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Showing posts with label Thai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thai. Show all posts

Monday, June 06, 2022

Thai Coconut Curry Squash

This dish is so easy to prepare, once you have broken down the squash.  It is also quite versatile.  




 

 

1 tablespoons coconut oil (or any oil really) 

1 large shallots, chopped (or 2 small)

6-10 lime leaves

2-2 ½ cups diced squash. I used Boston Marrow, but you can use butternut, Hubbard, or your favourite variety 

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2-3 tablespoons yellow curry paste 

1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk or make coconut cream and milk about 2 cups

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

2 teaspoons fish sauce (try black vinegar for vegans/vegetarians)

2 teaspoons brown sugar

3-4 cups fresh baby spinach

 

Heat cooking pot to medium high heat.  Add coconut oil and chopped shallots with the lime leaves and cook until the shallots are softened.  Add the ginger and yellow curry paste and cook for a minute before adding the coconut milk, squash, broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar.  Cook until the squash is soft, simmering on medium low, stirring.  Add spinach and continue cooking.  Serve with rice.  Enjoy!

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Cilantro!

Love it or hate it, it isn't really up to you.  Cilantro reaches the taste buds in such a manner that people who think it tastes of soap, have a physically differently shaped taste bud than those who love the herb.  Now that makes me think what else they may be tasting differently.

It is a workhorse herb, ubiquitous in some cuisines.  I have been embracing it because of the wonderful abundance of cilantro in my CSA.  No complaints. 

For health benefits, Cilantro is considered to be an antioxidant, lower sodium intake, an excellent source of fibre, magnesium, manganese, some protein, and iron. Cilantro has 11 essential oils, and 6 types of acid, including Vitamin C.  Cilantro is used as an anti-inflammatory, to lower cholesterol, help with skin problems, regulates blood pressure, bone health, good for living with diabetes diets, and has antihistamine properties, which also means to stay out of the sun.

The following recipes are very cilantro forward, and are Thai, Moroccan, and others, to illustrate the herb's versatility. 


1. Moroccan
Chermoula

1 head garlic, peeled (or 3-5 large cloves)
¼ tsp cayenne
1 heaping tbs cumin
½ bunch parsley
1 whole bunch cilantro
juice of one lemon
2 tbs vinegar
1 generous tbs olive oil
salt, to taste

Blend all of the ingredients together.  Use as a garnish, to marinate fish or chicken, sauté vegetables such as carrots or eggplant.  Mix with yoghurt for a salad dressing.

2. Thai
Gai Yang
3 cloves garlic
1 bunch cilantro, including stalks (part of my CSA from Heart Acres Farm)
3 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs pepper
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tbs fish sauce
2 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tbs chopped lemongrass (optional)
chicken pieces (I used chicken thighs, available at Wildfire Farms at the St. Norbert's Farmer's Market)
ground chilies (optional)

Blend all ingredients, except for the chicken, and pour over the chicken to marinate for a few hours.  Grill until done.  Enjoy! 

3. Canadian
Lobster Tails with Cilantro Chipotle Cream (easy!)

6 Nova Scotia Medium (5-6 oz.) lobster tails
drizzle olive oil
1/2 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
1/2 cup yoghurt
1 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped
juice of one lime
1/4 (+/-) tsp chipotle flakes or ground dried chipotle
pinch sugar
pinch sea salt

Mix cream, yoghurt, cilantro, lime, chipotle, sugar and salt.  Chill.

Cut lobster tails open on the soft side of the shell. Drizzle olive oil over tails. Heat BBQ to a high heat. Grill lobster tails until shell becomes quite red all over. Remove from heat. Now you can either pull lobster meat from shell and serve with Cilantro chipotle cream or serve immediately with cream over or on the side.

Enjoy!

4, Mexican
Green Herb Salsa (served with omlettes)

Paired with Chateau des Charmes Brut - Canada
Ingredients

* 1/4c blanched almonds, toasted
* 1 small garlic clove
* 1c fresh parsley leaves
* 1/2c fresh cilantro leaves
* 1/2c fresh basil leaves
* 2/3c extra -virgin olive oil
* 1/8 tsp red-pepper flakes
* coarse salt and ground black pepper
* 2tsp white-wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar

How to make it

* Using chef's knife(or food processor)finely chop almonds, garlic and herbs. Stir (or blend) in oil and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
* To store, refrigerate up to 1 day. Stir in vinegar just before serving.
* Great variations: Feel free to include any type of soft green herb, such a s oregano, chives, mint. You can also substitute pistachios, walnuts or pine nuts for the almonds.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Easy Thai Grilled Chicken - Gai Yang - with lovely fresh herbs

Herbs are coming in fast and fabulous at this time.  This easy to prepare Grilled Thai Chicken recipe uses some wonderful and healthful herbs, such as fresh coriander (stem included), and lemongrass, which can grow beautifully here as well.

I will be presenting cooking with herbs at the next Farmer's Festival at the St. Norbert's Farmer's Market on Wednesday, August 14th, between 11AM and 4PM.

I used frozen chopped lemongrass, as that is what I had on hand and it is an easy way to store your own grown lemongrass.





Gai Yang
3 cloves garlic
1 bunch cilantro, including stalks (part of my CSA from Heart Acres Farm)
3 tbs brown sugar
1 tbs pepper
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tbs fish sauce
2 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tbs chopped lemongrass (optional)
chicken pieces (I used chicken thighs, available at Wildfire Farms at the St. Norbert's Farmer's Market)
ground chilies (optional)

Blend all ingredients, except for the chicken, and pour over the chicken to marinate for a few hours.  Grill until done.  Enjoy!

Shown with rice pilaf and Turkish Köpegoglü.






Monday, October 07, 2013

Tempting Thai Treasures with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the MLCC


 Tomorrow I will be presenting the following recipes for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy at the Madison Square MLCC.  Please check the Leisure Guide to register for others.  Loads of fun.  Bran Adams, Education Coordinator at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy will lead the discussion on the plant life represented in the recipes and MLCC Product Consultant Jody will present beverage pairings.

Last week it was too hectic to take photos.  I hope that I can get some photos tomorrow.
1. Crab Rangoon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (6 ounce) can crabmeat, drained and flaked
2 green onions with tops, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce
48 wonton wrappers

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Combine garlic, cream cheese, crab, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce in a bowl. To prevent wonton skins from drying, prepare only 1 or 2 rangoon at a time. Place 1 teaspoon of filling onto the center of each wonton skin. Moisten the edges with water and fold the wonton skin diagonally to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal. Moisten one of the bottom corners. Create a crown by pulling both bottom corners together and sealing. Arrange the rangoon on the baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

2. Salad wraps with peanut sauce
SERVES 4-6 as an appetizer
1 pkg. small, round rice wrappers (dried)
1 to 1 1/2 cups thin vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and run through with cold water, drained
3/4 to 1 cup cooked shrimp, OR 3/4 cup baked or fried tofu, or roasted chicken or turkey, cut into matchsticks
1-2 cups bean sprouts
½ cup fresh Thai basil or sweet basil, roughly chopped
½ cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped
¼ cup shredded carrot
3-4 spring onions, cut into matchstick pieces
2 Tbsp. soy sauce (or wheat-free soy sauce for gluten-free diets)
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 Tbsp.fish sauce (use black vinegar if vegetarian
1 tsp. brown sugar

Optional: TAMARIND DIPPING SAUCE:

½ cup water
½ tsp. tamarind paste
2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. soy sauce (or wheat-free soy sauce for gluten-free diets)
1 Tbsp. fish sauce OR vegetarian black vinegar
1 heaping tsp. arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) dissolved in 3 Tbsp. water
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green or red chili, finely sliced OR 1/2 tsp. dried crushed chili or cayenne pepper

Peanut Dipping Sauce
2 tbs grated ginger
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
2 tablespoons Soya Sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet miso
2 tablespoons mirin or sake
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (add more for spicier satay)


1.             Set rice wrappers aside. In a cup, stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce (if using) and sugar.
2.             Place all other ingredients for the fresh rolls in a large mixing bowl and drizzle the soy sauce mixture over. Toss to mix.
3.             Fill a large bowl with hot water (but not boiling, as you’ll be dipping your fingers into it). Start by submerging one wrapper into the water. It should soften after 30 seconds.
4.             Remove the wrapper and place on a clean surface. Add another wrapper to the hot water as you fill and roll the first one.
5.             Place a heaping tablespoon of roll ingredients toward the bottom of the wrapper. Spread out the ingredients horizontally (in the shape of a fresh roll).
6.             Fold the sides of the wrapper over the ingredients, then bring up the bottom. Tuck the bottom around the ingrdients and roll to the top of the wrapper.
7.             To serve, place your platter or bowl of rolls on the table along with the dipping sauce. Eat with your fingers and lots of napkins. Enjoy!

To make the Tamarind Dipping Sauce (optional): simply mix all dipping sauce ingredients together in a saucepan and heat.
When near boiling, reduce heat to low, stirring until sauce thickens.
Taste for saltiness, spiciness, and sweetness, adding more fish sauce (instead of salt), more sugar, or more chili as desired.
Note: the sauce can be served warm or cold. With fresh rolls, I personally prefer a warm sauce to contrast with the cool rolls)

3. Pork Satay

1 lb pork shoulder or butt in slices
2 tbs grated ginger
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
2 tablespoons Soya Sauce
4 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet miso
2 tablespoons mirin or sake
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (add more for spicier satay)

Mix ginger, water, peanut butter, soya sauce, vinegar, miso, mirin or sake and pepper flakes. Add vegetarian chicken strips. Let marinade in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Skewer and grill on the BBQ or sauté in a non-stick skillet. Enjoy as an appetizer, salad wrap or with rice or noodles.

Enjoy!

* Traditional recipe for pork, chicken, or beef satay.

3. Thai Coconut Curry (serves 2-4)

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
½ tin “Lite” coconut milk
2-3 tbs yellow curry paste, to desired heat (yellow curry paste does not contain any shrimp)
1 tbs grated ginger
1 tbs grated lemon grass
1 tsp sugar (optional)
splash Mirin
3-5 Kefir Lime leaves
drizzle olive oil
salt, to taste

Mix the last 9 ingredients in a bowl and add chicken thighs. Marinate for a few hours. Place on a hot grill, turning for grill marks at two minutes, and flipping over at four minutes. Repeat for grill marks at the next two minutes.

Serving suggestion:  Place rested cooked chicken on a toasted or warmed flatbread such as naan or pita. Add favourite grilled vegetables and wrap up. Wrap again in foil and place in an insulated bag or enjoy cold.

* These ingredients can be found at most Asian specialty stores such as Sun Wah and Oriental Market on King St. or Young’s Market on William and on McPhilips.

For an elegant entrée presentation, try using a stem of fresh lemon grass as a skewer before grilling or frying.


Saturday, July 24, 2010

Grilled Chicken Two Ways - This morning on CBC's Weekend Morning Show


This morning I had the pleasure of presenting two recipes, as follows, for CBC's Weekend Morning Show with guest host Laurie Hoogstraten.

Grilled Chicken two ways

1. Thai Coconut Curry (serves 2-4)

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
½ tin “Lite” coconut milk
2-3 tbs yellow curry paste, to desired heat (yellow curry paste does not contain any shrimp)
1 tbs grated ginger
1 tbs grated lemon grass
1 tsp sugar (optional)
splash Mirin
3-5 Kefir Lime leaves
drizzle olive oil
salt, to taste

Mix the last 9 ingredients in a bowl and add chicken thighs. Marinate for a few hours. Place on a hot grill, turning for grill marks at two minutes, and flipping over at four minutes. Repeat for grill marks at the next two minutes.

Place rested cooked chicken on a toasted or warmed flatbread such as naan or pita. Add favourite grilled vegetables and wrap up. Wrap again in foil and place in an insulated bag or enjoy cold.

* These ingredients can be found at most Asian specialty stores such as Sun Wah and Oriental Market on King St. or Young’s Market on William and on McPhilips.

For an elegant entrée presentation, try using a stem of fresh lemon grass as a skewer before grilling or frying.

2. Grilled Turkish Chicken on Pide (Serves 2-4 people)

4 Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tbs Turkish Baharat*
3-4 shallots, grated or one small onion grated
2 tsp lime juice
1/4 cup good olive oil
1/4 tsp paprika (can used smoked)
pinch salt and pepper

Combine Turkish Baharat, grated shallots, lime juice, olive oil, paprika and salt and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken thighs in the bowl and cover completely with the marinade. Place in fridge and let marinate for 6 hours. Grill 4 minutes a side on a very hot BBQ grill.

To enjoy in a Pide, let chicken pieces rest before cutting into strips. Grill Naan or Pide** on BBQ and spread on a bit of yoghurt tahini sauce (recipe follows).

Yoghurt tahini sauce

1/2 cup good plain yoghurt
1 clove garlic, minced
3 heaping tbs tahini
2 tsp lemon or lime juice
pinch salt

Mix all ingredients together. The tahini will cause the sauce to thicken quickly. Use on grilled Pide or Naan or as a crudité dip.

Enjoy!

*Baharat is a blend of spices that can be purchased directly through myself or now at DeLuca’s on Portage Ave.

**Good Naan or Pide can be found at Halal Meat Centre and Specialty Foods at 206 Maryland and Dino's Grocery Mart at 460 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg.