Letters From Andy
Onions
Squash Stew with Cauliflower and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tsp cumin, ground
- 2 tbsp dry oregano, toasted
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 lb hard squash, peeled and diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- small handful of almonds, toasted
- 2 lb tomatoes, crushed or pureed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- small handful cilantro, chopped
Recipe Notes
From Chef Jonathan Miller
Directions
Heat some olive oil in a large saucepan or soup pot. Add the onions and sauté until they have softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and the chili powder and cook another couple minutes. Add the squash, mushrooms, some salt, and 3 cups of water or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer slowly until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir regularly so the mixture doesn’t char on the bottom of the pot. Run almonds and sesame seeds in a food processor for a few seconds to finely chop them, then add to the stew with the cauliflower and tomatoes. Cook until the cauliflower is done to your liking, at least another 7 minutes. Add peas and cilantro, taste for seasoning, adding more salt or chili powder if you like, and serve warm.
Ten Minute Stir Fried Chicken with Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
- 2 cups sweet pepper strips, onion slices, or a combination of the two
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 cup halved walnuts, whole cashews, or other nuts
- 3 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
Recipe Notes
Adapted from The Minimalist Cooks at Home by Mark Bittman
Directions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet and heat on high for one minute. Add the veggies in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until they begin to char a little on the bottom, about one minute. Stir and cook one minute more.
Add the chicken and stir once or twice. Cook one minute until the bottom begins to char. Cook and stir another minute or two, then check a chicken piece to make sure it’s done. Lower heat to medium.
Stir in the nuts and the hoisin sauce. Cook about 15 seconds then add 2 tablespoons water. Cook, stirring, until it’s bubbly and glazes all the chicken and veggies. Serve with rice.