Sides | Simple By Cindy

Basil Pesto Pasta with a Twist

Jul. 25
2019

There are a few things I truly cherish about the summer. One of them is spending days on the beach. My hubby and I try to go at least once a week, as well as take a longer vacation on the beach. I love the smell of the ocean air. I love to marvel at the beauty of the coastline as it recedes into the distance. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin is comforting and calming. Walking on the beach to collect shells and sea rocks offers a chance to find beautiful little surprises. But truly, there is nothing better than listening to the waves breaking on the shore and feeling the cool sea breeze.

For all my love of the ocean, I must admit that I do not venture into any water (except the Carribean kind). I respect the power of the water on the East coast, and let’s face it, it’s just too cold. My feet barely make it into the water here, but I do love just being on the beach and looking out over the sea.

The other part of the summer that I love so much is my herb garden. I am so excited when I plant it in the spring and I nurture it carefully as it grows. I get so much gratification and enjoyment when I use the matured herbs in my recipes. In the past years, I have had to carefully tend to the basil which, for me was always the hardest to grow.

But this year was different. To my complete delight, my basil is big, exquisite and bountiful. It is growing like crazy and I am so thrilled! So what does one do with too much basil? Well, pesto would be the easy answer. I wanted to change it up a bit, so my love of citrus kicked in and I tossed in some lime juice, and it came out great.

Is this crazy beautiful or what?

This dish really gives the pesto a new twist. The lime juice adds just a little bit of pucker and freshness. The pine nuts give it a crunchy texture and of course, the basil is the star of the show here. If you are growing your own herbs, make this recipe. If not go out and get yourself some freshly grown local basil and start cooking. This is such an easy recipe that has huge flavor and presents so elegantly.

This recipe will serve 4-6 people who will certainly want to plant their own herb gardens next year.

Ingredients for Basil Pesto Pasta:

2 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, washed and dried thoroughly
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted and cooled
Juice of half a lime
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup very good extra virgin olive oil

Place the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor.

Pulse it about 10 times, until they are well blended.

While the food processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil and continue to combine.

You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.

Keep running the processor until the pesto is pureed.

Taste it, make sure it is well seasoned and serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

It’s that simple!

Herbed Artichoke Galette

Jul. 22
2019

I love to read cookbooks. When I receive a new cookbook, I read it cover to cover. I have accumulated quite the library through the years (and I mean it is a library). I love to see all the beautiful photography and admire the creativity of both the chefs and food photographers. I mark the recipes I would like to make (there must be hundreds by now!) and star the more important ones.

In addition to all the books I read, I also have subscriptions to the more popular food magazines. Most of my summer reading is getting through all those magazines. I tear out the recipes I want to make and keep those in a basket in my library so I can easily find my favorites.

Though I have my favorite magazines and books, I am not a recipe snob. As any home cook does, I have my favorite chefs but I will try any recipe no matter its origin. As you all know, some of the best recipes have come from the back of a cereal box or from a box of pasta–the original Tollhouse cookie recipe is a true classic.

But those are also not the only way I find recipes. Sometimes even Real Simple or Better Homes and Gardens has a gem in there somewhere. Some of those recipes are sent in by their readers and who knows, maybe they just have the best omelets around. If a recipe looks good on paper, you can be sure I’ll give it a go. If I test it out and it is good, you can be sure that I will pass it on to you.

Although this galette does not come from such humble origins, it is definitely blog-worthy. I absolutely love artichokes, so I knew I had to try it. This side dish is packed with flavor. The artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese combine beautifully into this galette. The brie is the perfect pairing for the veggies, adding creamy gooeyness and savory depth. The bed of puff pastry is light, making each bite a little bit of heaven. Put this on your “must try this summer” list, it is that good.

This recipe is courtesy of Fine Cooking and will serve 4 people who will be happy for your discerning palette.

Ingredients for Herbed Artichoke Galette:

1 Tbs. olive oil
2 large leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
3 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
1 14-oz. can quartered artichoke hearts, rinsed and well drained on paper towels
6 large sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, preferably Dufour, thawed according to package directions
8 oz. Brie, rind removed

Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 400°f.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.

Stir in the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, thyme, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Remove from the heat.

Lightly flour a work surface.

Roll the puff pastry on a sheet of lightly floured parchment and cut into a 12-inch square.

Slide the parchment onto a large rimmed baking sheet.

Cut the cheese crosswise into thin slices.

Leaving a 1/2-inch border, scatter three-fourths of the cheese over the pastry.

Spoon the leek mixture on top of the cheese.

Brush the pastry edges lightly with water and fold the edges over and onto the filling, pressing down lightly to seal.

Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Break the remaining cheese into small pieces and dot the top of the galette with the cheese.

Let stand until cheese melts, about 10 minutes.

Slice and serve.

It’s that simple!

Toasted Coconut Rice

Jul. 18
2019

In cultures across the world, food is a way of bringing family and friends together. Dinner is not just a meal, but an important place for families to gather, talk, laugh and connect with each other over a shared (and delicious!) experience.

Certain foods have become associated with love, comfort, stress reduction, and security. Think of your favorite “comfort food.” I can almost taste my mother’s chicken soup. We turn to food for comfort, to help us cope with difficult experiences, and to satisfy our desires. How many of us grow up and fondly look back on grandma’s cooking and try to replicate it, wishing we had watched closer while we had the chance?

Many of us associate certain foods with a holiday, specific memory, or even a certain person. It makes no difference whether it is served on fine china or your grandmother’s old dishes, but the taste of that special dish lingers in your mouth forever. Our relationship with food has become more than simply a way to nourish our bodies, it has now become an elevated experience. Our palates have become more sophisticated, and thanks to improved farming and shipping techniques, our exposure to new foods has increased dramatically. Cultural foods from far away are now easily accessible and repeatable to people half a world away

For folks here in the US, white rice has been a staple– it provides a quick and easy base for more complex flavors. With the availability of many ingredients, it’s time to branch out. Throw your plain white rice to the side and try this toasted coconut dish immediately! The scallions and garlic lend savory goodness and the brown sugar adds the perfect amount of deep sweetness. The coconut and coconut milk give it a fresh new depth of flavor that is lip-smacking good and almost tropical. Remember to toast the coconut before you add it to this dish because that takes it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. It also makes the kitchen smell amazing!

This recipe is courtesy of Cuisine at Home and will serve 4 people who will most definitely want to come back for another shared meal.

Ingredients for Toasted Coconut Rice:

2 cups jasmine rice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chopped scallion whites
1 can coconut milk (5.46 oz.)
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped scallion greens
1/4 cup chopped, sweetened, shredded coconut, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place shredded coconut on a baking sheet and place in oven for 5 to 7 minutes.

The coconut should be a golden brown when you remove it.

Set it aside.

Rinse rice in sieve under cold water until water runs clear.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add brown sugar, scallion whites and garlic; saute until sugar melts, about 3 minutes.

Stir in rice to coat.

Combine coconut milk, broth, and water to make 2 cups of liquid; add to rice.

Bring rice to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, 15 minutes.

Remove rice from heat and with cover still on, let steam 5 minutes more.

Uncover and fluff with a fork.

Top rice with scallion greens and toasted coconut.

It’s that simple!

Asparagus Mimosa

Jul. 11
2019

I am a self-taught cook. My journey has been full of many learning experiences, both successful and disastrous. As with anything, my cooking is a work in progress and I strive to improve by reading, watching professional chefs, and working hard to develop my skills. I try to incorporate new skills and methods into my cooking every day.

In a recent post, I talked about the importance of peeling asparagus. I am going to go over this again because while it is an agonizing chore, it truly changes the taste and appearance of your asparagus.

This original recipe instructs you to snap off the ends of the asparagus, but I respectfully disagree. By doing this, you could end up with most of the stalk in the garbage– what a waste! Instead, cut off the ends about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the bottom and save as much of the stalk as you can.

There are some chefs who think that peeling the asparagus depends on the thickness of the stalk. My person philosophy? If you have a thick stalk, then it definitely should be peeled, but if you have a very thin stalk, lightly peel it just enough to get those bulky knobs off.

While I’m discussing boring (but useful!) chores, I promised to share with you the best method to peeling eggs. My new trick is to place them in a bowl of ice water for a minute, then take them out and peel them while they are still warm. If you find the shells are sticking, place the egg back into the water, take it out and continue to peel. When you are finished peeling, place it back into the ice bath to stop the cooking process and remove any stray pieces of shell. In addition, if the egg yolks are even the slightest bit green, they are overcooked. Try to cut down your cooking time by a minute or two.

With these two tips, you are fully prepared to make this next dish, so called because the grated egg resembles mimosa flowers. A softer yolk works best, so reduce your cooking time by a minute or two. This elegant side dish is not only delicious, but beautiful too. The asparagus is cooked to perfection, each stalk doubly sweet since removing the harder outer layer. The capers add delicious salty goodness and tang. The eggs are the perfect topping, and they add another depth of flavor and smooth texture. Put this on your “short on time” list– it is a perfect side that will complement any main summer course.

This recipe is courtesy of Ottolenghi and will serve 4 people who will welcome the light, fresh taste of this gorgeous dish.

Ingredients for Asparagus Mimosa:

2 eggs
2 bunches of medium asparagus
2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
2 teaspoons small capers, drained
1 teaspoon Maldon sea salt
Black pepper

Gently place your eggs in a saucepan of boiling water and simmer for 9 minutes.

Remove the eggs from the pan and immerse them in a large bowl of cold water.

After a few minutes, take them out of the water and leave to cool down completely.

Peel the eggs and grate them on a coarse cheese grater.

Cut ends of 1 to 1 1/2 inches.

Gently peel the asaragus to cut off bulky knobs.

Place the spears in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, or until tender.

It may take slightly longer if they are thick.

Drain and place into ice water to sstop cooking.

Take asparagus out and let them come to room temperature.

Drizzle the oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with the capers, salt and some pepper.

Top with the grated egg, staying close to the center of the stalks so that the tips and bases remain visible.

It’s that simple!

Fennel, Spinach and Red Pepper Saute

Jun. 27
2019

One of the best (and simplest!) summertime events is to visit our local farmers market. The market carries beautiful high quality and affordable produce. I love walking around looking at all the beautiful baked goods, fruits, and veggies. As wonderful as it is to ogle the wares, I also enjoy talking to the vendors and learning about their farm or business, and the creations they’ve brought with them. There are a few things you should know before going to a farmer’s market. It can be intimidating sometimes, so here are a few tips to relieve the stress and allow you to enjoy the experience.

Bring cash. While some vendors might use various forms of credit card payments, there’s no guarantee and I’d hate for you to miss out.

Take a turn through the market before you buy anything and take mental or written notes of the stalls you want to return to.

Bring a large tote bag. This will make it much easier for you to carry your purchases, and it’s environmentally friendly!

If you see something you do not recognize, ask the vendor about it. More often than not, they are friendly and want to educate customers on all the available goods. Last year, I stopped by a booth that had several vegetables I had never seen before. Upon inquiry, the vendor, he let me try some sea asparagus (think smaller, saltier asparagus), and I ended up purchasing a bunch to make into a delicious salad. You never know what you can learn!

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions. The vendors know exactly how the food was grown, if any pesticides were used, and will explain the best way to store and cook them.

Pick up your largest purchases last so you don’t have to schlep them around with you. That watermelon looks beautiful, but I can promise you that it weighs more after 30 minutes in your arms.

While you’re there, maybe you can pick up the ingredients for this amazing side dish the next time you visit. The fennel has a rich flavor, kind of like licorice. When you sauté it, it brings out the deep, intense essence of this wonderful vegetable. The red pepper and spinach compliment it nicely. Basil is the perfect herb for this dish which gives it a light, bright aroma.

This recipe will serve 4-6 people who will most definitely want to accompany you on your next trip to the market.

Ingredients for Fennel, Spinach, and Red Pepper Sauté:

2 teaspoon olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
1 thinly sliced red bell pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
3 cups fresh baby spinach
3 garlic cloves
6-8 fresh basil leaves, julienned or chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Using a large cast-iron or enamel heavy skillet, heat butter and oil over low heat.

Turn heat up to medium-high and add the fennel and the onion.

Cook until slightly soft and tender.

Add red pepper and cook for about 3 minutes more.

Add basil, garlic, salt and pepper; cook for 1 more minute.

Add spinach and cook until spinach is bright green and just a little wilted. The cooking process will continue after you take it off the heat, so be cautious here. You don’t want it to be overcooked.

It’s that simple!