I think creamy veggie soups are the perfect fall dish — they’re thickly hearty and warming, but all the vegetables remind me of summertime. (Ah, my poor garden! But hopefully the winter months will give the freshly laid compost some time to sink in…) And the fact that there are lots of ways to make [...]
Continue reading about A Mediterranean Take on Cold-Weather Comfort Food
I used to think that hummus was a great dip. Then I moved on to thinking it was a great condiment and dip. These days, I’ve given up trying to categorize hummus — I’m willing to try it with darned near anything. (And I’m usually glad I did!) Somehow, that combination of smooth, creamy chickpeas [...]
Back in the day, I used to love going to Olga’s for lunch — I went with my mom, my friends, my co-workers, sometimes even just with myself. My favorite thing on the menu was the original lamb Olga wrapped in Olga bread. Does anyone else remember tearing into that doughy, soft bread? Nowadays I’m [...]
Creamy or spicy, simple or complex, powerful or understated … a meal’s sauce sets its tone. Sauces also provide a sense of place and heritage: take the same basic ingredients, for example, slap a different sauce on them, and all of a sudden you’ve gone from Mexican to Japanese. (Steak + peppers + onions + [...]
Ask any European–a savory, stuffed crêpe makes a great lunch. You’ll find sweet crêpes at the corner crêperie, too, but there will be just as many (if not more) on the savory menu. The pictured trio includes: one crêpe wrapped around scrambled eggs, one filled with Parmesan and Asiago cheeses, and one stuffed with a [...]
Call it the next incarnation, call it fusion cuisine, or call it for what it is–a vague version of falafel that became glorified hummus. Being a big chickpea fan, I was pleasantly surprised by the result. This would be a great high-flavor, low-fat dip to bring to a party! 1 15-oz. can of chickpeas, drained [...]
Once you have tahini (sesame paste) this Middle-Eastern classic is easy to make. (Tahini can be found in a Middle-Eastern specialty market or the Middle-Eastern section of a well-stocked grocery store.) I’ve found that sautéing the garlic gives the dip a slightly nutty, not-so-overpowering flavor. 1 can (2 cups) chickpeas, drained 1/2 cup sesame or [...]
