Linguine with Sunflower Pesto

Sunflower seeds also taste like summer to me. And this sunflower pesto is satisfyingly delicious and healthy!

Linguine with Sunflower Pesto
Vegetarian Times Issue: March 1, 2001   p.52

4 Servings

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup hulled sunflower seeds, plus more for garnish
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup olive oil, or more as needed
12 oz. linguine

1. In food processor, combine basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, salt and freshly ground pepper and process until coarsely ground. With machine running, add oil in slow, steady stream through feed tube, processing until well blended.
2. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook linguine until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
3. Transfer linguine to large, shallow bowl. Add pesto, salt to taste and a little additional olive oil and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information
Per SERVING: Calories 347, Protein 8g, Total fat 23g, Carbs 28g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 269mg, Fiber 3g, Sugars 0g

Couscous-Corn Salad

mmm there's nothing better than fresh corn in the summer. And this recipe for couscous and corn is a perfect side for summer barbeques!

Couscous-Corn Salad
Vegetarian Times Issue: June 1, 2002   p.54

4 Servings

1 cup couscous
2 cups fresh (about 4 ears) or frozen corn kernels
1 cup packed basil leaves, finely chopped
½ cup diced jarred roasted red peppers
½ cup finely diced red onion
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 to 5 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (1 to 2 lemons)

1. In medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water to boil over high heat. Add couscous, stir and return to a boil.
2. Cover pan, remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
3. In the meantime, bring another medium saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Add corn, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well.
4. Fluff couscous with fork and transfer to large serving bowl. Set aside to cool at room temperature. Add corn, basil, peppers and onion.
5. In small cup, mix oil and lemon juice. Pour over couscous mixture and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information
Per SERVING: Calories 310, Protein 9g, Total fat 8g, Carbs 53g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 15mg, Fiber 5g, Sugars 0g

Food & Wine Favorite Italian Recipes e-book

Got an unexpected email from Vacationist with a link to a complimentary FOOD & WINE Favorite Italian Recipes digital book collection:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Vacationist <gift@vacationist.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 9:56 AM
Subject: Complimentary gift for Vacationist members

Let FOOD & WINE be your guide with the complimentary FOOD & WINE Favorite Italian Recipes digital book collection. With this collection by your side, you'll be well on your way to creating recipes that are hand selected and tested by the editors of FOOD & WINE, including:• Classic Meatballs• Pappardelle with Veal Ragu • Carrot-Potato Gnocchi with Cheese • Vanilla Zabaglione With Raspberries and MORE! What are you waiting for? This authentic and flavorful collection of recipes is FREE! Plus, you'll get the FOOD & WINE Daily, a free e-newsletter with an inspired recipe idea from FOOD & WINE served up fresh every day! American Express Publishing Customer Service Department P.O. Box 62700 | Tampa, FL 33662-7008© 2011 American Express Publishing Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

I can't wait to make a whole meal from this book: start Hearty Minestrone Soup, then to (vegetarian) Carrot-Potato Gnocchi with Cheese, then to Pappardelle with Veal Ragù, then end with Vanilla Zabaglione with Raspberries. So hungry!

Garlic, Lemon, Pepper Ravioli

I love homemade ravioli...

Garlic, Lemon, Pepper Ravioli

6 servings

For pasta dough:
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
6 large fresh egg yolks
Semolina or cornmeal for dusting

For filling:
1 ½ cups fresh homemade ricotta cheese (made with lemon juice)*
1/3 cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg, optional

1 yolk, for egg wash

1. Put flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yolks, and use a fork to mix them into the flour. Turn dough out onto a floured surface, and knead for about 8 minutes or until dough is smooth. Add up to 2 tablespoons more flour if dough seems sticky. Knead dough a few times by hand to form an elastic ball, wrap it in plastic, and let rest for a half-hour to allow the gluten to relax.
2. Stir together all ingredients for filling.
3. Cut the ball of dough in half, cover and reserve the dough you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out. Dust the counter and dough with flour. Form the dough into a rectangle and roll it out until 1/8 thick.
4. Dust the counter and dough with flour, lay out the long sheet of pasta. Brush the top surface of dough with egg wash. Drop 1 tablespoon of filling about 1½-inches apart  on half the sheet of pasta, starting from about 1 inch from edge of one length of dough. Fold the unfilled half over the filling. Gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling and form a seal with your fingers. Use a crimped pasta wheel cutter (or press down with blade of a serrated knife) to slice through dough halfway between each scoop of filling, then trim edges to create 2-inch squares. Press edges to seal completely. Dust finished ravioli with semolina or cornmeal. Cover with a kitchen towel and refrigerate for up to 1 day if not using immediately.
5. To cook ravioli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook just until very al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to scoop ravioli into a colander. Measure 2/3 cup pasta cooking water and gradually whisk it into butter sauce until it is smooth and creamy. Add ravioli, toss to coat with sauce, and simmer for 1 minute. Serve immediately, passing more Parmesan cheese at the table.

Stir Fry on Fried Chinese Cake Noodles

Made cake noodles today with greens harvested from the garden.

Stir Fry on Fried Chinese Cake Noodles

noodles
3 tablespoons cooking oil
1 tablespoons ginger, minced
1 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 lb chicken thighs, skinned, deboned and diced
1/2 lb cooked shrimp
1 cup straw mushrooms
1/2 lb sugar snap peas, cleaned (or other vegetables)
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
2 tbs cornstarch to taste
salt and pepper

1. Cook noodles till just barely al dente.


2. Stir fry ginger and garlic in cooking oil.


3. Season chicken with salt and pepper.


4. Fry chicken with ginger and garlic, continue to cook until chicken is brown.


5. While chicken cooks, heat 1.5 tablespoons oil over medium-high to high heat in a separate skillet. Add the noodles. Quickly spread them out to the edges of the pan, and then let them cook, without stirring, until they are browned on the bottom (5 - 8 minutes). Carefully invert cake onto prepared plate. Return skillet to medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and brown (another 3 minutes)


6. Add mushrooms and sugar snap peas to the chicken. Then add 1/2 cup chicken stock, oyster sauce, and sugar.


7. Mix cornstarch with remaining 1 cup chicken broth separately and add to stir-fry mixture.


8. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, then add shrimp. When shrimp is heated through, server over noodles.

Harvest: 3 baby oxheart carrots, 4oz of red russian kale, and 4oz of mibuna asian mustard greens

Caponata

Three recipes for caponata that sound delicious!

Caponata, the traditional Sicilian mixture of eggplant, tomato, and anchovies that's perfect for both pasta and bread, can be served warm or cold.

Caponata
Vegetarian Times Issue: September 1, 2000 p.32

6 Servings

1 Tbs. olive oil
2 cups diced onions
6 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. plus pinch of salt
4 cups diced eggplant
3 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup diced yellow summer squash
1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, plus additional if needed
2 cups halved, seeded and diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups drained, pitted and minced kalamata olives
1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup drained, minced capers

1. In large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, oregano, pepper flakes and pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Add eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, squash, broth and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well. Cover pot with tight-fitting lid and cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. After 5 minutes, check that some moisture remains in pot and vegetables aren’t sticking to bottom. If necessary, add a little more broth.
3. Uncover pot and stir in tomatoes, olives, parsley and capers. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information
Per SERVING: Calories 148, Protein 4g, Total fat 8g, Carbs 19g, Cholesterol mg, Sodium 595mg, Fiber 6g, Sugars 0g



Caponata
New York Times September 4, 2008

6 to 8 Servings

1 1/2 pounds eggplant (1 large), roasted
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, from the tender inner stalks, diced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
2 red bell peppers, diced
Salt to taste
1 pound ripe tomatoes, preferably Romas, peeled, seeded and finely chopped, or 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes (in puree)
3 heaped tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pitted green olives
2 tablespoons sugar, plus a pinch
3 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar, or sherry vinegar (more to taste)
Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Roast the eggplant, then allow to cool. Chop coarsely.
2. Heat one tablespoon of the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy nonstick skillet, then add the onion and celery. Stir until the onion softens, about five minutes, and add the garlic. Cook together for a minute, until the garlic begins to smell fragrant, and add the peppers and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until just tender, about eight minutes. Add another tablespoon of oil and the eggplant, and stir together for another five minutes, until the vegetables are tender. The eggplant will fall apart, which is fine. Season to taste.
3. Add the tomatoes to the pan with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of sugar. Cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan often, for five to 10 minutes, until the tomatoes have cooked down somewhat and smell fragrant. Add the capers, olives, remaining sugar and vinegar. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, for 20 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are thoroughly tender and the mixture is quite thick, sweet and fragrant. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat. Allow to cool to room temperature. If possible, cover and chill overnight. Serve at room temperature.

Pasta with Eggplant Caponata
Vegetarian Times Issue: March 1, 2002   p.30

4 Servings

12 oz. penne pasta
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium eggplant, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed
15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
1/4 cup capers, drained
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. sugar

1. In large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 minutes. Add eggplant, and cook until soft, stirring to prevent sticking, 5 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers oregano, balsamic vinegar and sugar. Reduce heat, and simmer sauce 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss with pasta and serve.

Nutritional Information
Per SERVING: Calories 445, Protein 14g, Total fat 8g, Carbs 81g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 834mg, Fiber 7g, Sugars 0g

Tuscan-Style Spaghetti with Kale and Cannellinis

My first attempt at cooking kale...

Tuscan-Style Spaghetti with Kale and Cannellinis
Vegetarian Times Issue: September 1, 2006 p.42

Serves 8

2 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium-size onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbs.)
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 1/2 lb. kale, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 12 cups)
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3/4 tsp. salt
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped
1 12-oz. pkg. whole-wheat spaghetti
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion in oil 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes.
2. Add 6 cups kale, and cook 2 minutes, or until wilted, tossing occasionally. Add remaining kale, tomatoes, broth and salt. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 15 minutes, or until soupy, tossing occasionally. Stir in beans and olives.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, and return to pot with kale mixture. Cook 2 minutes over medium heat, or until pasta absorbs most of liquid. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information
Per SERVING: Calories 270, Protein 10g, Total fat 7g, Carbs 46g, Cholesterol 2mg, Sodium 379mg, Fiber 10g, Sugars 5g