BROWN RICE PILAF

For a pilaf, the rice is first sauteed in oil and then cooked with broth and maybe some herbs and vegetables. Pilafs are enjoyed in the Middle East and in India, sometimes as a festive dish to replace steamed or boiled rice. This is a basic pilaf. You can add more vegetables and flavorings if […]

BROWN RICE SALAD WITH MANGO AND CURRY VINAIGRETTE

Slightly sweet, with the flavor of curry, this salad is filled with chewy brown rice, nuggets of mango, and vegetables. It’s a lovely dish to take along to a picnic or to serve at horne alongside grilled entrees in the summertime. SERVES 6   INGREDIENTS 1 recipe basic brown rice, cooled ½ cup finely chopped […]

BASIC BROWN RICE

Basic brown rice is a great platform. It makes a significant contribution to soups, salads, and casseroles. You can cook brown rice in minutes in a pressure cooker. Use it right away or let cool and store it to use later. I like to dress brown rice with olive oil, salt, and pepper and serve […]

RIGATONI ALLA NORMA

Named after an opera written by the Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini, this pasta dish has become standard in many Italian American red sauce restaurants. The eggplant pairs beautifully with the tomatoes, basil, ricotta salata, and hot pepper. SERVES 6   INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup finely chopped sweet onion, such as Vidalia […]

BROCCOLI RABE SAUSAGE AND ORECCHIETTE

This stick-to-your-ribs classic made with bitter greens and sweet sausage is my idea of a great spur-of-the-moment dinner for friends and family. And since everything cooks in the pressure cooker, there is only one pot to clean up! SERVES 6   INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, sliced Pinch of red pepper […]

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND RADICCHIO WITH FARFALLE

Sweet and savory, this pasta dish is perfect for dinner in the fall when local butternut squash is at its peak flavor. The slightly bitter radicchio makes a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash. SERVES 6   INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, […]

DILLY ZUCCHINI CORN TOMATOES AND PASTA

This is a great one-pot meat to make when your garden is overrun with zucchini and tomatoes. Or serve it cold for a terrific pasta salad. SERVES 6   INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried dill weed 4 medium zucchini, diced 2 cups corn kernels, freshly cut from the […]

SWORDFISH SICILIANA

Sunny Sicily is famous for its food, history, and wine. And since it is the largest island in the Mediterranean, it is no surprise that seafood is a big part of Sicilians’ diet. This braised swordfish is a typical dish, which can be found in trattorias near Messina and Taormina on the southeastern coast. The […]

TUNA PROVENCAL

Cooked with plenty of olive oil, as well as garlic, red pepper, and tomato, the tuna acquires a deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tender texture. The recipe was inspired by the technique of poaching food in olive oil, which produces rich results similar to this dish. Serve it over pasta for a great weeknight meal. SERVES […]

SALMON TERIYAKI

Salmon braised in sweet and salty teriyaki sauce is moist and full of flavor. And the best news is that it’s ready in six minutes. Serve the salmon with stir-fried veggies and sticky rice for a weeknight change of pace. SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup mirin (sweet rice wine) ½ cup […]