Meatless Monday – Pineapple Fried Rice

Recently my husband and I went to a cool sushi bar called Buddha Sky Bar in downtown Delray Beach, Florida. If you are ever in the South Florida area this is definitely a restaurant you should make an effort to visit. It is small and decorated very nicely, with superb food and service as well as a nice view over Atlantic Avenue, the main attraction.

During our visit we had the most delicious Pineapple Fried Rice that i just had to try and duplicate it. And I have to say, it came out pretty well. If you get all the ingredients cut up and separated ahead of time it is really quick and easy to make. Hint: Make the rice the day before and put it in your refrigerator overnight.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 Tablespoon white wine or chicken stock (if not going meatless)
• 2 eggs
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2-3/4 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews, chopped
• 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Thai red curry powder (although I used the paste)
• 2 green onions, slice thin
• 1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Cook rice according to directions. This recipe works best if the rice is cooked the day before so it dries out slightly. If cooking the same day, cook earlier in the day and place in refrigerator without a lid so it dries more quickly.

When ready to assemble ingredients:

Place onion, garlic and red pepper flakes together in bowl.

Place carrots & peas in a second bowl.

Place rice mixed with 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil, pineapple chunks and cashews in another bowl.

Mix soy sauce and Thai curry paste together and set aside.

To cook: Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion mixture from the first bowl and stir-fry for about 1 minutes. If pan becomes a little dry add a little chicken stock or white wine. Add the 2 eggs and scramble quickly mixing in with onion mixture. Add the carrots and peas from second bowl and stir-fry another minute or two.

Now add the rice mixture to the pan along with the soy sauce/curry paste and stir-fry about 5-8 minutes. They usually say to cook until you hear the rice making popping sounds.

Place into serving bowl and garnish with green onion and cilantro.

Serves 4.

Note: This recipe is gluten-free if you use both gluten free soy sauce and brown rice or a jasmine rice that has not been over processed.  For a meatier option, add shrimp or chicken .

Wine Pairing:  A white wine with a little citrus flavor blends well with the pineapple in this dish. Try a Pouilly-Fuisse, Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc although some Chardonnays will work here as well.

Meatless Monday – A Savory Sweet Potato Side Dish

I love sweet potatoes and I will try just about any recipe that comes my way. It is also nice to know how good they are for you so you don’t have to feel guilty eating this sweet side dish.

Sweet Potatoes are one of the best vegetables you can eat. They are full of carotenoids, a plant pigment that the body can turn into Vitamin A, and are a great source of antioxidants that may help prevent certain cancers and heart disease as well as strengthen your immune system. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Convinced? If you are, here is an easy recipe that lends a bit of sweet onion flavor to the mix.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Onion

Ingredients:

• 1 medium peeled sweet potato, cut in large chunks
• 1/2 medium sweet onion (Vidalia), cut in ¼” thick rings
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon seasoned pepper blend
• 1/8-1/4 garlic powder
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place sweet potatoes, onions rings that have been cut in half and remaining ingredients in 8” square baking dish and stir to make sure all potatoes and onion pieces are well coated. Vary quantity of spices to your liking. I like to use the full amount of seasoned pepper and garlic powder but did cut the salt to 1/8 teaspoon.

Bake for 40 minutes, stirring half way through cooking time.

Serves 2.

Meatless Monday – Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

A delicious addition to any meal, spaghetti squash can be fixed many different ways but it is the fact that this vegetable can look like spaghetti that creates the many variations. In this recipe I am using the squash in place of pasta, similar to an Italian macaroni and cheese, and dressing it up a little with some fresh garlic. I served it as a side for grilled fish but it could just as easily be a side dish for meat of any kind.

Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

• 1 3-4 lb. squash
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1-1/4 cups Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 2 cloves roasted garlic, chopped fine
• Salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with aluminum foil.

Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Season with 1 Tablespoons olive oil, salt & fresh ground black pepper. Place, cut side down, on prepared cookie sheet and cook for 25-35 minutes depending on size of squash.

Remove from oven when tender and wait for it to cool slightly. Taking a fork, shred the squash into what looks like spaghetti noodles. Place in a large bowl. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil, roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese and additional salt and quite a bit of freshly ground pepper. Stir and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Note: In place of roasted garlic you can saute 1 teaspoon of minced garlic in a skillet for 1-2 minutes or until browned.