World Cuisine : Potatoes or Rice? Rice! It Has Jewels!!

Potatoes are wonderful food.  There is no limit to the recipes for preparing them.  But if one were to ask me about rice.  I would say the same thing.  If someone were to ask me to choose between a potato dish and a rice dish, I would have to go with this rice dish.  How could I resist?  It so pretty and exotic!  Plus.  It has jewels!

Persian Jeweled Rice
| The View From Great Island

Persian Jeweled Rice is a spectacular rice pilaf topped with colorful gem-like fruits and nuts ~ this popular wedding dish is a celebration in itself!

More rice dishes you'll love just as much!

This rice dish has cranberries is a perfect American Thanksgiving side dish. Don't you think so? 

PERSIAN CRANBERRY RICE PILAF | littlespicejar.com




Rosh Hashanah Sweet Basmati Rice with Carrots & Raisins | mayihavethatrecipe.com

Your Kids Are Going To LOVE These 4 Fried Rice Ideas | buzzfeed.com

Oven-Baked Summer Squash Fries (Should Be in Your Winter Recipes)

Summer squash has a strong resemblance, in flavor and texture, to a zucchini. You can, in fact, substitute zucchini in this recipe, but it will probably bake a bit more quickly.

Not sure what the weather is like where you are.  In my city (Austin, TX USA), it's confusingly balmy and breezy, occasionally rainy, comfortably warm with no need for a sweater, and sometimes chilly.  It's climatically perfect! ☺ 

My friends elsewhere around the USA and the world are still complaining that Old Man Winter has overstayed his welcome and refuses to leave!  This recipe is fabulous no matter what the season of the year is or what kind of weather you're experiencing.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:


1 medium summer squash
2 eggs
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (try panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and pepper
Olive oil


How to Make It:


Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.


Cut your summer squash into wedges. Remove the seeds if they are quite large and set wedges aside.


Whisk the eggs in a dish and set aside.


In another dish, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, mustard powder and salt and pepper.


Start by dipping the wedges, one by one, into the egg mixture and then the breadcrumb mixture. Place each wedge on the greased baking sheet. Continue until all the wedges are done.


You can bake the wedges as is for about 30-40 (until soft inside and golden brown on the outside) as is, but if you want a more golden texture, drizzle or spray some olive oil on top of the wedges. Flip halfway through baking.


Serve with ranch or another favorite dip.

There are many versions of oven-fried squash recipes?  Find more.

Related articles

• Gluten Free Baked Chicken Katsu (Easy Japanese Recipes)(justonecookbook.com)

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• 19 Dinner Party Ideas That Look Fancy but Don't Take Much Effort(greatist.com)

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• My top favourite squash to grow for flavour - and how to cook them(telegraph.co.uk)

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This post was highlighted at the My Foodie Luv newsletter.

Food Blurb: Indian Food for Diabetics

Do you like Indian food? I watch a lot of cooking shows and videos. One thing I noticed about Indian cooking is that they really know how to blend herbs and spices and do amazing things to enhance the flavor of vegetables. Whether the vegiies are cooked or eaten raw in a salad, they are so tasty.

Methi Sprouts Salad Recipe - Delicious Diabetic Snack by Archana's Kitchen

FOLLOW THIS FOOD BLOG FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES:

Food Blurb: Gourmet Sleuth is an Excellent Cooking Resource (Bye Bye!) [UPDATE]

UPDATE March 2025: APOLOGIES. Bad news I'm afraid. I don't know what happened. But this foodie website no longer exists. The domain name is available and is being used by another owner and it is not food-related.  The best I could do is find sites like the "old" Gourmet Sleuth used to be.  Sorry.

  

***

Have you ever had a recipe that required a certain ingredient but that particular ingredient is not readily available where you live OR if it is available, it's really expensive.  This website called Gourmet Sleuth will share ingredients that you can substitute.  For example:

• If you don't have radicchio, use endive or arugula.
• If you don't have jack fruit, use plantains, summer squash or papaya. 

If the recipe calls for something exotic like Bhutanese Red Rice, you can substitute Black rice or brown rice.  (Found a recipe at a site other than Gourmet Sleuth.)

"Bhutanese Red Rice is a partially-milled short grain rice grown in the Himalayan mountains." 

You can easily look up what you need as the ingredients are arranged in alphabetical order.

The site also has HAD a blog and shares recipes, conversions, and articles.  Because I am interested in world cuisine, I really like the article section titled "Ethnic, Unique Foods, Ingredients".  Could not find another site.  Can only refer you to Amazon.  (Not like that's a bad thing.  There's actually some pretty cool stuff there. 😀)

Substituting Ingredients: The A to Z Kitchen Reference (Must-Have Kitchen Essential with 1,000 Easy-to-Find, Healthy, and Cheap Substitutions)

Food Blurb: Cabbages (Without Kings)

If you are familiar with the 1904 novel by O. Henry, then you know it's not about collecting cabbage recipes for kings. 😊  It's just that in my high school Literature class we studied short stories and O. Henry was one of the writers we learned about. It was the year I learned that I liked short stories much better than reading books. You got to the ending quicker! 😊  

• Cabbages and Kings is a novel by O. Henry, a collection of short stories about political intrigue and corruption in a fictional Central American country. The title comes from the poem "The Walrus and the Carpenter" in Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll.  (SOURCE)

OK.  Back on point.  This food blurb is about cabbage recipes. 

If your goal is to eat more green leafy vegetables and you like cabbage anyway, then you'll probably enjoy this recipe. It's made with ground beef, but I vary it and use ground chicken or turkey. Also, I omit the cheese topping. For me, that's unnecessary extra calories. You could use a breadcrumb topping as a substitute or no topping at all. You might be able to also vary this recipe using escarole, napa cabbage, collards, or Swiss chard, instead of cabbage. You might try purple cabbage instead of green. Purple veggies are just as good as green!

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe | EatingWell

* * *

Eating Well is an excellent website. I subscribe to it. You find cooking tips and health tips. Here is a link to more cabbage recipes. If you're trying to lose weight, try the cabbage diet soup.

MORE Food Blurbs at Food Ways: 

• 100 Healthiest Foods ~ Is Your Favorite Food on the List?
• 3 Spices for a Long Life
• 5 Exotic Spices
• 6 Spices For Indian Cuisine
• Name the Sexy Spices
• Medical Advice About Super foods
• Top 10 List of Superfoods
• WARNING: Delicacies Can Be Dangerous!

Foodie Friday : Apples and Pumpkins

Autumn is the season for apples and pumpkins.  My favorite recipes are apple cobbler and pumpkin pie, which (in my humble opinion) are true American holiday cuisine.  I enjoy these desserts for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

FUN FACTS:

Cobblers originated in the British American colonies.  "The earliest recipe dates from 1824. Apple Cobbler – Cobblers (stewed fruit topped with batter, biscuit, or dumplings) originated in the British American colonies with the term “cobbler” recorded in 1859. Cobblers can be made with any type of fruit or berry and are also known as slumps, grunts, and pandowdy." (SOURCE: M. E. Bond)

A cobbler is not the same as Crisp, Crumble, Betty, Or Buckle?  What's the difference?  "Cobblers are a fruit dessert baked with biscuit-style topping. It's called a cobbler because its top crust is not smooth like a pie crust but rather “cobbled” and coarse. It's usually dropped or spooned over the fruit, then baked. Individual fruit cobblers." (SOURCE: Farmers' Almanac)

"Northeastern Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins. The Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts to the first settlers, and taught them the many uses for pumpkin. This led to serving pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving in America about 50 years later." (SOURCE: The History Behind Pumpkin Pie)

• Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe (Perfect Fall Dessert) - A Cozy Kitchen 

• Easiest-Ever Pumpkin Pie Recipe – Pillsbury.com 

Do you have a favorite recipe using these ingredients?

BONUS QUESTION:  Which do you prefer to top your apple cobbler or your pumpkin pie?

• Scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Huge squirt of whipped cream
• Other topping

History of Baked Fruit Desserts Like Buckle, Pandowdy, and Cobbler

Pumpkin Pie! A History!

Previous 5 Foodie Friday Posts;

YACR (Yet Another Chili Recipe)

Figs ~ Enjoy a Coconut Fig Slice

Childhood Memories:  COTTON CANDY

Upside-Down Cakes

Dinner Idea: Chicken with Blackberry Salsa

When You Say 'Eat Healthy', I Think 'Eat Salad'

People (especially me) always associate healthy eating with salad. My mother rarely served salads with our meals. They were meat, starch, and vegetables. She never served us a salad (like lettuce and tomatoes), nor did we get dessert. We didn't complain. I got used to not eating salad.  

Then I became an adult and went to university and found out that salad was "expected".  Except for this one guy that I knew.  He kept saying salad was "rabbit food" and wouldn't eat it.  Not me.  When I went to the cafeteria I could eat as much salad as I wanted.  And I did!  Do you know why?  Because it was "healthy" and I could eat a lot of it!  It was one of the few foods that I could eat a healthy amount of and I didn't gain weight.  

So whenever I gained a few extra pounds because I was wolfing down too many pizzas with my friends late at night, I went on a diet and ate salads for lunch and dinner for the next two weeks. The pounds came off easily. That was THEN (1970s). This is now (2021). The pounds don't come off so easily now, but I still enjoy eating salads. I also enjoy collecting salad recipes and sharing them. I hope you like these!

Image Credit: Acacia Wood Salad Bowl with Servers Set - Large 9.4 inches Solid Hardwood Salad Wooden Bowl with Spoon for Fruits ,Salads and Decoration by AVAMI ( https://amzn.to/3vmT57c )

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Ever have Tabouli salad?  “Tabouli is a traditional Levitan recipe, which is the common name for the area of Eastern Mediterranean sea. … Tabouli is derived from the word, “Tabil” which means spice. Its also translated as “Dip” ...”

Tabouli Recipe with Amaranth Grain | Healing Tomato Recipes

* * *

"This classic salad pairs well with a variety of Japanese or Asian mains. Best of all, it is packed with nutrients, making it an all-star side dish. There is plenty of variations to enjoy this recipe too! ..."  

Chrysanthemum Greens and Tofu Salad (Shungiku Shiraae) 春菊の白和え • Just One Cookbook

~ Related Link:  15 Easy Japanese Salad Recipes ~ "... 15 tasty, vibrant, healthy, easy-to-follow salad recipes ..."

* * *

Do you like Indian food? I watch a lot of cooking shows and videos. One thing I noticed about Indian cooking is that they really know how to blend herbs and spices and do amazing things to enhance the flavor of vegetables. Whether the veggies are cooked or eaten raw in a salad, they are so tasty. 

Methi Sprouts Salad Recipe - Delicious Diabetic Snack by Archana's Kitchen

* * *

Anybody who says that salad is just  an refuses to eat  is missing out. 

Kale Sprouts and Apricot Dressing | Sproutpeople

* * *

Final share.  I know some people don't like kale. They complain that it's too tough and chewy for a green leafy vegetable. So, just in case you don't like eating kale, here are some “kale substitutes”.  Use them instead of sale and enjoy your salad anyway!

The Best Simple Kale Substitutes | Stonesoup

Similar Posts at This Blog:

• Choose Sides: How Do You Like Your Green Salad? Fruit or No Fruit

• Winter Salad Binging

"Pickled Ginger Salad with Wasabi Dressing is packed with citrus, and is an explosion of spicy, sweet and fresh flavors. It’s mind-blowingly delicious!"

Food and Drink : Veggie Spotlight : Veggie Substitutes

Is there a particular dish that you would absolutely love IF ONLY …

If only this particular recipe did not have this particular vegetable, I'd eat it all the time!

Face it. When it comes to vegetables, there are certain veggies you either love 'em or hate 'em.

I'm that way about okra. Oh yeah! I know all about fried okra, gumbo, and all those wonderful recipes where okra is the main ingredient.

For years, there were certain dishes I would avoid just because of the okra. Since I didn't really get into cooking until I got married and had to cook for my family to live, I never really thought too much about varying recipes or changing things up a bit.

Hey! Gumbo is made with okra. IT'S THE LAW!! Right?

Of course, when I look at it I realize that I was just not being flexible. Common sense. Some people have food allergies. They have to learn how to substitute certain foods for other foods.
~ Substitution Guide


But even if you don't have a food allergy, there are just some veggies you don't like! PERIOD!! And you're not flexible when it comes to that specific vegetable.

So! For me … since I don't really like (slimy) okra all that much, I found that zucchini is a great substitute veggie. Whenever I see a dish I want to try and it says okra, I go right out to the grocery store and buy zucchini! LOL.

(NOTE: Others have recommended asparagus or broccoli florets as okra substitutes. I respectfully disagree.)



Which veggies do you like to substitute?

* * *
Original source Forum Coin.

Food Blurb: Much Ado About Mushrooms

If you have been following this foodie blog then you know that my love affair with mushrooms began the same time that I started dating my late husband, I shared those details in this blog post:

• Mushroom: Real Food of Fantasy and Fairy Tale.  

Geyee Vintage Mushroom Poster Fungus Wall Art Prints Rustic Mushroom Wall Hanging

This short post (or food blurb) is just an add-on to tell you more things I have discovered about this wonderful fungi!  Did you know that there is such a thing as a Mushroom of Immortality?

“Reishi/lingzhi has been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. as a supplement used to improve human health.” It is called a Mushroom of Immortality and you can grow it on your own. They're quite tasty. Just don't believe for one minute that they will make you live forever.  

😊  Read more: What Is The 'Mushroom Of Immortality'? 

Here is a wonderful veggie soup will get you through the winter months. Totally comfort food!  It includes a variety of mushrooms:  cremini, shiitake, and reishi. 

Reishi Mushroom Veggie Soup | CBC Life  

Also, if you love Asian noodles, you'll love this Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH!

Six (6) Benefits of Air Fryers Plus Air Fryer Bacon and Other Recipes (Reblog)

Everybody knows by now that air fryers have revolutionized home cooking. 

This nifty kitchen appliance offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods by using hot air circulation to cook food. Since the air fryer requires a fraction of the oil or sometimes none at all, that also means lower fat intake and fewer calories. The textures of the foods are still crispy just like when food is deep-fried. Everybody also knows how expensive cooking oil is these days. At my local grocery store, a small bottle of canola oil that used to cost 98 cents sells for almost $2 these days.

Image credit

A healthier cooking option is not the only advantage or benefit of using an air fryer. There are several

1. Air fryers cook food faster and are are more energy-efficient.

2. Air fryers cook a wide variety of foods. Not just traditionally fried items like French fries, chicken wings, but also baked goods. The appliances usually come withs accessories like baking pans and racks, etc.

3. Air fryers are not only easy to use but easy to clean because of the non-stick coatings on the cooking basket and accessories. Many parts are dishwasher-safe.

4. Air fryers are super safe! No worries about hazards, such as hot oil splattering and the risk of burns from handling hot oil.

5. Air fryers have precise temperature control and even heat distribution. When cooking foods don't need to be constant monitored and the results are often consistent.

Two things are on my gift wish list for the holiday season. One is a rice cooker and the other is an air fryer. 

(NOTE: I'll talk rice cookers in another blog post.)

In conclusion, air fryers offer numerous benefits that appeal to health-conscious individuals, busy families, and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.

Reblogging link from a fellow foodie who publishes wonderful recipes via their food blog "Tasteful Tale Recipes".  These recipes are specifically for food cooked using an air fryer.  (For more air fryers recipes from this blog click here.)

Air Fryer Bacon 🥓✨

Nuwave Brio 15.5Qt #AirFryer Rotisserie Oven, XLarge Family Size, Powerful 1800W, 4 Rack Positions, 50°-425°F Temp Controls, 100 Presets & 50 Memory, Integrated Smart Thermometer, Linear T Technology https://t.co/xlO7cZGaDj via @amazon #kitchen #dining #food #cooking #giftideas pic.twitter.com/x5YGDR0Mm0

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 18, 2024

Holiday Food: Spotlight on Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated mainly by those of Mexican Heritage. It is not observed as a national holiday but here in America, particularly Texas, the state of my current residence, it is celebrated every May 5^th. As with most holidays, there is great food! This post shares a selection of cooking videos that showcase food served during Cinco de Mayo celebrations. 

Cinco de Mayo: Facts, Meaning & Celebrations – HISTORY

How to do Cinco de Mayo at Home in Austin ~ https://t.co/k7oAOmzkcI #holidays #celebrations #CincoDeMayo #Austin #Texas pic.twitter.com/8btop26zi1

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) May 3, 2020

More YT Cooking Videos for Cinco de Mayo

Home Cooking: Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew

Are there any dishes that your mom used to make when you were growing up that you thought were incredibly delicious? Real comfort food. Dishes that are even more comforting when you think back fondly on that dish or those dishes and realize that you never learned the recipe or how to prepare it for your own family!

My mom used to cook oxtail stew.

My mother is passed away now. I never got her recipe. Of course, you can Google oxtail stew and find a bazillion recipes. But I’ll bet none of them will taste like the stew my mom used to make. Nevertheless, if you’ve never eaten a hearty bowl of oxtail stew and would like try, here are a few recipes.

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Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails https://t.co/n86Qfb75VV #comfortfood pic.twitter.com/v0BG2fnMuM

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) April 4, 2024

" Slowly braised oxtail" is a dish made by braising oxtail in a rich sauce with vegetables and other ingredients.... Braised Oxtail Recipe https://t.co/OmjDzQLY1J @thespruceeatss @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/Ge38H0XQD2

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 4, 2024

Korean Oxtail Soup (Kkori Gomtang) https://t.co/KMYm9vlX5B via @HipFoodieMom1

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) April 26, 2018

Spanish-Style Oxtails Braised with Chorizo Recipe | Epicurious https://t.co/HmGFjzVXQm @epicurious @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/lBUfZkUKlS

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 4, 2024

SICHUAN PEPPERCORN RED BRAISED OXTAIL – Lady and Pups #foodblogs https://t.co/9GbVH4mlxB pic.twitter.com/JI6oizMYWi

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 4, 2024

Chinese Braised Oxtail Recipe - The Woks of Life https://t.co/gev3K2ANA9 pic.twitter.com/mFxWMjgGag

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 4, 2024

New Oxtail Recipe just went live https://t.co/JHe7o2twws pic.twitter.com/jl4guSpvw9

— Matt Price (Mr. Make It Happen) (@MrMake1tHappen) March 31, 2024

Saboriza Fresh Meats Supply - Healthy, Clean & Organic Beef - Fresh #Groceries for #QuickAndEasy #Cooking - Ideal for Everyday #Family Meal at Home (Oxtail, 1 lb - 2 Pack) https://t.co/z25HpjGqTb via @amazon pic.twitter.com/SnhhPG6eOe

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) April 4, 2024

Grace Caribbean Traditions Oxtail Seasoning (2 Pack) 5.43 oz Shakers https://t.co/HJTBzcVFw1 via @amazon #groceries #Seasonings #Cooking #soulfood pic.twitter.com/5EkagD84Ea

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) April 4, 2024

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Recall fond memories of the smells from your mother’s kitchen? Ready to fill your bowls?

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NOTE:  This is my original content first published April 2018 at Virily, a social blogging community ~ Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew

World Cuisine : Focus on Food Contributions of the Irish

Since March is Irish-American Heritage Month, this post will share information about Ireland's food history and various recipes which were likely brought to the United States by way of Irish immigrants (or were adopted by the Irish-Americans and made their own).  😍

  

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

Some may say there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food.  But that was not always so.  7 years of famine? Sounds biblical, doesn't it?

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

March 24th 1847: British people, led by Queen Victoria, held a National Day of Atonement, fasting and doing penance, for the Irish famine.[16] April 1847: A report, to the Central Board of Health from Killarney, showed that people were literally dropping dead in the street.

How to Make Irish Stew

How to Make Irish Stew

Irish Stew is the kind of food that is great on a cold winters night, but is simply perfect on any occasion. The aroma combined with the flavor make it one of my favorite meals. I currently have about five, but the addition of the barley in this recipe add a lot of texture and flavor to the stew.

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

The complete question is: Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day When Corned Beef and Cabbage is Not Irish Food?

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

by JoHarrington I'll admit that I was somewhat taken aback. I'd just finished telling an American friend that her country is responsible for St Patrick popularly wearing green (traditionally he wore blue), and for linking shamrocks with the Irish.

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

Yes, there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food, but there's a lot more too, and it's all delicious.

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

by Allison Gray If an Irishman came to America on St. Patrick's Day, he might be a little bit shocked by the leprechaun outfits, green beer guzzlers, and yes, even the corned beef and cabbage. To be Irish in America is no rare thing-about 34.5 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage according to the 2011 U.S.

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought why not review my recipes to see which ones are most popular with readers. And so I've come up with my Top Ten Recipes of all time. Believe it or not, all of the most viewed recipes on my site are Irish recipes.

Decorative divider images from glitter-graphics.com

Recipe Sharing: White Christmas Cheesecake That's Perfect From Valentine's Day (Guest Post)

Ever met a cheesecake you didn't like?  I haven't  This is a White Christmas Cheesecake that is perfect for Valentine's Day.  Here's the recipe.  

ENJOY!

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Homemade Soups That Start With the Letter C

Recipes for cabbage, cauliflower chickpea and coconut soups.

* * *

Cabbage Soup

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup:

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 lb. cabbage, chopped

• 1 lb. potato quartered

• 2 1/2 cup water

• 1 1/4 cup vegetable stock

• 1 tsp. cornstarch

• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method for Cabbage Soup:

Step-01: Heat ghee in a pan and fry the onion until soft.

Step-02: Add cabbage and stir until wilted and coated with ghee.

Step-03: Add potato, tomatoes, and water, bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step-04: Add stock, return to boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Step-05: Remove from heat and mash or puree the soup.

Step-06: Blend cornstarch with a little soup then stir it into the pan and bring it to boil, stirring until slightly thickened.

Step-07: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients Cauliflower Soup:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 2 Tbs. butter or margarine

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 potato, sliced

• 1/4 C. plain (all-purpose) flour

• 3 cup milk

• salt and pepper

Preparation Method for Cauliflower Soup:

Step-01: Place cauliflower, bay leaf, and salt into a pan and add just enough water to cover.

Step-02: Cook till the mixture boils, then reduce the flame and cook for an additional 7 minutes.

Step-03: Drain, reserving the liquid.

Step-04: Meanwhile, melt butter and fry onion and potato for 5 minutes until soft but not browned.

Step-05: Blend in flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.

Step-06: Then add milk by stirring and cook till boiling.

Step-07: Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer gently until tender.

Step-08: Puree in a blender or food processor then return to the pan and stir in enough reserved liquid to desired consistency.

Step-09: Check and adjust the seasoning to taste and reheat before serving.

Chickpea Soup

Ingredients for Chickpea Soup:

• 2/3 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight

• 3 3/4 cup water

• 1 tsp. cumin seeds

• 2 tsp. coriander seeds

• 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds

• 3 dried red chilies

• 1 Tbs. grated (shredded) coconut

• 2 Tbs. ghee

• 8 oz. tomatoes, skinned and chopped

• 1 tsp. ground turmeric

• 1 tsp. sugar

• 1 tsp. salt

Preparation Method for Chickpea Soup:

Step-01: Bring chickpeas and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until tender.

Step-02: Grind cumin, coriander and fenugreek seeds, chilies, and coconut.

Step-03: Heat ghee and fry spices for 1 minute.

Step-04: Puree chickpeas then stir in the fried spices, tomatoes, turmeric, sugar, and salt and add the remaining water.

Step-05: Cook till boiling, then cover with a lid, reduce the flame and cook on simmer for 20 minutes.

Step-06: Remove from flame, serve hot.

Coconut Soup

Ingredients for Coconut Soup:

• 2 coconuts grated,

• 2 blades of mace,

• 1 salt-spoonful of cinnamon,

• 3 pints of water,

• Juice of a lemon,

• 2 eggs,

• 1 oz. of fine wheat-meal,

• pepper and salt to taste.

Preparation Method for Coconut Soup:

Step-01: Cook the shredded coconut in water till boiling, add cinnamon, mace, and season.

Step-02: Then cook the mixture on low flame for an hour, and then strain through a sieve the mixture and then return the soup to the saucepan.

Step-03: Add wheat-meal, eggs, and lemon juice to form a paste, mix it well in the soup.

Step-04: Then allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot with plain boiled rice.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.

Which Clam Chowder is on Your Menu?

Do you like clam chowder? New York OR New England? Manhattan or Boston?  Red OR White?

I prefer the white or New England clam chowder. But I'll eat either one that's served to me.

New York vs. New England: Who has the better clam chowder?

Quick Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe | Allrecipes

~ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/

New England Clam Chowder - Spend With Pennies

~ https://www.spendwithpennies.com/new-england-clam-chowder/

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NOTES:

Sometimes people call New England clam chowder Boston clam chowder. So if you hear somebody say Boston clam chowder, it's just New England clam chowder by a different name. But I've never called it Boston chowder.  Also, I have never called Manhattan clam chowder, New York chowder.  Come to find out there is a Long Island clam chowder which combines "two types of clam chowder: New England and Manhattan" and results in a "creamy, tomato-based clam chowder".  

Some recipes don't add corn. But I add corn to mine.  I thought I was being clever.  Plus I knew my kids liked corn.  However, a little food history research revealed that earlier chowder recipes also added corn.

If you don't have clams, you can make it vegetarian (and then you'll really appreciate the addition of corn to the recipe).

• "Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream and thickened with broken crackers, crushed ship biscuit, or a roux. Variations of chowder can be seafood or vegetable."  (Wikipedia)
• "The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudière (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England."  (Brittanica)
• " ... a soup is usually made with stock or broth and can have vegetables, meat or fish as ingredients and is generally not very thick. A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew." (Soup vs Chowder)

Considering A History of Chowder: Four Centuries of a New England Meal. - British Food in America

History Of Chowder, Clam Chowder, Whats Cooking America

Which clam chowder is on your menu?