TWO INCREDIBLY SIMPLE RECIPES

The first one is truly simple because you actually make the potatoes a day or two before, but the recipe itself qualified to be in this folder when I first published it in 2023. Check it out here. I always make one or two extra potatoes so that I have leftovers. Because, how could you resist these?

Simply grab the leftover roasted potatoes from the fridge, and cut in slices that should not be too thin, not overly thick, as they will warm up exclusively on the skillet. Add olive oil to the pan, once it is really hot, add the slices and brown them on both sides. Add a little more salt to serve. They will be super creamy inside and get that superb crust all over. Addictive, I tell you.

The second one was featured recently in the New York Times with a lot of praise by the readers. It seemed a bit odd, very few ingredients, kind of monochromatic. But we were both quite impressed by the flavor and texture. I share with you my version, which is slightly modified from the original one. A bit of olive oil and dill were brought to play.

CUCUMBER-AVOCADO SALAD
(modified from The New York Times)

1 large English cucumber
Kosher salt
2 very ripe avocados
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
drizzle of olive oil
fresh or dried dill to taste
red pepper flakes for serving, to taste

Peel the cucumbers in alternating strips and trim ends. Halve lengthwise and slice thin. Transfer to a colander and sprinkle 1 to 2 tsp kosher salt all over the slices. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Halve the avocados and remove the pits. Using a spoon, remove the flesh from the skins, then cut the flesh into ½-inch cubes. Transfer to a large bowl, add the lemon juice and season with salt. Stir to combine.

Shake the cucumbers in the colander to get rid of any excess moisture, rinse briefly then transfer to the bowl with the avocado. Drizze olive oil, and add dill. Mix well but gently, the avocado should start getting creamy and cover all the slices of cucumber. That is a good thing. Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if so desired.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

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OMG ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

If you’ve read my previous post (In My Kitchen), you will know that I’ve been playing with Korean ingredients. My version of this recipe is not authentic because I decided not to serve it cold. I love a regular roasted potato, piping hot from the oven, and let me tell you, this was one spectacular side dish! I had leftovers two days in a row, gently warmed in the microwave. No loss of flavor, no harm in texture. Please give it a try and I am sure you will fall in love…


KOREAN ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
(from the Bewitching Kitchen, inspired by several sources)

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt to taste
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons gochugaru (or a red pepper flake of your choice)
strands of Korean red pepper for garnish (optional)

Heat the oven to 425F. Coat the potatoes with the olive oil and season with a little bit of salt. Lay them on a baking sheet protected with aluminum foil and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, moving them around halfway through. You want the edges to get nicely brown, so adjust the timing if needed.

Meanwhile, make the finishing sauce by combining the vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru and soy sauce. Once the potatoes are almost done, pour the sauce all over and mix gently. Roast for additional 5 minutes and serve, sprinkling some strands of Korean pepper (optional).

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here


Comments: I am a Sweet Potato Cheerleader, never get tired of them. In my opinion, they don’t need that much to shine, but this preparation takes them to a higher, brighter spot. It gives them, that “fancy restaurant” aura. I think it is the vinegar that changes things around. Please make it, even if you don’t have the specific Korean ingredients. We enjoyed it with breaded center-cut pork loin, and a little broccoli. A perfect midweek dinner.

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