baby it's cold outside

Chinese Hotpot Basics

serves 8-10

Utensils:

- chopsticks/hotpot strainer scoop/bowl/condiment dish/Chinese soup spoon -> per person

- serving chopsticks

- ladle

- hotpot & burner

- hot water kettle

Snacks:

- seaweed

- rice crackers

- fried salmon skin

- chips

- nuts

Soup Base:

- Sichuan mala

- tomato beef broth

- carrot daikon chicken or pork broth

Condiment Tray:

- light soya sauce

- sweet soya sauce

- black vinegar

- red vinegar

- sesame oil

- Chinese sesame paste (not tahini)

- spicy bean paste

- chili crunch

- chili flakes

- cilantro

- green onion

- garlic

- sesame seeds

- furikake seasoning

Proteins:

- beef/chicken/lamb

- shrimp/fish

- dumplings

- meatballs

- fish balls/cakes

- mini sausages

- soft tofu

- firm tofu

- tofu puffs

- tofu skin

Vegetables & Greens:

- daikon

- lotus root

- kabocha squash

- mushrooms (enoki/oyster/shiitaki/shimeji/wood ear)

- tong ho choy

- Taiwanese A choy

- watercress

Noodles:

- shirataki (konnyaku/konjac) noodles

- fresh udon

- dry ramen

- cooked wheat noodles

korean chicken

Chicken Bulgogi
serves 6-8 as part of a main dish

INGREDIENTS:

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

kosher salt

6-8 fresh shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 carrots, sliced into 3" matchsticks
1 package enoki mushrooms
1 green onion, chopped
1 tbsp avocado oil

For the Marinade:

1 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup sesame oil

3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp sesame seeds

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 can crushed pineapple

1/2 head of garlic, minced

2-4 tbsp water

METHOD:

1. In a large baking dish or Ziplock bag, salt chicken and place/add inside along with shitake mushrooms. Set aside.

2. In a medium glass liquid measure, make the marinade by combining all ingredients. Pour over chicken and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

3. Once marinated, you can grill, bake (400F for 30-35 mins) or cook the chicken in a non-stick wok. Set aside to rest before slicing.

4. In a wide non-stick pan, heat oil on medium high. Add onions and carrots, cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add enoki mushrooms and any rested chicken juices, stir fry for another 5 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Transfer to a serving platter, top with sliced chicken and garnish with green onion. Serve with rice.

no beets or sour cream

Cantonese Borscht

serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 lbs pork ribs or oxtails

2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

2 cups chicken broth + 6 cups water

2 tbsp avocado oil

2" piece of ginger, smashed

1/2 head garlic, smashed

1 onion, chopped

6 Roma tomatoes, quartered

2 carrots, chopped

2 potatoes, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tsp sugar

1 lbs cabbage, chopped

2 bay leaves

METHOD:

1. Parboil Meat - Salt meat and place into a medium pot. Cover with water and bring to a rolling boil. This process removes impurities and scum, about 2-3 minutes. Remove, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. Discard water.

2. Ready a large stock pot, add water and bring to a boil.

3. While your water is boiling - In a large wok, add oil and heat over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add onions, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and celery. Continue to stir-fry for another 5-10 minutes until everything has softened. Mix in ketchup and sugar. Turn off heat.

4. Add your parboiled meat to the stock pot, and then add stir-fry mixture, cabbage and bay leaves. Add chicken stock and simmer for 2 hours.

5. Taste and adjust season as desired. Serve hot.

insta chicken and white bean stew

Chicken and White Bean Stew

serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

4 bone-in skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt and pepper

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 tsp finely chopped rosemary

2 inch piece Parmigiano-Reggiano rind

2 15oz cans white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

6-8 cups chicken stock

4 cups chopped kale

1 tbsp lemon juice  

flat leaf parsley

grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

cooked ditalini or pasta shells

METHOD:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a slow or pressure cooker, add onions, carrots, rosemary, rind, beans and then top with chicken breasts. Add enough chicken stock to cover contents. Close lid and slow cook for 6 hours or pressure cook on high for 30 minutes.

3. When done, transfer chicken to a shallow dish. Let cool and shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return shredded chicken and any accumulated juices back to your pot. Add kale and cook uncovered on "Sauté" mode for 5 minutes until kale is tender.

4. Stir in lemon juice and discard rind. Taste and season as needed. Serve with pasta and garnish with parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

saffron eggs

Shashuka

recipe adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi

serves 2-4

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion, sliced
2 bell peppers (red and yellow) cut into 1" strips
2 tsp muscovado sugar
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs thyme, picked and chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 cup chopped cilantro

1 can (15 oz) plum tomatoes or 3 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp saffron strands
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup water

4 eggs, room temperature

METHOD:

1. In a large saucepan, dry-roast the cumin on high heat for two minutes.

2. Add oil and sauté the onions for two minutes. Add bell peppers, sugar, bay leaf, thyme, parsley and half of the cilantro. Cook on high heat to get a nice colour.

3. Add tomatoes, saffron, cayenne, salt and pepper. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, adding enough water to keep it the consistency of a pasta sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning. It should be potent and flavoursome. This can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

4. Make 4 gaps in the mixture, and break each egg into them. Sprinkle with salt, cover and cook very gently for 5-6 minutes, until the eggs just set. Sprinkle with coriander and serve with toasted baguette or sourdough.

salmon spinach pasta

Salmon Spinach Lasagna

serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

4 skinless salmon fillets

1 bag prewashed baby spinach

6 sheets dry pre-cooked lasagna

2 buffalo mozzarella, sliced

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup shredded parmesan

For the béchamel:
2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

1 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup cream

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

zest and juice of 1 lemon

METHOD:

1. Make the béchamel. In a small pot over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil, continually whisking. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in cream, pepper, lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Pre-cook the spinach in the microwave on high for 2 minutes. This should soften the leaves and reduce the volume by half. Set aside.

3. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C or 170C Fan) and assemble the lasagna.

4. In a 9" square x 3" deep casserole dish, ladle in 1/4 cup of the béchamel. Place 2 lasagna sheets on the bottom and then arrange the salmon fillets on top in one even layer. You may have to trim your fillets to make it fit. Lightly season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Spread half the mozzarella slices evenly over the salmon. Add another 2 lasagna sheets and ladle over another 1/4 cup of béchamel. Add cooked spinach and top with remaining mozzarella slices. Top with the final 2 lasagna sheets and pour the rest of the béchamel over top, making sure that the surface of the lasagna is covered with sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan over top.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until bubbly. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before serving.

instead of mashed potatoes

Cauliflower Au Gratin
recipe adapted from Delish
serves 6 (recipe can be doubled to serve a crowd)

INGREDIENTS:
1 cauliflower, cut up into pieces
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk, heated

2 tsp thyme
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and pepper

2 cups shredded Gruyère and/or white cheddar
1/2 cups grated Parmesan
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

METHOD:
1. Grease a 9 x 9" baking dish. Set aside.

2. In a medium pot, fill with water and heat to a boil. Add cauliflower and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and place cauliflower into the greased baking dish. Set aside.

3. Discard water and heat butter in the same pot over medium high. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. 

4. Pour in hot milk and keep whisking until mixture is thick and bubbly. Off heat, stir in thyme and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix in 1 cup of Gruyere. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

5. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower. Sprinkle remaining Gruyere and parmesan over top. Place in oven on the highest rack and broil/grill for 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown. Garnish with parsley (if using) and serve as a side dish.

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Potatoes Au Gratin
recipe adapted from Delish
serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:
6 baking starchy potatoes (russet or yukon gold), peeled and sliced thinly 1/4"
2 tbsp butter, plus more for pan
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cups milk
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp Kosher salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère and/or white cheddar
1/2 cups grated Parmesan

METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C or 180C Fan). Butter a 13 x 9" baking dish. Set aside.

2. In a small pot, heat butter over medium high. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream, milk, thyme, salt and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.

3. Layer a third of the potato slices into the prepared baking dish. Ladle a third of the cream sauce on top. Repeat to make 2 more layers. Sprinkle Gruyere and/or cheddar over top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender.

4. Remove foil and sprinkle parmesan on top. Bake for another 15-20 minutes uncovered until the top is golden brown. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

vietnamese chicken

Grilled Lemongrass Chicken

serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:
3.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (can substitute with 1" thick pork shoulder/butt)
1 lbs (500g) thin rice noodles

1 head butter or Boston lettuce
2 carrots, shredded
2 cucumbers, halved and thinly sliced

1 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup mint leaves
1 cup Thai Basil leaves
1 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Rice or prawn chips

Chicken Marinade:
3/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup sugar
4 lemongrass stalks (juicy lower stem, about 3 inches), crushed and finely minced
1/2 head of garlic, minced
4 green onions, chopped
1 tsp ground pepper

Nuoc Cham (dipping sauce):
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup warm water

2 tbsp cup sugar

2 tbsp lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Thai red chili, minced

METHOD

Marinate the Chicken:
1. In a large shallow dish, place chicken in a single layer.
2. Make the marinade by mixing ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours.

Make the Nuoc Cham:
1. Combine dipping sauce ingredients and set aside until ready to use.

Ready to Serve:
1. Place rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water for 1-2 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

2. Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. Grill or broil chicken until cooked through and lightly charred, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. Place lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, herbs and nuts (if using) in serving bowls on the table. Slice chicken on a bias 1/2 inch thick. Serve with noodles, vegetable toppings, nuoc cham and chips.

parm it

Eggplant and Chicken Parmigiana

serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS

For the eggplant parm:

1 large eggplant, sliced lengthwise 1/4" thick
kosher salt

1/4 cup chopped basil and parsley

1 cup shredded mozzarella (or 4 oz thinly sliced buffalo mozzarella)
extra basil for garnish

For the chicken parm:

1 1/2 lbs chicken cutlets (12-16 pieces)
kosher salt and ground pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella
chopped parsley for garnish

For the breading station:

1 cup flour
3 eggs beaten with 1 tsp of water
2 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving

For frying and assembly: 

grapeseed or canola oil for frying

4 cups marinara, heated

METHOD:
1. Season eggplant with salt and place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Top with another layer of paper towels and eggplant. Repeat as needed. Top with paper towel and another baking sheet, weighing it down with a heavy pot. Let eggplant sit for 45-60 minutes to release its liquid.

2. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

3. Prepare 3 large shallow bowls for the breading station:
    - flour   
    - beaten eggs, water
    - panko, garlic, oregano, parmesan
     
4. Coat eggplant in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture and then panko mixture. Set aside on a plate.

5. In a wide deep pan over medium high heat, add 1/4 inch oil. When pan is hot, but not smoking add eggplant. Careful not to crowd the pan and work in batches. Cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper lined plate to drain. Press immediately with more paper towel to absorb extra oil.

6. Combine basil, parsley and 1 cup of mozzarella, set aside. In a small square baking dish, add 1/2 cup of marinara, place 1 layer of eggplant (you may have to cut eggplant to fit) and top with 1/3 cup of cheese mixture. Repeat layers like a lasagne. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until eggplant is custardy.

7. While eggplant is baking, make the chicken parm. Season chicken and coat each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture and then panko mixture. Set aside on a plate.

8. Wipe clean any eggplant residue from the frying pan. Heat another 1/4" oil over medium high heat. When pan is hot, but not smoking add chicken. Careful not to crowd the pan and work in batches. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper lined plate to drain.

9. Once the eggplant is done baking, remove from oven and let rest 20-30 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil and extra parmesan.

10. In a large baking dish, add remaining marinara sauce and place chicken on top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over chicken and bake for 10-12 minutes until melty.

11. Garnish with parsley and serve with additional parmesan on the side.

potatoes and cauliflower

Aloo Gobi

serves 4-6 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 tbsp grapeseed oil

1 cauliflower, cut into chunky florets

3-4 potatoes, cut into large cubes

1 onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 piece of ginger (1-2 inches), finely chopped

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground tumeric

1 tsp chili powder

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp garam masala

1-2 cups vegetable stock

coarse salt and pepper

chopped cilantro

METHOD:

1. In a large non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp grapeseed oil over medium high. Add cauliflower and leave undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Add the potatoes, sprinkle with some salt and continue to stir-fry until everything is lightly charred, about 3-4 minutes longer. Transfer cauliflower and potatoes to 2 separate plates and set aside.

2. Lower heat to medium and add the rest of the oil and onions. Cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.

3. Add garlic and ginger and continue stirring for 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, tumeric and chili powder and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and continue stirring for 2 minutes.

4. Add potatoes, garam masala and 1 cup of vegetable stock. Lower heat, cover and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add cauliflower and cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are just tender. Add more stock if the mixture becomes too dry.

5. Season to taste and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

summer protein salad

Chicken Shrimp Halloumi Salad

serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

12 large raw shrimp marinated with 1 tsp mix of smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper

1 brick of halloumi cheese

1/2 kabocha pumpkin, 1/4 inch sliced

3 cups baby spinach

2 cups chopped romaine

1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch chunks

1/2 cup cooked farro, quinoa or brown rice

1/4 cup pesto 

4 tbsp sunflower seeds

METHOD:
1. In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil over medium high and cook marinated shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until done. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add the brick of halloumi. Leave undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gently flip and repeat on the other side. Transfer to a cutting board and once cool, slice the cheese in to 1/2 inch wide pieces.

3. Steam or grill the pumpkin slices until tender. Set aside.

4. In a large serving bowl, add spinach, romaine, cucumber and farro or other grain of your choice.

5. Top with chicken breast, shrimp, halloumi and pumpkin slices.

6. Drizzle pesto over top, sprinkle with sunflower seeds and serve!

classic hong kong noodle dish not from singapore

Singapore Noodles (星洲炒米)
serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS
For the noodles:
200g rice vermicelli
2 eggs, for an omelette

1 onion, halved and thinly sliced

1 carrot, julienned
1 bell pepper, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
cilantro sprigs for garnish
1 cup of thinly sliced char siu, cooked pork or chicken
1 cup of shrimp, squid or sliced fish balls
3-4 tbsp vegetable oil

For the sauce:
45 ml fish sauce
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
15 ml water

METHOD:
1. In a large bowl, soak rice vermicelli in some warm water until soft and pliable, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a glass measure, make the sauce by mixing the ingredients together. Set aside.

3. In a large non stick pan or wok, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium high heat and make a thin omelette. Lift onto a cutting board and let cool. Slice finely into strips and set aside.

4. In the same pan, heat another 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add onions, carrots and stir-fry until tender crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Add bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 2 minutes longer. Remove from pan and set aside.

5. In the same pan, add another 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add meat, seafood and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until golden. Add rice vermicelli and slowly drizzle the sauce over the noodles. Keep tossing the noodles until the sauce is completely incorporated. Add the vegetables, shredded omelette, green onions and toss well. Pour onto a serving platter, garnish with cilantro and serve.

indian cuisine essentials

Garam Masala
recipe adapted from The Spruce
makes about a 1/2 cup

INGREDIENTS:
1 whole cinnamon stick, crushed
2 tbsp cardamon seeds
2 tbsp black peppercorns

3 tbsp ground coriander

2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

METHOD:
1. In a small dry skillet over medium high heat, add crushed cinnamon, cardamon seeds and peppercorns. Toast for about 10 minutes until the ingredients have darkened slightly and give off a rich aroma. Shake and stir to toast the spices evenly.

2. Pour into a spice grinder and let cool. Set aside.

3. Add remaining spices to the same skillet and toast the same way, but only about 3-4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl. Set aside.

4. Grind cooled spices and add to the bowl. Mix well. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

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Cucumber Raita
makes about 1 cup

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 English cucumber, peeled, cut lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp mint leaves, chopped
1/2 clove garlic, minced

1 cup plain full fat yogurt (not Greek)

1 tsp cumin
dash of paprika and a mint leaf to garnish

METHOD:
1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

2. Garnish with a dash of paprika and a mint leaf before serving.

lotus root 2 ways

Fried Lotus Root Cake
makes about 12-14 patties

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 lbs (500g) minced pork
4-5 cups grated lotus root, about 3 sections
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced
1 tbsp minced ginger (optional)
3 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp salt
a few dashes of white pepper

METHOD:
1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.

2. Using a large spoon, form patties that are about 1 inch thick and 2 inches wide. Place in a single layer on a tray or plate. Chill patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking or do ahead and chill overnight.

3. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2-3 tbsp of grape seed or canola oil. Using a spatula, gently place each patty in the skillet and press down to flatten to less than 1/4 inch thick. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until crispy golden brown.

4. Drain patties on some paper towels. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with Worcestershire sauce or sriracha on the side.

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Cantonese Lotus Root Soup
serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:
1.5 lbs pork bones
1 lbs lotus root, peeled and cut in 1/2 inch rounds
1 inch piece of ginger

8 dried shitake mushrooms, rehydrated

6 dried red dates, rinsed
2 tbsp dried longan, rinsed
2 tbsp dried goji berries (wolfberries)
salt

METHOD:
1. Parboil Meat - Salt meat and place into a medium pot. Cover with water and bring to a rolling boil. This process removes impurities and scum, about 2-3 minutes. Remove, season with salt, and set aside. Discard water.

2. In a large stock pot, bring 3 litres (12 cups) water to a boil. Add pork bones and skim off any scum.

3. Once the boiling liquid is clear, add lotus root, ginger, mushrooms with its soaking liquid, and remaining dried ingredients. Lower heat and simmer for 3 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot.

homemade pesto

Pesto
makes about 2 cups

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup pine nuts
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3-4 garlic cloves
10-12 cups fresh basil leaves (about 3 bunches)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

METHOD:
1. Add pine nuts, Parmesan and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute.

2. Add basil and salt. Slowly drizzle olive oil while pulsing until almost smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as desired.

3. Use immediately or store in a clean air tight glass container in the fridge up to 7 days. If storing, top pesto with a 1/2 inch of olive oil to prevent browning before securing the container with a lid.

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Linguine Pesto
serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup homemade pesto
2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
1 500g (1 lbs) package of dried linguine
1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid
coarse salt and pepper
grated Parmesan cheese for serving

METHOD:
1. In a large serving bowl, add pesto and butter. Set aside.

2. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente.

3. Transfer pasta to serving bowl and add pasta cooking liquid. Toss vigorously with tongs, adding more liquid if needed. Taste and season as desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

lebanese chicken stew

Braised Chicken with Spinach

serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp butter

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1/2 head of garlic, minced

16 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups water

2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs

2 large bunch mature spinach, trimmed
coarse salt and pepper

Pickled red onions

METHOD:
1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium. Add onions and cook for 10 minutes until soft. Season chicken and set aside.

2. Add garlic, cardamon, coriander and red pepper flakes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.

3. Increase heat and add chicken broth and water. Scrape up any fond to make sure sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil and add chicken.

4. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is very tender. Remove chicken and place in a deep serving dish on one side.

6. Bring remaining stewing liquid to a boil and add the spinach. Cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer spinach to the other side of the serving dish. Gently pour remaining stewing liquid over the chicken. Top with pickled red onions and serve with rice.

saffron cauliflower

Saffron Cauliflower
recipe adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi
serves 4

INGREDIENTS:
1 cauliflower, sectioned into florets
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and cut in half lengthwise
1/2 tsp saffron strands, infused in 3 tbsp of boiling water
3 tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
coarse salt and pepper

4 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
tahini
pickled red onions

METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C).

2. In an oven proof dish, combine all ingredients except together for parsley, tahini and pickled red onions.

3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cauliflower is tender but not too soft, about 10-15 minutes longer.

4. Top with parsley, drizzle some tahini and dot with pickled red onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.

pickled red onions

Pickled Red Onions
makes about 1 cup

INGREDIENTS:
1 red onion, sliced thinly
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

METHOD:
1. Ensure you have a dry sanitized mason/pickling jar. Either wash in your dishwasher or rinse with boiling water before using.

2. Place onions into the jar. Set aside.

3. In a glass measuring cup, whisk remaining ingredients together until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour over onions.

4. Cover jar and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours before using. Pickled onions will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

cajun night

Jambalaya

serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp olive oil

2 cups andouille sausage, chopped

1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced

1 green, yellow or red bell pepper, diced
3-4 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups white or brown rice, rinsed and drained

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp chili flakes
1 bay leaf

1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes

2 cups water + 2 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup Italian parsley, minced

2 chicken breasts, diced and seasoned 

1 lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined and seasoned 

1 jalapeño, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

METHOD:
1. In a large wide mouth pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, sausage and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add bell peppers and garlic, cook for another 2 minutes.

2. Add rice, seasoning, spices and continue stirring until mixture looks dry and starting to just brown.

3. Increase heat and add tomatoes, parsley, water and chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until rice is almost tender. There should some liquid left in the rice, but add more water or broth if mixture dries out in-between.

4. Mix in chicken and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Stir in shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until shrimp is just pink and there is very little liquid left in the rice. Top with jalapeños and cover with lid. Turn off heat and rest for 3 minutes to finish cooking, letting the rice absorb remaining liquid. Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with cilantro to serve.

homemade hummus

Uncle Whit's Spicy Hummus
makes about 1 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS:
1 can 15 oz chickpeas
1 jalapeno, serrano or Thai chili pepper
1-2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tbsp water
salt

METHOD:
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Thin with additional water if  consistency becomes too thick. Add salt to taste and increase the amount of chili peppers if more heat is desired.

2. Use a spatula to scoop out hummus into a serving dish. Drizzle with a splash of olive oil and a dash of paprika (optional). Serve with your favourite vegetable crudites, chips or warmed pita bread.