Cooking Method: Simmering
Ham and Split Pea Soup
Every year I make some sort of soup using the ham hock from Christmas dinner. I happened to have a very large bag of split peas, which I like because you don't have to soak them overnight. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread and a salad. You can just use chopped up ham, if you do not have a ham hock on hand.
By - Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 2 hrs
- Yields: 8 Servings
Cheesy Potato & Ham Chowder
While surfing the web, found this recipe on an Indiana Farmer's site (yes, you know you are leading an exciting life when you are checking out farmer's websites!). I have no idea why I made it, because I generally hate soup of any kind. It was really delicious and my husband said we need to keep this recipe in the family archives. I added some white pepper to it, but the simplicity is what really makes this soup good. Some crumbled bacon bits would not go amiss as a garnish...
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes
Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes are so good, it has cumin, ginger, coriander and turmeric. Indian food is something I could eat every day. I love it. I started eating it after I got out of college in New York city. It was the cheapest possible meal. For $4 you could have a feast. I used to order Vindaloo and each time I would want it hotter and hotter. It got to the point that my friends told me to stop because it looked like I would have a heart attack! I did taper off, my stomach needed a break! After living in New York, I moved to London - a virtual Indian food mecca. Now we live in Los Angeles, where good Indian is scarce. This week my husband and I tried a new place - finally some stellar Indian food! We brought home leftovers and to bulk it out for the next day, I made this cauliflower dish. Cauliflower and potato are a perfect vehicle for the cumin, ginger, coriander and turmeric. By the way, the restaurant is called Nirvana in Arcadia, CA.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Curried Chicken and Basmati Rice Soup
This Curried Chicken and Basmati Rice Soup is probably the best soup I've ever had. I will be making this again and again. It's easy, unusual and delicious. My fellow catering colleague, Mary, gave me this recipe. I served it with naan bread and chutney.
- Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 6 - 8 Servings
Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Skillet
Octoberfest arrived with a visit from my brother-in-law, Russell. He loves saurkraut like both his siblings. I don't mind it, but I could live without it. However, this recipe was outstanding and I even liked it. In fact, I had a second helping! He used 2 kinds of bratwurst.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 50 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Noodles Romanoff
Noodles Romanoff is a recipe from the late 60's and early 70's, Betty Crocker sold a boxed Noodles Romanoff. My sister-in-law, Rhonda, used to love Noodles Romanoff. I have never had it, so it was a little tricky to find a recipe that would recreate the Betty Crocker version. I don't think it's made anymore. It was apparently missing the "orange glow" like the original, but otherwise was a hit. Warning - If you are lactose intolerant or on a diet, please step away!
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Chicken & Mushroom Casserole with Crunchy Stuffing Topping
Chicken & Mushroom Casserole with Crunchy Stuffing Topping is a recipe I concocted. To me, texture is key. I love things that are crunchy! I happened to have a half a box of leftover stuffing mix and decided to use it up. You could make this ahead and bake it later. Love that!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs 20 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Chicken with Roasted Peppers & Tomatoes
I made this Chicken with Roasted Peppers & Tomatoes because happened to have some roasted peppers and tomatoes in the pantry. If you want, you could add some olives, capers or artichokes. Jarred roasted peppers are great to have on hand...
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Sloppy Bombay Joes
A friend of mine told me about Aarti Sequeira's sloppy joe recipe. It's a sloppy joe with an Indian twist. I consider myself a sloppy joe expert, given that I have made them for hundreds of school children for almost 16 years. These are really delicious and different and actually a bit healthier using ground turkey. I served them with Broccoli Slaw. You've really to try these!
- Prep: 35 mins
- Cook: 1 hrs
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Israeli Couscous with Dried Cranberries, Apricots & Currants
This Israeli Couscous with Dried Cranberries, Apricots & Currants is such a colorful salad. I used Traders Joe's Harvest Grains Blend, which has a little bit of orzo, baby garbanzo beans and quinoa in it. You can just used plain Israeli couscous.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
