Last updated by at .

Easy Masala Simmer Soup

17. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , , ,

I recently had half a package of firm tofu left over from another recipe, so I decided to make an Indian meal with it. Luckily, I found a jar of Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce in the back of my pantry. After a quick Google search, I stumbled across a recipe for Quick Indian Soup from Inside the Kaganoff Kitchen.

masala simmer sauce trader joes Easy Masala Simmer SoupThe star of the show

Here is my adapted version:

  • Firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • Trader Joe’s Masala Simmer Sauce (you can use another brand, but I prefer TJ’s!)
  • Onions, diced
  • Carrots, sliced
  • Broth or bouillon
  • Rice (I used Cashew Basmati microwavable rice from Target)
  • Hot pepper, chopped (optional)
  • Canned tomatoes (I didn’t have any but I bet they’d be good!)

In a pot, cook onions and carrots in olive oil over medium until onions are translucent. Add simmer sauce and two cups of broth or two cups of water with two bouillon cubes. Simmer on medium-low until carrots are soft. Add tofu and heated rice; simmer until all ingredients are warmed.

Easy Masala Simmer SoupPhoto credit

[Potentially] On the Menu for the Week

16. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, On the Menu, Vegetarian · Tags: , ,

I haven’t been cooking religiously for a few weeks, but I’ve been feeling the pull to get back in the kitchen recently. It doesn’t hurt that tons of interesting recipes caught my eye this week!
PicMonkey Collage1 [Potentially] On the Menu for the Week

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3

Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella Monica

09. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Raleigh, North Carolina · Tags: , , , ,

The other night my family and I ventured alllllll the way outside the beltline to try Bella Monica’s locally famous gluten-free menu items for the first time. With 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp, Bella Monica seemed worth the trek to North Raleigh.

We didn’t realize that we should have made a reservation for a Tuesday night, but apparently they’re pretty tightly booked, even during the week. Luckily, there was a free table in outside seating, so we weren’t turned away.

DSC 0003 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaNot one but two gluten-free menus.
DSC 00041 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaIt’s gluten freak heaven!
DSC 0008 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaFirst up: warm gluten-free foccaia with olive oil and rosemary. The verdict was that you wouldn’t have been able to tell that it was gluten-free (which seems like a good test).
DSC 00111 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaThough I’m not much of a wine drinker, I gave in to the peer family pressure to share a bottle. Apparently Le Muraie means The Wall- named so because the area where the grapes grow is very steep, so they have to build stone walls to prevent erosion. I’m no wine connoisseur, but no complaints about this one!
DSC 0006 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaI made the fam pose with our wine glasses. I tried to make them feel better by reminding them that I’m not a full-time food blogger, so I don’t have to photograph every single thing I eat. I’m not sure if the reassurance worked..
DSC 0013 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaI split gluten-free stuffed shells and gluten-free ravioli with my sister. She devoured all of hers; I hoarded mine for leftovers. They were kind enough to split both dishes, so we didn’t have to fight tooth-and-nail for exactly half of the meal (clearly we’re very grown-up). My favorite was definitely the ravioli because I liked the pasta to filling ratio (the filling of the stuffed shells was a bit overwhelming for me). The tomato sauce- or “gravy” as they call it- was great for both.
DSC 0015 1024x682 Raleigh Restaurant Review: Bella MonicaBecause it was our first time at Bella Monica, we had to treat ourselves to dessert- creme brulee from the special gluten-free dessert menu for me and my sister (this one we did share from one dish. No physical fights broke out).

At the end of the meal, the owner stopped by to say hello, which was a nice personal touch. I mentioned that one of our old coworkers from The Raleigh Forum knew him, so we had an even more personal connection!

Overall, our experience at Bella Monica was fantastic. Though not cheap, the prices were very decent for high-quality Italian food. The atmosphere was great as well- classy but not stuffy (our waitress was wearing jeans). It would be a perfect date spot, especially if you eat gluten-free (no need to ask the waitress a billion questions about which dishes may or may not contain gluten). Best of all, the dishes reheated very well, which is relatively rare for gluten-free pastas.

We’ll definitely be back for another visit soon!

Website // Twitter // Facebook

Fall Soup Roundup

04. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , , ,

I’m getting my wisdom teeth out today (ohh, the joys!), so I planned ahead by prepping several different soup varieties to tide me over until I can eat solid foods again.

Here’s what I’ll be eating by the bowlful as I watch Friends, sneak new episodes of Luther, and tweet about my pain (just kidding, I’ll try to abstain from such pointless updates):

(Note: click the soup title for the recipe)

Rainbow chili

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Zucchini & yellow squash soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Sweet potato, kale, & chicken soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

Spiced tomato bean soup

Fall Soup RoundupPhoto credit

 I made several adjustments for each recipe. For example, I didn’t use flour in the zucchini yellow squash soup and I replaced chickpeas with red kidney beans in the spiced tomato bean soup.

Cold Sesame Asian Noodles with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

03. October 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , ,

DSC 0001 1024x682 Cold Sesame Asian Noodles with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

After a recent trip to the NC State Farmers’ Market, I had leftover tomatoes and cucumbers. Given my new obsession with rice noodles, I decided to whip up an almost no-cook lunch of cold Asian noodles with marinated tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s super easy, but I recommend preparing it a few hours in advance (if not the night before) so the vegetables have time to soak up the marinade.

I haven’t included measurements because this dish is nearly impossible to mess up.

  • Tomatoes, chopped
  • Cucumbers, chopped
  • Onion, finely diced
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Rice noodles
  • Chicken or firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cubed (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sriracha (for added spiciness)

In a Tupperware, combine chopped vegetables with several dashes of rice vinegar and sesame oil. Sprinkle sugar and salt on top, cover with lid, and put in fridge for several hours or overnight.

To add protein and staying power, add chopped chicken. I marinated mine overnight in soy sauce, red chili peppers, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger, but you could just use salt, pepper, and olive oil. Cook using this fool-proof method. If you choose to use tofu, just marinate it and saute over medium heat with olive oil in a skillet.

Prepare rice noodles according to directions (usually you boil water, toss in noodles, boil for 3 minutes, and drain).

Combine all ingredients and garnish with sesame seeds and sriracha, if desired.
DSC 0004 1024x984 Cold Sesame Asian Noodles with Tomatoes & Cucumbers

On the Menu for the Week

15. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, On the Menu, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , , ,

DSC 00131 On the Menu for the Week

Heart of palm salad from my Pinterest to Plate cooking extravaganza

Quesadillas with feta, refried beans, spinach, and kale

Quinoa and turkey stuffed peppers from Bethenny

Artichokes with melted butter

Gluten-free pizza cupcakes with buffalo chicken meatballs from Trader Joe’s

Carrots with Alouette spinach artichoke spreadable cheese

Salads with walnuts, feta, and hard boiled eggs

Indian leftovers

Watermelon + peaches

 

 

Recap: Pinterest to Plate

13. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Food & Drink, Gluten-Free, Life Updates & Recaps, Raleigh, North Carolina, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , , ,

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was invited by the Marketing Manager of Wilkinson Supply Co, a local kitchen and bathroom supply company, to come to their on-site showroom and whip up a recipe that I found on Pinterest.

On Friday, I dropped by Trader Joe’s to pick up a few treats for the showroom crew, then headed to the building off Capital Blvd at 2pm. I took off two hours later after making this cheesy chicken & wild rice casserole and this heart of palm salad, touring the showroom, giving samples of my food to employees, and chatting about everything from Tutti Frutti to Ivy and Leo to Michael Franti to an infomerical for an interesting feminine product…

The highlights of my day:

DSC 00011 1024x821 Recap: Pinterest to PlateTreats for Wilkinson Supply Co employees [apple cider, sparkling blood orange juice, yogurt covered almonds, and mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups]

DSC 00431 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateMy state-of-the-art kitchen for the day! I had some serious kitchen envy and (half) joked that it would be hard for me to return to my normal kitchen, which doesn’t have an amazing induction stove top that boils water in about two minutes (though I don’t think I can afford one any time soon!).

DSC 00021 1024x670 Recap: Pinterest to PlateAll the ingredients for the cheesy chicken casserole [I made a failed modified cheese sauce since the original one called for flour and I wanted something gluten-free]

DSC 00031 1024x634 Recap: Pinterest to PlateIngredients for the heart of palm, tomato, and avocado salad [not pictured- cilantro and scallions]

DSC 00071 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to Plate Chopping onions for the chicken casserole

DSC 00081 1024x619 Recap: Pinterest to PlateWe saved time by using Ready Rice [microwave for 90 seconds] and roasted chicken from Trader Joe’s

DSC 00111 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlatePretty cool microwave!

DSC 00101 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateSauteing onions, carrots, and celery on the amazing gas stove [I wish I had let them saute for a bit longer]

DSC 00121 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateLayering the casserole [chicken, rice, and vegetables]

DSC 00151 1024x518 Recap: Pinterest to PlateThe convection oven was so cool- it has tons of settings for different dishes. We chose generic casserole for mine

DSC 00281 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateTotal cook time? About 10 minutes for an entire casserole. Crazy!

DSC 00131 1024x682 Recap: Pinterest to PlateI loved this easy heart of palm salad and it was fun to introduce some of the employees to a new food icon smile Recap: Pinterest to Plate

——

At the end of the day, employees came by the open kitchen to sample the casserole and salad. I heard a lot of oohs and aahs, so hopefully they really liked everything! My verdict: I loved the salad and would make it again in a heartbeat. I felt more neutral about the casserole [partly because of the lack of cheese sauce!], but I would make it again with several changes, including more spices. It would make a great easy dinner if you buy the chicken pre-roasted and microwavable rice, like we did.

Overall, I spent the day pretending I lived in a house with an amazing, state-of-the-art kitchen [who cares about the rest of the house?!]; meeting a fun group of employees; and trying out two new recipes. Definitely winning [I refuse to let that phrase die!].

Thank you so much to Janelle and the rest of the Wilkinson Supply Co for this cool, unique opportunity. I had a blast!

Connect with Wilkinson Supply Co:

Pinterest // Twitter // Blog

 

Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

09. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free · Tags: , , , , ,

I always keep several boxes of Zatarain’s jambalaya in my pantry because it’s an easy meal to make and can be adapted easily by adding onions, peppers, zucchini, shrimp, and/or sausage. But occasionally, I’m not in the mood for jambalaya but I still want a New Orleans-inspired dish that incorporates Andouille sausage. And that’s where this soup comes in! As per usual, it’s less of a recipe and more unmeasured inspiration. As I always say, soups are hard to fu mess up icon smile Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

  • Onion, chopped
  • Diced canned tomatoes
  • Lentils, washed
  • Broth, vegetable or chicken 
  • Cajun seasoning {pre-mixed or homemade}
  • Fully cooked Andouille sausage, chopped

Place uncooked lentils in a medium sized pot and cover with cold water {use a 2 to 1 ratio of water to lentils}. Add chopped onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to low and simmer until the lentils are tender. Add broth, cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, and sausage; simmer until lentils are completely cooked and flavors are well-blended.

Save it for a rainy day or throw caution to the wind and eat it on the hottest day of the summer icon smile Cajun Sausage, Lentil, & Tomato Soup

On the Menu for the Week {Summer Produce}

06. August 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, On the Menu, Vegetarian · Tags:

On the Menu for the Week {Summer Produce}Sausage Stuffed Mini Sweet Pepper Skewers

Leftover pho from Pho Far East

Gluten-free pizza {half with turkey pepperoni, half with shredded zucchini and pepper jack cheese}

Cool as a cucumber salad

Carrot sticks with Alouette garlic and herb cheese

Salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, etc

Rice cakes with herb cream cheese

On the Menu for the Week {Summer Produce}Photo credits: 1 & 2

Insanely Easy {Gluten-Free} Pizza Bites

31. July 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Cooking, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian · Tags: , , , ,

I hesitate to call this a recipe because it’s so simple and adaptable. As I was putting together an elaborate breakfast spread, I came up with sausage breakfast bites when I poked my head into my fridge and saw some key leftovers.

Because it was such an easy thing to whip up, I decided to play with several other variations.

Breakfast Bites

  • Prepared pizza dough, gluten-free or not {I use Red Mill}
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Sausage 

DSC 0002 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza BitesGrease muffin tin. Press pizza dough into bottom. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top

DSC 0003 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza BitesBreak sausage into small bite-sized bits and fry in a skillet until thoroughly cooked. Pat with a paper towel to soak up grease. Drop one or two pieces on top of the dough and cheese.

DSC 0004 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

Spread more pizza dough on top. Bake on 375 until the dough is cooked {15-20 minutes}.

Other Variations

DSC 0015 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

  • Buffalo chicken: mozzarella cheese, red onions, chicken, and buffalo sauce
  • Caprese: tomato sauce, basil, and mozzarella cheese
  • Hawaiian: pineapple and ham
  • Mexican: black beans, red onions, corn, cilantro, and cheese
  • Any other combination that you normally put on a pizza!

DSC 0013 1024x682 Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites

pixel Insanely Easy {Gluten Free} Pizza Bites
« Older articles
Newer articles »
+Cristina Roman