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Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Easy Mediterranean Soup

 

  • This is a very versatile soup base. On the first day, we put chunks of cod in it for 2-3 people - and there was plenty of soup left over. We had garlic flavored couscous as a side and there was plenty left over.
  • The next day - we added shrimp - and it was delicious - broth was better the second day. There was just soup and a little couscous left after the second meal so I combined it and figured it would make a good lunch on the third day. 
  • I microwaved it an added some leftover rotisserie chicken, sour cream, more cheese - and it was delicious.
  • It could be turned Mexican with chili powder, black beans, corn, garbanzos, and cojita cheese. Tortilla chips, crumbled - for topping.
  • It could be turned greek with artichoke hearts, garbanzos, and greek olives (and chicken or gyro meat) and feta cheese

  • Yellow highlight is what I used
  • While it is *easy* - there are still a lot of ingredients. I group them to assist in my organization. Sometimes it's easier to do all the prep - and then take a break before I do the actual cooking - which was really easy.

  • A-spices
  • 1 ½ teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¾ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • B-protien
  • 1 ½ pounds moderately firm fish fillet, original recipe suggested a combination of sea bass and red snapper, cut into chunks (1 ½ -inch pieces)

  • C- season each *layer* - to taste
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

  • D-veggies
  • Extra virgin olive oil - 3 T
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced

  • E-add and simmer 20 min
  • 1 28- ounce can whole tomatoes (or diced to save time)
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock, preferably low-sodium -that's the original recipe opinion- it depends on which brand you use

  • F-stir in at end
  • 1 cup packed chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lemon, juice of


  • G-toppings
  • 3 green onions chopped (both white and green parts)
  • grated parmesan - not in original recipe - but almost every soup tastes better with some parmesan cheese.
  • sour cream - not in original recipe - and not with fish - but with all the other variations

At the very end - I'll include the original instructions.

Mix the spices together - use a tsp or more to season the fish - (optional in my opinion - use your own judgement if you like to season fish prior to cooking.
Saute the vegetables in olive oil - until soft.
Push them aside and toast the spice mixture for a minute or two
Add E-ingredients
Simmer 20 minutes
Add fish - if that's the protein you are starting with.
If you start with chicken thighs - plan to cook them longer - they could be added with the tomatoes - you do not need to brown chicken thighs that are going into soup.
Fish - timing will depend on the fish

Stir in the parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice. Top with green onions and parmesan cheese - although - if that does not sound good - just be sure to salt the dish enough.

Here are original directions:

  • In a small bowl, mix the spices together.
  • Season the fish with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper and 2 to 3 teaspoons of the spice mixture; toss to coat.
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook, tossing regularly, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Season with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Add the remainder of the spice mixture.
  • Add the tomatoes, white wine, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot part-way and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add the fish and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the fish is cooked through (do not over-cook the fish, remember it will continue to cook in the hot broth even after you remove it from the heat).
  • Stir in the parsley, cilantro, green onions. Finish with lemon juice. Serve immediate



Monday, May 1, 2023

Thor Chicken Salad

 This is our approximation of the chicken salad that was in our favorite wrap from Thor - the best coffee shop in Toronto.

1 shredded rotisserie chicken

3-4 green onions, chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

1 green apple, diced - add right before serving - if you want to make the salad a day before - it improves with some time to meld the flavors. Optional, if you do not want to leave the apple and lemon til later - mix the apple and the lemon juice together - and stir in.

1/3 c dried cranberries

1/3 c chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)

(walnuts- optional)

3/4 c dressing - mayo or 50/50 yogurt/mayo

2 T curry powder

1 tsp salt - or a bit more - to taste

1/4 tsp pepper (or 1/2)

1 freshly squeezed lemon - mix in with apple - right before serving if you decided to go that route