Vegetarian (or Adaptable)

Spring Green Soup with Leeks and Peas

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced into half-moons (about 3 cups)
12 ounces waxy potatoes, such as new potatoes or creamers, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups (10 ounces) sweet green peas, fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not defrost)
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill

Note: Feel free to vary the vegetables based on what you have on hand, swapping onion for the leeks, parsnips or carrots for the potato, or using snow peas, baby kale, and basil for the green vegetables and herbs, for example.

dill

In a soup pot over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the potatoes, salt and pepper. Add the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes.

Stir in the peas and continue to simmer until they turn bright green and just tender, 2 to 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted but still bright green, 30 seconds. Stir in the herbs, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Udon Noodles With Soft-Boiled Egg, Soy and Black Pepper

4 large eggs (optional)
Sea salt
26 ounces (750 grams) thick, round Japanese udon noodles, preferably fresh or frozen
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 teaspoons mirin
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (may substitute vegan butter such as Miyoko’s), cubed
4 scallions, thinly sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

If you’re including the eggs, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil; in a medium bowl prepare an ice bath and set aside. Add the eggs to the boiling water and set a timer for 6 minutes. As soon as the buzzer goes off, drain the eggs and transfer to the prepared ice bath. Let cool completely, about 5 minutes. (This will make very soft-boiled eggs — if you prefer firmer yolks, cook for 1 more minute.) Peel the eggs.

In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions until al dente, 1 to 3 minutes. Drain, then divide the noodles among four bowls.

While the noodles cook, in a small saucepan, combine the broth, soy sauce or tamari, and mirin and set over low heat until hot, about 5 minutes.

Pour the hot broth over each bowl of noodles and top each with an egg. Divide the butter cubes among the bowls and let them melt into the noodles. Garnish with scallions and season with a generous amount of black pepper. (Use as much as you like, but this dish is meant to be very peppery.) Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, sprinkle with a little sea salt, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Information
Calories: 563; Total Fat: 27 g; Saturated Fat: 11 g; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Sodium: 1064 mg; Carbohydrates: 70 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugar: 3 g; Protein: 9 g.

Silky Eggplant With Halloumi and Almond Salsa

3 small or 2 medium Italian eggplant (about 24 ounces total)
Kosher salt
1/2 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
Juice of 1/2 lemon, plus more for serving
2 garlic cloves, 1 smashed and 1 minced
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
2 heaping tablespoons torn or roughly chopped mint
Black pepper
2/3 cup roughly chopped almonds
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 Fresno or Serrano pepper, minced
8 ounces halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pita bread, for serving (optional)

Line a colander with paper towels or a clean dishcloth. Slice the eggplant into 3/4- to 1-inch rounds, place in the colander and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes, until water beads on top of the eggplant.

Meanwhile, make the yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt with the lemon juice, smashed garlic clove, 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the torn mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

In a heavy pan with high sides over medium heat, toast the chopped almonds until golden brown and fragrant, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove pan from the heat and transfer nuts to a medium bowl, then add the red-wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic clove and Fresno pepper. Mix and season with salt to taste.

Set up a plate or cutting board lined with paper towels next to the stove. Wipe out the pan you were working with and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Blot the moisture from the eggplant, and when the oil is hot, add the slices in a single layer (you’ll probably have to work in batches). Cook until brown, then flip, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. While browning, as the eggplant is getting dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil and cover the pan for 1 to 2 minutes. The eggplant will be fork-tender and golden brown on both sides when finished. Transfer to the paper towel-lined surface and sprinkle with salt.

When you’ve finished cooking the eggplant, add the cubed cheese to the hot pan, leaving any residual oil (add a teaspoon of olive oil if there’s not enough left in the pan). Sauté, stirring frequently, until brown and crisp all over. Remove pan from the heat.

Spread the yogurt on a platter. Arrange the eggplant and halloumi on top, then scatter with almond salsa. Garnish with remaining torn mint, then sprinkle with any leftover lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve with pita.

Herbed Spring Salad With Egg and Walnuts

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:
2 tablespoons finely diced shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (from 2 small cloves)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup walnut oil or extra-virgin olive oil

FOR THE SALAD:
6 ounces/4 cups lightly packed watercress or, preferably, a mixture of zesty salad greens
3 medium golden beets, cooked, peeled and cut in wedges
1/2 cup thinly sliced red radish (6 to 8 medium radishes)
1/2 cup thinly sliced turnip (or use small kohlrabi or watermelon radish)
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery heart, plus tender leaves (from the center of 1 celery head)
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons roughly chopped dill
2 tablespoons tarragon leaves
4 (7-minute) boiled eggs
1 cup toasted walnut halves

Make the vinaigrette: Put shallots in a small bowl. Add mustard, vinegar, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and the garlic. Stir together, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the walnut oil. Set aside for a few minutes, then taste and adjust lemon juice and salt.

Wash and dry the salad greens. Tear large leaves into smaller pieces, if desired. Wrap in a clean towel and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

Just before serving salad, put beet wedges in the bottom of a wide salad bowl. Add the radish, turnip and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Add dill, tarragon and half of the vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.

Add the salad greens and combine to distribute sliced vegetables evenly. Cut eggs in halves or quarters, and arrange over salad. Scatter walnuts over the top. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette.

Escarole Salad With Halloumi Croutons

FOR THE DRESSING:
1 small garlic clove, grated or pressed
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to taste

FOR THE SALAD:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
6 ounces halloumi cheese, diced into 1-inch cubes and patted dry
3/4 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika (pimentón)
6 cups escarole, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup parsley leaves and tender stems
1/2 shallot, or 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice and salt. Let sit for 30 seconds for the salt to dissolve, then whisk in olive oil. Taste and add more salt if needed. Set aside.

Prepare the salad: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high until it thins out, about 20 seconds. Add cheese and cook until golden on one side, 1 to 2 minutes, adding more oil if the pan dries out. Flip cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Let cook without moving until golden on the other side, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Put escarole, parsley and shallot in a large salad bowl. Add the dressing and warm halloumi, and toss well, adding more oil, lemon juice and salt, to taste. Serve immediately, strewn with pomegranate seeds, if you like.

Butternut Squash and Green Curry Soup

4 tablespoons coconut oil or neutral-tasting oil
3 medium shallots, diced
1 (2-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
1 lemongrass stalk, cut into 3-inch pieces
Kosher salt
2 medium butternut squashes (about 4 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into about 3/4-inch cubes
2 (13 1/2-ounce) cans coconut milk
6 to 8 tablespoons Thai green curry paste, or to taste
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3 to 4 cups water or chicken stock, preferably homemade

Miang kham topping to garnish (see related recipe)

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Melt oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add shallots, ginger, lemongrass and a generous pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are tender and just starting to brown, about 18 minutes.

Add squash, coconut milk, curry paste, 3 tablespoons fish sauce and 3 cups water or stock. Increase heat to high. When liquid comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook the soup covered until squash is tender, about 25 minutes.

Remove soup from heat. Remove lemongrass stalks from pot. Use a hand blender to purée soup. Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a blender or food processor and purée. Taste and adjust for salt and curry paste. Add water or stock to thin soup to the desired consistency.

Serve soup hot with garnishes.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Pistachio Pesto

FOR THE CAULIFLOWER:
1 head cauliflower, preferably orange (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small yellow onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick lengthwise
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper

FOR THE PESTO:
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lightly packed cilantro and flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup raw shelled pistachios
1 garlic clove, sliced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper

Make the cauliflower: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the cauliflower, making sure the stem is cut flush with the head so it sits flat. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until translucent and turning golden on the edges, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and remove from the heat.

Rub the cauliflower with the remaining tablespoon oil then with the pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Clear the center of the skillet and place the cauliflower in it. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place in the center of the oven. Bake until a paring knife meets no resistance when inserted into the cauliflower, 20 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the pesto: Reserve a bit of lemon zest for garnish. Place the rest in a food processor, along with the herbs, oil, pistachios, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined.

Turn oven to 450 degrees on the regular setting or, if you have a convection option, 425 degrees. Uncover the cauliflower and baste with some of the pan juices. Cook, basting occasionally and adding 1/4 cup of water to the pan if it threatens to dry out, until nicely browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Spoon the pesto over top, sprinkle with reserved lemon zest and more herbs, and serve.

Pressure Cooker Sambar

FIRST COOKING CYCLE FOR SAMBAR
1/2 cup Toor Dal
2.5 cups Water
1 cup Canned Tomatoes
1 Onion roughly chopped
1.5 tablespoons Sugar Or Other Sweetener Equivalent or jaggery
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Turmeric
.5-1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 tablespoon Sambhar powder

SECOND COOKING CYCLE FOR SAMBAR
1 tablespoon Tamarind Concentrate
2 cups Water
1/2 cup Frozen Pearl Onions
1/2 cup green beans cut 2 inches long
Other vegetables of choice (see note)

FOR TADKA
2 teaspoon Ghee or oil for vegan option
1 teaspoon Black Mustard Seeds
2 whole Dried Red Chilis
4-5 curry leaves

GARNISH
2 tablespoons Cilantro finely chopped

FIRST COOKING CYCLE

Add dal, water, tomatoes, chopped onion, sugar, salt, turmeric, cayenne and sambhar spice blend to the inner liner of your Instant Pot.

Cook for 10 minutes at high pressure. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.

Using an immersion blender, blend together the dal and vegetables. You are doing this to create a flavorful mix and to keep the dal from settling to the bottom in what will be a relatively thin broth.

SECOND COOKING CYCLE:
To the blended dal mixture, add 2 cups water, the tamarind concentrate, and the frozen vegetables.

Cook for 2 minutes at high pressure and then immediately release all remaining pressure.

On the stovetop in a small pan (preferably a tadka ladle), heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. When it is hot, add mustard seeds, the whole red chilies, and the curry leaves. Stand back and allow the mustard seeds to splutter about 30 seconds.
Pour this hot, flavored ghee onto the sambhar, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.

Notes: You can use other vegetables such as diced pumpkin, chopped eggplant, or whole okra as well

Miso-Glazed Fish (or Tofu)

1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup sake
3 tablespoons white or yellow miso paste
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
4 salmon, trout, Arctic char, mahi mahi or black cod fillets

Combine the mirin and sake in the smallest saucepan you have and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 20 seconds, taking care not to boil off much of the liquid, then turn the heat to low and stir in the miso and the sugar. Whisk over medium heat without letting the mixture boil until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sesame oil. Allow to cool. Transfer to a wide glass or stainless steel bowl or baking dish.

Pat the fish fillets dry and brush or rub on both sides with the marinade, then place them in the baking dish and turn them over a few times in the marinade remaining in the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for 2 to 3 hours, or for up to a day.

Light the broiler or prepare a grill. Line a sheet pan with foil and oil the foil. Tap each fillet against the sides of the bowl or dish so excess marinade will slide off. Place skin side up on the baking sheet if broiling.

Place the fish skin side down on the grill, or skin side up under the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat. Broil or grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the surface browns and blackens in spots. If necessary (this will depend on the thickness of the fillets) finish in a 400-degree oven, for about 5 minutes, until the fish is opaque and can be pulled apart easily with a fork.

Tips
For a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute tofu, sliced about 2/3 inch thick, for the fish.
Advance preparation: You can prepare the fish 12 hours before cooking.

Air Fryer Ranch Potatoes

1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
1.5 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning and salad dressing mix
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cut potatoes into 1 inch chunks. For small potatoes you can cut in half and then into quarters.
Rinse potato chunks under cold water and place in a bowl. Pat dry with paper towels.

Toss potatoes with olive oil and ranch seasoning mix.

Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 380 degrees.

Add potatoes when preheating is done and cook at 380 degrees for 10

Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Potatoes

1.5 lbs baby red potatoes
1 tbs olive oil
1.5 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp crushed rosemary
1 tsp course salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Cut baby red potatoes in half. If using larger red potatoes, cut into chunks of about 1 inch.
Add potatoes to a large bowl and mix well with olive oil and remaining ingredients.
Preheat air fryer at 380°(F).

Add potatoes to preheated air fryer and use the air fry setting at 380°(F) for 18-20 minutes or until potatoes are a nice golden color.

When done, carefully remove potatoes and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley and rosemary, salt and pepper.

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapenos
Bacon
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
Optional: scallions

Slice 8 large jalapeños in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.

Cook 8 strips of bacon at 400 degrees until crispy.

Crumble the bacon and mix with a block of softened cream cheese and a generous helping of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.

Stuff the peppers and bake at 370 for 7 minutes.

Air Fryer Crispy Mushrooms

1 8 oz. package Baby Bellas
1/2 cup flour
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4-tsp. salt and pepper adjust to taste
olive oil spray

Wipe any excess dirt from mushrooms using a towel.

Cut each mushroom into quarters and then cut each piece in half again (each mushroom will equal 8 pieces).

Pour 1/2-cup flour onto a plate.

Whisk 3 eggs in a bowl.

Pour 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs into a bowl.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Stir until completely combined.

Toss the chopped mushrooms in the flour until coated, then dunk the mushrooms in the eggs, and finally toss them in the spiced breadcrumb mixture until completely coated.

Repeat with the remainder of the mushrooms. Arrange the mushrooms on a plate or flat surface.

Spray lightly with a can of olive oil.

Turn the Air Fryer ‘On’. Set to 360°F and 7 minutes.

Arrange 1/3-of the mushrooms in the Air Fryer basket. (Make sure the mushrooms are not over-crowded). Push the basket into the fryer and cook for 7 minutes.

Remove the mushrooms from the fryer when fully cooked. Repeat with the other two batches of mushrooms.

Sprinkle with a little more salt after removing from the fryer.

Serve immediately. Can be enjoyed alone or with any variety of dipping sauces.

Air Fryer Tortelloni (or Dumplings, Wontons, Crab Rangoon, Ravioli, or Pierogi)

Tortelloni (or dumplings, wontons, rangoons, ravioli, or pierogi)
Cooking spray

Toss or spray fresh tortellini with a little bit of olive oil.

Air fry on 375* for about 8 minutes, shaking occasionally (a little longer if they are frozen)

Serve with whatever sauce you’d like.

Air Fryer Pita Chips

4 pitas
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Cut pitas into 8 triangle slices. Place in a large bowl and coat with oil and seasoning. Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper (optional). Air fry pitas at 400°F for 3 minutes. Turn pitas and continue to cook for 4 minutes.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

1 medium size eggplant
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into rounds
1 jar spaghetti sauce

Slice eggplant into disks and lay out each disk onto a paper towel. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the disks and let sit for 20 minutes.

Take out 3 bowls and in the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and olive oil. In the third bowl, beat 2 eggs together. Coat each disk in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.

Place in air fryer and air fry at 390°F for 8-11 minutes. Coat with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese and air fry at 350°F for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Air Fryer Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup scallions
1/2 tsp seafood seasoning
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour and butter. Combine remaining dry ingredients and slowly add milk while working mixture into dough with hands.

Divide dough into 1-2 inch balls and place in air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes.