Category Archives: Vegetables & Whole Grains

Alberto’s Grilled Marinated Asparagus

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This grilled asparagus recipe comes from Savigno, Italy, a hamlet it the hills south of Bologna, by way of my friend Alberto Bettini. Along with being the third generation to run his family’s incredible restaurant and inn, Da Amerigo, Alberto is passionate about preserving traditional foods and recipes. He shared this one with me in much the same manner as it has probably been passed on for centuries (Alberto calls it an ancient recipe): by simply describing it. Like many Italian recipes that have endured the ages, this one is simple in technique and ingredients, yet surprisingly complex in flavor. Serve this asparagus as an appetizer (it’s great as part of an antipasto platter), tossed with pasta, or simply snacking on out of hand.

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Braised and Seared Fennel Wedges

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These fennel wedges are the ultimate crossover food. Served warm, they’d be be lovely side dish on a cold night with Simplest Roast Chicken or Spiced Pork Roast. Served cool, they’re terrific finger food appetizer for a picnic. This recipe is based on one from the Gotham Cookbook, by Alfred Portale. I’ve always loved how the braising in this dish makes the fennel silky and tender, while the finishing sear gives it savory caramelization; a luscious juxtaposition.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Meyer Lemon Fauxaioli

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This is my secret weapon dish for all who say they don’t like cauliflower. High-heat roasting encases the florets in a savory crispness while turning the insides creamy and even a touch sweet … enough to win over the most ardent naysayers. I call this a “fauxaioli” because it’s essentially a gussied-up, lightened-up store-bought mayonnaise, but it’s one I turn to again and again when time is short. This whole recipe, as a matter of fact, came about after having cauliflower in a fritto misto in Italy. I wanted to replicate the effect–crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet and pungent–without the hassle (or calories) of a full-blown fried affair with homemade aioli. And, based on the raves this dish has received (I’ll often serve it as an hors d’oeuvres with a jar of toothpicks nearby), I’d have to claim success.

roasted-cauliflower-aioli-recipe1 head cauliflower, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (or regular lemon)
2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and roast for 25 minutes, turning often after the first 10 minutes.

While cauliflower is roasting, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle, and stir in mayonnaise, light mayonnaise and lemon juice. Scoop into a serving bowl and sprinkle with about a half-teaspoon of the parsley.

Transfer cauliflower to a serving platter and scatter the remaining parsley over top. Serve with fauxaioli.

Serves 4

Sauteed Radishes with Mint

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You may know–and love–radishes in their raw state. But they’re lovely in this delicious side dish, too. Butter adds a bit of richness to this otherwise simple dish. Browning the butter takes it a step further to add a nutty note, enlivened on the other end by the mint.

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Stir-Fried Greens with Cremini Mushrooms and Soba

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By Cheryl Sternman Rule

I’ve made this dish successfully with all kinds of greens, but I like tender baby spinach and bok choy derivatives the best.  Keep in mind that you want a touch of water clinging to the greens, but not so much that they’ll swim when they’re wilting. Note: If choosing tough-stemmed greens like chard or beet greens, slice the stems into 1-inch lengths.

stir-fried-greens-recipe3 ounces soba noodles
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1-1/2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon minced peeled ginger
3 cloves garlic (1 clove minced, 2 cloves thinly sliced)
2 teaspoons peanut oil
1 pound greens (baby spinach, regular spinach, you choy, baby bok choy, etc.)
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and sliced

Cook soba noodles according to package directions.  Drain, and rinse briefly under cool water to prevent clumping; drain. Set aside.

Whisk together sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Heat a wok or large nonstick pan over medium-high heat.  Add peanut oil and sliced garlic.  Stir-fry until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the greens.  Depending on the size of your wok, you may need to work in batches.  Stir-fry 4 minutes or until greens are wilted, any water clinging to the leaves has evaporated, and any stalks are crisp-tender.  (If too much water collects, carefully spoon it out of the pan.)

Push the greens to one side, and add the mushrooms.  Stir-fry 2 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture and cooked noodles.  Toss to coat; cook about 1 minute to heat through. Serve immediately.

Serves 2 to 4

Easy Rice Pilaf

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This rice pilaf recipe is an easy side dish that uses red-and-brown Indonesian Volcano Rice, which is cultivated in mineral-rich volcanic soil and is high in magnesium, manganese and zinc. You can substitute any brown rice. We added seasonal fresh English peas for color; edamame, fresh green chickpeas or thawed frozen peas would work well, too. To cook fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes or until tender but not mushy, drain, and rinse in cold water.

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Spinach-Gruyere Souffle

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Nothing showcases the culinary power of eggs quite like a souffle. The yolks bind and enrich the base while the beaten whites leaven the souffle for its characteristic light, airy texture. This is a classic spring version, but you could add mushrooms, substitute different vegetables for the spinach, or swap the Gruyere cheese for a different variety. (Save the extra egg yolk to make Pasta with Asparagus and Prosciutto.) The souffle begins to deflate as soon as it comes out of the oven, so serve it immediately with a “Bon Appetit!” in your best Julia Child imitation. Pair it with a green salad dressed in Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette and dry white wine for a light supper.

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Curry Quinoa Cakes

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These quinoa cakes are crispy and flavorful and delightful as a light meal on their own, or as an innovative appetizer. Serve them with our Curry Dipping Sauce.

curry-quinoa-cakes-recipe1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup peas, (if frozen, thawed)
2 tablespoons shredded onion
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon red curry paste
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided

Combine quinoa, water and broth in small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine quinoa with remaining ingredients (except oil).

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Drop 8 generous 2-tablespoon scoops of the quinoa mixture into the pan, flattening into a pancake shape with a spatula or spoon. Cook until browned on bottom, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.

Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and bring up to heat. Repeat with remaining quinoa cake batter.

Makes 16 pancakes

Oven-Baked Polenta with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

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Years ago, during a class at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, I made a polenta recipe by Gary Danko that cooked–fuss-free–in the oven. I adopted it and have never looked back (or slaved over another pot of polenta). This one incorporates No Work Slow Roasted Tomatoes (which live in my freezer over the winter). Go for good-quality polenta instead of the instant variety; the texture and taste will be immeasurably better (and there’s no stirring for you anyway!).

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