Eat your way around the world
Nope. That would be weird. No, this is peanut sauce, the perfect complement to Gado Gado. And what is Gado Gado, you ask? The coolest way to stay cool in Indonesia. Made from an assortment of tofu, tempeh, young jack fruit, cooled boiled potatoes, eggs, and green beans, Gado Gado is a dream-come-true for those of us who like to use leftovers. Of course, to keep things fresh and crunchy, most Gado Gado salads also add a blast of cabbage and sprouts. If that sounds too healthy, … [Read more...]
Serves 2-4 Let's get up and greet the day like an Indonesian. Stretch your arms to the sky. Touch the earth. Pile your plate with fried rice. And cow's eyes. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't mean a cow's cow eyes. I mean fried eggs. That's simply what they call them in Indonesia. As far as breakfast goes, Nasi Goreng is incredibly satisfying. Especially if you eat it on top of an 8th century Buddhist monument. And why not? With stove-top travel, we can go wherever we … [Read more...]
Life is moving along at a pretty good clip. I officially have a two year-old. We're eating Indonesia. My hair is grayer than ever. Yep, that about sums it up! I'm really excited about our Indonesian recipes because they cover the gamut, from vegetarian delight to meat lover's lovely love-fest. There's something for everyone. What sounds good to you? Gado Gado (Indonesian Salad) [recipe] This is one of the most popular salads in Indonesia. Most versions include young jackfruit, … [Read more...]
Not hundreds. Not thousands. Not even 17,000. Nope. Experts state that "more than 17,000 islands make up Indonesia." Either they lost count or they simply wanted an even number. Regardless, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world with over 300 languages spoken. And, guess what? 11,000 of those islands are uninhabited. I wonder, if I'm really nice, if they'll let me have one? Hmm. Maybe not. Of course, I'll be happy to settle for a few Indonesian meals. The food … [Read more...]
THE SCENE On my brother Keith's last day in Tulsa, in the very last half hour, he said something that will stick with me for a long time. I was sipping my tea, watching him play with Ava, thinking how happy I was. Conversation turned to our next visit and how work always tries to ruin plans. The way they make you guilty for taking even a little time off. How, inevitably, they squeeze as much out of you as they possibly can. Rather abruptly he said: "I won't cancel, no matter … [Read more...]
Serves 4 I've officially learned how to blackmail my brother into doing anything I want. Make him a pot of masala chai. He drank this sweet, milky treat his entire visit. A mug was never far from reach. The flavor is as intense as any local coffee shop, but the satisfaction is 200% greater, as we made it ourselves. One more thing - you can serve it hot or cold which makes it the perfect drink in my book. I'm honored that this recipe was featured in Penzy's Spices' 2012 early summer … [Read more...]
Makes 4.5 cups The sweet, rich flavor of kulfi will transport you (and any toddlers you know) to India quicker than quick. No need for fancy equipment, either. Freeze the kulfi in any mold you have - I used plastic shot glasses from a party supply store. The two year-olds I polled had no problem with this. Ingredients: 1 12 oz can evaporated milk 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 2 slices bread 1 cup cream, whipped 2 Tbsp pistachios 1 tsp rose water 1/4 tsp cardamom red food … [Read more...]
Serves 4 It's creamy. It's earthy. It's one of my favorite dishes from India. Ladle over saag panner over basmati rice and it's also a surefire way to get a picky man to eat his spinach. Ingredients: vegetable oil 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 1 tsp fresh grated turmeric 2-3 tsp homemade garam masala 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic Serrano chili, sliced thinly (to taste) 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed, juices retained homemade paneer, to taste salt pepper finishing touch 2 Tbsp … [Read more...]
