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20-minute meal – Garlic and caper butter with parmesan linguine

Have you ever watched ‘Jamie’s 15-minute meals’ and tried to replicate his recipes?  Unfortunately I was never able to make the dishes from the show in 15 minutes. Well, I am not Jamie Oliver after all so it is understandable I guess. Cooking technique or the speed is one thing but the most challenging part for me is the space. 15-minute meal is all about having everything ready to go in front of you and this includes all the equipment and tools. But I simply cannot layout more than 3 pots or pans in my tiny humble kitchen. So speedy cooking for me usually means that I am making 1-2 pot dishes, and pasta is just a natural choice in this case. Continue reading 20-minute meal – Garlic and caper butter with parmesan linguine

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Spinach, feta and pomegranate salad with lentils

I will be taking my annual spring trip to Korea soon. I normally do this in May because it is the best time to visit Korea in terms of weather and my mom’s birthday usually falls in May (her birthday is based on lunar calendar so it changes every year, I am not kidding)…Anyways, this means it is time to clean out the fridge and cupboards. I don’t always get lucky with what I find, but this time a bag of organic red split lentils and a gorgeous pomegranate caught my eye, yay! Instead of trying to remember what I was going to do with them in the first place or come up with a fancy recipe I just decided to go with something simple and fresh. Besides, I was a little busy packing… Continue reading Spinach, feta and pomegranate salad with lentils

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My version of Sicilian pesto – ‘Pesto alla trapanese’

I love Italian food. Dare I say I love it almost as much as I love Korean food, and definitely eat as often as Korean food. Although I enjoy cooking Italian dishes, I am a little afraid of posting my recipes here. Italians are known to be very specific about their food, and many Italian people I’ve met over the years have proven that. So in order not to disgrace traditional ‘Pesto alla trapanese’ I have read and watched videos of many different types of recipes, from Nigella Lawson’s to a sweet Sicilian nonna’s. And after some researching and experimenting, I have come up with my favorite version, which is vegetarian without anchovy fillets and has no raw garlic. I know what you’re thinking, no garlic in pesto?? Believe me I have tried… Continue reading My version of Sicilian pesto – ‘Pesto alla trapanese’

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Ricotta and nutmeg purple sweet potato mash on toast

Inspirations for a dish you make can come from anywhere. I often think about what I am going to cook next when I am eating (obviously..;-)), watching cooking shows and reading cookbooks or magazines. But I think the most genuine way to get inspirations is from beautiful ingredients you have in hand. I am so green with envy when I see other food bloggers who live in gorgeous countryside growing their own ingredients for their recipes. So when I got these stunning purple sweet potatoes from a friend, my mind immediately went on thinking what I could do with them. Continue reading Ricotta and nutmeg purple sweet potato mash on toast

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Fried omelette rice with sweet and spicy tomato sauce

Growing up my brother and I probably had at least 2-3 ‘Omurice’ a week. ‘Omurice’ is one of the examples of ‘Yoshoku’, which refers to Western influenced Japanese cuisine. And this type of cuisine is also very popular in Korea. The typical Omurice we used to eat had fried rice with vegetables, ham or bacon wrapped inside thin omelette and topped with tomato ketchup. My little brother loved the combination of these flavors so much that he would ask me to make simpler version at home, which is steamed white rice topped with fried eggs and drenched in tomato ketchup. Continue reading Fried omelette rice with sweet and spicy tomato sauce

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Whole wheat penne with funghi porcini tomato sauce

As my healthy-ish eating continues after an over-indulgent holiday, I just couldn’t stop dreaming about a bowl of pasta. Honestly, who doesn’t like pasta? I think the world will become much happier place if we can all eat pasta everyday without worrying about the carbs…Anyways, I have kept some whole wheat penne in my cupboard so I’ve decided to make rich tomato sauce to go with it, but without any meat or seafood. Instead I am using dried ‘funghi porcini’ (porcini mushrooms), which will give the sauce great depth of flavor. I came across with these magical little ingredients a couple of years ago, and I rarely leave them out when I make meatless tomato sauce. Continue reading Whole wheat penne with funghi porcini tomato sauce

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Cumin pea and bulgur fritters with lemon yogurt sauce

I have indulged a little too much on meat and desserts over the two weeks holiday in the states, so I have been trying to prepare light meals and snacks with more vegetables and healthy carbs. This dish is just what I need, packed with nutrients and flavors made with ingredients I always have in my kitchen. I like using Middle Eastern spice when I cook with bulgur wheat, and cumin works perfectly well in this recipe. The tangy lemon yogurt sauce adds freshness to fritters. This recipe can be great for finger food at a party as well. Continue reading Cumin pea and bulgur fritters with lemon yogurt sauce

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Orange vinaigrette quinoa salad with candied walnuts

Quinoa is such a joyful ingredient to cook with and eat. It’s versatile, healthy, and delicious with wonderful texture. This salad recipe requires a little more effort than ones you just toss everything in and mix. But when it’s done I promise it will be a showstopper. Great as a light main or an appetizer served at a dinner party. Continue reading Orange vinaigrette quinoa salad with candied walnuts