De Ma Cuisine

one dish dinners Archive

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.

Tuesday

1

March 2016

2

COMMENTS

Spicy Cabbage and Cauliflower

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

SpicyCabbageCauliflower-1You ever have a day (or a week) where you just need to eat your feelings? One day, about two weeks ago, I had ice cream three times. It was a rough day. But, the ice cream helped. So did the wine that I drank after the ice cream. And the popcorn that I had for lunch. Sometimes I need to allow myself to not think. To just eat because I want to. It’s not usually like that. Meals are planned in advance, food is purchased, time is carved out to cook.

On those days when I’d rather reach for the ice cream, or potato chips, or just run to In-n-Out, there are meals like this one.

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It’s a synch to prepare and it was so good that I almost licked the plate.

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I sautéed some quarter inch thick slices of cauliflower in olive oil. It was generously seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne, and paprika. Partway through I added some cabbage. Well seasoned, just like the cauliflower. I love a fried egg on almost anything, so I scooched the veggies over and cooked one once the veggies were done. I moved the whole skillet over on the burner so the egg would be over the flame. But, keeping the veggies in there allowed them to stay nice and hot while the egg cooked.

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The veggies were topped with a squeeze of lemon, some garlic chives, and finally the fried egg. The veggies were really the star, so if you want to make this a vegan dish, you won’t be missing out. I made it a second time the other day when I had lunch with my friend Billye, who is a vegan, and served it with some crispy chick peas. Crispy sweet potatoes would also be great. Whatever you serve it with, a slice of toasted sourdough slathered with salted butter or olive oil and coarse sea salt is the perfect accompaniment.

Happy Eating!

Spicy Cabbage and Cauliflower

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2

Spicy Cabbage and Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 2-3 T olive oil
  • 2-3 C cauliflower, sliced about 1/4" thick
  • 2 C napa cabbage (or any other type of cabbage), sliced 1/4" thick
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • to taste cayenne
  • to taste paprika
  • 1 egg/serving (optional)
  • 1 T garlic chives (or regular chives, spring onions, green onions, green garlic), chopped
  • lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add oil. When oil is hot add cauliflower in a single layer (if possible). Season with salt through paprika and cook for 3-5 minutes. Flip and cook for about 3-5 minutes more (or until browned and crispy). Push to one side and add cabbage. Season it with salt through paprika and cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes (turning the cauliflower from time to time so it doesn't burn).
  2. If serving with eggs: Push the veggies to one side and move the skillet over so the veggies are off the flame. Add a bit more oil, and cook eggs as desired. Season with salt.
  3. Serve veggies topped with egg (optional), chives, and a squeeze of lemon, alongside a piece of toast with salted butter or olive oil and coarse sea salt.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/spicy-cabbage-and-cauliflower/

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

18

May 2015

5

COMMENTS

Veggie and Garbanzo Bean Shakshuka

Written by , Posted in Beans, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Eggs, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, One Dish Dinners, Quick and Easy, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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If there’s not a carton of eggs in my refrigerator, I feel a little lost when it comes to meal planning. I use eggs for all of the regular things, like adding them to pancakes, using them in an egg wash for a Chicken Pot Pie or Fish Wellingtons, or whisking them into a silky mayonnaise. But, I also count on them as a staple for our meals.

Fried eggs are one of my favorite foods. I love it when the yolk is still runny (I’m an “over-medium” order) and it spills over the food it’s covering, creating a creamy sauce. They’ve created a way for me to love some foods that I didn’t think I even liked (turnips!). Eggs for the win!

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One of the meals I’ve discovered over the past year or so is called Shakshuka. I love it because it feels like an old world dish, similar to peasant food. It’s simple and straightforward, but also super versatile.

You can make it with just tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil. But, if you want to add more to it, you can add tons of veggies. This time I wanted to pack it with a little extra oomph. I added greens, fennel, and asparagus to the usual. And then, garbonzo beans. It’s a dish that’s loaded with nutrients, protein, and great flavor.

I could eat it everyday.

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The veggies and beans don’t need to cook for too long – a little under 20 minutes will do. They just kinda stew there in the olive oil, getting all soft, flavors combining… man I’m hungry!

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And then the eggs are added. Normally, when I fry eggs, I do it in a screaming hot cast iron. But, since there are other components in the pan, for this dish, I turn the heat down, add the eggs, and cover (so the whites will set).

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Eggs, veggies, beans, cast iron… be quiet my grumbling stomach!

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And if you thought things couldn’t get any better, it gets topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

Happy Eating!

Veggie and Garbonzo Bean Shakshuka

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 24 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

Yield: 2-4

Veggie and Garbonzo Bean Shakshuka

Ingredients

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 medium onion or leek, chopped
  • 1 C assorted veggies (like fennel, asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms), chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1-2 C tomatoes (fresh or canned), diced
  • 1 C garbonzo beans
  • 2 C greens (chard, kale, collards, spinach etc...), roughly chopped
  • 1-2 eggs/serving
  • to taste salt
  • fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives, basil), chopped, for serving
  • lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet then add oil. When oil is hot, add onion through pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic through greens and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Turn the heat down to low and make a small well for each egg. Add eggs, one per well. Season with salt. Cook covered until eggs are done (about 3-6 minutes, depending on how runny you like the yolk).
  4. Serve topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/veggie-and-garbonzo-bean-shakshuka/