We were thinking about using some of the plethora of photos and stories from meals made past, but Ryan decided to break in our blog with what was, for us, a new recipe. We chose the trusty Moosewood Cookbook (provided by MaineCelt) for our first bloggable meal.
The past couple of days have been pretty warm here in Kentucky. Being loyal Northerners, we prefer temperatures at or below 70 degrees. In short, to cool our sissy selves down we made something that didn't heat up our bellies. Flipping through Moosewood, the middle eastern recipes were particularly appealing. We decided on three that are relatively inexpensive, easily made and healthy dishes. Tabbouleh, Eggplant Relish and Falafel.
The tabbouleh has a distinct sharp flavor from the scallions and parsley (food processed for ease). The bulgur is lighter than couscous and has a unique, almost al dente texture. With minced tomatoes and cucumbers adding a level of freshness.
On the side Ryan made spicy eggplant relish with (store-bought) pita bread. It cooked in one pan, first sauteing the eggplant and onions until soft, then adding spices and garlic. Chilled and voila, a tasty dip!
Finally, a middle-eastern staple, falafel! One of my favorites, this was the fastest item. A bit of parsley from the garden, scallions, garlic run through the food processor and added to canned chickpeas, cumin, salt and lime juice. Mashed with a potato masher and fried over high heat to make a crispy, savory pancake.
Later that night I made a batch of white chocolate chip, dried cranberry, almond biscotti. The perfect complement to peach iced tea! The plan was to ship them off to distant shores, but they were devoured by friends over hysterical stories and memories at one in the morning and then next morning for breakfast. A worthwhile sacrifice!
See our recipes page for detailed descriptions!
MMmmmmmm!!!! Now you've got me itchin' to make my own falafel. Only thing I'd add is some of that yummy yoghurt-based dipping sauce. (We have a farmer's market friend who sells extraodinarily tasty goat yoghurt...and he likes to barter, so I get some on a regular basis!)
ReplyDeleteTzatziki is a wonderful thing. Ryan can't stand the smell of yogurt, so I decided not to make it this time.
ReplyDeleteGoat milk/yogurt sounds great! I can't wait to try some. Have you tried making farmer's cheese out of it yet, so much flavor!