Cuisine: carrots
Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes)
I made this Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes), and my Japanese stepmother said it’s the epitome of Japanese comfort food.
Nikujaga literally translates to "meat" (niku) and "potatoes" (jagaimo), this dish is the quintessential "mother's cooking" (ofukuro no aji) in Japan. It’s a savory, slightly sweet, and deeply soul-warming stew that relies on a few ingredients and a simple simmering technique.
Legend has it that Nikujaga was born in the late 19th century thanks to Togo Heihachiro, a Japanese naval commander. Having studied in England, he supposedly fell in love with British beef stew.
Upon his return, he ordered his naval chefs to recreate it. Lacking demi-glace and red wine, the chefs used what they had: soy sauce, sugar, and sake. The result wasn't a British stew, but it was so delicious that it became a staple of the Japanese Navy to combat vitamin deficiencies.
By - Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Bang Bang Rainbow Slaw
Bang Bang Rainbow Slaw earns its name by delivering an exciting "bang" of flavor and a vibrant "rainbow" of colors. This show-stopping side or versatile topping expertly blends a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce with an assortment of fresh, crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious explosion of taste and texture in every single bite.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Roasted Carrots with Shallots, Mozzarella and Spicy Bread Crumbs
This vibrant sheet-pan Roasted Carrots with Shallots, Mozzarella, and Spicy Bread Crumbs recipe proves that simple can be sensational. Effortlessly prepared on a single pan, it delivers an incredible explosion of flavor. You can do the initial roasting in advance and then when you are ready to serving add the cheese, olives and spicy bread crumbs and pop it back in the oven to finish.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 45 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Crispy Parmesan Carrots
These Crispy Parmesan Carrots are so delicious and easy to make. They are made by roasting carrots in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, spices, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful side dish. I also make Roasted Crispy Parmesan Potatoes using the same method.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 6 Servilngs
Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips
Braising is a cooking method that involves cooking vegetables in a liquid, usually a broth or wine, at a low temperature for a long period of time. This method is ideal for vegetables that are tough or dense, as it helps to break them down and make them tender. Braising is a versatile cooking method that can be used to cook a variety of vegetables. These Stovetop-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 8 Servings
Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup
This Lemony Carrot and Cauliflower Soup is a recipe you can alter to suit your taste. It has miso paste stirred into it, which gives it a depth of flavor. I also added a splash of cream at the end, though that is optional.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Ikra, Eggplant Spread
Ikra is a Ukranian vegetable spread that's made of roasted eggplant, bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic. I had it at a restaurant recently and decided to make my own. This deliciously healthy spread can be served with sliced bread, pita chips or would work well with a charcuterie board.
- Prep: 35 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips
These Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips are slow-roasted at a very low temperature, which intensifies the flavor. Parsnips are cousins to carrots, with a similar texture to potatoes. I love parsnips and feel like they are underutilized in the US. They have a sweet and mildly nutty taste.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yields: 6 Servings
Carrot Tart
This Carrot Tart is just store-bought puff pastry, a layer of Boursin cheese, roasted carrots, Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with fresh dill. It's not only beautiful, but it embodies the freshness of Spring. It can be served hot or at room temperature.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 30 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Milanese-Style Savoy Cabbage
My husband Eric seems to be obsessed wtih Savoy cabbage lately. He has made several versions. This Milanese-Style Savoy cabbage is loosely based on a recipe from Academia Barilla. Savoy cabbage has a mild flavor, and works really well sliced thinly in soups and stir-fries.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
