De Ma Cuisine

vegetables Archive

Thursday

17

July 2014

0

COMMENTS

How To Dry Tomatoes

Written by , Posted in Canning, Condiments, Dairy-Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Roasting, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Tomatoes are such a great fruit. It’s weird that we use them like a vegetable when they’re not one.

I’m ok with that.

They go with so much, they can be used in so many different ways.

The possibilities are pretty endless.

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Around here, the growing season for local tomatoes is pretty long. We’ve been getting them in our Abundant Harvest Organics box for about two months now.

We’re very fortunate.

But, that doesn’t mean we don’t need to preserve them and make them last as long as possible.

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I opted to dry the tomatoes by slow roasting them in the oven at a low temperature.

I love the intense flavor that roasting brings.

I’ve always called this type of tomato a “sun-dried tomato”. But, since I did not dry them in the sun, I didn’t want to lie.

Also, if I’d tried to dry them in the sun I have a feeling that a curious dog might have enjoyed a snack. They are safer in the oven.

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It’s simple: tomatoes, olive oil, and salt.

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Tomatoes are sliced thin, but not too thin. No thinner than a quarter of an inch please.

Trust me.

They will burn.

But, the dog will be happy because he will get a treat.

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Dried tomatoes are just perfection. A fabulous way to make summer tomatoes last a little longer.

Or, in our case, a fun new way to enjoy them. As they will soon be eaten.

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Since the base recipe is simple, it leaves so many options for flavoring the oil they are stored in.

I opted to make a jar of simple Italian-style, with basil, oregano, and garlic.

Other yummy options would be:

Red pepper flakes, garlic, and rosemary.

Cilantro, oregano, and jalapeño (dry the jalapeños the same way as the tomatoes).

Rosemary and garlic.

Bay leaf, garlic, and rosemary.

Dill, lemon thyme, and garlic.

Fennel seeds, garlic, and basil.

Thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Lemon zest, basil, and garlic.

I want to make them all!

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I’ve stored them in the fridge and plan to use them quickly, on bruschetta, in pasta, and on pizza.

The olive oil, which will become a delicious flavored oil, will be used as well.

We don’t waste food around here if we can help it. 😉

Happy Eating!

Kitchen Basics: Drying Tomatoes
Recipe Type: Condiment, Preserving, Roasting, Drying, Vegetarian, Fruit
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Preserve summer’s beautiful tomatoes by drying them and storing them in olive oil.
Ingredients
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced 1/4″ thick (no thinner, or they will burn)
  • 1-2 T olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • 1 T dried basil
  • 1 T dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 to 3/4 C olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 250F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper. Place tomatoes in a single layer on the silpat or parchment paper. Drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Bake for 3 hours, turning occasionally, until tomatoes are nicely dried.
  4. Cool completely and combine in a half pint jar with herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Yields: one half pint, including the oil.
3.2.1303

Tuesday

24

June 2014

0

COMMENTS

Aaaand We’re Back… With Squash’n Eggs

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Cheese, Dinner, Eggs, Gluten Free, Herbs, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Main Dishes, Quick and Easy, Sides, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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Simple.

So simple.

So simple that I didn’t think about posting this until I’d started chopping the zucchini…

I mean, it’s eggs. It’s squash. It’s cheese.

There is fresh savory. You could use any fresh herb that pairs well with eggs.

It’s so simple.

But, then I thought, you might need simple. Right? For those lunches or dinners when there’s just nothing to make… then you spy the carton of eggs.

Eggs and pasta (sometimes together) have rescued many a meal at my house.

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Squash is gonna be around for a while. I don’t like to eat the same thing, prepared the same way, over and over again.

This is not the same old squash.

These may be the best eggs I’ve had in a long time. Ok, except for the Eggs Benedict that I tried for the first time a few weeks ago. Right. I almost forgot. Those were excellent. Let’s call it a close second.

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It all starts with some butter. Many of my favorite meals start with butter. I used salted butter. Unsalted will work fine too, just add a bit more salt to the dish.

A heap of zucchini (or whatever squash you have on hand) is plomped into the hot buttery skillet to cook on its own for a few minutes.

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When the eggs join in they don’t need too long to cook, so don’t forget about them.

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What really makes this dish is a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese that’s sprinkled in. But it doesn’t just melt on top, it’s stirred in, so maybe there will be some crispy bits. Those are the best part.

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That’s it. Done. Easy as… eggs.

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Serve with some fruit, some homemade blueberry jam laden toast, and you’re golden.

Happy Eating!

Squash ‘n Eggs
Recipe Type: Main, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Eggs, Squash, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegetables, Quick and Easy
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
A delicious, quick, and easy way to use summer squash, while making the best eggs.
Ingredients
  • 1 T salted butter
  • 1 C summer squash*, chopped
  • 1/2 t savory (or any fresh herb that compliments eggs: dill, basil, chives, parsley, tarragon, thyme), chopped
  • pinch salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 T milk
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 C sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
  1. Heat a skillet over medium. Add butter. When butter is hot, add squash, savory, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in a bowl. Add to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until eggs are mostly set, stirring occasionally.
  4. Sprinkle with cheese, then stir cheese in. Cook 1 minute more.
Notes
*Depending on what’s in season, other veggies could be added, like: bell peppers, broccoli, greens, tomatoes, radishes…

 

Wednesday

28

May 2014

0

COMMENTS

Simple Summer Salad

Written by , Posted in Bread, Cheese, Condiments, Gluten Free, Herbs, Lunch, Main Dishes, Nuts, Quick and Easy, Salads, Toasting, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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It. Is. Hot.

Weather like this calls for a celebration of all things summer… even if it is only May.

We’re picnicking in our yard, enjoying fresh veggies dipped in homemade hummus, and barbecuing sausage to savor while we watch the Red Sox game.

I don’t really like hot weather, but this sure is fun.

Don’t remind me that I said that in October when it’s still 100 degrees… Actually, I may be over it already… Oh wait, there’s salad, and stone fruit, and watermelon season is soon. I’ll just have to keep repeating those things to myself.

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Salad. Crispy, crunchy, wonderful salad.

My salad spinner just plum rolled off the counter and smashed the other week. I have to wash and dry the lettuce by hand. It has become a chore. But, I get to eat salads like this as a result of my hard work, sooooo yeah.

Can I say “plum rolled off the counter”?

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You can totally make your own croutons. It’s so easy. I had the oven on anyways (why did I pick the week when it’s one million degrees outside?!). I was working on some dried tomatoes, for a later post. That’s why the oven temp is low. I thought about changing it, and you can, but these turned out great. If you up the temp, decrease the cooking time. Obvious.

Old bread makes great croutons. Not like moldy bread. Like stale bread. If you freeze it, not only do you get to open the freezer and enjoy a blast of cold air on a hot day, but if you want to rub a clove of garlic over the bread, it’s much easier.

Garlic plus olive oil plus salt equals some darn good croutons.

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Raw squash is not Tim’s favorite. But, if it’s sliced thin like this he’s cool with it.

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Almonds for crunch and protein.

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A beautiful new cutting board makes for an excellent salad making station.

Peas add a delicate reminder of spring to this salad. I used frozen, but fresh would be even better (although then there’s no freezer action, so up to you).

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I prefer to make my salad dressing from scratch. This one is a simple vinaigrette. There are also some herbs and garlic, and a bit of dijon mustard to help it emulsify. And salt, always need a bit of salt.

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Table for two. (Side note: I totally love the new kitchen island that Tim made for me. Just gotta brag about my sweet man sometimes.)

Happy Eating!

Simple Summer Salad
Recipe Type: Main, Salad, Quick and Easy
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 40 mins
Serves: 2-3
A quick and easy salad that’s perfect for those hot summer days.
Ingredients
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2-3 slices stale bread (frozen is best, for garlic)
  • 1 T olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 3-4 C lettuce, torn
  • 1/4 C peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 20-30 almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 C squash, thinly sliced
  • parmesan cheese, grated
  • dressing: 2 T balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 t dijon mustard
  • 1 t fresh savory, chopped
  • 1 T fresh or 1/2 t dried basil, chopped or crushed
  • 1 t fresh or 1/4 t dried oregano, chopped or crushed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 3 T olive oil
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 250F.
  2. Rub a clove of garlic onto the slices of frozen bread. Cut bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until bread is crispy, turning once or twice. Let stand and cool.
  3. Whisk together balsamic vinegar through pepper. Slowly stream in olive oil, whisking as you do, creating an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Assemble lettuce, peas, almonds, squash, cheese, and croutons. Top with dressing.
3.2.1303

 

Friday

16

May 2014

0

COMMENTS

Dandy Sandi – Bacon Sandwich with Dandelion Greens

Written by , Posted in Lunch, Meat, Pork, Quick and Easy, Sandwiches, Sauces, Vegetables

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You guys, did you know that dandelions aren’t just for making your arm turn yellow, or blowing the seeds all over the yard to plant new flowers? (I’m not the only one who did this as a child… right? My parents were thrilled, I’m sure.)

We can eat them!!?

Yes. Yes, we can.

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I learned in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics newsletter that dandelions are part of the sunflower family. I had no idea. I also learned that this plant that I’ve never eaten can be a substitute for: arugula, broccoli raab, beet greens, choys, kale, collards, chicory, or baby spinach. How fun!

So I did a little bit of research to see what might go well with these new (to me) greens. At first I thought of sautéeing them. That would be fabulous. They’re a little bit bitter, so if you want to tame them, as with any bitter green, you might want to cook them first. And you could totally cook them for this recipe. But, I thought that raw would work nicely too, because it was going on a bacon sandwich, with a savory garlicky mayo.

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And now I. Can’t. Stop. Thinking. About. This. Sandwich. Ugh and I’m all out of bacon.

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It’s simple really. Bacon, cook it. Onions, quick sauté. Easy enough even for lunchtime.

The sauce is a simple mayo-ish spread that has garlic, balsamic vinegar, dijon, and mayo. It’s deeeeelicious.

I can never have enough garlic.

Ever.

Suggestions: 1. Don’t skimp on the sauce. 2. Use a good quality mayo. 3. Don’t skimp on the sauce.

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Everything gets all piled up on the bread.

We’re really into French baking and breads at home right now. I made baguettes the other week. And, since it was my birthday last Thursday, Tim bought us some great croissants to enjoy with friends the other night, and there was one left, perfect for us to split for this sandwich.

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Sigh. I miss Paris.

I also miss this sandwich.

Happy Eating!

Dandy Sandi – Bacon Sandwich with Dandelion Greens
Recipe Type: Sandwich, Lunch, Pork, Bacon, Greens
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 6-8 slices bacon
  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • pinch salt
  • 1/2 bunch dandelion greens (or any other greens), stem ends removed
  • 2 regular sized (or 1 huge) croissants, sliced (or your favorite sandwich bread or baguette)
  • sauce: 1/2 T dijon mustard
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 2 T mayonnaise
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
  1. Cook bacon. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
  2. Heat skillet. Add oil. When oil is hot add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium or medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, or until onions are slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
  3. Whisk together sauce ingredients. Spread on croissant/bread.
  4. Top with bacon and greens.

 

Monday

28

April 2014

1

COMMENTS

Massaged Kale Salad with Radish and Apple

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

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Kale kale kale kale.

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Radish radish radish radish.

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(Sung as I’m writing to the tune of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Yes.)

Things I’ve been really into lately (besides singing regular words in non-fitting songs): Massaged Kale Salads.

What a wonderful phenomenon. Massaging the kale makes it easier to digest because it is broken down a bit before you eat it (I learned this from my friend, Genevieve’s blog).

Good digestion is important, so why not!?

(Now I’m listening to Symphony No. 5 instead of just singing it to myself… it’s making me type fast because it’s super intense!)

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Olive oil and salt are our massage aids.

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Then add two hands (after you’ve taken a photo… don’t try grabbing your camera or phone with your after massaging hands… they will be all green and oily).

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Massaged kale will make the room smell all springy, grassy, and fresh.

I like this.

It will become dark, limp, and will decrease in volume.

It’s like science in a bowl.

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More science, if you want, while making the dressing. By adding the olive oil last, and whisking it in, an emulsion is created.

If you want simpler, just toss some lemon juice, salt, and oil on to the salad. That’ll work too.

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Buuuut, I think dressings are pretty easy to make. Plus my dad-in-law gave me a cool old whisk with a copper handle, so it makes whisking super fun.

This one has a little more than just lemon and olive oil, but not by much. There’s a bit of thyme, a pinch of cayenne, and a smidge of honey.

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I wanted the salad to look pretty, even if I was just going to mess it up in a minute. I think it kinda looks like a flower.

I used some of the veggies that I’d gotten in this week’s Abundant Harvest Organics box: kale (obviously), radishes, and a carrot. Apple is added for a bit of sweetness, to counter the a little bit tart lemony dressing.

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If you have any leftovers, you could toss them into a skillet for lunch tomorrow and scramble some eggs once the veggies are tender.

To make this into a main dish, you might add some grilled chicken or beef.

Quick and easy, massaged kale peasy… I don’t know…

Happy Eating!

Massaged Kale Salad with Radish and Apple
Recipe Type: Salad, Raw, Greens, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Author: Rachel Oberg – De Ma Cuisine
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale, sliced into ribbons or chopped
  • 1-2 T olive oil
  • salt
  • 3-4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 C almonds, chopped
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • dressing: 1/8 to 1/4 C lemon juice
  • 1 t red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 to 1/2 t dried thyme (fresh: 1/2 to 1 t)
  • dash cayenne
  • to taste, salt
  • 1 t honey
  • to taste, olive oil
Instructions
  1. Combine kale with olive oil and salt. Massage with hands for about 3-4 minutes, or until kale is darker in color and a bit limp.
  2. Whisk lemon juice through honey. Stream in olive oil as you whisk, creating an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Top kale with radishes, almonds, apple, carrot, and dressing.
3.2.1269

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