Makes 4 to 6 servings These sushi rolls are a fun alternative to lunchbox sandwiches, and they can be filled with virtually anything, from sliced turkey to peanut butter and jelly! Experiment with different nut butter, fruits, and veggies, like steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli stems. Ingredients 1 cup […]
Arancini di Riso
Makes 12 servings Arancini, or plini, are made from leftover rice made the previous day, which is why we mention in the instructions that you should cook the rice a little longer than usual. That means the rice will be sticky enough to stay together and hold the filling once […]
Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI-Roasted Pumpkin Risotto with Pistachios, Pumpkin Seeds, and Za’atar
Makes 4 servings *The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is the name of an area, a specific place, or, in exceptional cases, the name of a country, used as a description of an agricultural product, which comes from such an area, place, or country, which has a specific quality, goodwill, or […]
Beef Rendang
Makes 8 portions Often inappropriately referred to as dry curry, rendang is an iconic dish of Southeast Asia. Popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, it is often made with beef, but it can also be made with other meats or starchy vegetables. A key to success with this dish is […]
Bibimbap
Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1/4 cup Korean soy sauce 2 teaspoons sugar 1/4 minced scallions 1 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons minced ginger 2 teaspoons ground toasted sesame seeds Few drops dark sesame oil, as needed Freshly ground black pepper, as needed 1 lb beef skirt steak, cut into strips […]
Black Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk and Dried Mango
Makes 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 3 cups water 1 cup black rice 1/2 cup palm sugar or brown sugar 1/2 stalk lemongrass, very finely minced 1 1/2 cups coconut milk Juice of 1 lime Kosher salt, to taste 1/3 cup small-dice dried mangos 2 tablespoons cup unsweetened, finely shredded […]
Chicken Fried Rice
Makes 4 to 6 servings The key to good fried rice is using leftover rice, which is drier than freshly steamed. In the interest of keeping it simple, our favorite strategy is to keep a zip-top bag in the freezer where you can empty leftover rice from take-out or home-made […]
Go-To Convenience Foods for the Busiest Days
“From-scratch” might be what you expect at a great restaurant, or maybe for a special occasion. But for the great majority of home cooks, cooking from scratch three meals a day, every single day is an unrealistic goal, and one that so often leaves us with feelings of guilt and […]
Greek Egg and Lemon Soup (Avgolemono)
Makes 6 to 8 servings Add shredded chicken, sausage, cooked beans, or even some frozen veggies, like peas, to this soup to stretch it a bit. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, if you prefer. Ingredients 6 cups chicken broth 1/3 cup long-grain white rice 4 eggs, separated Salt […]
Horchata Iced Coffee
Makes 8 servings This horchata and coffee mixture is refreshing and lightly spiced, making it the perfect pick-me-up on those warmer fall days. Adjust the amount or horchata or coffee to your preference, or you can even substitute the brewed coffee for one or two shots of espresso or cold […]
In Defense of Spam
Early in the semester, CIA students in my Food Writing course read “On Chicken Tenders,” by Helen Rosner, published in 2015 in Guernica. In this amusing but sincere defense of a derided, children’s menu staple, Rosner effectively argues against those who look down on ordering, eating, and celebrating the “perfect” […]
Italian Rice Varieties
All varieties of rice can be divided into short-, medium- and long-grain varieties. All Italian rice are strains of a thick, short-grained rice called japonica (Oryza sativa japonica). They may not, to most palates, taste different, but they do behave differently when cooked. There are four grades of rice: Comune […]