Tag: vegetarian

Japanese Shakshuka with Kabocha Squash

Well Dined | Japanese Shakshuka with Kabocha Squash

I get a lot of emails with recipes from blog subscriptions, magazines, etc…  Some I delete, knowing they aren’t my style.  Most I archive to make later.  Very few inspire me to make them ASAP; this recipe was one of those few.  Shakshuka is a dish of Egyptian, Tunisian, Algerian, and Moroccan origin that consists of eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce.

Well Dined | Japanese Shakshuka with Kabocha Squash

This recipe, from Bessou restaurant in NYC (via Tasting Table), puts a Japanese spin on the dish.  It was that fusion element that caught my eye.  The tomato sauce is spiced with Japanese curry powder and cumin.  Roasted kabocha squash is added, along with poached eggs.  The original is topped with miso marinated tofu – I went for miso flavored labneh, instead.  Lastly, it is sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, and served with toasted Japanese milk bread.

Well Dined | Japanese Shakshuka with Kabocha Squash

The tomato sauce is so fragrant and spicy (the original recipe uses harissa, too, but the curry powder was enough heat for me).  It is counterbalanced by the sweet squash, tart pomegranate seeds, cool labneh, and creamy egg yolk.  The squash and the pomegranate add varying texture, too, along with the crispy toast.  And the miso adds this funky umami note that adds to the complexity.  Dipping that perfectly crispy toast into the runny yolk and velvety tomato sauce is just so insanely satisfying. (more…)

Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Spinach Empanadas

Well Dined | Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Spinach Empanadas

I fell behind on posting over the holidays, which I wouldn’t too bad about, except that it means I haven’t posted about these empanadas yet!  These were Melissa’s idea for one of our amazing vegetarian lunches.  You can see from her post, which is from all the way back in October, just how far behind I am!

Well Dined | Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Spinach Empanadas

Anywho, back to the empanadas!  Crispy, buttery, flaky crust.  Smoky, creamy, hearty filling.  Cool, creamy, vibrant dipping sauce.  Yes, yes, yes!

Well Dined | Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Spinach Empanadas

You will need to bake some sweet potatoes, the fastest and easiest way to do this is in the microwave.  Then scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork. (more…)

Thanksgiving Roundup 2016

It’s that time again! Whether you are having a traditional family gathering with lots of old favorites, or a funky gourmet “Friendsgiving” – I hope that you find some inspiration here. Happy Thanksgiving, my lovelies!

Well Dined | Thanksgiving Roundup

Salads:
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale, Apple, and Red Onion
Quinoa with Butternut Squash and Broccolini

Well Dined | Thanksgiving Roundup

Sides:
Sage Stuffing with Sausage and Apple
Mashed Potatoes and Hard Cider Gravy
Gourmet Green Bean Casserole
Bacon Popovers

Well Dined | Thanksgiving Roundup

Corn Pudding
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Bourbon Bacon Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Sage
Balsamic Honey Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (more…)

ICC – Curry Carrot Soup with Coconut Cream

Well Dined | Curry Carrot Soup with Coconut Cream

This month for the Improv Cooking Challenge, our ingredients were Carrots & Curry.  I knew immediately that I wanted to make a soup, so I looked back through my archives and found three soup recipes that I’d previously made.  I used these three recipes to help me come up with a new one: Spiced Carrot Soup with Chickpeas and Tahini, Spiced Carrot Soup with Crispy Prosciutto, and Thai Pumpkin Soup.

Well Dined | Curry Carrot Soup with Coconut Cream

I started by cooking madras curry and grated ginger in olive oil (though it occurs to me now that I could have used coconut oil), then adding carrots, onion, and garlic.  I seasoned with salt and cooked for 15 minutes, until the vegetables started to brown.  Then I added chicken broth and coconut milk and simmered covered for 20 minutes.  You can use vegetable broth to make this vegetarian/vegan. (more…)

Avocado Rose Toast

Well Dined | Avocado Rose Toast

If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram, you know that avocado roses are all the rage.  Simple, elegant, beautiful.  Melissa (Smells Like Brownies) and I decided to try our hands at making them, and I think they turned out pretty well!

Watch this video to learn how to do it.  Melissa is much more coordinated than I am, so those are her hands you are seeing.

Well Dined | Avocado Rose Toast

Or you can follow these directions: Oil a cutting board and knife with olive oil. (more…)

Rainbow Cauliflower Bowl

Well Dined | Rainbow Cauliflower Bowl

Oh my gosh, this cauliflower bowl is so gorgeous, and filling, and satisfying, and yummy, and healthy, and low carb, and all the things.  It has a lot of different components, but they come together to make such a lovely whole.  Another successful vegetarian lunch with Melissa from Smells Like Brownies.

Well Dined | Rainbow Cauliflower Bowl

Start by making your cauliflower “rice” (actually, start by pickling some chard stems, which was done by Melissa before I arrived).  Place raw cauliflower into a food processor and pulse until chopped to the size of rice (a few larger pieces are fine) – 1/2 a large head will make 3-4 cups.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 2 minutes, just to soften.

Well Dined | Rainbow Cauliflower Bowl

Next, heat some coconut oil in a pan and add turmeric, cumin, a pinch of cayenne, and some fresh pressed garlic.  Cook for a bit to activate the spices, then add the cauliflower and stir to combine and heat through.  But don’t leave it on for too long – you want the cauliflower to have texture!  Make sure to season with salt and pepper. (more…)

Vegetarian Beet Burgers

Well Dined | Vegetarian Beet Burgers

A month ago, Melissa (Smells Like Brownies) asked for my help coming up with toppings for these gorgeous beet, quinoa, and black bean burgers. How could I refuse?!  Before I tell you what we decided on, let me tell you about the burgers themselves.

Well Dined | Vegetarian Beet Burgers

The are firm, full of flavor, have great texture, and are a little bit smoky.  Everyone always says this, but they do taste very meaty.  I swear.

Well Dined | Vegetarian Beet Burgers

Veggie burgers rely on many ingredients to make a good product.  They can be notoriously mushy and fall apart.  This recipe seems to hit all the right notes to make a great burger.  Mushrooms, onions, and beets give moisture and flavor; quinoa gives texture; and black beans and ground nuts hold it all together. (more…)

Broccoli and Potato Gribiche

Well Dined | Broccoli and Potato Gribiche

When I was assigned Melissa’s blog last month for SRC, I was reminded of all the recipes of hers that I had been wanting to make.  And I couldn’t get my mind off of this warm potato salad with roasted broccoli and an egg vinaigrette.  That vinaigrette is called “sauce gribiche”, which I had never heard of before.  Melissa says, “It’s an eggy French vinaigrette, apparently friends with mayonnaise, that is made from hardboiled eggs, oil, vinegar, capers, and fresh herbs.”  Sign me up!

Well Dined | Broccoli and Potato Gribiche

First step – roast the potatoes and the broccoli.  Why do I only have a photo of the potatoes?  I don’t know.  Melissa used purple potatoes, which looked gorgeous.  I couldn’t find any, though, so I used red.

Well Dined | Broccoli and Potato Gribiche

Meanwhile, boil the eggs.  Hello, lovelies! (more…)

Slow Cooker Parmesan Tomato Soup

Well Dined | Slow Cooker Parmesan Tomato Soup

I have been really digging the slow cooker lately, I think it’s the long dreariness of the middle of winter.  This soup is sure to brighten even the dreariest day, warm you up, and make you smile.  Plus it is easy and mostly hands off.

Tomatoes, onion, celery, and carrots soften for hours with chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay.  Then you make, essentially, a bechamel and stir it in along with Parmesan to make it thick and creamy an luscious.  This simple but lovely soup was met with rave reviews from the friends I served it to.  I hope you enjoy!

Slow Cooker Parmesan Tomato Soup
adapted from Today’s Mama

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
4 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup flour (use sweet rice flour to make it gluten free)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter over low heat in a saucepan and add flour.  Cook, stirring, for a few minutes until the floury smell is gone.  Slowly stir in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth.

Add to the vegetables along with the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.  Taste for seasoning and add additional basil and oregano, if needed.

Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

One Year Ago – Apple Galette with Salted Bourbon Caramel
Two Years Ago – Daube Provencal (French beef stew with red wine)
Three Years Ago – Spiced Carrot Soup with Crispy Chickpeas and Tahini
Four Years Ago – Roast Beef Sandwiches
Five Years Ago – Aji de Gallina; Kheer

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Well Dined | Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

I actually made this Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie back in March for Pi Day with Melissa from Smells Like Brownies.  We made it with Irish Stout beer so that it would also be appropriate for St Patrick’s Day.  But I was in the middle of moving, and so never actually posted about it.  The weather right now is making me crave warm comfort food, and I thought that this dish would be appreciated.  So here I am!

Well Dined | Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

One of the tricks to this recipe is to use grated tofu, which is accomplished by freezing the tofu, then thawing slightly so that it will be the right firmness.  So make sure to freeze your tofu at least a day ahead of when you want to cook.

Well Dined | Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Next, saute an onion, and add toasted walnuts and the shredded tofu.  Add soy sauce and lemon juice, and cook until the liquid is gone. (more…)