Salmon Burgers with Spicy Mayo

October 9, 2014

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I doubted that a salmon burger could be better than a simply seasoned and perfectly cooked salmon fillet. Some things shouldn’t be messed with. But I’m always up for trying an old favorite in a new way. And I was pleasantly shocked when I took a bit of this burger. Absolutely delicious. And tender (I wouldn’t describe fish as juicy, but it was nowhere near dry). Flavorful (the add-ins don’t outshine, only enhance the salmon-ness). And topped with avocado, arugula, and spicy mayonnaise- perfect. I’ve picked up salmon patties from Whole Foods before, but never again. This was so much better.

My go-to quick salmon dish: Maple-Ancho Grilled (or baked) Salmon. And another favorite salmon on a bun: Blackened Salmon Sandwich.

Salmon Burgers with Spicy Mayo

INGREDIENTS

Salmon Burgers:
1/4 cup red or yellow bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup onion, diced
6 Tbsp. panko bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb. salmon fillet, skin removed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 whole wheat hamburger buns
baby arugula, for serving
avocado, sliced for serving

Spicy Mayo:
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 tsp. sirracha (more or less to taste)
chives, thinly sliced (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine mayonnaise and sriracha and chives (if using), set aside.

2.Place salmon, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in a food processor or chopper and pulse until well combined and only small chunks remain. In a medium bowl gently combine the salmon with the panko, egg, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into 4 patties and refrigerate about an hour (to help them become firm and hold together during cooking). Note: I’ve popped them in the freezer for a few minutes instead and that seemed to do the trick.

3. Lightly coat a grill pan or skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Cook the patties 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve on a bun with arugula, avocado, and spicy mayo.

Makes 4 burgers.

(Adapted from SkinnyTaste)

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Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken

September 23, 2014

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Today two recipes we’ve enjoyed repeatedly this summer. (I just posted the yellow rice you see pictured here.) Summer might be officially over, but grilling season never ends around here. When it turns cold we’re still grilling indoors (with what is probably my favorite kitchen item), but this dish would also work in the oven (instructions found here– note that they used bone-in thighs so adjust accordingly). This chicken (or turkey, I bet pork would as well) is bursting with citrus juice and zest and just the right balance of salty and sweet. Our new favorite.

Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. chicken breast (I’ve also used turkey tenderloin), cut into tenders or cubed for kabobs
small bunch green onions
handful cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp. lime or lemon zest
1 tsp. orange zest
1/4 cup lime or lemon juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp. canola or grapeseed oil
2 tsp. sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
pinch red pepper flakes
2 tsp. honey

DIRECTIONS

1. Pulse onions, cilantro, garlic, citrus zests, citrus juices, soy sauce, oil, salt, peppers, and honey in a food processor or blender until a coarse purée forms. Place marinade in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, seal bag, and turn to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 20 minutes, up to 8 hours.

2. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear (reaches an internal temperature of 165 F). Serve immediately.

Serves 6.

(Adapted from Bon Appetit)

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Yellow Rice

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This is the best recipe I’ve found for basic yellow rice. Pairs well with Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, or any Middle Eastern cuisine. Or with anything off of the grill. (Citrus-Marinated Chicken- or actually turkey- pictured above.) For a simple variation, throw in a handful of frozen peas to steam with the rice during the last 5 or so minutes of cooking.

Yellow Rice

INGREDIENTS

2 tsp. canola or grapeseed oil
1 medium shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups white or brown jasmine or basmati rice, well-rinsed (brown rice will take much longer to cook, check package for directions)
2 1/2 cup low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. turmeric

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic; saute until just beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add rice, broth, salt, and turmeric. Bring rice to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes (adjust cooking time accordingly for brown rice). Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Serves 6.

(Adapted from Bon Appetit)

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Cherry Almond Dutch Baby

July 11, 2014

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One last post coming to you from Chicago. Tomorrow we pack a truck and depart the city. Bittersweet, for sure. Sad to leave so many friends and favorite places behind, but ready to discover somewhere new. Before all the packing began and mountains of cardboard took over my kitchen, I made breakfast. I made two versions of puffed pancakes- one with vanilla, fresh blueberries, and cinnamon, and this one with cherries and toasted almonds. Dutch baby’s (same thing, different name) are even easier than traditional pancakes. You just whisk everything together and pour it into a skillet- no flipping required. Plus, one recipe makes just the right amount for us 2 + toddler (with some browned chicken sausage, hash browns, and fruit on the side).

You can use fresh or frozen cherries here. Since I had a bowl of ripe cherries on my counter, I went with fresh. But a little secret: frozen cherries are often cheaper and usually come pre-pitted!! As usual, I made the batter with half whole wheat flour. When it comes to the almonds, it doesn’t matter how you do it (I opted for the dry skillet on the stove method), just make sure you toast them. They taste and smell so much more amazing toasted than raw. Last of all, serve hot with lemon wedges,  powdered sugar, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey.

Cherry Almond Dutch Baby

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or half white flour and half whole wheat)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. almond extract
pinch salt
4 Tbsp. butter
1- 2 cups pitted sweet cherries, halved
1/3- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (toast in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant)
powdered sugar, lemon wedges, honey and/or maple syrup, all for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, milk, almond extract and salt together until the batter is blended but lumpy; you can also do this in a blender. In a 12-inch ovenproof frying pan or cast iron skillet, melt butter. Add cherries and cook until warmed, about 2 minutes. Pour in batter and transfer to heated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

2. Remove pancake from oven and quickly scatter with toasted almonds, dust with powdered sugar and squeeze lemon juice over. Serve in wedges, piping hot.

Serves 2-4.

(Adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

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Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad

June 10, 2014

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This was my attempt at recreating Whole Food’s smoked mozzarella pasta salad which is spicy and delicious, but thick and heavy and obviously not the healthiest. Whether or not you have tried and love theirs, I think you’ll like this. It’s lighter (even using whole wheat pasta) but just as addictive. Two ingredients make all the difference: smoked cheese (I used Gouda but smoked mozzarella also works) and chipotle in adobo. The chipotle peppers add even more smokiness and some unexpected zip. (I love chipotle in adobo. I use it all the time. Buy a jar and freeze what you don’t use. It lasts for months and months that way.) There’s also a touch of honey for sweetness, fresh parsley or basil, roasted red peppers (or artichokes or tomatoes or all of the above- why not?), freshly grated Parmesan, garlic… I could go on.

You could probably get away with swapping half of the mayo for Greek Yogurt. If you do, let me know the result. The olive oil is optional, but it helps to smooth the salad out. I let mine sit in the fridge for a few hours and then just before the BBQ I pulled it out and tossed it with a tablespoon or two of oil. Serve with something hot off the grill and your summer meal is complete.

Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad

INGREDIENTS

12 oz. penne or gemelli pasta (I used whole wheat)
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (or artichoke hearts and/or fresh cherry tomatoes, halved)
6-8 oz. smoked Gouda or smoked mozzarella, cubed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh parsley (or basil), chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. honey
1 Tbsp. chipotle in adobo, minced (about 1 pepper)
~1 tsp. kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1-2 Tbsp. olive oil

 DIRECTIONS

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Place the spinach in a large bowl. Drain the pasta and pour the hot pasta over top of the spinach. Toss with the spinach and allow the steam from the pasta to wilt the spinach. Set aside to cool.

2. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, honey, chipotle in adobo, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.

3. Once the pasta has cooled, stir in the roasted red peppers, cheese, and herbs. Pour the dressing over top and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Add 1-2 Tbsp.  olive oil to loosen pasta, if necessary. (I added about 1 Tbsp. after it had been refrigerated several hours.)

Serves 6-8.

(Adapted from here and here.)

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