06 Wednesday May 2020
Posted in Eggplant, Middle Eastern Flavors, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
Tags
Asian eggplant, dry falafel mix, pomegranate molasses, smoked sweet paprika, toasted cumin seeds
From time to time, one needs to “cook the pantry/fridge”. Things accumulate and are pushed to the back. So being in self-isolation, now and again, one needs to look deeply into the crevices that things slide into…like that box of partially used, dry falafel mix. It’s a challenge to use things in new and creative ways. That’s how this eggplant dish came to be. Continue reading
01 Sunday Sep 2019
Posted in Appetizers, Eggplant, Gluten Free, Make Ahead, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
Tags
bell peppers, capers, currants, Eggplant, garlic granules, herbs, leek, pistachios, pomegranate molasses, Tomatoes, white wine
Caponata is incredibly delicious. It is the perfect end-of-the-summer-garden dish to prepare. This version “twisted” or “evolved”, as I was searching through the garden. Only it’s roots are traditional. Then it wanders. And it wanders into pretty, delicious territory. Continue reading
16 Friday Aug 2019
Posted in Eggplant, Gluten Free, grapes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
Vini da Arturo, in Venice, makes this incredibly simple, but delicious dish. It’s perfect for summer and it’s gets better the next day. Bring this to the next potluck BBQ. Continue reading
26 Friday Jul 2019
Posted in Cheese, Chives, Eggplant, Garlic, Gluten Free, Herbs, Leeks, Main Course, Make Ahead, Roasting, Shrimp, Vegetarian Option
Tags
bacon, bell peppers, dry white wine, Eggplant, Garlic, herbs, olive oil, parmesan cheese, Shrimp, Spices
You know I adore eggplant. I don’t think I’ve ever met an eggplant dish I didn’t love. I’ve been thinking about stuffed eggplant, so I decided that today was the day. I was heading down the vegetarian path, adding lentils to give us that meaty texture. Then, I took another path…. Continue reading
10 Monday Sep 2018
Posted in Eggplant, Make Ahead, Middle Eastern Flavors, Squash, Tomatoes, Vegetarian
Tags
7-spice, bell peppers, Eggplant, fire-roasted tomatoes, Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, onion, zucchini
This is a layered affair. If you aren’t familiar with Lebanese 7-Spice or Baharat, you might want to wander into a Middle Eastern market and pick some up. This blend uses the “sweet” spices, like allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. But, it’s wonderful in savory dishes. It lends itself particularly well to lamb and as it turns out, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes. Continue reading
04 Saturday Nov 2017
Posted in Buffet Food, Eggplant, Fennel, Gluten Free, Herbs, Make Ahead, Onions, Peppers, Side Dishes, Squash, Summer, Tomatoes, Vegetarian, Winter
Tags
Eggplant, fennel bulb, garlic granules, herbs, Onions, red bell pepper, red pepper flakes, Tomatoes, zucchini
Every now and again, you happen on a dish that’s just perfect. This is that dish. It’s a positively delicious dish. It’s loaded with rich flavors and vivid colors. Though it’s absolutely best made when the garden is overflowing, it transcends seasons. And perhaps best of all, it goes together quickly and is even better made ahead and eaten at room temperature. Continue reading
24 Saturday Jun 2017
Posted in Appetizers, Eggplant, Gluten Free, Make Ahead, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
Tags
currants, Eggplant, Garlic, Mushrooms, olive oil, onion, raisins, red bell pepper, seasoning, whole tomatoes
I probably shouldn’t be calling this Sicilian Eggplant, since I’m not only not Sicilian, hell, I’m not even Italian. This may seem like it has non-Italian flavors, but we need to remember that the Moors “visited” Sicily for quite a number of years. Therefore, this has many of the flavors they left behind, after they moved on. You know, things like raisins, pistachios and cumin. It matters not what those flavors are, it’s still darned delicious. Continue reading
09 Friday Sep 2016
Posted in Appetizers, Eggplant, Gluten Free, Make Ahead, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
Tags
We had a fantastic eggplant appetizer at Noujaim’s in Winsted, Connecticut. If you enjoy Lebanese food, and you know you do, because it’s so very delicious, then you should visit them. Continue reading
