Sautéed Mushrooms
Leo loves mushrooms, but I am not a fan, so I had no idea how to cook them. He has so few favorite foods and I don’t want to turn him off of anything by cooking it badly, so I had to learn. According to Fine Cooking, sautéing mushrooms over high heat evaporates their moisture quickly so they brown nicely and are flavorful. These mushrooms are easy to make alongside dinner and have, so far, been a hit.
Guy’s Fried Green Tomatoes
A neighbor gave us some fresh jalapeños and green Roma tomatoes from his garden, with instructions on letting them ripen on the counter (he picks them while green to beat the squirrels). Guy couldn’t resist the opportunity to make fried green tomatoes, which were easier and more delicious than we expected!
Southern Collard Greens
While trying to learn how to make collard greens I found a vegan recipe from Divas Can Cook. I had every intention of making the recipe vegan, until I realized I didn’t have any smoked salt. After looking for a good substitute (liquid smoke, Bragg’s liquid aminos, etc.) and coming up short, I realized that the best substitute I had was…bacon.
The collard greens were delicious, and someday I plan to make the vegan version, as well.
Chinese Fried Cabbage
We’ve been trying to widen our range of green vegetables as well as looking for any excuse to use Sichuan peppercorns, so this recipe has become a favorite. It’s really fast and easy, and cabbage keeps in the refrigerator forever, making it a good recipe to have on hand.
Sautéed Yellow Squash
My family has roots in the South and dinner at my grandmother’s house always included platters of butter beans, fried okra, and yellow squash. As a kid I wasn’t very adventurous when it came to veggies, and squash was no exception, partially due to the amount of liquid the cooked squash gave off.
While making squash recently I started with Tanya’s recipe and then added butter and blasted the squash with heat, resulting in a thicker dish that was really delicious. I’m now looking forward to making squash again!
Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce
This super-fast side is delicious alongside most Asian dishes.
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower, with or without Parmesan cheese, is a great quick veggie for a weeknight meal. For a fancier version with garlicky breadcrumbs, try Dianna’s Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower.
Roasted Garlic, Broccoli, & Bell Peppers
Roasted veggies are so versatile. Once the chopping is done, roasting them on sheet pans is hands-off, and these veggies pair perfectly with white or brown rice, farro, noodles, or beans for a full meal, with or without a protein.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grill a beautiful spring dinner of baby bok choy and pork chops – bonus points if you eat on the patio and make the most of the weather before it turns hot.
Kale Salad with Pecorino & Walnuts
I’m just getting to know kale. This finely shredded salad has a lot of steps (toast the walnuts, plump the raisins, toast the breadcrumbs, grate the pecorino), but it’s elegant and special, and is a lovely way to enjoy your leafy greens.