At Japanese restaurants I usually end up getting ripped off. The problem is I really like the savoury, homestyle vegetarian dishes. That means natto (fermented soybeans), chawanmushi (egg custard), and nasu dengaku (grilled eggplant with a sweet miso sauce). These dishes should … [Read more...] about Miso and Balsamic Glazed Eggplant (Nasu Dengaku à la Peru)
Vegetarian
Miso-Ginger Purple Peruvian Yams (or Sweet Potatoes) and Lemony Root Vegetables
"Como se cocina?" How do I cook it? When I find something strange at local farmers markets I usually buy it, just to figure out what to do with it. At the Bioferia organic market here in Lima there's a stall that only sells sweet potatoes, yams and these strange gnarly root … [Read more...] about Miso-Ginger Purple Peruvian Yams (or Sweet Potatoes) and Lemony Root Vegetables
Canihua Soba Noodles with Soy Dipping Sauce
Soba noodles are supposed to be made with a 4:1 ratio of buckwheat flour to wheat flour. I don't eat wheat flour, and buckwheat flour isn't available in Lima, Peru, so I made a local version of soba noodles with rice flour and the baby sister of quinoa - canihua. It's a seed, not … [Read more...] about Canihua Soba Noodles with Soy Dipping Sauce
Almazen – Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Lima, Peru
This did not happen at Almazen, but what do you do after being poisoned by dairy at a restaurant (I'm lactose intolerant. Maybe "poisoned" is too strong), a long argument with servers, being offered another meal after you tell the server you're going to throw up, and feeling as … [Read more...] about Almazen – Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Three Salsas and the Ultimate Guacamole Recipe
I hate red or white onion in guacamole. Green (scallions) are acceptable since they're mild and add visual appeal without leaving you with onion breath. Fresh garlic has no place here either. Lemon is not lime no matter what they call it here in Peru. Key limes are the best for … [Read more...] about Three Salsas and the Ultimate Guacamole Recipe
Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime Exotic Fruit Salad (and Margaritas!)
Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime-Spiced Exotic Fruit Salad You're probably thinking, lime and chili and salt on fruit? All I'll say is try it, and then tell me all of Mexico is wrong. Also feel free to use other fruit. Newfoundland is not so exotic. Papaya, cherimoya, star fruit, … [Read more...] about Ancho Chili Pepper and Lime Exotic Fruit Salad (and Margaritas!)
Photos and Recipes from the 5th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza
The Christmas party was South and Central American-themed. That's a lot of ground to cover. Mostly it was Peruvian and Mexican under the thinly veiled charade of a "fiesta." Nobody complained. The margaritas, sangria and rum probably helped, but the ceviche, guacamole, and … [Read more...] about Photos and Recipes from the 5th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza
Parsnip Dumplings in Broth
The problem with adapting a recipe to make it gluten-free the first time you ever make it is that if it's not amazing, you don't know if it was your fault or the recipe's. I tried two versions of this dish - one with millet flour and one with chickpea flour instead of regular … [Read more...] about Parsnip Dumplings in Broth
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Spicy Soy-Lime Dipping Sauce and Avocado
I made a soup once that was a combination of everything good - it was sweet, salty, spicy, and sour all at once. Since that day, those four combined flavours have been my goal for all things excellent, especially when it comes to sweet potato. Now any time I eat sweet potato I … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Pancakes with Spicy Soy-Lime Dipping Sauce and Avocado
Dinner Party Menu Ideas, from Indian Ven Pongal or Lamb Saag to Ancho Chili-Rubbed Salmon with Sweet Chili Hollandaise
I have a saying: "You can't choose your family, but you can choose your dinner guests. I do think my family makes up the majority of my blog readership, however, so I'd better be careful what I say! So let me tactfully start by saying honestly that I love cooking for family. As … [Read more...] about Dinner Party Menu Ideas, from Indian Ven Pongal or Lamb Saag to Ancho Chili-Rubbed Salmon with Sweet Chili Hollandaise