2013 - Life Bites

Boiled yuca with onions (yuca encebollada)

Boiled yucca with onions is a delicious side dish made with yuca root (a.k.a. cassava, tapioca) and red pickled onions. Yuca is one of the staples of the Dominican diet, usually eaten for breakfast or dinner. This nutritious root is starchy and has a bitter or sweet taste, depending on the crop. It can be boiled, fried or baked (as in cassava bread). First things first: how to choose and peel yuca roots: Yuca can be found in specialty food stores and supermarkets in major metropolitan areas of the United States that cater to a Latino clientele. You will find…

Rice with smoked pork chops (locrio de chuleta ahumada)

What is "locrio"? In Dominican cuisine, "locrio" is any combination of rice and meat/seafood, cooked in the same dish, with added seasonings. Locrio may be an adaptation of the Valencian paella. Spaniards who arrived in Hispaniola in the sixteenth century began substituting the basic herbs and meats in paella for ones more common in the island. Hence, locrio is not colored with saffron as Spanish paella is; instead bija (ground annatto seeds) or tomato paste are used. Although most Dominicans cook a drier version of locrio, I have chosen to use tomatoes for this recipe, which results in a wetter…

Braised bible tripe with vegetables

A popular tapas and dim sum dish, bible tripe can also be prepared with vegetables for a hearty meal. Braised bible tripe with vegetables 2 lbs. cleaned bible tripe10 Trader Joe's tiny potatoes or 4 medium-sized potatoes1 large or 2 medium carrots1/2 large onion1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro4 cloves of garlic or 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic2 teaspoons of salt2 tablespoons of olive oil1 tablespoon of butter1/4 cup of water Cut the tiny potatoes in half or cube the medium potatoes. Slice the carrot and chop the onion. Chop the tomatoes in 1x1 inch cubes.On a medium sauce pan, add…

Chickpeas with pork belly stew

Chickpeas with pork belly make a delicious combination, since chickpeas can be dry when cooked on their own. Enjoy this rich chickpeas with pork belly stew, packed with fiber and protein. Easy print recipe. Get your chickpeas ready: Start with 1 lb. of dry chickpeas. Soak them in water overnight, so they will cook more quickly. Then, add 4 cups of water and allow them to boil for a half hour. Add one teaspoon of salt. They are now ready for the pork. Chickpeas with pork belly stew 1 lb. of cooked chickpeas or two cans of chickpeas2 lbs. of…

Wild sockeye salmon soup recipe

This wild sockeye salmon soup recipe uses fresh salmon steaks and a touch of cilantro and sesame oil. Easy print recipe included. On the occasions when I can find wild salmon, I like to make soup with it. It is one of two ways of preparing salmon (besides smoking it) that I find helps the fish retain its delicious fat and flavor. So the salmon steaks are really the main attraction in this simple soup. The broth will be most flavorful with a touch of garlic and the cilantro at the end will add texture and freshness to this delicious…

Israeli cous cous recipe

This Israeli cous cous recipe includes stir fried turnips and onions, parsley and tomatoes with a dash of ground annatto seeds (achiote or bija) for natural color. Easy print recipe below. Recently, I picked up a box of Israeli cous cous on a whim at Trader Joe's. Then, I was wondering what a good recipe for it might be. Instead of looking one up, I decided to create my own, using ingredients familiar to me to complement the traditional cous cous preparation. I was very pleased with the results, so I'm sharing the recipe. Enjoy! Israeli cous cous recipe 1 eight…

Baby octopus and squid stir fry recipe

This baby octopus and squid stir fry recipe includes bell peppers and thinly sliced carrots, in a creamy ginger and garlic sauce. Before you are ready to stir fry the seafood, you will need to prepare the baby octopus for cooking. Here is a link to my short video showing you how to do it. Baby octopus and squid stir fry recipe 1 lb. of baby octopus1 lb. of squid1 large red bell pepper1 large green bell pepper2 medium to large carrots2 tablespoons of finely grated fresh ginger1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic1 teaspoon of corn starch1 tablespoon of soy…

Oyster mushroom stir fry recipe

This is a vegetarian recipe for oyster mushroom stir fry. Serve with your favorite protein, and/or grain. Easy print recipe. I am a big fan of mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are great because they cook quickly and evenly. Their earthy taste makes them a good choice for stir fry when combined with small amounts of ginger, garlic or soy sauce. Oyster mushroom stir fry recipe 2 cups of oyster mushrooms1 cup baby carrots1 big red bell pepper1 big or 2 medium size potatoes4 cloves of garlic1/4 bunch of cilantro1 tablespoon cooking oil1 tablespoon of soy sauce2 tablespoons of water Clean and…