Miso, Shiitake and Swiss Chard Soup

With winter fast approaching, with a predicted hurricane – a “frankenstorm” as the media refers to it – about to hit New York this very evening, it’s time to start thinking about comfort food. What better than a nice hot, hearty soup?

From Levana’s Table, by Lévana Kirschenbaum (page 48):

Photo by: Ann Stratton, page 49

Makes 8 – 10 servings

Although the flavors are rich and complex, rthis soupis ready in about 15 minutes. Miso adds its intriguing fermented flavor and a bulky but not starchy texture to the broth. It is important to add the Swiss chard aat the very end of the cooking process., so that it retains its brilliant color. The corn adds a wonderful flavor.

2 quarts (8 cups) water
1 pound shiitake mushrooms, caps, thinly sliced
One 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 cup dark or light miso paste
2 ears of corn, cobs cut into 1-inch rounds
3 – 4 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon bottled hot sauce
1 pound firm or extra_firm tofu, cut into sticks
1 bunch (1 pound) Swiss chard, leaves only, cut into ribbons
4 scallions, thinly sliced

Combine the water, mushrooms ginger, miso, and corn in a heavy pot  and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, hot sauce, and tofu. Bring to a boil again. Add the Swiss chard and scallions and cook for one more minute, until the Swiss chard is wilted. Serve hot.

The elements may be raging outside, but this soup is certain to keep you warm.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS

Flounder With a Crunch

Anyone who’s been following this blog over the last couple of years, knows that until three years ago I never tasted fish during the first 6 decades of my life, however, when I finally was trapped into tasting them… I found it a great culinary experience.  It showed me what I’ve been, unnecessarily, depriving myself of!

The following easy to make recipe appeared in a book published in 2004 by the Arie Crown Hebrew Day School in Skokie, IL. From Crowning Elegance, a cookbook that combines superb recipes with an elegant flair:

Photo from: Crowning Elegance, page 210

Dairy or Parve — Serves 4

Crushed prestzels are a welcoming change from the basic breadcrumb topping. They add a nice cruch and a salty flvor, balancing the simplistic flavor of flounder.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flounder fillets
• 1 egg beaten
• 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 1 tablespoon milk or non-dairy creamer
• 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup coarsely crushed prestzels
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 lemon sliced, optional garnish

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, using a fork, combine egg, mustard, milk and pepper.
2. on a large piece of plastic wrap separately place flour and pretzels .
3. Coat fish with flour, dip fish into mustard mixture. Dredge fish in crushed pretzels to coat both sides well.
4. In a large skillet, over medium high flame, heat oi. Cook fish in batches for 3 to 4 minuteson each side or until golden brownand fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve hot and garnish with lemon slices.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS

Egg Salad

I like egg salad, it is one of my favorite breakfast foods, and even part of a fast lunch.  When I came to these shores in 1962, I soon learned to enjoy it with mayonnaise as opposed to my mother’s spartan combination of chopped hard boiled eggs with small amounts of salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Egg salad comes in many variations, but, David Lebovitz‘ recipe is superb:

Enough for 2 or 3 sandwiches

My uncle once told me a funny story: about forty years ago, he once set out to make a recipe that called for capers and he thought that he would use fresh, rather than something from a jar. He looked and looked and looked and couldn’t find fresh. He could only find the pickled ones, which he later realized were how capers were prepared and sold. And now, every time I open a jar I think of his story. I like a little bit of chopped capers in my egg salad, or something a bit vinegary. You could also use some chopped cornichons or pickles – and their juice – in place of the capers.

You can use any kind of pepper powder that you want. Note that if you use a red one, it will turn the color of the egg salad a somewhat fiery shade of red.

6 hard-boiled eggs
1/3 (70g) cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (drained) capers, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons caper juice
3/4 teaspoon pepper, such as Isot (Urfa), black pepper or red pepper powder
sea salt
optional: 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds

1. Peel the eggs and chop them into pieces.
2. Mix the eggs in a bowl with the mayonnaise, mustard, capers, caper juice, pepper, and a good sprinkle salt. If desired, add the sunflower seeds.

To serve, spread on toasted grainy bread, then garnish with additional salt, pepper, and some chopped chives.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS

Soyummi

A Canadian company, Soyummi Canada, produces a line of gluten free, dairy free, low fat puddings. With purified water and organic whole beans as their main ingredients, Soyummi products come in five flavors: Dark Chocolate, Tapioca, Rice, Cherry and Lime.And… they are all vegan, as they are egg free, and have a natural prebiotic, a source of dietary fiber.

I recently came across these products at a local supermarket, where I picked up two flavors: Dark Chocolate and Tapioca.

I must admit, I was skeptical at first. Though I knew that soy is a very popular substitute for many, many ingredients, I had a tough time believing it would taste very chocolatey BUT… it did. I was pleasantly surprised and could easily see any child with a sweet tooth (which child, doesn’t have one?!?!?) becoming addicted. As a matter of fact, I can think of quite a number of grownups (yours truly included) who’ll like it as well! These products are certified Pareve by MK, (Jewish Community Council of Montreal) one of Canada’s most respected, most reliable hechsherim

According to their website, every flavor comes with:

• No added sugar
• Low calorie
• Low carbohydrate
• No trans fats
• Made with organic ingredients
• Contains a natural prebiotic
• No preservatives
• Gluten free
• Lactose free
• Cholesterol free
• Kosher certified
• Low sodium
• Low in saturated fat
• Non GMO
• Contains isoflavones
• Bioavailability of naturally balanced nutrients

In April of this year, their Dark Chocolate and Rice puddings were both nominated for the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award in the dessert food category, and on June 15, 2011, the Dark Chocolate pudding won second place in this contest. Also, in 2003, the original Soyummi Classic line won first prize in the same category.

Aside from being kosher certified, these products (certified organic and vegan) are healthy and delicious, made from all natural ingredients. What could be better for you or the kids?

CS

A Simple Favorite Pasta Dish

A recipe need not be elaborate to make a tasty dish, especially in these hot days, there is no need to spend a long time in the kitchen. Here’s One of my favorite ways to prepare a simple but delicious pasta and it’s great for the Nine Days or anytime.

Spaghetti with Oil and Garlic

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh, chopped, parsley
• Salt and pepper
• chilli pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pan boil some lightly salted water. Add the spaghetti and boil again, cook for 8 – 9 minutes or until tender but still a bit resistant to the bite (al dente).
2. In the meantime, while the spaghetti is cooking, heat the oil in a skillet, add the garlic and a pinch of salt cooking over low heat. Stir constantly for 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown. Do not let the garlic become brown for it will adversely affect the taste. Remove from heat
3. Drain the spaghetti and put on a large, warmed, serving dish. Pour in the olive oil, add the
4. For a bit more color and an extra kick in taste, sprinkle sparingly with chili pepper flakes.

Yields 4 Servings

Easy to make and truly delectable. Sometimes, when the mood strikes me, I’ll add some finely grated parmeggiano and will then skip the chili pepper flakes.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS

POM Wonderful!

I learned at a very tender age that “Have it, it’s good for you!” would inevitably refer to something that tasted very bad. Fast forward a couple of decades (OK, OK so it’s more than that, I confess, I confess!) and  I’m a fan of Pom Wonderful because  it’s actually “good for you,” delicious and refreshing.

Delicious, refreshing, good for you

Pomegranate juice has a great concentration of antioxidants, various studies say it is similar to red wine, purple grape juice and black tea. Preliminary research has shown that it may reduce the danger of various types of cancer, it may reduce serum cholesterol and protect arteries from clogging. In the summer I like it as an ice cold drink, but it is a very popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is also used as a marinade for grilled meats.

Since we are in the Nine Days and meat may not be eaten, I thought it appropriate to bring you a delicious fish recipe, which I adapted from Perfect Jewish, by Elizabeth Wolfe-Cohen, published by Parragon Books.

Photo from: Perfect Jewish, page 106. - Copyright by: Parragon Books, Ltd.

Stuffed Oven-Baked Trout with Pomegranates

Yields: 4 servings

• 4 Whole trout, about 10 to 12 oz each, cleaned, scaled, rinsed and dried
• vegetable oil for oiling
• 2 tablespoons margarine

Stuffing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and skinned
• 4 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
• 4 tablespoons POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice
• salt and pepper
• 1 ripe pomegranate

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prepare the stuffing. heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium skillet over medium high fire. Add the onion and cook for 3 – 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Stir in the pistachios, cardamon, POM Wonderful and the remaining oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. With a sharp knife, slice off the top of the pomegranate. Cut the thick skin into 6 wedgesand pull apart into sections. Carefully scoop the seeds into a small bowl, removing the skin membranes and reserving any juice. Add about three quarters of the seeds to the stuffing and stir to combine.
4. Oil a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the fish. Season fish to taste with salt and pepper, inside and out. Cut into the fish’ skin diagonally 2 to 3 times on each side. Spoon one quarter of the stuffing into each fish. Arrange in the dish.
5. Drizzle with the melted margarine. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the flesh flakes when pierced with a tip of a knife. Transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with the remaing pomegranate seeds and juice.

Enjoy, gentle reader, enjoy!

CS