Geetha's Kitchen

Freshly cooked sinuous pasta studded with fresh veggies and flavored with fragrant herbs is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Easy 10 minute Noodles I, Italian Style really takes only about 10 minutes to prepare especially when using fresh noodles. I use gluten free noodles; but if gluten is not a concern, any favorite noodles maybe used. Notes: Dried noodles maybe used to prepare this recipe but take a few of minutes longer than fresh; use 2 ounces and prepare according to package directions. When preparing the veggies, I often chop more than I need for one recipe and save them for another day. Using the special julienne peeler makes quick and easy work of making thin strips of carrots and zucchini. You may use a spiralizer also to make veggie strands. Or a good knife will work just fine. 1 Serving Ingredients: 1 pkg Fresh Noodles (~ 4 oz), Gluten free 1 clove Garlic, minced or mashed 3-4 Green Onions, sliced diagonally 7-8 large fresh Basil...

Delicious and fresh tasting Green Chili makes a hearty meal; this makes enough to put aside a portion in the freezer for another day or share with friends. Just like the other chilis ( Vegetarian Chili Or White Chili ), this is another crowd or family pleasing meal; set out all the toppings for each person to choose for themselves. Notes: Any dried white bean maybe used - great northern, cannelini, lima, etc. If roasting the chiles is not an option, use 1 small can ( about 1/2 cup) of roasted green chiles or a green bell pepper. If using bell peppers, dice and add to chili without roasting. Fresh or frozen white corn kernels make a nice tasty addition. Any extra chili maybe promptly chilled and reserved in the fridge for later. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. 8-10 servings Ingredients 1 pound White Beans, cooked 2 Poblano Chiles OR 1 green Bell Pepper, diced 3-4 medium Tomatillos, husks removed and washed 1-2 cups fresh Spinach 1 large yellow/w...

Mexican Seasoning Mix is an important spice mix for the pantry; it is not limited to seasoning only beans for burritos and tostadas but is also great for spicing up stir-cooked veggies (think fajitas!), rice, corn, Mexican Fiesta Soup , veg chili , etc! In fact, stir in Mexican seasoning mix into any recipe where you'd want to add a bit of spice. We love to slather grilled/steamed corn on the cobs with a concoction that includes lots of the Mexican seasoning mix ..... more on that soon :-). Although commercial mixes are readily available, most have unknown "spices", sugar, or fillers such as corn meal; homemade is the way to go if one wants to eliminate all those. This is an easy and quick recipe that lasts well if kept clean and dry. If you like to eliminate onion/garlic, omit them; the seasoning mix is delicious with or without them. Mexican Seasoning Mix INGREDIENTS: About 1 cup 3 Tbsp New Mexico Chili powder  2 Tbsp Paprika 1-2 Tbsp Smoked P...

White Chili is a delicious change of pace from the regular Chili! White Chili is made with white beans of course and succulent veggies and flavorful herbs and spices. It goes together very quickly especially if you have cooked beans, home-cooked or canned. If using canned beans, use 2 cans (15.5 ounces) of Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained. Hominy adds a down-home country taste. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups Great Northern beans, cooked 2  tbsp Oil 1 large White onion, chopped 3-4 ribs celery, chopped 1 large Parsnip, diced 2 medium White Carrots, diced 2 Garlic cloves, minced and mashed 2 to 4 Serrano chiles,  finely minced 3-4 tsp fresh Rosemary leaves, finely chopped  1 1/2 tsp ground Cumin 1 tsp dried Oregano  1/4 - 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper Coarse salt & freshly ground Black Pepper 1 can (15 ounces) white hominy, rinsed and drained (optional) 2-3 fresh Tomatillos, finely diced 3 tbsp cornmeal + 1 cup ...

         Indian Aloo/Batata Roast     Patates Fournou Roasted potatoes are irresistible whether they are prepared the Indian or Greek way. In India this is Aloo or Batata Fry/Roast, in Greece, Patates Fournou. Patates Fournou is so like this  Indian  one - only the choice of oil and spices are slightly different. Which way to go? - a tough choice - but both are delicious. Although I like to use small potatoes - red, white, yellow, blue or brown - any type will work very nicely. Garlic may be added to the Aloo/Batata Roast as well if you enjoy garlic. 4 Servings   Ingredients: 2 lbs Potatoes Salt & Pepper 1/2 tsp Turmeric 1 Lemon/Lime 2-3 Tbsp Fresh Spearmint, finely sliced - for garnish Extra Lemon/Lime wedges, as needed for serving Indian:  2-4 Tbsp Coconut or other oil, 2 tsp coarsely ground Cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp ground red pepper. Greek:  2-4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3 cloves f...

Kidney bean Enfrijoladas Tortillas in Bean Sauce might sound so bland and bleak - but Enfrijoladas are nothing of the kind - they are amazingly flavorful and tasty food. They belong to the homey, comfort food category and utilize leftover beans, tortillas, etc. Once tasted, they are sure to become a family favorite - they have become ours. Beans and tortillas provide great nutrition without impacting your food budget. Enfrijoladas make a hearty meal but the tortillas may be served simply dipped in the enfrijoladas sauce (see picture above) without any stuffing. We love this sauce over chips, Mexican rice , and Kidney bean cakes . Note: Assemble the enfrijoladas just before serving as they taste best served right away; they get soggy if kept waiting too long. 4-6 Servings Ingredients: 1 medium Onion, chopped 1-2 cloves Garlic, crushed 2 Tomatoes, chopped 1 small green Bell Pepper (capsicum) 1 or 2 Jalapeno/Serrano OR Chipotle Chile (optional) 1/2 tsp Turm...

Tortilla Soup is a wonderfully warming soup - the addition of beans makes it healthy, hearty, and tasty!  This soup has everything you need to make it a one-pot meal: protein from the beans, tortillas providing the carbs, and the abundant veggies and herbs providing everything else :-). The toppings make it extra-special - we love the hot soup with the various soft, cool, and crunchy toppings! Have an easy Tortilla soup Party - simply set out the soup surrounded with all the toppings suggested below (plus other ones you like). Let everyone help themselves for a no stress, no fuss, fun event! Ole!! This soup may be made a couple of days ahead and any extra may be frozen.  8 - 10 Servings Ingredients: 2 cup dry Pinto beans, cooked (see Beans for cooking info) 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 large Red Onion, diced 2 ribs Celery, thinly sliced 1 medium Carrot, cut into small dice 2 cloves fresh Garlic 1 - 2 green Jalapeno or Serrano Chiles, minced 2 tsp Sea Salt 4 med...

Quinoa Soup is a treasure I found on a recent trip to Peru to add to my collection of fantastic soups. An Andean lady from Maras demonstrated how to prepare this simple but soulful soup; it is so easy and yet sustaining with all the essential ingredients for good health. Apparently on the cold highlands of the Andes, the day may start as well as end with a warming soup like this. Our hostess chopped and diced the veggies in the order she needed as the soup was bubbling along. She recommended eating quinoa soup twice a week for not only good health but great complexion :) - ladies take note! The first thing I cooked upon returning from the trip was ... any guesses? Absolutely Delicious! I have given the recipe here as I witnessed to the best of my recall; for best results, add the vegetable ingredients in the order given. The soup we had in restaurants had local zucchini, red bell peppers, cilantro, and once, even finely diced tomatoes in addition to the other basic ingredients; s...

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...

Double Mushroom Soup With Chard is a hearty and filling soup. It is adapted from a recipe from the Follow Your Heart Soup Cookbook. I had fresh Portobello, brown crimini mushrooms, and a bunch of Swiss chard to use up - so it was soup for dinner! Other leafy greens may be substituted for the Swiss Chard. Apparently Portobellos are simply larger crimini mushrooms! You may use other fresh mushrooms like white button, shiitake, and/or dried mushrooms also. Ajwain seeds have an intense celery flavor and enhances the hearty flavor of the mushrooms. A bit of sharp Cheddar cheese (2-3 oz) makes a fabulous addition for those who include dairy in their diet. If you are using cheese, stir in after removing the soup from heat. 4 - 6 Servings Ingredients: 8 oz. medium-sized Portobello mushrooms, sliced 8 oz. Brown crimini mushrooms, sliced 1 lb Swiss Chard, coarsely chopped 1-2 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced 1 Large Onion, chopped 4 Tbsp Butter or 2-3 T Oil 4 Tbsp Whole Wheat, Unbleached, or Rice...

Pizza Peperonata I had a bit of leftover pizza dough and some roasted peperonata to use up. So ........ Pizza Peperonata it was! It turned out so good that I made it again for a potluck. Before I could finish saying "Mangia, Mangia!", the pizza disappeared very quickly ;P! You can use either of the pizza doughs - the overnight cold-rising Pizza Dough or the quicker Pizza Dough II . Use your own favorite veggie combination instead of the peperonata if you like. I added a lone zucchini that was lurking in the bottom of the fridge. 4 - 6 Servings Ingredients: 1/2 recipe Pizza Dough or 1 recipe Pizza Dough II 1 recipe Peperonata (without tomatoes) 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved (optional) 2 Tbsp Fresh Oregano leaves, chopped 1/2 tsp Red Pepper flakes or to taste 1 pinch coarse Sea Salt 1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese 2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese 1/2 cup Coarsely torn Fresh Basil and/or Arugula Leaves A few Kalamata or other Olives for garnishing Method: Preheat the ov...

Here is a refreshingly crispy and crunchy cabbage salad from El Salvador. This colorful salad is of course wonderful traditionally served with  pupusas  (stuffed corn cakes); it is equally delicious served with Salsa Rice , Black Beans and/or Frijoles or as you wish. It is a healthy and delicious alternate for cole slaw drenched in fatty mayonnaise. This is my version of curtido; I like to add a little red cabbage for the lovely color. It does make the salad pink upon standing though - I do not mind eating a pretty pink salad in the least :-). 4 - 6 Servings Ingredients: 1/2 small head Green Cabbage 1 cup Red Cabbage 1 large Carrot 1 small Red Onion 1 small bunch Cilantro 1 Tbsp fresh or 1/4 to 1/2 tsp dry Oregano 1/4 to 1/2 tsp Ground Red Pepper (cayenne) 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 2 - 3 Tbsp fresh Lime juice OR Red Wine/Apple Cider Vinegar Method: Wash and trim all the veggies; shred the cabbages and carrots using a coarse grater or slice f...

Black Beans belong to the superfood family of legumes; they are a treat typically served as part of meals in Mexican, Central & South American, and other cuisines. It is quite simple to make and costs just pennies. Similar to most beans, black beans have negligible amounts of fat. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and thiamin. Black beans also contain good amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, manganese and folate. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect food than beans. One cooked cupful can provide as much as 17 g fiber, which is something most people do not get in their diet. They are loaded with protein and dozens of key nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Studies tie beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many cancers. The latest dietary guidelines from World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend that we make whole grains, vegetables, fruit and beans th...

Green beans are fabulous veggies - people have been growing/eating them for a very long time. They are prepared all over the globe in amazingly similar ways. India, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, all have green bean dishes where they are cooked to perfection with onions and tomatoes. Indian cooks add potatoes sometimes as do the cooks in Greece!! Greeks call this dish "fasolakia" and in Turkey it is "fasulye". I guess good cooks know how magical green beans can be regardless of where they live ;D. I would rather have Jack's magical bean vine with abundant crops of beans than the giant's gold any day - Midas the monarch of Phrygia of the golden touch would attest to that!! Here is an authentic recipe for green beans prepared Turkish style - called Taze Fasulye (Taze means fresh and fasulye - you guessed it, beans! ) adapted from the general directions from our wonderful tour director Ece. A little Turkish language lesson: Ece is pronounced as "A J" ...

Chick Pea Salad I love Mediterranean foods with their lemony, fresh flavors and the abundance of vegetables and legumes. Here is a lovely lemony salad inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine featuring the wonderfully healthy, popular chick peas/garbanzo beans which also incorporates lots of veggies. The hearty, creamy taste of chick peas are nicely complimented by the lemon dressing and the colorful crunchy veggies. Soaking and cooking the chick peas takes a bit of planning but is not otherwise difficult; it is worth every effort. There is no comparison between freshly cooked and canned ones; canned ones are either overly salty, may have sugar added to them, and/or are bathed in preservatives. Using the pressure cooker reduces cooking time quite a bit. I like to cook a large batch of chick peas and use the extra portions for Chole , Hummus , etc. The cooked chick peas can be stored in their cooking liquid in the fridge for about 5 days. They freeze well also. Chick peas are high i...

I had a beautiful and delicious rice salad recently - Pat had made it with Kalamata olives, red bell pepper, and spinach - very refreshing. I have tried to recreate it with the ingredients I had at hand and was quite happy with the result; here is my version with Keeshu's seal of approval! Ingredients: 1 cup Basmati Rice 1/2 tsp Salt 1/4 cup fresh Lemon juice (1 or 2 lemons) 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes or to taste Freshly ground Black Pepper 1 small clove Garlic, minced finely 2 cloves Shallot, thinly sliced 2 sprigs fresh Oregano, finely chopped 2 Tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced 1/4 cup Italian Parsley, chopped 1 cup Leek, thinly sliced 1 cup Arugula leaves, sliced 1 cup Fresh spinach or Basella , sliced in wide ribbons 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, chopped 1 Fennel Bulb, chopped 1 Carrot, shredded 2 cups Corn kernels, fresh or frozen defrosted 1 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled 1/4 cup lightly toasted Pine nuts (for garnish) Method: Cook the rice in scant 2 cu...

This good looking and great tasting dish serves double duty as a main dish or an appetizer; it is great for pot luck too. It is not only incredibly easy, but also makes a very healthy snack or even a meal. It can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready to serve. Serve with any salsa like Salsa I or Salsa II or avocado salsa or Simple Guacamole with lots of fresh, warm, corn tortillas or tortilla chips. The combination of beans and corn provides abundant protein. They provide goodly amouts of other nutrients including fiber and are naturally Gluten-Free. Black beans, Corn and Cheese Casserole is quite child-friendly; in fact, the children can help assemble it with a tiny bit of adult help.  Beans freeze very well so I make at least a triple batch of beans and save the extra portions for dishes such as  Black Bean Salad ,  Black Bean Soup ,  Black Bean Burgers , Casamiento - a rice and bean casserole, etc. Canned beans (use 2 regular sized cans...