Geetha's Kitchen

Tofu curry is an easy weeknight dish - nutritious, filling and comforting. It was based on the tofu dish that Kou made for dinner. I added the coconut milk, sugar snap peas, and mushrooms to my version. Use the smaller amout of sambar/curry powder for a mild dish; for those who like it spicier, use the larger amount, add one or two hot peppers, and/or offer some Sambal Oelek at the table. 6 servings Ingredients: 1 block (14-16 oz.) firm Tofu 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced finely 1/2 small Red Onion, diced 1/2 Tsp Turmeric 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt 1-3 Tsp  Sambar Powder  Or Curry Powder 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce 2 tsp Oil 1/2 small Red Onion, diced 4-8 oz. Mushrooms, sliced 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced 1 pinch Each, Turmeric and Salt 1 cup Thick Coconut Milk 1 cup Sugar Snap Peas, ends trimmed and cut diagonally into two pieces Cornstarch slurry - mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water a handful of fresh Cilantro and Green Onions, chopped A handful of r...

Sambal Oelek is simply a ground up Indonesian chile sauce. Although it is readily available for purchase, I was not willing to swallow some of the ingredients that are in commercial offerings. So I decided to embark on a mission to make my own :D. Once you prepare this easy and delicious sambal, you will find many uses for it as a condiment and as an ingredient in all kinds of recipes. It has become an indispensable one in our household! It is spooned on stir-fries, burgers, scrambles - in short wherever a touch spice or heat is needed! I was sure that I needed fresh red chiles, but the only fresh ones that I was (and still am) able to acquire are Fresno (ripe Jalapeno) chiles. When I made the sambal, my family found that the sambal was not spicy enough! (true :D) so, I started adding habanero chiles to hike up the heat quotient. Ingredients: 1 lb Fresh red Chiles 6-12 fresh habanero chiles (optional) 1/4 cup Apple Cider or White Vinegar 1 tsp Sea Salt M...

Here is a blue print for a simple and satisfying bean soup - using any bean you like: split peas, lentils, pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, etc, etc. Pinto or black beans and lentils are a couple of my favorites. This recipe produces a wonderfully filling soup. You might like to use a combination of your favorite beans and other veggies like zucchini, green beans, etc to suit your personal preferences. 8 Servings Ingredients: 2 cups your favorite Beans 1-2 dried Red Chile pepper 1 sprig each, Oregano and Thyme 1 Bay Leaf, fresh or dry 1/4 cup barley 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tsp Red Pepper (Cayenne) 1 large Onion, chopped Sea Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste 1 pinch Asafetida 1/2 tsp Turmeric 3-4 tender inner ribs of Celery 2-3 Carrots, diced or grated 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced 2 cups Corn Kernels, fresh or frozen 3-4 Ripe Tomatoes, chopped or pureed 1/2 cup EACH Parsley and Cilantro, chopped Method: Sort, wash, and soak the beans; cook the beans with the b...

This is not a joke; you really can make a delicious salad with bitter melon :D. But to give you fair warning, it is a salad for Bitter Melon afficianados or at least those who enjoy veggies with a bitter flavor. It is really very simple to make; the trick is to cut the bitter melon and all the other veggies very thin - the thinner the better; a mandoline or a food processor is a great help with this. The preserved lime/lemon adds a fabulous touch; so do use it if you can. You may substitute middle eastern preserved lemon rind for the pickle. The traditional thalippu/tadka is another way to add to the taste. Whether you add thalippu or not, bitter melon makes a delicious salad. 2 Servings Ingredients: 1 medium young Bitter Melon, very thinly sliced 2 Shallots, thinly sliced 1 hot green Chile, cored and thinly sliced 1 Tbsp rind from Lime/Lemon Pickle , finely chopped (optional) 2-3 Tbsp fresh Cilantro, chopped 1/2 Lime/Lemon, juiced Sea Salt Thalippu/Tadka: (Optional) 1 tsp oil 1 pinc...

Mushrooms are low in calories and are a rich source of minerals and protein. Here is another delicious way to eat more of them :-}! These are fabulous served warm over toast or E nglish muffins for a quick snack or meal. Mushrooms with onions and tomatoes may be made ahead; reheat and then add the parsley and lime/lemon just before serving. For those who include dairy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese might be a welcome addition. For more ways to enjoy mushrooms, try stuffed with cream cheese , Stroganoff , ragout and creamy sauce . Or add them to fried rice, risotto, soups, and salads. 4 Servings Ingredients: 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tsp Red Pepper flakes 1/4 tsp Turmeric 8 oz Mushrooms, any kind - thickly sliced 1 small to medium Onion, chopped finely 2-3 Ripe Tomatoes, finely chopped Sea Salt to taste 4 Tbsp fresh Parsley, finely chopped a little fresh Lime/Lemon juice Freshly cooked grains or Pasta, Warm toast or English muffins to serve Method: Heat the oil with t...

Cuban Black Bean Soup With Cilantro Lime Rice and Avocado Cuban Black Bean Soup is deliciously nutritious, comforting, hearty, and filling as only bean soups can be. The aromatic vegetable mixture known as soffrito, a melange of coarsely chopped onion, celery and carrots enrich the soup with flavor and color. In addition to the soffrito, the soup is full of bits of red bell pepper, sweet corn kernels, tomatoes and redolent with freshly ground cumin and oregano. If you like garlic, you may add a clove or two after the onions have cooked for about 5 minutes. Although it will not taste as good, canned black beans may be substituted for the freshly cooked. Do use the smoked paprika for its wonderful flavor. For a fantastic and complete meal serve the Black Bean Soup with a scoop of lime and cilantro scented rice. 4-6 Servings Ingredients: 1 cup dry Black Beans 1-2 sprigs fresh Oregano 1 whole Red Dried Chile 1 Tbsp Oil 2 ribs Celery, chopped 1 medium Oni...