There is a Russian potato salad called Olivye that is the single most commonly found food on any Russian celebration table. I am willing to bet there is not one living person of Russian or Ukrainian origin that can't name all the ingredients that go into this salad. They are: boiled potatoes and carrots, hard-boiled eggs, pickles, canned peas, and sometimes kielbasa or poached chicken. Everything is finely chopped into about quarter-inch cubes and dressed generously with mayo - the Russian answer to basically any kitchen conundrum.Salat Olivye (the . . .
Barley Salad with Roasted Fennel, Butter Beans and Caper Vinaigrette
Alas, a new recipe! Boy does it feel awesome to share something new with the world today. If it seems like I've been absent for the past couple of weeks, it's because I have been; I've been toiling away to wrap up an unbelievably exciting cookbook project, the details of which I've still yet to share with you. It's been an emotionally intense two months - straddling the fine line between awe and excitement, and fear and nervousness.Here's the thing about developing recipes for a blog versus for a book. With blog recipes, the time between coming up an idea and . . .
Warm Kale Salad with Rosemary Sweet Potatoes and Eggs
"A woman can make a salad, a hairstyle and an argument out of anything," is my mom's favorite Russian Mom saying. I realize how it may seem a biiit sexist (Russian moms are typically what we call "traditional"), but the way she sees it, it's definitely a compliment. It's usually her reaction when she's impressed with me MacGyver-ing something in the kitchen or around the house, and it always puts a smile on my face.On a somewhat recent weeknight when my roommate and I were too exhausted to think up an actual recipe and go buy the ingredients, I put together these . . .
Sauteed Cauliflower with Tuna, Capers and Herbs
This sauteed cauliflower recipe is a side dish I've been cooking at home all summer long. It wasn't supposed to be a "blog recipe," but dammit it's good, and it deserves to be immortalized among the interwebs.As I'd just learned after doing a quick Google search, this is a riff of a traditional Italian antipasto dish of steamed cauliflower with tuna, capers, vinegar and olive oil. Mine is a bit different in that the cauliflower is sauteed, which gives it that coveted caramelization, and then steamed in the same skillet, which makes it a little more tender. Bonus . . .
Cucumber Radish Salad with Fennel and Caraway Seeds
Growing up in Ukraine, cucumbers and radishes were staple summer vegetables in my life. But when I met fennel - which was, sadly, all too recently - I was like, "Damn, girl. Where you been all my life?"Fennel doesn't typically get a whole lot of play on restaurant menus or in food media and I wonder why. Is its anise flavor off-putting? Are people confused by what to do with its ample stalks and fronds?! What do you think, people? Do you cook with fennel?Fennel's fresh floral taste and crunch is the perfect complement to grilled meats or fatty fish (like salmon), . . .
Kale-Apple Salad with Parmesan Chips and Tahini Dressing
It is a rare occurrence to come across a truly great salad and this, ladies and gentlemen, is a truly great salad. Here's how it all goes down: you begin by shredding kale and massaging it until softened. Slices of sweet-tart apple go in next, followed by crunchy Parmesan chips (also known as frico), which provide the salad with a strong umami note. A creamy and nutty tahini dressing ties all the elements together to create a highly satisfying, delicious and healthful salad. Trust me - you're gonna want to try this one.Kale-Apple Salad with Parmesan Chips and . . .
Salade Lyonnaise (poached egg and bacon salad)
I have not been able to stop thinking about this salad ever since I had it at Lafayette. And who can blame me? It's basically the perfect salad. Crunchy bitter frisée (also known as curly endive) in an acidic vinaigrette, bits of bacon strewn throughout, a runny egg binding everything together, and bacon-scented croutons to pick up any remaining runny egg at the bottom of the plate. Drooling yet?Aside from being incredibly delicious, this salad is beautiful, too, and makes for a fancy lunch or light supper. Yes, the recipe includes poached eggs, but that's no reason . . .
