During roundups, cowboys once saved any extra coffee for use in cooking, since water was sometimes scarce. The coffee powder in these beans is an adaptation of that. Add some hot buttered flour tortillas and a crisp salad alongside for a terrific meal.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 bay leaves
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups water
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
3 15- to 16-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed, drained
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, garlic and bay leaves. Sauté until vegetables are almost tender, about 10 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano and cumin and sauté 5 minutes. Mix in water, tomato sauce, sugar and coffee powder. Add beans. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low: simmer until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Before serving, rewarm over low heat, stirring frequently.)
In India, chicken is one of the most popular foods cooked in the tandoor, the ubiquitous clay oven. The secret to the bird’s distinctive taste and tender texture is a yogurt marinade enhanced with spices. Here we pour one over chicken breasts, which are cooked on a grill. The chicken is served on toasted bread spread with a mayonnaise spiked with mint, cilantro and chili, flavors common in Indian relishes. Try to find Indian beer such as Taj Mahal or Kingfisher to go along with the meal. Offer fresh mangoes for dessert.
Serves 6.
INGREDIENTS
sandwiches
6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
12 slices sourdough bread
indian mayonnaise
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced
3 tablespoons chopped onion
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
DIRECTIONS
For Sandwiches: Arrange boneless chicken breasts in single layer in large glass baking dish. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice: season with salt. Mix plain yogurt, chopped fresh ginger, chopped garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper and turmeric in medium bowl. Pour yogurt marinade over chicken breasts and turn to coat. Cover chicken and refrigerate 3 to 8 hours.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Remove chicken breasts from marinade (do not wipe clean). Grill or broil chicken until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Cool slightly. (Chicken can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)
Lightly toast (or grill) sourdough bread. Spread 1 side of each piece of bread generously with Indian Spiced Mayonnaise. Slice chicken breasts diagonally. Place slices of 1 breast atop each of 6 sourdough bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Cut chicken sandwiches in half. Serve sandwiches warm or at room temperature.
For Mayonnaise: Combine 1 cup mint leaves, 1 cup cilantro leaves, minced jalapeño chili and chopped onion in work bowl of processor. Process until very finely chopped. Mix in cider vinegar. Add mayonnaise and process just until combined. Season mayonnaise to taste with salt and pepper. (Mayonnaise can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.)Makes about 1 scant cup.
Nothing says summer quite like a barbecue, and here’s a recipe for the grill that’s sure to become a standard in your repertoire. Serve with the corn and tomato salad, and crusty rolls. Pour a dry red wine, such as Zinfandel or Merlot, and bring out a batch of your favorite brownies for dessert.
Serves 6.
INGREDIENTS
steak
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 2-pound flank steak, trimmed
sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
2 green onions, chopped
romaine lettuce leaves
DIRECTIONS
FOR STEAK: Combine first 6 ingredients in glass baking dish. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and marinate overnight, turning occasionally.
FOR SAUCE: Mix first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Season with generous amount of pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Prepare barbecue (high heat). Drain steak. Pour marinade into small saucepan and boil 1 minute. Season steak with generous amount of pepper. Grill to desired doneness, basting occasionally with marinade, about 6 minutes per side for rare. Transfer steak to plate and let stand at least 15 minutes. (Can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead.) Cut steak across grain into thin diagonal slices. Line platter with romaine leaves. Top with steak. Serve warm or at room temperature with horseradish sauce.
Traditional beef stew with Spanish overtones. It’s delicious over rice or pasta.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, cubed
2 medium carrots, cubed
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 15-to 16-ounce can stewed tomatoes
1 cup canned beef broth
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives (about 2 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS
Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Add to Dutch oven; sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Add onion, carrots, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth chilies, olives and oregano. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until beef is tender, about 1 hour. Uncover; simmer until juices thicken, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cilantro.
Cumin, chili powder, garlic and fresh lime juice are combine in the easy-to-make spice paste. It adds lots of flavor to the beef in this recipe, but can also be used on chicken, pork, shrimp or firm fish like halibut, swordfish and shark.
Serves 6.
INGREDIENTS
dressing
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1 cup olive oil
salsa
2 ears fresh corn, husked
4 plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped
1 cup chopped peeled jicama
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
steak
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 large garlic cloves, pressed
2 pounds beef tenderloin steaks (1 inch thick)
assembly
1 avocado, halved, peeled, pitted, diced
10 cups mixed baby greens
2 small mangoes, peeled, pitted, thinly sliced
*available at latin american markets, specialty foods stores and in the latin section of some supermarkets.
DIRECTIONS
For dressing: Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl in blend. Gradually whisk in oil. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.For Salsa: Blanch corn in large pot of boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain. Cool. Cut corn from cob. Transfer corn kernels to large bowl. Add tomatoes, jicama, onion and cilantro and mix. (Can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)
For steak: Combine first 4 ingredients in small bowl. Spread spice paste over both sides of steaks. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
For Assembly: Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill steaks to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to cutting board and let stand 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, add avocado and 2 tablespoons dressing to salsa and mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place greens in large bowl and toss with enough dressing to coat. Divide greens equally among 6 plates. Fan some mango slices on 1 side of each salad. Top each salad with 1/2 cup salsa.
Thinly steaks crosswise. Arrange atop greens. Serve, passing remaining dressing separately.
Hummus, a dip/spread traditional in many Middle Eastern countries, is usually made with chick-peas (garbanzo beans), but we use white beans for a change of pace. It is delicious with steamed potatoes and artichokes as well as blanched broccoli, cauliflower and green beans.
Serves 6.
INGREDIENTS
hummus
2 15-ounce cans cannellini (white kidney beans), rinsed, drained
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup tahini* (sesame seed paste_
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
fresh thyme leaves
vegetables
1 pound baby red-skinned potatoes
2 large artichokes
3 lemon halves
1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3/4 pound green beans, trimmed
2 bunches baby carrots, peeled
pita bread, cut into triangles
*available at middle eastern and natural foods stores and some supermarkets.
DIRECTIONS
For hummus: Combine first 5 ingredients processor; puree. If necessary, mix in enough water to thin to consistency of thick mayonnaise. Mix in 2 tablespoons minced thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
For vegetables: Steam potatoes until just tender, about 25 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Cut off stems of artichokes and rub cut surface with cut side of lemon. Cut artichokes lengthwise into quarters and rub cut surfaces with lemon. Cut out choke and rub with lemon. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add 1 remaining lemon half and artichokes. Cover and boil until a leaf pulls off easily, about 35 minutes. Drain and cool.
Cook broccoli and cauliflower in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of cold water. Add green beans to same boiling water and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drain. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap vegetables tightly and refrigerate.)
Arrange all vegetable on large platter. Serve with hummus and pita bread.
6 main-course or 8 side-dish servings.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon butter
1 10-ounce package frozen corn kernels
3 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped celery leaves
1/3 cup soft herb cheese (such as boursin)
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups half and half
1 15-ounce package all ready pie crusts, room temperature
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add corn and sauté 5 minutes. Add green onions and celery leaves and toss to heat through. Remove from heat.
Mix cheese, eggs, yolks and flour in medium bowl. Gradually add half and half, stirring until mixture is smooth; add corn mixture.
Unfold crusts on work surface and press out fold lines. Line 9-inch-diameter pie dish with 1 crust. Spoon filling into crust-lined dish. Arrange second crust over; pinch edges together to seal and crimp decoratively. Cut several slits in top of crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake pie until filling is puffed and golden, about 45 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes; serve warm.
This classic egg and potato dish is called a tortilla in Spain. Serve it warm or at room temperature for breakfast or at brunch.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large russet potato (about 13 ounces), peeled, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
6 large eggs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons drained capers
DIRECTIONS
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Layer half of potato, onion and bell pepper slices in skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat layering and seasoning. Cover and cook until potatoes and vegetables are tender, stirring and turning frequently with spatula, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle thyme over. Cool slightly.
Whisk eggs in large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Add potato mixture to eggs. Wipe skillet clean. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-low heat. Pour egg mixture into skillet; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook until eggs are just set, about 10 minutes. Slide frittata onto platter. Sprinkle parsley and capers over. Cut into wedges and serve.
Grilled zucchini adds extra flavor and texture to this light and pretty main course.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2-ounce packages fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 pound gnocchi pasta or orecchiette pasta
4 zucchini, halved lengthwise
olive oil
freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Combine 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard small bowl. Gradually mix in 1/3 cup olive oil. Mix in chopped fresh basil. Place shrimp in medium bowl. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, brush zucchini on both sides with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill until charred, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Add shrimp to grill and cook until just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to large bowl. Cut zucchini crosswise into 1-inch pieces and add to shrimp.
Drain pasta well. Add to bowl with shrimp and zucchini. Add basil vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared up to 1 hour ahead. Let stand at room temperature.) Serve pasta warm or at room temperature, passing grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
