Tag Archives: side

Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Red Onions

This is a great raw broccoli salad recipe!

broccoli-bacon-red-onion-salad

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 lbs broccoli
  • 10 strips crisp bacon
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1/3 c raisins
  • 2 Tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 c toasted sunflower seeds

Directions

  • Cut broccoli and stems into bit sized pieces
  • Fry bacon until crisp and set aside. Crumble.
  • In large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, raisins and bacon
  • Add vinegar pepper and sunflower seeds and toss well to combine

The original recipe which I got from my Grandma, included a 1/4 cup sugar (most recipes from the 50’s era seem to have a lot of sugar :)). I omitted all sugar to make this a paleo salad, and it tasted great!

Enjoy! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Balsamic Strawberries

I discovered strawberries with balsamic recently – wow – yum! Strawberry goodness with a pop from the vinegar and pepper. Try it!

balsamic strawberries blog

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strawberries, rinsed and sliced
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Sugar (optional, omit for paleo version)
  • Pepper to taste
  • Mint for garnish

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients and let marinade for at least an hour or up to four
  • Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

Avocado and Apple Salad with Sea Vegetables

This is a great salad and I can’t wait to make it again! I have been experimenting with kelp noodles recently and came across a mix of “sea vegetables” (which was a variety of seaweeds) in the local grocery store. I found a packet of the “Sea Tangle” brand of fresh seaweed in the refrigerator aisle. It’s supposed to be high in calcium and iron, and known to promote thyroid function and skin support. the seaweed was crispy and tasted fresh and good! The only downside, as my husband likes to point out, is that you are paying for “not a lot of calories”. Well, however you want to look at that 🙂 these are a great alternative to starchy pasta noodles and a great way to try some new foods!

avocado and apple seaweed salad blog (2)avocado and apple seaweed salad blog (1)Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsps. lemon juice
  • 1 avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 3 oz. sea vegetable mix

Directions

  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice
  • Add avocado, apple, and sea vegetables and gently toss
  • Serve fresh or refrigerate for a while
  • Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

 

Balsamic Rosemary Beets

This is a wonderful paleo side dish any time of year. It calls for fresh rosemary but you could also use the dried herb. Beets are nutritious and delicious, especially when roasted and seasoned.

roasted beets with balsamic and rosemary blog

Ingredients

  • 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400.
  • In medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly
  • Transfer to glass baking dish and cover with aluminum foil
  • Bake for 45 minutes
  • Remove foil and bake uncovered, for another 10-20 minutes until beets are tender when pierced with a fork
  • Serve hot, warm or cool

Thank you Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry which has many more excellent recipes!

dit-elle-Esther

Creamed Corn with Bacon and Leeks

Nothing says comfort food like Creamed Corn with Bacon and Leeks. Corn is starting to come into season now, and hopefully you can find it fresh and sweet and serve steamed – as is – or with a little salt and butter! This is a fantastic recipe for leftover steamed corn. Cut kernels off the cob and cook with some milk, leeks and bacon. Delish!

creamed corn with bacon and leeks blog

Ingredients

  • 6 ears corn
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 chopped leek
  • 4 slices bacon
  • Salt/pepper to taste

Directions

  • Cut kernels from ears of corn to measure 3 cups
  • Using the dull side of knife blade, scrape milk and remaining pulp from cobs into a bowl
  • Place 1 1/2 cups kernels, milk, salt and pepper in a food processor, process until smooth
  • Cook bacon in large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, turning once
  • Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 teaspoon drippings in pan; crumble bacon
  • Add leek to pan and cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring constantly
  • Add pureed corn mixture, remaining 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, and bring to boil
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes or until slightly thick
  • Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon just before serving

Enjoy! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther

Asparagus Pistachio Pesto

It’s asparagus season and we are seeing a lot of beautiful crisp fresh green stalks in stores locally. If you love asparagus, lemon, garlic, olive oil and pistachios, you will LOVE this! It is totally, amazingly, delicious. This recipe directs you to blanch the asparagus quickly and then process into pesto. Perfect spring or summer appetizer or side! Enjoy! 🙂

asparagus pistachio pesto (2)asparagus pistachio pesto (1)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb asparagus, tough ends removed
  • 2-3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup pistachios
  • 1 lemon, juiced (2 to 3 Tbsps, I used Champagne Vinegar)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup olive oil

Directions

  • Blanch or steam asparagus until al dente and still a bold green
  • Refresh in cool water
  • Cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces
  • In food processor, pulse garlic, pistachios, lemon juice, salt and pepper a few times, then add asparagus
  • Pulse the processor to make sure mixture is not over mixed, while gradually adding olive oil
  • Process until desired consistency

Thanks PCC Natural Markets!

dit-elle-Esther

Blackfish Cafe Coleslaw‏

This coleslaw is not only colorful and beautiful, it is delicious! The fresh ginger, minced fresh garlic and sesame oil make this dressing totally yummy. Add some roasted chicken and mandarin oranges and call it a meal! 🙂

black fish cafe coleslaw blog

Salad:

  • 6 c. Napa cabbage (about one head, thinly sliced). (Used regular cabbage as could not find napa cabbage in season when I made this.)
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 c. radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 c. green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4-6 ounces sugar snap pea pods (slice diagonally)  (I substituted green pepper.)
  • 1 c. cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 c. slivered almonds, toasted (single layer at 350 degrees for 5-7 mins; good idea to stir; watch closely, they burn fast)
  • Optional: roast chicken for protein and satsuma or mandarin oranges
Dressing:
  • 3 T sugar (I used 1/2 that)
  • 3 T white wine vinegar
  • 1 T soy sauce
  • 1/2 t. grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced (I used more to taste; maybe triple)
  • 1/4 t. sesame oil
  • dash cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 c. mayonnaise (or substitute 1/2 c. yogurt)
 Directions
  • Prepare salad
  • Mix salad ingredients
  • Toss and serve and enjoy! 🙂
Serves 6
dit-elle-Esther

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

If I need to make a “fail proof” recipe or am in a hurry and need something you just know is going to be good.. I turn to Martha Stewart. Her recipes are thoroughly perfected, if sometimes a little elaborate. I guess that is my only hesitation with some of her stuff.. perfect yes, but sometimes a real commitment in the kitchen. (Usually worth the effort though.) This coleslaw is delicious AND quick! I added the option of green pepper, green onions and parsley!

This is a fantastic side to pulled pork which I will publish a recipe for later this week!

creamy coleslaw blog (2) creamy coleslaw blog (1)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 small green cabbage, (about 1 3/4 pounds), finely shredded
  • 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks or coarsely grated
  • 1 small onion, coarsely grated (optional)
  • 1 green pepper, shredded or finely diced (optional)
  • Small bunch of green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Whisk together mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a small bowl. Refrigerate dressing, covered, until ready to use, or up to 2 days.
  2. Put cabbage, carrots, and onion (if desired) in a large bowl. Pour in dressing, and toss thoroughly. Refrigerate, covered, until slaw begins to soften, 1 to 2 hours. If not using immediately, refrigerate, covered, up to 2 days. Just before serving, toss coleslaw again.

Thank you Martha Stewart!

dit-elle-Esther

Winter Squash and Apple Soup

Washington State is the apple capital of the world and are lucky to get an abundance of different varieties, especially in fall! This is a lovely soup using apples and celeriac (celery root) as the main ingredients. It is wonderful served simply with fresh apples and drizzled with olive oil, or make a full meal out of it by serving with some Winter Squash and Apple Galette or Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates! 🙂

wintersquash and apple soup blog (2)

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 pounds celeriac, peeled and diced
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 apples – peeled, cored and diced and more for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine
5 to 6 cups vegetable stock
Truffle or olive oil, to garnish
Preparation
Heat oil in a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and bay leaf, cooking for 1 additional minute. Add celeriac, potatoes and apples; cook until soft, about 10 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper and deglaze the pot with wine, cooking until almost evaporated. Pour in enough vegetable stock to cover and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until celeriac and potatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaf and let soup cool slightly. Carefully puree soup until smooth (either with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender or food processor). Return soup to the stove to reheat, adding additional stock if too thick. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. To serve, drizzle with truffle or olive oil and fresh slices of apple.

Thanks PCC Natural Markets!

dit-elle-Esther

Roasted Ratatouille with Black Olives

This is a great variation to a traditional ratatouille dish. By roasting the vegetables, you get rich flavors and melding of ingredients. The black olives and fresh basil were a nice touch. I served it with polenta and the whole dish was super yummy!

ratatouille blog (3) ratatouille blog (2) ratatouille blog (1)

Ingredients

  • 4 tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 each red, yellow and green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
  • 1/2 onion, thickly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus additional for garnishing
  • 1/2 cup pitted black olives

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 425° F.
  • Place two rimmed baking sheets in the oven for 4 minutes to heat.
  • Meanwhile, toss the tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and onions with olive oil and garlic in a large bowl. Very carefully spread the vegetables on the hot baking sheets. Roast, shaking the pan once or twice to turn vegetables, until tender and golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Toss roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar, basil and olives. Serve warm with sprigs of fresh basil.

I served this with polenta and grated parmesan cheese!

Thanks PCC Natural Markets!

dit-elle-Esther