Nori Quinoa Salad

We are avid sushi fans and love to eat nori when it’s wrapped around seasoned rice and fish or veggies. But lately, toasted seaweed has emerged as a go-to snack on its own, which got me thinking beyond the sushi bar. Nori is a wonderful sea vegetable. It contains protein, fiber and vitamins, plus it tastes good! So working more seaweed into our meals is an easy decision.


With fall’s arrival, a hearty grain salad is ideal for supper. I’ve made a warm rice salad with spinach several times, the hot grains wilting the fresh spinach just enough. This last time, though, I tossed in some toasted nori along with the spinach. I quickly discovered that nori sticks together in a mass when it hits the heat! So I made a pot of quinoa and tried again, this time adding small squares of nori and stirring to blend it in without clumping. Success!

Carrot ribbons, sliced green onions, sesame seeds and cooked salmon went into the bowl next. This salad is one of those “bits and bobs” recipes, where you can toss in any leftover veggies like broccoli or peppers, or another protein such as tofu or chicken. A lively dressing of lemon juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce and ginger finishes the salad.

The salad components can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to toss and serve it quickly for a weeknight supper. Full of texture and flavor, you get a little taste of the sea in every bite.

Nori Quinoa Salad
Serves 4

1 tablespoon grapeseed or other neutral oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked quinoa (I used a mix of red and white), kept warm or reheated
5 sheets of nori, toasted and torn into strips or squares
6 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped
4 ounces carrots, grated or peeled into ribbons
1 bunch of green onions, sliced
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted (I used a mix of white and black)
1 cup cooked or smoked salmon, flaked (optional)

Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and black pepper. Place the warm quinoa in a large serving bowl. Add the squares of nori a few at a time, gently stirring to wilt them and being careful that they don’t clump up. Add all the spinach and stir to wilt, too. Mix in the carrots, green onions, sesame seeds and salmon and then drizzle the dressing over and toss gently. Serve warm.

Herb and Tomato Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

Sometimes an ingredient slips into your kitchen and lingers, hanging around in the cabinet waiting for you to discover it, play with it, and you end up say, “Wow!” This is what happened to me with pomegranate molasses.

Pomegranate molasses is pomegranate juice that is cooked down until it concentrates into a thick, luscious, tart syrup. Over the years, I’ve used a teaspoon here and a drizzle there, but the full magic of pomegranate molasses didn’t hit me until I started using it in a starring role – I hadn’t been using enough to really take note of that fruity, tangy, richness.

This month in our Tasting Jerusalem cooking group we’re focusing on pomegranate molasses, which features prominently in some Middle Eastern dishes. I was eager to grab my bottle and start cooking!

The first recipe I made from Jerusalem was the Fried Cauliflower with Tahini. Rather than frying, though, I roasted the cauliflower which is always my favorite way to prepare it. I then tossed it with green onions (the recipe calls for a variety of fresh herbs but I only had green onions on hand) and then dressed it with a mix of tahini paste, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. This dressing is unbelievably good – tart and creamy – and I’ll be making it again soon.

Sparked by this delicious dish, I began thinking of other ways to use pomegranate molasses in a more abundant way. As I was starting to take a photo of the bottle, there were some very ripe tomatoes on the table and seeing them in the background inspired me to pair these ingredients together.

I chopped up the tomatoes and, having just replenished my fresh herbs, I added a shower of woodsy thyme, bright mint, earthy parsley and green onions.  To dress these lush tomatoes and fragrant herbs, I mixed pomegranate molasses (a lot) with olive oil and gently tossed it all together. Some toasted walnuts added crunch and reminded me of the traditional Persian dish, fesenjen, which has a sauce of ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses. A spicy bite from red chile rounded it out. I spooned the tomatoes and herbs over a bed of arugula and we dove into this pretty salad. And my bottle of pomegranate molasses sits in the front of the cabinet now.

I’m excited to be heading back to Seattle for the International Food Bloggers Conference this weekend and hope to see many of you there!

Herb and Tomato Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Serves 4-5

1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/3 cup thyme leaves
1 cup mint leaves
1 bunch Italian parsley, roughly chopped
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 small red chile, minced
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
1/8 cup olive oil
Salt to taste
2 cups arugula

In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the tomatoes, walnuts, herbs and chile together. In a small bowl, stir together the pomegranate molasses and olive oil and drizzle over the salad. Stir a little bit and add some salt to taste. Place the arugula on a serving platter and spoon the salad on top before serving.

Artichokes with Avocado-Anchovy Dip

Back when I first moved from Boston to Los Angeles for college, I confess I mostly had the beach and sun on my mind. Little did I know, new love would be found next door, both with the boy living there (now my husband) and for the fresh artichokes to which he introduced me. Eating an entire artichoke just seemed so California....I loved it!

Prior to this, my artichoke eating experience had been limited to marinated hearts from a jar (quite good, I must say). Eating this thorny thistle leaf by leaf, though, scraping a delicate bite off each one and then digging through the choke to the tender, hidden heart was just downright fun and delicious.

Artichokes are beckoning in the market now, another welcome sign of spring. Our favorite way to enjoy artichokes is to steam them and then start dipping in little bowls of melted butter and lemon juice - simple and classic.

This last time, though, I decided to make an umami-rich dip using two ingredients that I could happily eat everyday – avocadoes and anchovies. I blended these with green onions, lemon, garlic and parsley. Bold, creamy and assertive, this is one tasty green dip! It is also quite good dolloped on scrambled eggs or mixed with some baby greens. Toss a couple of those lovely green globe artichokes in your basket, blend up a batch of dip and soon you’ll be savoring a taste of spring.

Artichokes with Avocado-Anchovy Dip
Serves 4 (makes 1 cup of dip)

4 large green globe artichokes
2 ounce tin of anchovies in olive oil
1 bunch green onions, roughly chopped
1 large, ripe avocado, sliced in half and scooped out
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (save a lemon half to rub on the artichokes)
1 clove garlic, sliced
1/4 cup Italian parsley, roughly chopped

To prepare the artichokes, first cut the stem off to create a stable base. Using scissors, clip the thorny tip off of each leaf. Lay the artichoke on its side and using a knife cut the very top off the artichoke. If preparing ahead, rub with the cut lemon to prevent browning, otherwise you can place the artichoke in a large pan and prepare the remaining ones, adding them to the pan. Food52 has a tutorial on preparing artichokes that is helpful to read, as well.

Fill the pan with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. After about 25 minutes of steaming (or sooner if you have smaller artichokes) start testing by pulling on a leaf. If it tugs out easily, the artichokes are done. If not, steam for another 5 minutes and test again. Remove from the heat, drain and set aside at room temperature.

In the bowl of a food processor, add the anchovies and their oil, green onions, avocado, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. Process until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides a couple of times.  Scoop into a serving bowl, place the artichokes on a platter and start dipping. You can make both the artichokes and dip ahead. Let the artichokes sit at room temperature and keep the dip covered in the fridge.

Southwest Quinoa Salad

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of our family friend, Jake, as he turned 13 and became a Jewish adult. Following the service in the synagogue, a festive lunch is served for everyone attending. Usually this is a catered event, but more often now families are choosing to prepare the lunch themselves with the help of friends. I love it!

What a happy way to gather together. It makes me think of communities long ago, when women shared in the cooking for their families and baked bread in the town ovens. For Jake’s event, friends met in our synagogue kitchen and cooked away for 275 guests. Over a few days, we chopped, we laughed, we baked, we chatted and we stirred. We enjoyed creating this celebratory meal together.

There are quite a few talented cooks and bakers in our community, whose specialties are well loved. One such friend, Iris, makes the perfect quinoa – fluffy and flavorful – for her signature salad with a Southwest flair. She first cooks the quinoa with cumin, salt and pepper. I could happily eat it just like this, but Iris creates a salad bursting with so much taste that I always find myself eating many bowls of it ... and this time asking to share the recipe.

Black beans, corn, red pepper and an abundance of chopped herbs are mixed with the quinoa and simply dressed with lime juice and olive oil. Bliss. Each colorful bite bursts with the freshness of cilantro, mint and green onions. Crunchy and soft, zesty and satisfying, this salad makes a marvelous light lunch or an ideal side dish for grilled fish or chicken.

With special times such as this, I’m reminded again of what a gift it is to be part of such a vibrant, caring community. Mazel tov to Jake!

This week, with the horrific events at the Boston Marathon, I feel even more grateful for community. Boston is my hometown and I cheered along the Marathon route many times. I am heartbroken by this devastating tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the city.

Southwest Quinoa Salad
Inspired by Iris Brumer
Serves 4

1 cup quinoa, rinsed (some brands are pre-rinsed, allowing you to skip this step)
1 3/4 cups water
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup mint, roughly chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, diced
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (or a 15 ounce can of beans, drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1-2 juicy limes
1 tablespoon olive oil

Combine the quinoa, water, cumin, salt and pepper in a medium sized sauce pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and lower the heat to a simmer. Let cook until the quinoa is soft and water is absorbed, about 13-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. Uncover and let cool. The quinoa can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.

Place the quinoa in a large serving bowl. Add the mint, cilantro, onions, red pepper, beans, corn and garlic. Squeeze the juice of one lime in and drizzle in the olive oil. Stir gently, taste for additional lime juice, salt and pepper and add more if needed.  Serve at room temperature.

Sweet Potato Latkes with Ginger and Sesame

Oil has been sizzling in the kitchen for the past few days, a sure sign that Hanukkah is here! It’s the time of year to light the hanukkiah and indulge in jelly-filled doughnuts and other fried treats. Latkes are, of course, on the menu many times during these eight days, providing ample opportunity to play with new ideas and recipes. Traditional latkes are made with grated potatoes and onions, and can be served with sour cream and/or applesauce. Over the years I’ve had latkes made with carrots, cabbage, zucchini, apples and even rutabagas. Basically, if you can grate it, you can make it into a latke!

The idea is to grate the fruit or veggies, add seasoning, eggs and a bit of flour and then fry it all up into little pancakes. An oil-spattered stove and the lingering scent of frying are givens when making latkes and are all part of the fun. The mess is worth it, especially when you start nibbling.

I want to share a new recipe with you that I put together for a latke party over this past weekend. The invitation said we should be creative, so I began pondering different ingredients. I adore sweet potatoes and still have many leftover from the massive bag I bought at Thanksgiving, so I knew they would be the basis. I’ve had delicious sweet potato latkes in the past which emphasized the sweetness of the potato. For this batch of latkes I wanted to move in a more savory direction, perhaps with a spicy kick. Freshly grated ginger provided the bite I was hoping for, along with some chopped green onions. A scattering of black sesame seeds rounded out the flavor.

I usually hand grate the potatoes since I prefer this texture, but if you are frying latkes for a crowd then by all means use a food processor to make quick work of it. A nice benefit of using sweet potatoes is that they do not release as much liquid as white potatoes, saving yourself the added step of squeezing out the mixture multiple times.

These speckled little orange pancakes fried up into tasty latkes with a little flavor punch, tender on the inside with lacy, crispy edges. And I’m delighted that they were enjoyed at the latke party!

Sweet Potato Latkes with Ginger and Sesame
Makes 14 - 2 1/2 inch latkes

2 medium sized, orange fleshed sweet potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds), scrubbed
4 green onions (including the white parts), finely chopped
2 heaping tablespoons freshly grated ginger (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Canola oil for frying

Using a box grater, grate the potatoes (I leave the peels on) into a large mixing bowl. Add the green onions, grated ginger, sesame seeds, flour and salt. Lightly toss with your fingers to mix. Pour in the eggs and use a wooden spoon to stir together.

Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. In a large frying pan, pour about 1/2 inch oil in and heat over medium-high heat. With a large tablespoon, gently place scoops of the potato mixture in the hot oil (the patties should measure about 2 1/2 inches across). Do not crowd the pan. Let the latkes cook for a few minutes until nicely browned before trying to flip (if you try to flip too soon, they will tear and stick to the bottom). When the edge of the latke lifts easily, gently flip it over (be careful for splatters). Fry on the other side until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the latkes to the lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat the latke frying until potato mixture is used up. Adjust the heat as needed (may have to lower a bit if the oil gets too hot and edges start to burn a bit) and add additional oil as needed. Let the latkes drain, and then move them to a platter to serve.

If you are making the latkes ahead of time, store them on paper towels at room temperature and then rewarm on a baking sheet before serving.

Uncle Mike’s Cheese and Green Onion Latkes

The scent of potatoes and onions cooking can only mean one thing this time of year ... Hanukkah is near! Latkes are fried pancakes, usually made with potatoes and onions, and are one of the foods eaten during Hanukkah.

Hanukkah is the festival of lights and commemorates the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple during the Maccabee Revolt. The oil we used to rededicate the Temple in the second century BCE revolt miraculously lasted eight days, and now we light eight candles on a Hanukkiah (menorah) and eat foods fried in oil. Jelly doughnuts, called sufganiyot, are another popular fried choice. Children spin dreidels and eat chocolate gelt in the flickering candlelight.

Latkes are not limited to potatoes, though! There are many different variations made with apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, zucchini or cabbage. Basically, if you can grate it you can make it into a latke! It’s a good thing Hanukkah lasts for eight nights so we have plenty of time to try lots of different kinds. (More than eight nights and our waistlines might start to expand too much...)

A number of years ago, my brother, Mike, worked at a café/take-out spot in our hometown of Lexington, MA. During Hanukkah, their latkes were one of the most popular items. Based on the ingredients Mike shared with me, I recreated the latkes and my sons began calling them Uncle Mike’s Latkes.

These latkes are cheesy and delicious! They fry up delightfully crisp around the edges and have a fresh flavor from the green onions. The Swiss cheese is an unusual, tasty addition. Latkes are usually served with applesauce and/or sour cream, but these are so rich we eat them as is.

We always look forward to latkes during Hanukkah, and this year we’ll be eating them in Australia! We leave on Friday and can’t wait! We are visiting our lovely friends Chris, Cheryl, Nick, Carly and Lucy and we look forward to sharing Hanukkah and celebrating Christmas Aussie-style with them.

When making latkes, the key is really to squeeze the moisture out of the potatoes. I tend to make small batches of batter and squeeze the potatoes and add them in right before frying. For some reason, the first couple I fry up never turn out very pretty (I have a similar experience with pancakes) but they make for good snacking.

Enjoy these fried morsels! Happy Hanukkah!

Uncle Mike’s Cheese and Green Onion Latkes
Makes 12-4 inch latkes

2 pounds potatoes (I use Yukon Gold and do not peel)
3/4 cups grated Swiss cheese
1 1/4 cups green onions, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/4 cup flour
A few grinds black pepper
Canola oil for frying

Grate the potatoes with a hand grater over a bowl. Scoop the potatoes out onto a kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. Drain any leftover liquid out of the bowl and return potatoes to it. Add the remaining ingredients and gently mix. Taste for salt and pepper.

Heat approximately 1/4 inch of canola oil in a large fry pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, spoon potato mixture to form 4 inch patties (flatten slightly so they cook evenly). Do not crowd the latkes in the pan. After 3-4 minutes, carefully flip latkes and cook for another couple minutes on other side. You may have to adjust the heat if they are browning too quickly (you want to be sure they are cooking inside). Latkes should be golden brown and crispy outside and tender inside.

Remove latkes to a baking pan lined with paper towels to absorb the oil. Keep the pan in a warm oven while you fry the rest. Scatter with the reserved green onions and serve as soon as you are finished frying.