Category Archives: Summer Favorites

Quinoa-Salmon Power Bowls

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lb              Salmon Filet

3 Tbs plus         Olive Oil

1 Tbs                  Lime Juice

2 tsp                   Honey

3 cups                Red Quinoa, cooked

1 cup                  Spinach, cooked

1 cup                  Corn, cooked

1/3 cup              Scallions, chopped

tt                         Salt & Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of foil on a baking sheet and lay the salmon on the foil and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the salmon with foil and seal the foil packet by folding the edges. Bake for 25 minues.

Cook red quinoa as instructed on packaging.

To make the dressing, whisk three tablespoons of olive oil with lime, honey, salt and pepper. Add 2/3 of the dressing to the cooked quinoa and divide into four bowls.

Chop scallions and cook spinach and corn as desired. I use frozen vegetables for a quick meal. divide the vegetables into the four bowls on top of the quinoa. Add the baked salmon to the bowls. Top with the remaining dressing.

 

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Filed under Fish Favorites, Healthy Lunches, Summer Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos

59AA2E3A-39BD-4F9E-AA8B-32C3DA28162C.jpegINGREDIENTS:

1 lg            Sashimi-grade Ahi Tuna Steak (3/4 – 1 lb)

1/4 cup     Sesame seeds

1 cup        Pico de Gallo, fresh

1 each       Mango, ripe

1 each       Avocado, ripe

1/2 cup     Mayonnaise

1 Tb          Honey

1 tsp          Wasabi Paste

1 cup         Cabbage Slaw, finely shredded

12 oz          Wonton Wrappers, square

2 qts           Fry Oil

DIRECTIONS:

Pour the oil in a large stock pot and heat over medium to 350 degrees F. Cut the wontons into half to make triangles. Once the oil is hot, gently drop 4-6 at a time into the oil and dunk. Fry them for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (I pan fry them) then remove with tongs and place on a paper towel lined platter or bowl. Sprinkle with salt and repeat with the remaining wrappers. If the wontons turn with the remaining wrappers. If the wontons turn dark immediately, the oil is too hot. Low the heat and wait a few minutes, then start again.

Meanwhile, peel and dice the mango. Mix the diced mango into the pico de gallo for a fresh quick salsa (see my pico de gallo recipe with the carne asada.) Add a little sriracho or hot sauce if desired. Then whisk the mayo, honey and wasabi together. Salt to taste. Peel and slice the avocado.

Once the other components are ready. Heat a skillet to high heat. Cut the ahi steak in half lengthwise to create two thin steaks. Season both with salt and pepper, then pour the sesame seeds out on the plate and press both sides of each steak into the sesame seeds. Once the skillet is hot, sear the ahi steaks for approximately 1 minute per side, for the exterior is crusty, but the inside is still raw. Cut the ahi steaks into small cubes.

To serve: Pile the wonton chips on a large plate or platter. Top with shredded cabbage. Then sprinkle on the mango pico de gallo, followed by ahi tuna cubes and avocado slices. Scoop the wasabi mayo into a squirt bottle and squire over the wonton nachos. Enjoy!

 

 

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Quacamole Nirvana

FC9A8E3C-B636-4552-9B5F-56322EE09A37.jpegINGREDIENTS:

3 ea            Hass Avocados

1 clove       Garlic, finely grated

1 ea             Serrano Pepper, finely chopped

1 qtr           White Onion, finely chopped

1-2 Tbs      Lime juice, freshly squeezed

tt                 Kosher Salt

DIRECTIONS:

Smash three ripe avocados with a potato masher, fork or molcajete (Mexican mortar and pestle) until very coarsely mashed. It’s okay if there are some chunks of avocado as it will continue to break down as you mix in the other ingredients. Stir in the other ingredients and season liberally with about a teaspoon of kosher salt.

A word on cilantro: while it’s traditional to add it to quac, there are some times when it is best not used. If served as an appetizer with corn chips or corn fried tortillas, definitely throw some in. If putting out as a condiment with a taco, put it on the side so guests can build the tacos to their own tastes.

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Filed under Blender Bests, Holiday Menus, International Inspirations, Party Picks, Starters, Summer Favorites, Vegetarian Fare

Tacos Carne Asada con Pico De Gallo

7268D501-07E4-4A81-8113-FA57F777B450.jpegEA158F84-B08E-48E5-8035-24DF5534D85D.jpegINGREDIENTS:

2 lbs          Flank or Skirt Steak, trimmed of excess fat

1 recipe     Mojo, recipe follows

a/n             Olive Oil, for coating the grill

tt                Kosher salt and Pepper, freshly ground

16 ea          Tortillas, corn

a/n              Lettuce, Romaine or Iceberg for serving

a/n             White Onion, chopped for serving

a/n             Jack Cheese, shredded for serving

1/2 cup     Pico de Gallo, recipe follows

2 ea           Limes, cut in wedges for serving

INGREDIENTS For MOJO:

4 cloves    Garlic, minced

1 ea             Jalepeno, minced

1 lg             Handful of Cilantro, finely chopped

tt                Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper

2 ea           Limes, juiced

1 ea           Orange, juiced

2 Tbs         White Vinegar

1/2 cup     Olive Oil (I reduce to 1/4 cup)

INGREDIENTS for PICO DE GALLO:

4 ea         Vine-Ripe Tomatoes, chopped

1/2 md    Red Onion, chopped

2 ea         Green Onions, white and green parts sliced

1 ea         Serrano Chile, minced

1 bch       Cilantro Leaved, chopped

1 ea          Lime, juiced

1/4 cup   Olive Oil

1 tsp        Kosher Salt

DIRECTIONS:

Lay the flank steak in a large baking dish and pour the mojo over it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours, so the flavors can sink into the meat. Don’t marinade the steak for more than 8 hours though, or the fibers break down too much and the meat gets mushy.

Preheat an outdoor grill or ridged grill pan over medium-high flame (you can also use a broiler). Brush the grates with a little olive oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Pull the steak out of the marinade and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill (or broil) the steak for 7-10 minutes per side, turning once, until medium rare. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Thinly slice the steak across the grain on the diagonal.

Warm the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side in a dry skillet or on the grill, until toasty and pliable.

To make the tacos, stack up 2 of the warm tortillas, lay about 4 ounces of beef down the center, and sprinkle with some lettuce, onion and cheese. top each taco with a spoonful of the Pico De Gallo salsa and garnish with lime wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

DIRECTIONS for the MOJO:

In a mortar and pestle or bowl, mash together the garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper to make a paste. Put the paste in a glass jar or plastic container. Add the lime juice, orange juice, vinegar and oil. Shake it up really well to combine. Use as a marinade for the chicken or beef or as a table condiment.

Yeild: approximately 1 1/4 cup

DIRECTIONS for the PICO DE GALLO:

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together. Toss thoroughly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors marry.

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Filed under For the Grill, Salsas and Chutneys, Summer Favorites, What's for Dinner?

Super Healthy and Zesty Raw-Vegan Pad Thai

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PAD THAI INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Package     Kelp or Rice Noodles

1/2 Head          Cabbage, purple

2 Ea                  Carrots, shredded

1 Ea                  Zucchini, spiralised

2 Ea                  Spring Onions

1 Ea                  Bell Pepper, red or yellow

1 Bn                 Cilantro

tt                      Sesame Seeds

tt                      Lime Wedges, for serving

SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Cup           Cashews, soaked

1 In                  Ginger Root, peeled

1 Clove            Garlic

1 tsp                Chili

2 Tbs               Tamari Sauce

1 Ea                 Lime, juiced

1 tsp               Coriander, ground

1/2 Cup          Water

NUTS INGREDIENTS:

1 Handful       Cashews

1/2 Cup          Tamari Sauce

DIRECTIONS:

Thinly slice all salad/veggie ingredients. Set aside. Place noodles in hot water for 2 minutes or as package indicates and drain well. Mix all sauce ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. Soak cashews in tamari sauce for 5 minutes. Lightly roast a heated pan for 3-5 min. When ready to serve pour desired amount of dressing over thee veggies along with the noodles and toss well. After plating add cilantro, sesame seeds and lime wedges.

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Filed under Sensational Salads, Summer Favorites, Vegetarian Fare

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Fennel, Citrus and Chilies

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INGREDIENTS:

1 Med          Fennel Bulb, thinly sliced

1 Ea             Blood or Navel Orange, very thinly sliced with seeds removed

1 Ea              Meyer Lemon, very thinly sliced with seeds removed

1 Ea              Fresno Chile or Jalapeno, with seeds, thinly sliced

4 Sprigs       Dill, plus more for serving

tt                   Kosher Salt and Black Pepper, coarsely ground

2 lbs             Salmon Fillet, preferably center cut

3/4 Cup       Olive Oil

tt                   Sea Salt, Flaky

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Toss fennel, orange slices, lemon slices, chile and 4 dill sprigs in a shallow 3-qt baking dish; season with kosher salt and pepper. Season salmon with kosher salt and place on top of fennel mixture. Pour oil over.

Roast until salmon is just cooked through (the tip of the knife will slide easily and flesh will be slightly opaque), 30-40 minutes for medium rare.

Transfer salmon to a platter, breaking it into large pieces as you go. Spoon fennel mixture and oil from baking dish over; discard dill sprigs. Season with sea salt and pepper and top with fresh dill sprigs.

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Filed under Fish Favorites, Summer Favorites

Zucchini Spaghetti with Pomodoro Sauce

IMG_1086

INGREDIENTS:

4 Lg                Zucchini, spiralized

4 cloves          Garlic, minced

1/2 cup            Onion, diced

2 Tbs               Olive Oil

6 ea                 Tomatoes, chopped

3 Tbs               Fresh Herbs (oregano, basil, parley), chopped

tt                     Salt and Pepper

pinch               Sugar

DIRECTIONS:

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil for a few minutes until soft. Add tomatoes and herbs, and continue to cook until tomatoes soften. Season with salt, pepper and sugar. Remove from pan and add olive oil. Saute spiraled zucchini with salt and pepper until zucchini is softened. Serve pomodoro sauce over sautéed zucchini spaghetti.

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Filed under Summer Favorites, Vegetarian Fare, What's for Dinner?

Lentil, Tuna and Roasted Pepper Salad

FOR THE VINAIGRETE:

2 Tbs                    Shallot, finely diced

1 1/2 Tbs              White Wine Vinegar

1/2 Tbs                 Dijon Mustard

1/4 tsp                 Garlic, finely chopped

3 Tbs.                   Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (I use 2)

1/4 cup                 Parsley, fresh and roughly chopped

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD:

AN                         Kosher salt

1/4 cup                  Brown or French Green Lentils

1 ea                        Bay Leaf, dried

1 clove                   Garlic, medium

1 small                   Carrot, peeled and halved

1 small                   Yellow onion, unpeeled and halved

1/4 cup                   Scallions, thinly sliced (white parts only)

1/2 cup                   Roasted or Grilled Red Peppers, peeled and cut into thick slices.

2-4 tsp.                   Lemon Juice, fresh

2 cans                     Tuna (5 oz packed in oil – I use water packed), drained

2 medium               Ripe heirloom tomatoes

tt                               Kosher Salt

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:

Mix the shallot, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and a scant 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl.  Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the shallot and garlic.  Whisk in the olive oil and then stir in the parsley.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SALAD:

In a 1-quart pan of well-salted water, bring the lentils, bay leaf, garlic, carrot and onion to a boil over medium-high heat.  Lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.  Let the lentils cool completely in their liquid.  Drain, discard the onion, carrot, bay leaf and garlic, and transfer into a medium bowl.  Stir the scallions into the lentils and toss with 2 to 3 tsp. of the vinaigrette.

In a small bowl mix the roasted red peppers with 2 Tbs of the vinaigrette; add salt and lemon juice to taste.  In another small bowl, toss the tuna gently with the remaining vinaigrette.

Slice the tomatoes and add a pinch of kosher salt for serving.

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Filed under Sensational Salads, Summer Favorites

Thai-Style Halibut and Banana Curry with Peanuts

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup            Coconut milk, well-shaken (not light)

1 Tbs.           Thai red curry paste

12 oz.           Halibut fillet, skinless, about 1 1/2in thick

tt                 Kosher salt

1 ea              Lime, medium, zest finely grated, then halved

3 ea              Scallions, medium, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

1-2                Banana, underripe or barely ripe, halved legnthwise then sliced 1/2 in

2 Tbs             Peanuts, roasted and chopped

1/2 cup          Cilantro, fresh and lightly packed

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 10-in straight sided saute pan whisk the coconut milk and curry paste until smooth.  Sprinkle the fish with 1/2 tsp. salt; then sprinkle with lime zest.  Squeeze a lime half over the fish.  Bring the coconut-curry mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat and then arrange the fillets in the pan, skin side down.  Add the white parts of the scallions, cover the pan, and simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary for 2 minutes.  Add the bananas and half the peanuts to the sauce.  Sprinkle half of the cilantro over the top.  Cover the pan and continue to simmer until the fish flakes easily but is slightly translucent rather than fully opaque at the very cente (check with a paring knife), 2 to 4 minutes.  Squeeze the remaining lime half over the fish.  Top with the scallion greens and the remaining peanuts and cilantro and serve.

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Filed under Asian Cuisine, Fish Favorites, Summer Favorites

Pita Bread Salad (Fattoush)

Pita Bread Salad

 

INGREDIENTS:

2 each                     Pita Bread rounds, cut into 2″ squares

2 Tbs + 1/2 cup      Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (I use 1/4 cup for dressing)

2 cloves                  Garlic, minced

2 each                     Cucumbers, large, halved, seeded, peeled and diced

1 pint                       Cherry Tomatoes, halved

2 each                     Scallions, chopped

2 Tbs                       Fresh mint, chopped

2 Tbs                       Flat-leaf Parsley, chopped

1/2 tsp                     Cumin, ground or Sumac

3 Tbs                       Lemon Juice, fresh (I use 1 Tbs.)

1 tsp                        Kosher Salt

1/2 tsp                     Ground Black Pepper, freshly ground

8 each                     Pepperoncini, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Arrange the pita squares evenly on a baking sheet.  Bake for 5-8 minutes, until crisp.  Do not let the squares get too brown.  Set aside.

In a small skillet, heat 2 Tbs of olive oil.  Add the garlic and heat for 1 minute, until soft but not browned.  Set aside to cool.

In a serving bowl, toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, mint, parsley, cumin and lemon juice with the remaining 1/2 (or 1/4) cup olive oil.  Add the garlic, toasted pita squares, salt and pepper and gently toss with your fingers until mixed.  If you like, ofer the pepperoncini at the table on a small plate.

 

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Filed under Sensational Salads, Summer Favorites, Vegetarian Fare