Minestrone Soup with Cranberry Beans & Arugula Pesto

Minestrone Soup with Cranberry Beans & Arugula Pesto

 Serves: 6

Difficulty level: Gourmet

 

Minestrone Soup with Cranberry Beans & Arugula Pesto

Minestrone Soup is the best vegetable soup ever! Really it is. It’s jam-packed with goodness and will do anyone who eats it the world of good. It's a great way to make the most of seasonal produce – vary your choices throughout the year. Make a big batch of soup, even if you’re only cooking for yourself – you can keep the rest in the fridge for several days or freeze portions to eat another day. The additional beans give it quite the protein boost, making it a meal in itself.

Salt and Vinegar Potatoes

Salt and Vinegar Potatoes

Serves: 4

Difficulty Level: Super Easy, embarrassingly so

Salt and Vinegar Potatoes 

I was not planning to post this recipe because it is just too simple to blog. But I have served it enough times to rave reviews that I thought sharing was in order. Do you love Salt & Vinegar potato chips or French fries with malt vinegar? – well this is your dish. Same great tang as with chips comes from vinegar soaking – or rather boiling – into the baby potatoes in order to drench each and every bite. I love flaky salt and kick of vinegar that makes these skillet potatoes almost taste like a bag of chips.  Only wayyyyyyyyyy better. Potatoes should be crispy on the outside and creamy within. This method will get you there and yields color, more flavor and crackling skin. Who could ask for more? I used baby Yukon’s this time…but fingerlings would work equally well. One could also smash the potatoes before the last fry for even greater crispiness.

Persian Lamb Kebabs in Pomegranate-Walnut Marinade

Persian Lamb Kebabs in Pomegranate-Walnut Marinade

Serves: 6

Difficulty level: Moderate

Marinade overnight; Vegetarian option given

Persian Lamb Kebabs in Pomegranate-Walnut Marinade

Like many countries, the cuisine of Iran is largely influenced by climate and geography with strong neighboring influences from the Caspian Sea to Turkey in the northwest.  The common thread that connects the diverse regional styles is a shared emphasis on sweet-and-sour and fruity tastes. There is even a special word in the Persian language used, which describes this distinct vinegar-and-honey quality: malas. This sweet-and-sour kebab is from the northern coastal province, Gilan, which lies on the Caspian Sea. The people of this region like their food extra tart.

Caramelized Endive with Gruyere

Caramelized Endive with Gruyere

Serves: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Caramelized Endive with Gruyere

I was looking for a different starter to a light dinner, had some endive from the Farmers Market – and thus, began my search for a quick, different and tasty dish.  I am an endive fan. I love the crisp texture and fresh, sweet, nutty flavor with a pleasantly mild bitterness – great served raw or cooked.

Thai Cucumber Salad with Roasted Peanuts

Thai Cucumber Salad with Roasted Peanuts

Serves: 6

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Thai Cucumber Salad with Roasted Peanuts

This is a great recipe, fresh, colorful, flavorful and really easy. It seems perfect for a summer unique salad – with fish, chicken and/or Thai inspired dishes. Give it a try. You will be amazed how quickly it pulls together. The oil-free vinaigrette has great flavor – do not be put off by the fish sauce, nam pla. I know it smells awful and is quite aromatic but tastes great. Really. It is prepared with fermented fish that is made into a fragrant condiment and provides a salty flavor to this and other dishes.