch break on a busy day, as an appetizer before dinner, as a mid-day snack… Whenever you eat them, they’re a cinch.

I used eggplant, tofu, hot pepper, and onion. But, you could also add: mushrooms, bell pepper, summer squash, and julienned carrots. They’d be fabulous! I wanted to include some fresh herbs, so I used Thai basil and mint. The mint can be added to suit your tastes and what you have on hand. I have some in my garden, which is just outside the door, so I didn’t want to miss out on the freshness that mint adds to a dish.

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I cooked everything in some coconut oil, because coconut lends well to Asian flavors. The chiles added a hint of heat, the tofu got a bit crispy, and the veggies softened and browned just a bit.

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Each wrap was topped with some diced cucumbers for a bit of cool crunch, then I added a splash of rice vinegar and a few flakes of sea salt. I find that a variety of textures is important in wraps, so the cucumber met that need. And the salt and vinegar both help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

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I decided to go vegan today and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. But, if you wanted to add meat, some beef, chicken, or pork would be great. However you decide to cook it up, it might pair nicely with a Sweet and Spicy Lemongrass Stir Fry… maybe for dinner tonight?!

Happy Eating!

Tofu and Eggplant Lettuce Wraps

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps

Tofu and Eggplant Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

  • 1 small to medium eggplant, peeled and chopped
  • salt
  • 2 T coconut oil (or olive or canola)
  • 1 C tofu, excess water squeezed out, chopped
  • 1 chile pepper, ribs and seeds removed, diced
  • 1/2 C onion or shallot, chopped
  • could also add: mushrooms, bell pepper, summer squash, and julienned carrots
  • to taste salt
  • big pinch ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, diced
  • 1 1/2 T soy sauce or liquid aminos
  • 1 T mint, chopped
  • 1 T Thai basil, chopped
  • 1-2 lettuce leaves per serving (1 if sturdy, 2 if more flimsy)
  • 1/2 C cucumber, diced, for serving
  • rice vinegar, for serving
  • pinch salt, for serving

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 15 to 30 minutes to draw out some of the moisture. Rinse and pat dry. Chop as directed.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium or medium-high heat. Add oil. When oil is hot, add eggplant, tofu, chile, onion/shallot, and salt. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often. Add ginger, garlic, and soy sauce/liquid aminos and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and toss with herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Take 1-2 lettuce leaves (layering 2 if desired) and lay them flat. Spoon tofu mixture in the center. Top with cucumber, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Roll up and serve immediately.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/tofu-and-eggplant-lettuce-wraps/

Monday

3

August 2015

0

COMMENTS

Eggplant and Summer Squash Tacos

Written by , Posted in Cheese, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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This is one of those meals that’s made with ingredients that I didn’t used to think I liked. Eggplant and squash are things I’m excited about when summer arrives. That didn’t use to be the case.

I remember making Eggplant Parmesan before I knew about some of the nuances of eggplant. I ended up with an undercooked, rubbery, not at all yummy dish. We might have had cereal that night after we choked down as much as we could. I think I will try it again sometime soon. See how it turns out. ‘Cause I’ve learned a few things, so maybe it’ll be a success.

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One of the things that I do now is salt the sliced eggplant and let it rest for a while to draw out the bitterness.

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I’ve also learned that eggplant will soak up a lot of the oil, so it’s ok to cook it in a dry pan for a while, then add the oil later. I used both of these tips today. Cooking the eggplant in a dry pan to start lets them crisp up without getting all oil laden and soggy.

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I started making my own tortillas recently. I’ve been using a recipe from Brown Eggs & Jam Jars for flour tortillas. I’ve yet to try corn tortillas, but I think they’d be fun to make too. Use whatever kind taste best to you. And if you’re feeling adventurous, make them from scratch (because there’s not much that compares to a still warm homemade tortilla wrapped around the taco filling)!

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This was a quick and easy meal. The prep time was short, most of it getting done while the eggplant sat with the salt. The eggplant cooking took just a few minutes. I love meals like this!

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Normally we have salsa and yogurt on tacos. But, I forgot to buy or make any. And I’m kinda glad about that. I had some feta in the fridge from another dish, so I used that instead. What a good idea! As I’ve said before, I love to use what I have on hand. Our grocery budget is small and I try to cook pretty frugally. And, happily, we might end up with dishes like this where expensive extras aren’t really needed.

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You can make these tacos to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a vegan dish, just replace the feta with some crumbled tofu, or omit the cheese altogether. If you want to add meat, chicken, pork, or beef would be great. If you want to add more protein, but keep it vegetarian or vegan, lentils would be excellent. And, if you think it sounds great just the way it is, go for it! Either way, it’s full of fabulous summer veggies: eggplant, tomato, and summer squash, a winning combination no matter how you slice ’em.

Happy Eating!

Eggplant and Summer Squash Tacos

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2

Eggplant and Summer Squash Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized eggplant, peeled and sliced about 1/4" thick
  • salt
  • 2 t olive oil
  • salt
  • 1/4 t chili powder
  • 2 tortillas (flour or corn)
  • 1-2 C lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 C summer squash, thinly sliced and chopped
  • 1/4 C bell pepper (optional), chopped
  • 2 T red onion, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 hot pepper, ribs and seeds removed, minced
  • 1/4 C feta cheese (or extra firm tofu), crumbled
  • pinch salt
  • white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and let stand for about 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Slice into strips. Heat a dry skillet. Remove from heat and add eggplant (being careful not to overcrowd the pan). Cook over medium heat for about 1 minute on the first side. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Ad oil, salt, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, flip and cook for about 1 minute more, or until eggplant is crispy.
  2. Warm tortillas if desired. Top with eggplant and lettuce through feta (or tofu). Sprinkle with salt and splash with vinegar.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/eggplant-and-summer-squash-tacos/

Monday

11

May 2015

0

COMMENTS

Nopales Wraps

Written by , Posted in Dairy-Free, Dinner, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Low Carb, Lunch, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Quick and Easy, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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It’s nopales time again! Who knew that cactus leaves could be so fun to eat?! Last week I made them into a relish. I also used them in Borscht. Today, I’ve sautéed them with onions, added scrambled eggs, and wrapped it all in a lettuce leaf.

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Nopales have an interesting taste. Kinda like if a green bell pepper was crossed with a green bean, okra, and a lemon. They’re bright, citrusy, and oh so slimy. You can boil them to take away the slime. Or, if you don’t care too much, just pop ’em in the pan. Totally up to you. I wanted to keep this one super quick and easy, so I didn’t bother with boiling.

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I really wanted eggs with this dish. But, you could totally make this a vegan dish by crumbling some tofu into the veggies.

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All there is to it is to crack the eggs, whisk them to combine, and add to the cooked veggies in the skillet.

We’re on our way to a super simple meal!

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I used lettuce for wrapping this time. But, of course tortillas would be a great option too, depending on what you’re craving. If you don’t have lettuce or tortillas, another large, sturdy green leaf will do (like chard or kale). Whether or not you will need a fork and knife will depend on the sturdiness of the wrapping device. With this lettuce picking it up wasn’t an option. The messiness factor was heightened by topping the wrap with Nopales and Tomato Relish, fresh tomatoes, and parsley, rather than adding them to the filling.

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A squeeze of lemon is one of my favorite ways to finish off a dish. And this one’s no different. Bright and citrusy, it’s a great way to complete an interesting and fun take on nopales.

Happy Eating!

Nopales Wraps

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2

Nopales Wraps

Ingredients

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1/2 to 1 C nopales (or bell pepper), chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • pinch cayenne
  • 2 eggs/person (or 7 oz. firm tofu, drained and crumbled)
  • pinch salt
  • 2-4 lettuce leaves, washed and dried (tortillas, chard, or kale could also be used)
  • 1 tomato, chopped, for topping
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for topping
  • Nopales Relish, for topping
  • lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low. Add oil. Once oil is hot, add nopales through cayenne. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.
  2. Turn heat to low. Whisk together eggs. Pour into skillet. Sprinkle with salt and stir gently until eggs are cooked and set (about 3-5 minutes).
  3. Divide filling between lettuce leaves. Secure with a toothpick. Top with relish, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/nopales-wraps/

Sunday

19

October 2014

0

COMMENTS

Vegetarian Soft Tacos

Written by , Posted in Beans, Cheese, Dinner, Fruit, Kid-Friendly, Legumes, Lunch, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Even though I’m tired of the heat we’re still experiencing, I’m hanging on as long as I can to the summer veggies. Specifically summer squash.

I’m fine that the apples are here. I’m glad that we’ve got grapes. But, I don’t want the cute little squash to go bye bye.

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So I’m using them as often as I can. Savoring each squashy bite.

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I feel like squash kinda goes with everything. I like to add it to eggs, wrap it with pie crust, and slice it thin for pizza.

Oh my squash it’s good.

See what I did there?

Sorrynotsorry.

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Squash, shallots, radishes, and a chile pepper are added to some hot oil.

This isn’t going to take long.

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Next come the beans and seasonings.

I love beans in tacos and enchiladas. Meat is great too, but we eat a lot of vegetarian meals, just because we do, so often things like beans, quinoa, and eggs are our forms of protein. That being said, this would taste great with some ground beef. The main reason I didn’t use any: I didn’t have any.

I used pinto beans. They’re my favorite for tacos and enchiladas. But, kidney, black, or garbonzos would also work. They will change the taste of the dish a bit, but no big deal.

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Almost before the lettuce is washed, tomatoes are chopped, and cheese is grated, the bean and veggie mixture is done. This is a seriously quick meal.

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Everything gets piled onto half of the tortilla (whole grain for me, white for Tim), then the unadorned half gets folded over.

You could totally fry up some tortillas and make hard shell tacos. Corn tortillas work great for this. But, for a super quick meal, I like ’em soft.

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I usually bring the salsa and yogurt with me so I can add more while I eat. I like my tacos messy.

Happy Eating!

Vegetarian Soft Tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Vegetarian Soft Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 radish (or carrot, or both), grated
  • 1 small summer squash, grated (or bell pepper, chopped, or both)
  • 1 hot chile pepper, ribs and seeds removed (unless you'd like more spice), diced
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, diced
  • 1/4 C corn
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1 t paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 to 1 1/2 C pinto beans
  • 2 tortillas
  • cheese, grated
  • lettuce, shredded
  • tomato, chopped
  • Greek yogurt
  • salsa

Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet and add oil. When oil is hot, add radish through shallot. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic through beans. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Divide the bean mixture between the tortillas and place on half of each one. Top it with cheese through salsa. Fold the un-topped half of the tortilla over the toppings.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/vegetarian-soft-tacos/