WILD RICE PILAF
Here is a delicious side dish option for festive meals.Ingredients
Serves 8 - 10
3½ cups (875 ml) chicken stock, divided
½ cup (125 ml) wild rice
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt, divided
½ cup + 2 tbsp (125 ml + 30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
3 cups (750 ml) thinly sliced shallots
3 cups (750 ml) sliced cremini mushrooms
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground pepper
½ cup (125 ml) boiling water, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) saffron threads, crushed
1 cup (250 ml) basmati rice
½ cup (125 ml) dried barberries*
3 tbsp (45 ml) butter, divided
1 x 3-in (8 cm) cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
4 cloves
10 peppercorns
3 green cardamom pods
½ cup (125 ml) pine nuts, lightly toasted
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp (75 ml + 30 ml) chopped parsley
1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar
*Can be purchased online or at specialty Persian food markets.
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock, wild rice and ¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and allow rice to simmer gently for 40 to 45 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and grains are chewy, yet tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the sliced shallots and ⅛ tsp (a pinch) kosher salt and fry until deep golden brown in colour, stirring regularly to avoid scorching. Using a slotted spoon, remove fried shallots from skillet and spread over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat this step with remainder of shallots. Pour out and reserve any remaining oil in the skillet into a small heatproof bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, fry sliced mushrooms until any released liquid evaporates. Season with ¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt and ground pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add ¼ cup (60 ml) boiling water to crushed saffron and set aside until ready to use.
- In a large heatproof bowl, add basmati rice, 1½ cups (375 ml) chicken stock, ¼ tsp (1 ml) kosher salt and 1 tbsp (15 ml) reserved oil from fried shallots. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Then continue microwaving for another 12 minutes on medium. Remove from microwave and fluff lightly with a fork.
- Meanwhile, in a heatproof medium bowl, soak barberries in ¼ cup (60 ml) boiling water for about 15 minutes and then drain out liquid.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter. Add barberries and saffron water and cook for 1 minute or until liquid looks shiny and syrupy. Turn off heat and add 1 cup (250 ml) cooked basmati rice and mix well. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan or wok, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, peppercorns and cardamom. Reduce heat to medium. Fry spices in oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, remove all spices except cinnamon. Reduce heat and add butter. Once melted, add pine nuts, cooked wild and basmati rice, mushrooms and fried shallots. Increase heat to medium and mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed in the pilaf.
- Add chopped parsley and vinegar to rice. Cover and turn off heat. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- When ready to serve, evenly spread saffron rice on top and garnish with 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped parsley.
Drink Pairings
Crown Roast of Pork served with Wild Rice Pilaf
Looking for an alternative to turkey? Here is a festive option for the star of the feast.Ingredients
Serves 8 - 10
FOR CROWN ROAST
6 cups (1.5 L) warm water
6 tbsp + 2 tsp (90 ml + 10 ml) kosher salt, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) brown sugar
1 bay leaf
10 peppercorns
4 cloves
8 to 10 lb (4 to 4.54 kg) pork crown roast
3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) red or white wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) Tabasco sauce (optional)
2 tbsp (30 ml) prepared grainy mustard
3 to 4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh rosemary
1½ tsp (7 ml) ground pepper
2 tbsp (15 ml) chopped parsley
WILD RICE PILAF (recipe separate)
Instructions
- In a stockpot large enough to fit the roast, mix 6 cups (1.5 L) warm water, 6 tbsp (90 ml) kosher salt and brown sugar until dissolved. Add bay leaf, peppercorns and cloves to the brine and cool to room temperature. Submerge pork crown roast in liquid and brine for 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C) and adjust baking rack to lower middle of oven.
- Remove crown roast from brine and pat dry with paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, red or white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce (if using), mustard, garlic, rosemary, ground pepper and 2 tsp (10 ml) kosher salt. Set aside for 15 minutes to integrate flavours.
- Brush prepared marinade evenly over crown roast. Tie ribs together at ends to form a “crown” and place in large roasting pan. Fold aluminium foil over exposed bones only, to avoid burning. Bake for 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce heat to 325 F (170 C) and continue cooking for 20 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reaches 155 F (68 C). Remove from oven and rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
- To serve, place roast on large serving platter. Cut and discard string and remove aluminum foil from bones.
- Spoon Wild Rice Pilaf into cavity of crown roast or serve alongside in a bowl. Garnish rice with chopped parsley.
Drink Pairings
Salmon Chowder
This is a perfect mid-week meal, easy to make and easy to clean up.Ingredients
Serves 4
4 slices thick-cut bacon, sliced
2 tbsp (30 ml) salted butter
4 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cups (1 L) stock (vegetable, fish or chicken)
1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can creamed corn
1 cup (250 ml) half-and-half cream
1 tsp (5 ml) dried tarragon
1 lb (500 g) salmon, skin removed, cubed
½ cup (125 ml) chopped dill
½ jalapeño, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large saucepan with a lid, over medium-high, render bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Set bacon aside and discard any leftover oil.
- In same saucepan, heat butter over medium-high. Add celery, onion, garlic and potatoes. Sauté until just soft, about 8 minutes. Add stock, corn, half-and-half cream and tarragon. Reduce heat to low and cook until potatoes are soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add salmon, dill and jalapeño. Cook over low until salmon is cooked through, about 5 minutes, then add reserved bacon to heat through and serve.
- Keeps in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Drink Pairings
Gorgonzola-Stuffed Pork Chops
This is a perfect mid-week meal, easy to make and easy to clean up.Ingredients
Serves 2
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
2 x ½ lb (500 g) bone-in pork chops
salt and pepper, to taste
6 tbsp + 2 tbsp (90 ml + 30 ml) Gorgonzola, divided
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ red onion, sliced
2 Bosc pears, cored and cut into eighths
1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon
½ cup (125 ml) white wine
7 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C).
- In a large ovenproof frying pan with a lid, heat oil over medium-high. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from frying pan and allow to cool until temperature is manageable for handling. Using a paring knife, cut a deep pocket (without going all the way through) in thickest side of each pork chop. Divide 6 tbsp (90 ml) of Gorgonzola in half and fill each pocket.
- In same frying pan from step 2, over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add garlic, red onions and pears. Sauté until soft, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix vinegar, Dijon and white wine. Pour mixture into frying pan and cook for 1 minute. Add pork chops back into pan with thyme and cover with lid. Place frying pan in oven and cook until pork chops reach a temperature of 155 F to 160 F (68 C to 71 C), about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve with remaining Gorgonzola crumbled over top.
Drink Pairings
Chicken Chickpea Curry with Herby Yogurt and Naan
This is a perfect mid-week meal, easy to make and easy to clean up.Ingredients
Serves 4
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp (15 ml) grated ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1½ lbs (750 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) cubes
2 tbsp (30 ml) curry powder
1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 x 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
1 x 14 oz (398 ml) can coconut milk
1 x 19 oz (540 ml) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) plain Greek yogurt
1 lime, juice only
½ cup (125 ml) chopped mint leaves
½ cup (125 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
4 naan bread, to serve
Instructions
- In a large saucepan with a lid, heat oil over medium-high. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves and chicken. Cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken has started to brown. Add spices, sugar, crushed tomatoes, coconut milk and chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- To make herby yogurt, in a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lime juice, mint and remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, top with a dollop of yogurt sauce, chopped cilantro and warmed naan bread.
Drink Pairings
Fermented Bean Sauce
Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes.Ingredients
Serves ¾ cup (175 ml) sauce
½ cup (125 ml) + 2 tbsp (30 ml) doenjang* (Korean fermented bean paste)
2 tbsp (30 ml) gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together. Serve with Korean barbecued meat.
Drink Pairings
Seasoned Spinach (Sigemchi Namul)
Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
2 bunches spinach, about 8 oz (250 g), thoroughly washed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, sliced thin
1½ tsp (7 ml) soy sauce
1½ tsp (7 ml) toasted sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds
Korean chili thread, to garnish
Instructions
- Blanch spinach in a large saucepan of salted water.
- Drain and shock spinach in ice water. Rinse spinach, squeeze out all remaining water, then roughly chop.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients, then add spinach and mix well. Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Garnish with Korean chili threads. Serve chilled.
Drink Pairings
Spicy Braised Tofu
Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1 x 16 oz (500 g) block medium tofu
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) soy sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tsp (10 ml) gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
1 pinch salt, or to taste
½ cup (125 ml) water
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame seeds
green onion, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Slice tofu block into 1-in (2.5 cm) thick slices. Then cut each slice in half so you have 2 squares. Then cut each square in half on the diagonal into triangles. Line a sheet pan with triple layer of paper towel. Place tofu in a single layer on paper towel and cover with 3 more layers of paper towel. Lay another sheet pan on top of paper towel to lightly press tofu. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry tofu in batches until golden brown, turning halfway through, about 3 minutes per side. Set fried tofu aside on paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- With remaining oil, sweat garlic and onion in skillet. Add soy sauce, sugar, gochujang, gochugaru, salt and water to combine, and add back tofu. Simmer, covered, over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add sesame oil and sesame seeds. Stir to combine. Garnish with sliced green onion and serve warm.
Drink Pairings
Sesame Bean Sprouts
Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
1 lb (454 g) mung bean sprouts or regular bean sprouts
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
2 tsp (10 ml) toasted sesame seeds, lightly crushed
2 green onions, finely sliced
salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium to large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and blanch sprouts.
- Drain and shock sprouts in ice water, then let drain for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all excess water is gone.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together remaining ingredients. Add drained sprouts and mix well. Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Serve chilled.
Drink Pairings
Soy-Glazed Potatoes (Gamja Bokkeum)
Korean Barbecue is a communal meal. All the items are laid out on the table with a portable grill in the middle. The meal consists of lots of small side dishes.Ingredients
Serves 4-6
3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
1 lb (500 g) yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 small yellow onion, peeled and cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 Korean chili pepper or 2 serrano peppers, cut into 2-in (5 cm) pieces
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) mirin
½ cup (125 ml) water
toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan with a lid (preferably non-stick), heat oil over medium heat. Add potatoes and fry for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Add carrots and fry another 2 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Add onion, pepper and garlic and fry another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, salt, mirin and ½ cup (125 ml) water. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender but not falling apart, adding more water while cooking if needed. Once potatoes are tender, remove lid and reduce liquid until it just coats potatoes. Serve at room temperature and garnish with sesame seeds.