I usually don't like fruit in my salads. I'm a savory salad kinda gal. I don't like sweet dressings either. My favorite dressing is lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. I know, so boring but I really enjoy the flavors from good EVOO and tangy lemon juice. I don't know what got into to me but I tried a version of this salad at Pizza Antica at Santana Row and immediately fell in love. The restaurant's version had strawberries and pecorino on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic dressing and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Read MoreSpicy Green Beans
If you live in the Bay area and haven't been to Burma Superstar, then you need to change that...STAT. This place is always crowded, granted it is a super small restaurant, but still. I often crave their Samusa Soup, which is a thick spiced broth with potatoes and peas filled fritters and falafels. My mouth is watering just writing about it. We always get the soup and their Tea Leaf Salad. Yes, you heard it right, tea leaves...in your salad. Don't cringe just yet...its not the regular English Breakfast tea leaves. In fact its fermented green tea leaves, which means the tea leaves are steeped in hot water and then blended with spices. It sounds strange but this happens to be their most popular dish. My husband, who doesn't like drinking tea or coffee, actually enjoys eating this salad. I always make him try weird food and I almost always fail to impress. But this tea leaf salad was a winner.
Read MorePomodoro (Tomato) Sauce
Pizza, Pasta, Gelato. These three were eaten on repeat by us vegetarians during our recent trip to food heaven - Italy. I kept telling myself, "Oh I won't get sick of this...It's so good..How could I?!" Little did I know, I actually craved anything but carbs toward the end of our trip. No carbs?! Did I just say that? I couldn't believe it myself but a few times I actually just ordered a salad with tomatoes and pesto and voluntarily skipped the bread. I was craving fresh vegetables like no other and Indian spices, of course. Thankfully, we found an awesome Indian restaurant in Florence, which we went to twice because we were in serious daal withdrawal. I know, I know...it's a sin to eat anything but Italian food in Italy so forgive my taste buds
Read MoreAvocado-Egg(White) Salad
One of my dad's favorite things to eat is an egg salad. Whenever I visit my parents, I make him the traditional egg salad -- soft boiled eggs, yellow onions, mayo, mustard, herbs, salt and pepper. I never thought of trying to make it any other way until my aunt-in-law (Monica bua/aunt) asked me if I knew of any recipes for an Avocado Egg Salad. Ahh such a great idea! A healthy alternative to the traditional egg salad without all the fat from the egg yolks and mayonnaise. The avocado adds a wonderful creaminess and the greek yogurt takes place of the mayo. Adding lime juice prevents the avocado from browning while adding a delightful tangy flavor
Read MoreSautéd Vegetables in Tahini Sauce
Summertime makes me want to go frolicking around town in a summer dress, overdose of cherries, make apricot jam and eat colorful things. This summery recipe is inspired by one of my favorite dishes at The Plant Cafe in SF. Remember my first video recipe of the Kale and Quinoa Salad? That was inspired by The Plant Cafe as well and I just can't get over how much I am in love with that place. I end up taking all my friends that visit from the east coast to TPC just so I have an excuse to eat there...again and again. Last time I was there, I analyzed their dish very carefully and tried my best to extrapolate the flavors. I decided to give it a try at home and I patted myself on the back as I devoured this deliciousness. The original recipe at TPC is made with tofu and veggies tossed in miso sauce but I didn't have tofu or miso on hand so I added edamame, which is also a great source of protein, and made the sauce with tahini. I can't believe how simple and fast this recipe is, similar to my Tofu-Stir Fry recipe - now you have another weekday dinner option to add to your list.
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