Friday, April 1, 2011

A Delicious Bowl


I'm short on time today but I wanted to share something wonderful I put together recently, inspired by Isa Chandra Moskowitz' Appetite For Reduction. I've only just begun to peruse this wonderful tome, and I like the "bowl" section because it feels very familiar. Basically Isa suggests grain, veggie and sauce combinations that work well. This is the way my brain naturally works anyway, as I am always juggling leftovers and reinventions. I've been in love with quinoa lately, so I went for one of those combos. Quinoa --check.  White beans -- check.   Grilled zucchini -- check, but too lazy to grill.  Romesco Sauce -- hmmmm, roasted red pepper (I had some in a jar) slivered almonds (um, I had whole almonds) red wine vinegar, yes, mustard, yes, agave, yes -- check. So that combo would be a go.

I started with the quinoa, red quinoa to be exact. I boiled it simply with half a bouillon cube. Then I pulled out the food processor and created the romesco sauce, albeit with not quite enough roasted red pepper, and slightly chunkier almonds, but it was amazing nonetheless. Finally I pulled the zucchini out of the crisper and realized it was unfortunately the granite hard one I bought for a small fortune over a month ago. Unbelievably it was still oddly rock hard. My very best knife would not even make a dent. Into the trash it went. So, another plan B -- collard greens!  I very lightly sauteed some wonderful greens and they fit beautifully into the combo slot!  I think I'm going to like this cookbook!

5 comments:

  1. I just ordered the book.
    Thanks Cheryl!

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  2. You will love AFR! We've cooked from it nearly every week since I got it for Christmas. My favorite bowl so far (we've only tried two, I admit) is whichever one uses lots of green veggies, quinoa, and Green Goddess Garlic Dressing. Mmmm, I could drink that dressing.

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  3. I think we have the same taste buds - I've been on a major red quinoa quick lately. I've been throwing it on salads w/avocados, toasted pumpkin seeds, shredded jicama, and lime juice - among other odds and ends.

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  4. Yes, mmm, I'm going to crack the spine of that book again today, I think. The Green Goddess Garlic Dressing sounds fab . . . Thanks ladies~

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