Category Archives: Uncategorized

Skillet Chicken with Tomatoes, Pancetta and Mozzarella

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Make dinner fun again. With a topping of tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, it’s easy to think of this skillet dish as “pizza chicken.” It’s a tangy, milky, gooey, lovable meal that’s somewhat reminiscent of chicken Parmesan, but with succulent bone-in chicken pieces instead of breaded and fried cutlets. Even better, it has pancetta and anchovies for complexity of flavor, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour.

And at the very end, fresh bits of mozzarella get melted over everything. Imagine pizza toppings on a pan full of succulent, browned, bone-in chicken, with anchovies in the sauce for depth (it won’t taste fishy) and a crunchy pancetta garnish. As a final touch, add chunks of fresh mozzarella right at the end, broiling everything until the edges are singed ever so slightly and the cheese oozes in milky puddles.

“Those wonderfully distinct puddles are the reason for chunks of fresh mozzarella rather than grated, which would have melted into a more even blanket of cheese, but without the pockets of intensity. That said, if you’d rather use grated mozzarella, go right ahead. This is the kind of dish that welcomes variations. Add olives or capers instead of anchovies, substitute onion for garlic, swap rosemary for basil, or use all dark- or all white-meat pieces instead of a whole bird.”

Skillet Chicken with Tomatoes, Pancetta and Mozzarella

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 3½ lbs. bone-in chicken pieces (or use a 3½ lb. chicken cut into 8 pieces)
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 oz. pancetta, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 anchovy fillets
  • ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28-oz.) can whole plum tomatoes
  • 1 large basil sprig, plus more chopped basil for serving
  • 8 oz. bocconcini, halved (or use mozzarella cut into ¾-inch pieces)

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large oven-proof skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate.
  3. Add chicken to skillet. Sear, turning only occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon oil.
  4. Add garlic, anchovy and red pepper flakes to skillet; fry 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and basil. Cook, breaking up tomatoes with a spatula, until sauce thickens somewhat, about 10 minutes.
  5. Return chicken to skillet. Transfer skillet to oven and cook, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink, about 30 minutes.
  6. Scatter bocconcini or mozzarella pieces over skillet. Adjust oven temperature to broil. Return skillet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes (watch carefully to see that it does not burn). Garnish with pancetta and chopped basil before serving.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Melissa Clark for NYTimes Cooking

Artichoke-Parmesan Soup

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This sublime soup combines the nutty flavor of artichokes and the richness of Parmesan. Although fresh artichokes are preferred many home cooks may not have the patience for turning artichoke bottoms. Frozen artichokes—usually sold in nine-ounce packages labeled artichoke hearts—are a worthy substitute. The wine here works its magic, adding just enough acid to lighten the soup. 

Homemade chicken stock adds oodles of flavor, so if you have some use it instead of the boxed or canned varieties. For a finishing touch, add a shower of shaved Parmesan, a swirl of good extra-virgin olive oil and serve with toasted brioche for dipping.

*If using frozen artichoke hearts, omit lemon and water and start at Step 2. The soup can be refrigerated overnight. Rewarm gently over moderately low heat.

Artichoke-Parmesan Soup

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • One 2-oz. chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved into strips with a vegetable peeler
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 large globe artichokes (about 3 1/2 lbs.); OR 4 cups frozen artichoke hearts*, thawed
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium shallots, minced
  • Sea salt
  • 1 cup white wine, preferably Chardonnay
  • 3 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
  • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Directions

  1. If using fresh artichokes: Squeeze the lemon juice into a large bowl of cold water and add the lemon halves. Break off or cut the stem from the base of the artichokes. Using your hands, snap off the tough outer leaves near the base. Continue snapping off leaves until only the central cone of yellow leaves with pale green tips remain. Using a large sharp knife, trim the top cone of leaves to just below the green tips. Trip any tough, dark green areas from the base with a small knife. Cut the artichoke hearts in half. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, scrape out and discard the hairy chokes. Cut each half lengthwise into 4 even slices. Place the artichoke slices in the acidulated water.
  2. In a large nonreactive saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of the oil with the shallots and a pinch of sea salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring often, until softened but not brown.
  3. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Drain and add the artichoke slices and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Pour the wine all over the artichokes, increase the heat to moderately high and simmer until almost evaporated, about 7 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken stock and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer gently until the flavors have mingled, about 20 minutes.
  5. Transfer the soup to a food mill with a fine disk and puree. Discard any fibrous artichoke pieces that remain in the food mill. Return the soup to the pan; you should have about 3 cups. If the soup is too thin, return it to the saucepan and boil until reduced and thickened.
  6. Just before serving, whisk the butter into the hot soup over moderate heat until melted and incorporated. Pour the soup into heated soup plates or bowls and scatter the cheese strips on top. Serve immediately.

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Recipe by Patricia Wells for Food & Wine

Stewed Lentils With Sausage

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For this one-pot preparation, sausage is fried in oil to brown and release a bit of fat. Next, the soffritto and tomatoes come together, lentils are added, then the dish simmers until the legumes are tender and the liquid is saucy and thick. Like most stews, this dish can be made a few days ahead and reheated when desired.  

While the recipe calls for hot or sweet Italian sausage, we used up some red pepper and provolone we had on hand. Most reviewers emphasized removing the casings on the sausage if they are in links, so that is noted that below.

Truly tasty, and then for even more flavor, we topped ours with some grated pecorino and a shake of red pepper flakes, which would be most welcome if not using hot Italian sausage.

Interesting tidbit. In Italy, lentils are traditionally eaten at midnight to bring luck in the coming year. Because lentils are round, resembling coins, they are believed to bring prosperity to those who eat them. We can run with that… although we ate much earlier than midnight…

NOTE: While the lentils do not need a presoak, a two-hour soak will cut the cooking time in half.

Stewed Lentils With Sausage

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. large (sweet or hot) Italian sausages, casings removed; or bulk sausage
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into ¼-inch dice
  • 1 small yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch dice
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 (15-oz.) can tomato purée; or 1 3/4 cup passatta
  • 2 cups dried brown lentils (about 14 oz.), rinsed and picked over
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • ½ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Break the sausages into 1-inch pieces and add to the pot. Allow the chunks to sear and brown on all sides for 3 to 4 minutes, occasionally smashing with a wooden spoon to break into smaller pieces. Leaving the oil and brown bits behind, transfer the sausages to a dish layered with paper towel to soak up excess oil.
  2. Add the garlic, carrots, celery and onion to the pot and allow to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened and onion is translucent; add salt to taste.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste until the vegetables are coated, then stir in the vegetable stock, tomato purée and lentils. Add the sausages and bay leaves; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes (ours took 60 min.), stirring occasionally to ensure the lentils are not sticking to the bottom. The final dish should be thick and lentils will have a bit of a bite. Discard bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper; garnish each serving with cheese.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Anna Francese Gass for NYTimes Cooking

Double Pepper Diavolo With Shrimp

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A great weeknight alternative, this pasta and seafood dinner incorporates a twist to the typical red tomato sauce. According to the Bon Appétit article where we found this dish, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Italian American red sauce restaurants are almost universally comforting.

Maybe it’s the checkered tablecloths (although I doubt it) and the heaping platters of food. Or, perhaps, the reassuring familiarity of the menu. From penne alla vodka to spaghetti and meatballs, it’s like seeing old friends. Fra diavolo (one of my faves) is a stalwart among the classics, adorned with pink claws of lobster or shrimp or a jumble of mixed seafood.

Fans will appreciate it for the lick of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, a high point in an otherwise simple tomato sauce. Here, however, the usual canned tomatoes are replaced with jarred roasted red peppers, a subtle but effective change that imparts a smokier, sweeter allure to the dish that plays off the sweetness of the shrimp. Look for smaller shrimp so every mouthful of pasta contains a bite. (Unable to source unfrozen small shrimp while grocery shopping, I resorted to the large shrimp on sale.)

Not an anchovy fan? Me neither, but The Hubs loves them. Yes, 10 anchovies seems a bit extreme to me, so I had reservations. However, they break down completely and meld into the sauce and add the extra depth of flavor. If I didn’t know they were in the dish, I would never have guessed.

As a final flourish with the chopped fresh parsley, we sprinkled on a bit of grated Parm. Complete the meal with a side salad.

Double Pepper Diavolo With Shrimp

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. deveined small shrimp, fresh or frozen
  • 3 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more
  • 1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • 12 oz. bucatini or other long-strand pasta
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 10 oil-packed anchovy fillets
  • ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces
  • Chopped parsley (for serving)

Directions

  1. If using frozen shrimp: Remove 1 pound frozen peeled, deveined small shrimp from bag and place in a large bowl. Pour in cool water to cover and let sit until mostly thawed, about 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Return to bowl, add 2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt, and toss to coat. Fresh shrimp can be patted dry and placed in bowl with salt. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, blend one 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained, in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook 12 ounce bucatini or other long-strand pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving 1½ cups pasta cooking liquid.
  4. Heat ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high. Cook 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 8 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, 10 oil-packed anchovy fillets, and 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt, stirring often, until onion is softened and anchovies are dissolved, 5–7 minutes. Add ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until darkened slightly, about 4 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup dry white wine, 1½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon sugar; cook, stirring and scraping bottom and sides of pan, until wine is reduced by half, about 4 minutes.
  6. Pour reserved red pepper purée into pot. Pour 1 cup pasta cooking liquid into blender and swish around to get every last bit of purée; pour into pot. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces, pasta, and reserved shrimp and cook, stirring often and adding up to ½ cup pasta cooking liquid a little at a time if needed, until shrimp are cooked through and pasta is coated in sauce, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
  7. Divide among plates; top with chopped parsley.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Shilpa Uskokovic for Bon Appétit Magazine

Spicy Black Bean, Twice-Cooked Potatoes

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Admittedly, we have never stir-fried potatoes before. So our first foray was this vegetarian/vegan dish based on a favorite Chinese dish called “Twice-Cooked Pork”. In lieu of meat, this dish features potatoes roasted in the oven and then stir-fried with a spicy black sauce. You can adjust the heat to cater to your own preferences.

When the potatoes come out of the oven after 30 minutes or so, they are fabulous to eat as they are, without the additional ingredients and stir-frying. So if you have a picky eater, push a small portion aside for them (reheat briefly in microwave if necessary).

Spicy Black Bean, Twice-Cooked Potatoes

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 4-5 medium Yukon gold potatoes; scrubbed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. five-spice powder
  • Neutral oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (smashed and coarsely chopped)
  • 1-6 dried red chilies, chopped and de-seeded; depending on your tolerance for heat
  • 2 Tbsp. fermented black beans; soaked in hot water for 15 minutes; do not discard water
  • 1 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp. light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. dark soy sauce
  • ½ tsp. sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp. black bean soaking water
  • 1 cup leeks; sliced on the diagonal into thin strips

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and spread the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss with salt to taste, white pepper, and five-spice powder. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for about 30 minutes, or until fork tender. (Ours took 10 minutes longer.)
  2. Once the potatoes are done roasting, heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili, and black beans. Cook for 30 seconds, and be careful not to burn the ingredients.
  3. Turn heat to high and add the sliced leeks. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the wine, soy sauces, sesame oil, and water. Stir everything together and add the roasted potatoes. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Adapted from a recipe by Judy Leung in The Woks of Life

Peruvian Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

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Arroz con pollo is classic comfort food throughout Latin America. A staple in many Latin American kitchens, arroz con pollo combines inexpensive ingredients—chicken, rice, and spices—in a filling one-pot meal.

To make this Cook’s Illustrated version, choose moist chicken thighs, which are browned in a Dutch oven to build flavor and render fat. Use a food processor to transform onion, cilantro, Cubanelle pepper, garlic, and cumin into a flavorful sofrito that serves as the backbone for the dish. Medium-grain rice to long- and short-grain varieties are preferred because it gives the dish a creamy, cohesive texture. Sazón seasoning does double duty here, adding both savory flavor and vibrant color.

A staple of many cuisines, including Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican cooking, sazón is a blend of spices, and when translated from Spanish, it means simply “seasoning.” It can be found with the other Latin American foods in most supermarkets. It was easily sourced at our local supermarket, but if you can’t find sazón, a decent substitute would be smoked paprika.

All of the ingredients in sazón will add a warm, earthy taste to your dish, but the main reason you use sazón is to give your dish a pop of orange color. You can use sazón in a myriad of applications since it plays well with acidic foods and dishes such as in a vibrant tomato dish, as a seasoning on French fries and popcorn, and as a dry rub for pork belly.

If necessary, substitute 3/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper for the Cubanelle pepper. Allow the rice to rest for the full 15 minutes before lifting the lid to check it. Long-grain rice may be substituted for medium-grain, but the rice will be slightly less creamy. 

These photos were taken when beta testing the recipe for America’s Test Kitchen. Once revised and published six months later, the ingredients and instructions were altered and those revisions are reflected in the recipe below.

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, and stems, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 Cubanelle pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped (3/4 cup)
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped coarse
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice, (2 lemons), plus lemon wedges for serving
  • Salt and pepper
  • 6 (5- to 7-oz.) bone in chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 cups medium-grain rice, rinsed
  • 1 Tbsp. Goya Sazón with Coriander and Annatto; OR smoked paprika
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup pimento-stuffed green olives, halved
  • 2 Tbsp. capers, rinsed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)

Directions

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Process cilantro, 1/2 cup onion, Cubanelle, garlic, and cumin in food processor until finely chopped, about 20 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed. Transfer sofrito to bowl.
  2. Process mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sofrito in now-empty processor until almost smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer mayonnaise-herb sauce to small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken to pot skin side down and cook without moving it until skin is crispy and golden, 7 to 9 minutes. Flip chicken and continue to cook until golden on second side, 7 to 9 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to plate; discard skin.
  4. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add remaining 1/2 cup onion and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in rice and Sazón and cook until edges of rice begin to turn translucent, about 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in broth, olives, capers, bay leaves, remaining sofrito, remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, scraping up any browned bits. Nestle chicken into pot along with any accumulated juices and bring to vigorous simmer. Cover, transfer to oven, and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Transfer pot to wire rack and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Fluff rice with fork and stir in peas, if using. Discard bay leaves. Serve with mayonnaise-herb sauce and lemon wedges.

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Recipe from Cook’s Illustrated

Braised Shallot Confit

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Braised shallots are one of those things that every resourceful cook should know about. When braised in a bit of red wine, Cognac and fresh thyme, shallots turn unbelievably sweet and jammy—wonderful served alongside roast chicken or a juicy grilled steak.

We loved, loved, loved this dish! In fact, you may want to make extra to spread onto bruschetta and top with a little goat cheese. Or try them tucked into a sliced turkey sandwich on chewy country bread.

Look for shallots that are all about the same size—preferably medium sized 1 to 1 1/2 inch across—so they will braise evenly. One word of caution, when adding the cognac, be prepared for a flare up…

Screenshot

The shallots can be made ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerated for a few days.

Braised Shallot Confit

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. shallots
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. Cognac, or other brandy.
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme.
Screenshot

Directions

  1. Trimming the shallots: Peel the shallots and trim off any bits of the root end that remain. Divide and large shallots in two—the halves should fall apart naturally, but you may need to peel off the first layer of shallot to serparate them.
  2. Browning and flaming the shallots. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Sauté, tossing frequently, until the shallots are brown in spotsand you can smell the aromaof cooking onions, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Cognac: If you are cooking over a gas stove, carefully tilt the pan and let the flame ignite the Cognac. On electric, hold a match to the pan to light the cognac. Stand backas the flame flares up, then swirl the panaround and let the flameburn down. Simmeruntil there is onlya glaze lefton the bottom of the oan.
  4. The braise. Add the wine and one teaspoon of thymeand bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Simmer until the shallots are completely soft and falling apart, about 40 to 45 minutes.After the first 15 minutes, check to make sure that the pan is not dry, ad a few tablespoons of water if necessary.Check again 2 or 3 times as the shalloys braise.
  5. The Finish: When the shallots are done, remove the lid and, over medium heat, boil down any liquid, shaking and stirring a few times, until a glaze forms on the shallots. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, gently stir (expect some of the shallots to fall apart a bit). Taste for salt and pepper; serve warm or a room temperature

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Recipe by Molly Stevens in “All About Braising”

Honey-Miso Salmon and Broccolini Traybake

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Here is a wonderful fish and veggie dish from Milk Street. Miso, soy sauce and honey make a savory-sweet, umami-rich marinade for meaty, fat-rich salmon. Some of the mixture is set aside and combined with orange juice and zest, creating a savory-sweet sauce for drizzling over the finished dish.

While the fish marinates, the broccolini gets a head start on roasting. Then once the quick-cooking salmon is added, the traybake is nearly done. Serve with steamed rice if desired (we didn’t), and perhaps a leafy green salad alongside (we did).

Traybakes are a wonderful weeknight option because you are using only one pan in the cooking process and they tend to be quick. But let’s talk about the broccolini. In the end, ours was over-charred, and that is even after removing it from the sheet pan before the salmon was finished.

The directions indicate to cook the broccolini spears in a 425°F oven for 15 minutes before turning and adding the salmon. Well, it was perfectly cooked at that point, so we should have removed it to a plate and covered it with foil until the salmon was ready, but against our better judgement, we let the broccolini cook longer.

After about 8 minutes of cooking the traybake, we yanked the over-charred broccolini and let the salmon cook longer. Instead of four pieces, we cut our fillet in half which added to a bit of time to come to temperature. Word to the wise, if your broccolini stems are on the narrow side, perhaps only cook them about 5-8 minutes before adding the salmon.

Honey-Miso Salmon and Broccolini Traybake

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. white OR red miso
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 3 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided
  • 4 6-oz. center-cut salmon fillets (1 to 1¼ inches thick), patted dry
  • 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest, plus 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 lb. broccolini, trimmed OR broccoli crowns, cut into 1-inch florets
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the middle position. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, soy sauce, honey and 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer half of the mixture to a wide, shallow dish; add the salmon skin-side up and set aside. Stir the orange zest and juice into the mixture remaining in the bowl; set aside.
  2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the Broccolini with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Distribute in an even layer, then roast until beginning to brown at the edges, about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a wide metal spatula, scrape up and flip the Broccolini, pushing it to the edges. Add the salmon, skin-side down, to the center of the baking sheet. Roast until the fish flakes easily and the Broccolini is lightly charred and tender-crisp, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and drizzle with the miso-orange sauce.
  4. Optional garnish: Toasted sesame oil OR toasted sesame seeds OR sliced scallions OR red pepper flakes OR a combination

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe from Malcom Jackson for Milk Street

Balsamic Mushroom and Sausage Pasta

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Dark and moody in color but surprisingly bright and light to eat, this quick dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Most of the ingredients are likely to be in your pantry, or at the least, easy to source.

Hot Italian sausage sings backup in this dish to a pound of mushrooms and a heap of caramelized red onion. A glug of balsamic vinegar, used to scrape up any browned bits that build up on the bottom of the pot, adds complexity, acidity, and a little sweetness in one fell swoop. Use a mid-length tube-shaped pasta so all the mushroom and sausage bits have a place to snuggle.

We had fresh basil on hand, so some coarsely chopped basil was both mixed into the pan at the end of cooking, and also used as a garnish. Serve with a side salad and voila, dinner done. Of course if you want to amp up the meal a bit, some tasty, toasty garlic bread is always a welcome companion. We served ours with a side of roasted broccoli rabe.

Balsamic Mushroom and Sausage Pasta

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. medium tube pasta (such as mezzi rigatoni or pipe rigate)
  • 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more
  • 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 lb. crimini or button mushrooms, cut into ¼” pieces
  • 8 oz. hot Italian sausage
  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped, loosely packed (optional)
  • Finely grated Parmesan (for serving)

Directions

  1. Cook 12 ounces medium tube pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot or skillet over medium-high until butter is melted. Add 1 pound crimini or button mushrooms, cut into ¼” pieces, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are browned, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
  3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons extra-virgin oil in same pot over medium-high. Add 8 ounces hot Italian sausage and ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt. Cook, breaking meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon or heatproof rubber spatula, until cooked through, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add 1 large red onion, finely chopped, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, and cook, stirring often, until combined and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Return mushrooms to pot and add 2 Tbsp. tomato paste and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; season with freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until paste is darkened in color, about 2 minutes. Pour in ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar and cook, scraping up any browned bits stuck to bottom of pot, 30 seconds.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add pasta, ½ cup reserved pasta cooking liquid, and remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Cook, stirring often and adding more pasta cooking liquid a little at a time if needed, until pasta is coated and sauce is glossy, about 30 seconds. Stir in chopped basil if using.
  6. Transfer pasta to a platter; top with finely grated Parmesan and more basil, if using.

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Recipe by Kendra Vaculin for Bon Appétit

Cumin-Seared Flank Steak with Lime

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WOW, what a weeknight treat! This Cumin-Seared Flank Steak dish was fantastic, with so much flavor, and a minimal amount of ingredients in under 45 minutes!

To make the Cuban classic bistec de palomilla, thin-cut steak is marinated in garlic and lime juice before it is pan-fried, and it is served under a pile of sautéed onions. Though sirloin or top round is commonly the choice of meat, here, flank steak is used instead and the process allows to skip any marination.

Instead, the surface of the meat is scored with shallow crosshatched cuts before cooking. The grooves not only grip the seasoning mix of crushed cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper so they stay on the meat instead of winding up in the pan, they also help produce better flavor-boosting caramelization.

In just eight minutes, the steak was perfectly medium rare, removed to a platter so that the remaining ingredients can be cooked along with browned bits left in the skillet.

Typical side dishes might be rice or beans. We decided on a simple skillet potato dish. The Yukon Golds were first microwaved until just barely fork tender. Once they cooled slightly they were cut into 1/2″ slices; browned in olive oil and butter with some minced shallots, salt and pepper.

Cumin-Seared Flank Steak with Lime

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. cumin seeds, lightly crushed
  • 3/4 tsp. dried oregano, divided
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1½ lbs. flank steak
  • 1 Tbsp. grapeseed or other neutral oil
  • 3 Tbsp. salted butter, cut into 3 pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe medium tomato, cored and chopped
  • 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, ¼ teaspoon of the oregano and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, score shallow cuts into the steak, perpendicular to the grain and spaced ½ inch apart. Now crosshatch at a 45-degree angle to the first cuts. Flip the steak and crosshatch the second side.
  2. Rub the cumin mixture into the cuts on both sides, then cut the steak into 2 or 3 pieces with the grain. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until barely smoking. Add the steak and cook, flipping once, until well browned and the center reaches 125°F (for medium-rare), 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. In the same skillet over medium, melt the butter. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon oregano and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until the onion is wilted, 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Add the lime juice and accumulated steak juices; cook, stirring, until slightly reduced, about 1 minute.
  5. Off heat, stir in the parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the onion mixture to a platter. Thinly slice the steak against the grain and place on the platter. Serve with lime wedges.

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Recipe by Courtney Hill for Milk Street

Pork Tenderloins with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Green Olives

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Oodles of flavor in this simple and quick weeknight recipe. Inspired by a recipe in “How to Roast a Lamb” by chef Michael Psilakis, two umami-packed ingredients are used for this dish: sun-dried tomatoes and olives. But instead of applying the ingredients to lamb, they are used as a big Mediterranean flavor boost for lean, mild pork tenderloin.

They are combined to make a relish-like pan sauce to finish pork tenderloins seasoned with Dijon, garlic and oregano. A quick sear followed by pan-roasting ensures the meat gets caramelization on the exterior, but also cooks speedily. Serving suggestions: a simple salad, carrot medallions, crusty bread, or rice or orzo pilaf. BTW, you will need an oven-safe 12-inch skillet for this recipe.

Don’t sear the pork until deeply browned. Instead, aim for light, spotty charring, which takes about 4 minutes. Also, don’t worry if the drippings in the skillet become very dark and even smoke lightly during roasting. Deglazing the pan to make the sauce will loosen the drippings.

Confession. It was our intention to cut the amount of meat in half (keeping the other ingredients the same). While at the grocery store, we both had a senior moment because we picked up a pork loin filet, and not a pork tenderloin, which usually come two to a package. In all honesty, the cooking times worked just as well with the filet. All-in-all, we loved the dish which we paired with cooked carrot medallions and a side salad.

Pork Tenderloins with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Green Olives

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided
  • 2 tsp. minced fresh oregano, plus 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 2 1¼-lb. pork tenderloins, trimmed of silver skin, halved crosswise
  • 1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp. red wine vinegar

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 450°F with a rack in the middle position. In a large bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of oil, the minced oregano, garlic, mustard, ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the pork, turn to coat and rub the seasonings into the meat.
  2. In an oven-safe 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until shimmering. Add the pork and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, about 4 minutes.Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the center of the thickest piece reaches 135°F or is just slightly pink when cut into, 9 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven; the handle will be hot. Using tongs, transfer the pork to a platter and let rest while you make the sauce.
  3. Set the skillet over medium and add the shallot. Cook, stirring constantly, until the shallot is lightly browned, about 1 minute.Add the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, vinegar and ¼ cup water, then cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the tomatoes are plumped and the mixture has the consistency of a loose relish, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Thinly slice the pork and return to the platter. Spoon the sauce over it and sprinkle with the chopped oregano.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Courtney Hill for Milk Street

Mujaddara (Middle Eastern Rice with Lentils, Frizzled Onions, and Lemony Yogurt Sauce)

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Just as there are umpteenth recipes for chili, so there are for mujaddara—that vegetarian Middle Eastern rice-and-lentil dish topped with crisp-fried onions and tangy yogurt sauce. It borrows ingredients and techniques from cookbook authors like Yotam Ottolenghi and Paula Wolfert, plus skilled home cooks. If you have time, toast the spices whole, then grind them yourself—it’s worth the extra step, but not necessary.

Never heard of Mujaddara? Mujaddara is a signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils, rice, and deeply caramelized onions. A bold and comforting dish that’s typically served with a topping of crispy onion rings and a side of plain yogurt with a fresh Mediterranean salad such as cucumber and tomato salad, fattoush salad, or shirazi salad.

The secret to an authentic mujadara recipe is in the onions. This dish starts and ends with onions. First, deeply caramelized chopped onions are cooked with the rice and lentils, imparting flavor and the deep, golden hue this dish is known for. And to finish your mujaddara, you’ll top the cooked rice and lentils with thinly sliced, crispy onions. Alas, ours never got super crispy, we think due to the skillet not being wide enough. Instead they steamed more than crisped.

Mujaddara (Middle Eastern Rice with Lentils, Frizzled Onions, and Lemony Yogurt Sauce)

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: moderate
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Ingredients

FOR THE SAUCE:

  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground sumac and extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish (optional)

FOR THE RICE AND LENTILS:

  • 1 1/2 cups olive or vegetable oil, for frying
  • 4 medium onions, (1 1/2 lbs.) halved through the root end then thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed in a strainer until the water runs clear
  • 2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and checked for any debris
  • Coarsely chopped parsley leaves or cilantro, for garnish
  • 4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

  1. In a small serving bowl, stir together the yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Place the lentils in a small saucepan, cover with plenty of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the lentils have softened but still have a little bite. Drain and set aside.
  3. To a large pot with a lid, such as a Dutch, add 1½ cups of oil and turn the heat to high. When it’s hot and shimmering, reduce the heat to medium-high, add one-third of the onions, and fry, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until crisp and deep golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the two remaining batches of onions, adding a little extra oil to the pot if needed. When all of the onions have been fried, strain the oil into a heatproof container and set aside.
  4. To the empty pot, add the coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, and 3 tablespoons of the reserved oil and turn the heat to medium. Cook, stirring continuously, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring continuously, until translucent, about 2 minutes, then add 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir in the lentils and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove, lift off the lid, and quickly cover the pan with a clean tea towel. Seal tightly with the lid and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove the lid and the dish towel. Stir in half of the reserved onions, fluffing the rice as you go with a fork. Pile the mixture into a serving bowl, then scatter with the remaining onions and garnish with parsley or cilantro and the sliced scallions, if using. Uncover the yogurt sauce, sprinkle with sumac, drizzle with oil, and serve on the side.

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Recipe by Jerusalem: A Cookbook, by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi

Greek-Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill

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Loved this shrimp and rice recipe from Milk Street, where we found it in a recent issue of their magazine under Tuesday Night Dinners. We try to have a seafood/fish dinner at least once a week, and this was not only easy, but delicious!

Spanakorizo, or spinach rice (literally translated), is a homestyle Greek dish. The addition of shrimp creates a complete one-pot meal. With dill and lemon as accents, the flavors are fresh and bright, but a little butter used to wilt the spinach and olive oil drizzled on as a final flourish add a satisfying richness. To simplify prep, look for shrimp that are sold already peeled and deveined.

Don’t use a wide pot, such as a Dutch oven, to make this recipe. We found that a large surface area can result in unevenly cooked grains. The narrower diameter of a saucepan is the better choice. Don’t peek at the shrimp after adding them to the rice, except while stirring them into the rice after the first 10 minutes. Keeping the lid on traps heat in the pan so the shrimp cook through.

Greek-Style Spinach Rice with Shrimp and Dill

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 2 5-oz. containers baby spinach
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
  • 2 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 lb. extra-large (21/25 per pound) shrimp, peeled (tails removed), deveined and patted dry
  • 1 cup lightly packed fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp. grated lemon zest, plus 3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan over medium-high, heat the butter until bubbling. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted but still bright green, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, including any liquid released by the spinach; set aside.
  2. Set the same pan over medium-high. Add the oil, shallots and ¼ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring often, until the shallots are translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the rice, 2½ cups water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to low and cook until the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Meanwhile, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
  3. When the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat. Quickly and evenly scatter the shrimp over the surface, re-cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Using a fork, fluff the rice and fold in the shrimp. Re-cover and let stand until the shrimp are opaque throughout, another 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the spinach with its liquid, the dill and the lemon zest and juice, then fold until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve drizzled with additional oil.

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Recipe by Rebecca Richmond for Milk Street

Tomato-Roasted Onions with Paprika

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We have never considered onions as an entrée—side dish, absolutely; condiment, of course; salad addition, naturally. But onions can be a startling delight when they’re served as the main event. Here, a hot sear produces a glorious collection of complex flavors, and the gentle roast that follows renders the collection of onions fully spoonable, soft like butter on a hot day.

If you’re looking for proof that onions can be more than just background players, this is it. Sweet paprika balances the richness of the dish, lending its vibrant red hue and a fruity, mild heat. To better appreciate every nuance of the onions, serve this simply—a side of buttered egg noodles or rice will do nicely.

But we went whole hog and paired the onions with a reverse-seared NY strip steak and a side salad. The recipe calls for a mix of six small onions, we bought three large. Therefore our wedges were much bigger than they would have been with small onions. Luckily they all fit in a large cast-iron skillet, so we didn’t need to brown them in two batches. However, we did need to brown them almost 50% longer.

Next time, we will cover the skillet for the first 30 minutes in the oven, then remove the cover, cooking until the onions are tender all the way through.

Tomato-Roasted Onions with Paprika

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable or beef bouillon paste
  • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
  • 2 Tbsp. (or more) vegetable oil
  • 2 lb. mixed onions (about 6 small), roots trimmed with ends left intact, peeled, quartered through root ends
  • Dill sprigs and parsley leaves with tender stems (for serving)

Directions

  1. Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 375°. Mix 6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, ¼ cup double-concentrated tomato paste, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 Tbsp. paprika, 1 Tbsp. vegetable or beef bouillon paste, 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp. sugar, and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and ¾ cup water in a small bowl to combine; set garlic mixture aside.
  2. Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if needed and adding up to 1 Tbsp. more vegetable oil to pan if it looks dry at any point, arrange 2 lb. mixed onions (about 6 small), roots trimmed with ends left intact, peeled, quartered through root ends, cut side down, in pan with tongs (be careful and stand back; the oil will spatter) and season lightly with salt. Cook until charred underneath, about 5 minutes; repeat for the other cut side of each wedge. If working in batches, transfer onions to a plate as you go (be gentle here; you want them to hold their shape).
  3. Return all onions to pan if you cooked them in batches and arrange so cut sides are facing up. Add reserved garlic mixture and shake pan gently to settle sauce. Bake in oven until onions are very tender and oil begins to separate from tomato paste, 30–40 minutes. (Our large onion wedges took over an hour before they were completely softened the entire way through.)
  4. Scatter dill sprigs and parsley leaves with tender stems over onions to serve.

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Recipe by Shilva Uskokovic for Bon Appétit

Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

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If you are an eggplant fan, you need to add this stir-fry to your shortlist. Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce, or “fish fragrant eggplant” (yuxiang qiezi) is a familiar dish in many American Chinese restaurants and buffets these days, but it’s also a dish with many authentic variations in China. Here is another version of this much-loved classic.

In most cases, Chinese restaurants make this Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce dish by deep frying the eggplant, resulting in very tasty, soft eggplant, but also a very oily dish. This Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce uses a fraction of the oil in restaurant versions and is a game-changing healthy dish!

The eggplant pieces had to be cooked in two batches to ensure they would brown instead of steam. If you need to do this also, it will add some time to the overall recipe. As far as the ground pork, we used a bit more (25%) than called for. If you are vegetarian, you can skip the meat altogether or replace it with tofu.

Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

FOR THE SAUCE MIXTURE:

  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 Tbsp. corn starch
  • 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. light soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. dark soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine or sherry
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. oyster sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1/8 tsp. ground white pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, (finely minced), divided

FOR THE REST OF THE DISH:

  • 2-3 Japanese or Chinese eggplants, (about 1 pound)
  • 2 scallions, white and green parts finely chopped
  • 4 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided
  • 4 oz. ground pork, chicken, or turkey (optional)
  • 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
  • 5 dried red chilies, or more to taste, seeded and sliced into small pieces

Directions

  1. Combine the sauce ingredients, adding only half of the minced garlic, in a small bowl and set aside. Reserve the remaining half of the garlic for later.
  2. Wash the eggplants, cut the ends off, and slice them into equal-sized pieces. After slicing, separate the green and white portions of the scallions into roughly two piles.
  3. Over medium-high heat, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in your wok. Add half of the eggplant and spread it into a single layer, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it sear until brown, about 3 minutes, then begin flipping and stirring it occasionally until it’s lightly browned all over. Take this first batch of eggplant out of the pan, heat a second tablespoon and a half of oil, and do the same with your second batch. Set all the cooked eggplant aside on a plate.
  4. Set the heat to high and add the last tablespoon of oil to the wok along with the ground pork and cook until opaque, breaking it up into small bits as you go. Add the ginger, dried chili peppers, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the aromatics are fragrant and lightly toasted. Add the eggplant back in, along with the stir-fry sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes, making sure everything is well combined.
  5. Toss in the scallions and stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Serve immediately with white or brown steamed rice.

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Recipe from the Woks of Life Cookbook