Sabzi Polo (Herb Rice)

This recipe is adapted from M.R. Ghanoonparvar’s Persian Cuisine. I’ve reduced the salt and fat content, without sacrificing taste. This fragrant dish is a classic and with good reason — it’s light, full of flavor and loaded with fresh green herbs. I added some arugula to the mix — feel free to replace or substitute as you like. Continue reading

Kurdish Chickpea, Cilantro and Cumin Salad

(serves 4)
Adapted from Silk Road Cooking by Najmieh Batmanglij. I use less oil in this version than is called for in the original (featured in this week’s electronic newsletter), plus I’ve reduced the cooking time for the tomatoes, giving the dish a super-fresh profile. You’ll find this protein-rich salad particularly inviting in summer months when tomatoes are at their peak. Continue reading

Can’t get enough Chard…


Here’s a couple of simple recipes to try, if you still have some chard hanging around from last week’s delivery. We’ve got a couple of rows growing in the garden on top of what we receive from Freshness Farms, so there’s never enough fresh ideas for using those big, beautiful leaves (and stems).

Savory Bread Pudding with Chard, Mushrooms and Goat Cheese

Feta, Chard and Sun-dried Tomato Dinner Pastries

Happy NoRuz!

Feta, Chard and Sun-dried Tomato Pastries

These savory bites are simple to make, but have the presence of something fancy (and slaved over in a hot kitchen). The rounds are flakey and buttery, dotted with flecks of garlicky chard, salty cheese and the occasional punctuating-pop of sun-dried tomato. The hardest part is remembering to defrost the puff pastry at room temperature, for at least an hour before baking. Sometimes I defrost the pastry in the fridge — it will keep that way for up to one week — so it’s ready at a moment’s notice for dinner-party-worthy appetizer elegance on any ordinary weeknight. Pair with a bowl of soup or a hearty dinner salad. Continue reading