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Dressing

Dinner, Dressing, Lactose Free, Mexican, Recipes, Rice Dishes, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Cilantro Brown Rice

June 28, 2019

Cilantro Brown Rice Bowl with Avocado, Tomato & Cucumbers

During a recent trip to Seattle to visit family, we baked up some Enchiladas Suizas for a luncheon one afternoon.  My stepdaughter Jessica made a delicious cilantro rice side dish she had recently discovered on What’s Gaby Cooking blog.  Generally there’s no middle ground on the subject of cilantro.  You either love or hate it.  Even though she may not yet be a fully converted cilantro lover, I’m happy she shared this recipe with us.  It’s truly delicious.

Fresh Cilantro

Besides waiting for the brown rice to cook, the only other step that takes a few minutes to complete is removing the stems from the cilantro sprigs. Otherwise, it’s a snap to make.  I used our immersion blender the first time I made the cilantro dressing. It did a decent job but our Vitamix turned out perfectly pureed ingredients in just a few seconds.

Cilantro Dressing

Brown Rice & Cilantro Dressing

The rice makes a wonderful side dish for any Mexican meal or as a meal of its own served with avocado and crispy cucumbers.  Mexican Style Grilled Chicken is the perfect main dish to serve with this rice.

Cilantro Brown Rice

Cilantro Brown Rice
 
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Adapted from What's Gaby Cooking
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 cups long grain brown rice
  • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped shallot
  • 2 cups tightly packed fresh cilantro, tough stems discarded
  • 1 medium garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you prefer a spicier flavor)
  • ⅓ scant cup mild olive oil, or a mix of canola and extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Preparation
  1. Cook brown rice in a rice cooker or on the stove top according to package directions.
  2. Combine shallot through salt in a blender (Vitamix or other high-powered blender works best). Blend ingredients for about 20 seconds. Scrape down the sides as needed. Blend another 15 seconds, or until the cilantro dressing is very smooth.
  3. Place cooked brown rice in a large serving bowl. Pour cilantro dressing over the rice and toss to coat well.
  4. The rice is best eaten when warm. You may reheat the rice if made in advance or if frozen, defrost in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

 

Dinner, Dressing, Lactose Free, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Veggies

Butter Lettuce Salad with Tarragon & Citrus Vinaigrette

February 1, 2018

Butter Lettuce Salad

This is a simple and refreshing salad that you can put together at a moment’s notice. With its crisp, whole leaves it makes an impressive first course to any meal.  The citrus dressing is what highlights this beautiful salad.

Butter Lettuce

Lemons from the garden

This year our little Meyer lemon tree produced a huge crop.  There was so much fruit we pruned the tree to prevent the branches from breaking off from excess weight. I often use fresh lemons and limes in my recipes so I appreciate having these two citrus trees in our garden.

Limes from the garden

Fresh Tarragon

Tarragon has a bright herbal flavor with notes of lemon, anise and basil.

Citrus Vinaigrette

This citrus vinaigrette is delightful.  The lemon and lime zest add a subtle zing that goes perfectly with this salad.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Tomato & Avocado

The tomatoes and avocado are optional but the addition of one or both make for a colorful and flavorful salad.  I can never turn down a good avocado.

Butter Lettuce Salad

Butter Lettuce Salad with Tarragon & Citrus Vinaigrette
 
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Adapted from Serious Eats Blog
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • salt & pepper
  • 5 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 large heads butter lettuce
  • ¼ cup fresh tarragon leaves
  • Diced tomato (optional)
  • Diced avocado (optional)
Preparation
  1. Whisk the lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, honey and mustard in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk in the canola oil until completely emulsified.
  2. Trim off the cores of the lettuce, discarding the tough outer leaves. Wash lettuce in a bowl of cold water. Spin or pat dry.
  3. Place whole lettuce leaves in a large bowl along with the tarragon leaves and drizzle enough vinaigrette to coat thoroughly. Season with additional salt and pepper. Stack lettuce leaves in 4 wide salad bowls, starting each stack with the large outer leaves on the bottom and ending with the smaller leaves on top. Scatter diced tomatoes and or sliced avocado over the lettuce leaves. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired before serving.

 

Chicken, Dinner, Dressing, Lactose Free, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes, Veggies

Chinese Chicken Salad

June 19, 2017

Chinese Chicken Salad

There are a number of stories told about the origins of Chinese Chicken Salad and it appears that none are definitive although most agree that it all began in the ’60s.  Wikipedia states that it became especially popular after Cary Grant asked the chef at Madame Wu’s in Santa Monica to add it to their menu after Grant had the salad at another restaurant. Whatever the case might be, it is one of my favorite salads too.  Now, there are so many variations on this salad you could make a different version every day for months.  Some poach their chicken breasts, others use rotisserie chicken. Some use mandarin oranges (no thanks!) or nuts such as peanuts and almonds.  I prefer to use leftover Granny’s teriyaki chicken and when we make it for dinner we plan for leftovers.  The salad ingredients and dressing are quick to put together, and though it does take 15 minutes or so to fry the won ton strips, it is worth the effort.

Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, Chinese cabbage, won bok, however it’s labeled it’s all the same cabbage.  It has beautiful ripply leaves, a crunchy texture and mild cabbage flavor with just a hint of pepper.  Whatever other ingredients you choose to use in your Chinese chicken salad, please don’t leave this out.

Blanched Snow Peas

I love crispy snow peas.  All they need for this salad is a quick 10 second blanch in boiling water. Drain in an ice bath and pat dry before slicing.

Chinese Chicken Salad Vegetables

Won Ton Pi

There are many brands of won ton pi at the markets. I just grabbed this locally made brand at Foodland.  Since you won’t need the entire package for the salad, slice the extra pieces up into larger strips and fry them up for a snack.  They are a favorite Island treat.

Fried Wont Ton Pi Strips for Salad

Fried Wont Ton Pi Chips for Snacking

I used the extra won ton pi for chips. Some of them puff up as they fry, making them light and crispy.  Salt the chips as you take them out of the pan.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad
 
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Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Salad:
  • 2 grilled teriyaki chicken breasts, sliced thinly (or baked teriyaki chicken)
  • 8 cups chopped napa cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 3 ounces snow peas, blanched and sliced thin (optional)
  • 4 green onions, sliced thinly
  • won ton pi cut into thin strips about ⅓" wide (I used about 4 ounces from the 10 ounce package for the salad and the rest I used for larger chips)
  • Dressing:
  • ⅓ - ½ cup rice vinegar, depending on how tangy you like your dressing (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet mirin
  • 2½ tablespoons soy sauce (not light or less sodium)
  • 3 teaspoons sesame oil
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • ground black pepper to taste
Preparation
  1. Toss together the shredded napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, sliced snow peas and green onions. Keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use (either in a bowl or Ziploc freezer bag).
  2. Deep fry the won ton strips until golden brown. I use a medium-sized pot and fry the won ton strips in batches. They cook quickly so watch them closely. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle a little salt over each batch. The won ton strips can be made a day in advance (store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator).
  3. Place all of the dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well.
  4. When you are ready to serve the salad, toss the vegetables with some of the dressing. Divide salad into 4 bowls placing chicken strips to one side. Scatter won ton strips over the salad. Serve with extra dressing.

 

Beans, Dinner, Dressing, Italian, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

June 5, 2017

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

This salad is one you will never get bored with.  Crunchy lettuce, tart pepperoncini, wholesome chickpeas, and savory peppered salami, all tossed together with a refreshing oregano vinaigrette makes this a perfect lunch.  I love serving it with slices of hearty sourdough bread or avocado toasts.  There are many fine chopped salad recipes but this one created by Nancy Silverton and published in The Mozza Cookbook is by far my favorite.  This beautiful salad will bring much satisfaction to whomever you share it with.

Iceberg Lettuce, Radicchio, Pepperoncini, Onion, Chickpeas, Tomato, Salami & Cheese

Peppered Salami

There are so many different types of salami however I always reach for the peppered version. The slightly peppery crust adds an extra level of flavor to the salami.  Leftover slices are perfect in a sandwich or served with slices of extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Oregano Vinaigrette

Don’t hesitate to use lots of dried oregano in the vinaigrette. It really makes the dressing stand out and goes well with the chopped salad.

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette

Chopped Salad with Oregano Vinaigrette
 
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Adapted from Nancy Silverton's Chopped Salad Recipe
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Vinaigrette:
  • 2½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 medium garlic clove, crushed + 1 small garlic clove, grated finely
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
  • Salad:
  • 1 medium head iceberg lettuce cut into ribbons ⅓" wide
  • 1 small head radicchio cut into ribbons ¼" wide
  • ½ small sweet white onion cut into thin strips
  • ¾ pounds diced tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 15 ounce can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 6 ounces yogurt cheese sliced into ¼" wide strips (you may substitute with provolone)
  • 6 ounces peppered salami sliced into ¼" wide strips
  • 5 medium pepperoncini sliced into rings
Preparation
  1. Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl toss the lettuce, radicchio and onions together. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, cheese, salami and pepperoncini. Spoon dressing over the salad and toss well so that all ingredients are well seasoned with the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and more vinaigrette. You will not need all of the dressing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use within a week. Serve the salad with some good sourdough bread on the side.

 

Dinner, Dressing, Fish, Japanese, Lactose Free, Recipes, Rice Dishes

Seared Ahi Rice Bowl

March 20, 2017

Seared Ahi Rice Bowl

Here in the Islands, we love our ahi tuna.  I would be happy to eat this every day. This is the rice bowl of my dreams! Light, fluffy, Japanese rice topped with furikake seared ahi, vegetables and a homemade dressing that is drizzled over everything in the bowl.  I use the dressing in this recipe too.  It’s a zingy sauce made with fresh lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and lots of freshly grated ginger.  It’s tasty and versatile.

Seared Ahi Rice Bowl

Jalapeno,Edamame, Carrot, Pickled Ginger, Avocado

I always keep a package of edamame in the freezer. It is easy to prepare and so good in this dish (as well as in salads). Whatever other ingredients you choose to add to your ahi rice bowl, let the fish be the star of the dish. The mild flavors of blanched carrots and creamy avocado cubes are perfect. Try to include the sweet and tangy pickled ginger. It is such a nice accompaniment to the rice and fish.  Scatter thinly sliced jalapeños or pretty, red Fresno peppers over your rice bowl if you want to add some heat.  For a vegetarian rice bowl, substitute your favorite tofu in place of the fish. If you are a fan of nori, scatter thin strips over the rice bowl just before serving it.  And if you can find bubu arare by all means add this too.  They are the little crispy golden rice balls you see in the photos of the ahi bowls that add a crunchy and toasty flavor to each bite.

Lime Zest

Strain Zest Through a Fine Mesh Sieve

Lime zest, lime juice, sugar and water are quickly heated in a pan then poured through a fine mesh strainer.  Just the liquid is used for the dressing.  Once it has cooled the other ingredients are added to complete the dressing.

Seared Ahi

Buy the freshest ahi block you can find. I visit or call my favorite local markets to ensure the fish has been cut that very same day.  If it has been sitting on the shelf for more than a day, I take a pass and try again another time.  Coating the ahi block with furikake creates a light seasoning and crunchy texture (from the sesame seeds) that is perfect for this dish.

Seared Ahi Rice Bowl

Seared Ahi Rice Bowl
 
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Author:
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • For the dressing:
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger
  • For the rice bowl:
  • Cooked Japanese short grain white rice (I use my rice cooker and measure out 1 cup uncooked rice)
  • 10 ounces fresh ahi block
  • furikake for coating ahi block
  • ½ cup frozen shelled edamame (boil for 4 minutes, drain and cool)
  • ½ small carrot, sliced thin (microwave in water for 45 - 60 seconds to soften slightly)
  • ½ small avocado cut into small cubes
  • pickled ginger
  • slivered nori (optional)
  • bubu arare (optional)
  • thinly sliced red hot pepper such as jalapeño or Fresno (optional)
Preparation
  1. For the dressing:
  2. Combine lime zest, lime juice, water and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved. This will take just a minute or so. Transfer liquid to a small glass bowl, cover and let cool completely. Strain cooled liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl. Whisk in soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
  3. For the fish:
  4. Lightly coat all sides of the ahi block with a canola oil. Place the fish on a cutting board or piece of foil and sprinkle furikake on all sides, patting it gently so it adheres to the fish.
  5. Heat a small pan over medium-high heat with a teaspoon of canola oil. When the pan is hot, sear the ahi for 30 - 60 seconds or so on each side. The thickness of your ahi block and how you prefer your ahi cooked will determine how long to fry it. Remove the fish to a plate or cutting board to cool. Slice fish into ⅓" thick slices.
  6. Divide the cooked rice into two bowls. Top with seared ahi, edamame, carrots, avocado, and ginger. Drizzle dressing over the ahi and other ingredients. Sprinkle the nori and bubu arare over the toppings if using and garnish with red pepper slices. Serve the rice bowl with extra dressing on the side.

 

Appetizers, Dressing, Eggs, Lactose Free, Recipes, Salad, Sauces, Vegetarian, Veggies

Nobis Dressing

August 17, 2016

Nobis Dressing

San Francisco is a city that offers superb dining options.  We look forward to returning to our favorite restaurants year after year. While always visiting our favorite places, we enjoy trying new restaurants as well. On our last visit we tried Volta, a French restaurant with Scandinavian influences.  We went for lunch, and it was just divine so we changed our plans for that night and returned to Volta for dinner.  It’s a gorgeous restaurant with a menu that features many appealing dishes.  I chose an endive & watercress salad with nobis dressing as my starter.  The nobis dressing was absolutely delicious: so much so, I contacted the owner Umberto Gibin and asked for the recipe.  He was gracious enough to have his chef pare down the ingredients for me.

Soft Boiled Egg

The ingredient that makes this recipe stand out is the egg.  Poached or soft boiled, either preparation works well.  The egg adds depth and richness to the dressing, along with the tangy mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, chives, and a hint of garlic.  It reminds me of a Caesar salad dressing but without the cheese and anchovies. It’s so good I can eat it right out of the jar.

Poached Egg

Endive Salad with Nobis Dressing

Nobis dressing on endive salad with watercress and radishes.

Grilled Artichokes with Nobis Dressing

Nobis dressing for dipping grilled artichokes.  It’s also delicious drizzled over steamed asparagus.

Nobis Dressing
 
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Adapted from Volta restaurant recipe
Author:
Serves: ¾ cup
Ingredients
  • 1 soft boiled or poached egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic (use a microplane)
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • freshly ground white or black pepper
Preparation
  1. Place soft boiled egg in a 1-pint mason jar or comparable sized container that your immersion blender fits snugly in.
  2. Add the other ingredients and blend with an immersion blender until dressing is thick and creamy, about 30 seconds. If you don't have an immersion blender use a small food processor or blender.
  3. Serve as a salad dressing, dipping sauce for artichokes, or drizzled over asparagus. I bet it would be delicious as a sauce for grilled or pan fried fish, or chicken.

 

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