Monday, March 31, 2008

Leeks and Sautéed Greens


Taken from a new DRI Fav. World's Healthiest Foods because leeks were the "Food of the Week." This recipe is a great tasting way of receiving the many health benefits of the super food kale. The leeks are a delicious complement, and this dish can be made very easily, so you can have it often. Adding the oil at the end gives it a rich taste without heating it, making this even healthier than most sautéed greens.
We've added WHFoods to our food blog list because they are a constant source of inspiration, they have have food of the week, and recipes throughout the week that use that ingredient. They are into whole, healthy, real food, but they're not didactic about it (like us!).

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup sliced leeks, about 1 leek
4 cups chopped kale
1/4 cup + 1 TBS chicken or vegetable broth
3 medium cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
soy sauce to taste (optional)
Directions:

Heat 1 TBS broth in a 10-12 inch stainless steel skillet. Healthy (which means to sauté in broth) sliced leeks in broth over medium low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add kale, ¼ cup broth, cover and simmer on low heat for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss with pressed garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Serves 2

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Honey-Lime Dressing

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro (or more to taste)
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 tsp chopped jalapeño pepper (use canned for less heat)

Cilantro Salad Dressing

Cilantro adds a fresh citrus flavor to this dressing. Use it over your regular side salad or drizzle on carne asada tacos for an authentic taste.

1/2 cup cilantro
1/4 cup oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
pinch of garlic powder
pinch of Mexican oregano
pinch cumin
salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on low speed until almost smooth.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Cha Jang Mein (Noodles with Black Bean Sauce)

1/4 pound pork (or the protein of your choice)
1/4 pound raw shrimp -- optional
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
3 medium onions -- chopped
2 medium zucchini -- chopped
3/4 cup oyster, shiitake, or straw mushrooms -- chopped
1 cup cha jang (black bean paste, not sauce!)*
oil or shortening
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon water
fresh chinese noodles -- cooked

*Look for this at a Chinese or a Korean Market. No substitutes!
1. Cut the pork into small pieces. Mariate in soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic. Set aside. If using shrimp, shell, devein and salt lightly. Set aside.

2. In a wok, over high heat, stir fry the onion and zucchini. Depending on the size of the wok, you might have to do it in batches. Remove and set aside.

3. Heat the shortening or oil in the wok. The amount varies, depending upon the amount of the black bean paste, but don't be too stingy with the oil. Dump the paste in the wok, stirring quickly to avoid burning. Stir for approximately 2 -3 minutes.

4. Add the pork and stir fry till it is cooked, approximately 1 - 2 minutes.

Add the vegetables and mix.
5. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Add the shrimp, if using, and mix.
7. Mix the corn starch and water. Add it to the wok and stir til thickened and bubbly..
8. Serve immediately over cooked noodles.