Cracked Black Pepper Rice

This dish has been a staple rice dish in my kitchen as it is easy to prepare and appeals to a wide variety of tastes. It is best served chilled or at room temperature, so if you are making a more complex meal, you can make it up ahead of time. The process is rather unique, as you use a large quantity of water for a relatively small quantity of rice and cook the rice at a full boil instead of reducing the temperature to a simmer. The result is a nice sticky, zesty rice. It's such a treasured rice dish, so I am sharing this again, with updated photos.

Cracked Black Pepper Rice

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking Cuisine: Indian Originally published on April 5, 2007 Buttery basmati rice seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups white basmati rice 8 cups water juice from 1 lemon 3 tablespoons butter 2 bay leaves or a handful of dried curry leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt 3 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper Instructions: Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold running water and soak in 8 cups of water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water, and let the rice sit in the strainer for 20 to 30 minutes to dry. Pour the reserved water in a large saucepan and add the lemon juice, a dab of the butter, and the bay leaves or curry leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stirring constantly, pour in the rice in a slow steady stream. Cook uncovered in briskly boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes or until rice is just tender and fluffy. Drain the rice and let cool in the strainer for about 2 minutes. Discard the bay leaves if using, and spoon the rice into a large serving bowl. Stir in the remaining butter, salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix. Chill or let cool to room temperature before serving. Makes 5 to 6 servings

Asparagus and Pesto Risotto with Mushrooms

Asparagus has such an extraordinarily fresh and unique flavor that all I typically need to enjoy the local asparagus in season is a quick steaming or roasting, a pat of butter, a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkling of sea salt. But this elegant summer vegetable is quite deserving of a more elaborate treatment when you want to make it the spotlight of a special meal, so long as it is paired with similarly simple but fine flavors.

A simple creamy risotto provides the opportunity to lend even more distinction and flair to asparagus. Fresh lightly sautéed button mushrooms and a simple basil pesto add refined and delicious adornments that enhance the taste experience of asparagus without overshadowing it. Quite easy to prepare and make and just requiring attention, this risotto is really quite a stunning gourmet way to enjoy the asparagus season.

Asparagus and Pesto Risotto with Mushrooms

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Italian Published on July 4, 2013 Elegant and delicious summer asparagus and fresh mushroom risotto flavored with a simple basil pesto Print this recipe Pesto: small handful of fresh basil leaves 1 large clove garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Risotto: 1 bunch fresh asparagus 8 oz (225 g) button mushrooms juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 1/2 cups vegetable stock 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 1/2 cups arborio or other risotto rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste fresh ground black pepper Instructions: Prepare the pesto by placing the basil, garlic and olive oil in a mortar and pestle, food processor or blender. Process until blended, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 1-inch pieces, leaving the tips whole. Chop the mushrooms into bite-size pieces. Transfer to a bowl with the asparagus and toss with the lemon juice. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the fresh mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms just begin to release their juices and brown — about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the asparagus and stir for another 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain the cooking liquid into the stock. Transfer the mushrooms and asparagus to a bowl and set aside. Bring the vegetable stock to a good simmer in a small saucepan. In the same pan that the mushrooms and asparagus were cooked in, heat the olive oil and another 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and stir for 5 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Add the rice and stir for another few minutes to coat the grains with oil. Pour in the white wine, raise the heat slightly, and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid evaporates. Now add a ladle of the simmering stock and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding the stock a ladleful at a time, stirring constantly, waiting until the liquid is absorbed between each addition. Continue until the rice is al dente — this should take 20 to 30 minutes and use most of the stock (add hot water to the stock if necessary). Before adding the last ladle of stock, stir in the mushrooms and asparagus. Add the last ladle, stir a couple of times, then add the pesto. Gently stir to combine, then remove from heat when most of the last ladle of stock has been absorbed. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning and serve hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other risottos you will enjoy:
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom, Lentil and Spinach Risotto
Lemon Risotto with Leeks and Mushrooms
Sweet Corn Risotto with Tomato and Basil

On the top of the reading stack: The Southern Vegetarian Cookbook by Justin Burks and Amy Lawrence

Audio Accompaniment: Paul Kalkbrenner

Mung Dal Kitcheree

A kitcheree is a traditional dish originating in North India that consists of legumes and rice and often vegetables. For those who enjoy Indian creations, this is a one-pot meal that won't take you long at all to prepare. Split mung beans are an especially easy legume to digest, making this a nourishing and restorative meal. I've always enjoyed the distinctive sweet and earthy aroma and flavor that these little gems impart to a dish. Here they are all nestled in with rice after simmered together with some spices and coconut milk.

To fill out the meal, serve with a vegetable side and some Indian savory flatbreads. I served it with butter paneer masala and a spicy potato and green bean salad.

Mung Dal Kitcheree

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on May 24, 2013 Simple, nourishing and delicious one-pot meal of sweet split mung beans and buttery rice with coconut milk and gentle Indian seasonings Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup split mung beans (mung dal) 1 cup basmati rice 1/4 cup ghee, unsalted butter or sesame oil 4 to 5 whole cloves 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon asafetida 1 cup coconut milk 3 cups hot water 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) fresh cracked black pepper Instructions: Rinse the mung dal and rice under cold running water in a strainer. Heat the ghee, butter or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the dal, rice and cloves to the pan and gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Now add the turmeric and asafetida and stir in the coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender. Quickly stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper and let sit for 5 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork, discard the cloves, and serve hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other mung bean dishes you are sure to enjoy from my vegetarian kitchen:
Mung Bean Paneer
Mung Tamarind Dal
Indian Sour Mung Bean Soup
Indian Style Spicy Mung Beans (Moong Dal)

On the top of the reading stack: John Wyndham

Audio Accompaniment: Magnetik North

Mushroom, Lentil and Spinach Risotto

Warm, creamy, elegant, earthy and sweet, risottos are comfort food to me. And although people are often intimated by the idea, I love cooking them too. They're actually very simple to make, and although risottos do require pretty much constant attention, they're only really fussy toward the end of the cooking time when you want your rice grains cooked just to a perfect creamy and toothsome or al dente texture. But with a careful eye to this last step, risottos are actually a snap to make.

Another lovely aspect of risottos is their openness to other ingredients and flavors … although I do consider that mushrooms and Parmesan cheese are almost essential to a really classic risotto. This attractive mushroom risotto has lentils and spinach in addition to these classic flavors, making it a complete meal on a plate.

Mushroom, Lentil and Spinach Risotto

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Italian Published on May 9, 2013 Simple, warming, creamy and classic mushroom risotto with lentils and spinach Print this recipe Ingredients: 5 cups vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/3 cup dried green or brown lentils 2 tablespoons olive oil 8 oz (225 g) white mushrooms, sliced (2 1/2 cups) 2 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed or minced 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional) 3 green onions, green and white parts, sliced 1 1/4 cups arborio or other risotto rice 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 bunch (1 lb) fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste fresh ground black pepper 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese Instructions: Combine the vegetable stock, bay leaf and thyme in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain the lentils, reserving the stock. Set aside the lentils and return the stock to the saucepan. Keep heated at a gentle simmer over low heat.1 Meanwhile, heat some water over medium heat in a medium saucepan and add the spinach. Simmer until the spinach is slightly wilted. Drain off the excess liquid and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the mushrooms, leeks, garlic, jalapeño if using, and the white parts of the green onion, and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until the leeks are soft. Turn the heat down slightly. Add the rice and stir gently to coat the grains with oil. Add the wine and stir until the wine is absorbed. Add a ladle of the heated stock and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding stock to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring and waiting each time until the stock has been fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until most of the stock has been used up. At this point taste the rice and check to see if it is cooked to your preferred texture — the risotto should be soft, creamy and cooked throughout while holding its shape, but you may not want to use all the stock if you prefer your risottos more on the al dente side. If necessary, add some water if you run out of stock and the risotto still requires a bit more cooking time. Before adding the last ladle of stock that you use, season with salt and pepper and stir in the reserved cooked lentils. Add the final ladle and continue cooking as before. Remove from heat as soon as the risotto is finished to your desired consistency. Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese, and serve right away in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with a scattering of the green parts of the sliced green onions. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other legume risottos you will enjoy:
Green Bean and Borlotti Bean Risotto
Spicy Azuki Bean Risotto
Spicy Tamarind and Channa Risotto Kitcheree

On the top of the reading stack: Chekhov

Audio Accompaniment: silence

Black Bean Chili With Mushrooms and Toasted Spices

Spring is finally here, though in a rather cool manner, but warmer weather is coming soon and that means lighter meals for most of us. Usually more salads appear on the table, along with a greater selection of raw creations. Still, no matter the season, there is always a place on the table for a thick, steamy and spicy chili, unless of course it is blazing hot outside, but even then, you won't be slaving over a hot stove for this pot of comfort — besides, spicy foods do have a cooling effect for some relief from the heat as they raise your body temperature and induce sweating.

I've shared this recipe before, shortly after starting up Lisa's Kitchen, but revised it to include mushrooms, changed the spicing somewhat and updated the photos. Dry-toasted spices, along with the perhaps surprising addition of fennel, give this dish a unique and delicious smoky pungency. Best of all, one large bowl is a meal unto itself though it does goes well with a fresh lightly dressed green salad.

Black Bean Chili with Mushrooms and Toasted Spices

Recipe by Lisa Turner Originally published on December 9, 2007 Black bean and brown rice chili with mushrooms, dry toasted spices and fennel for a unique and delicious smoky pungency — a warming, filling and nourishing one-pot meal Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup dried black beans (3 cups cooked or 2 14 oz cans) 1/2 cup brown rice or millet 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon turmeric   4 to 6 sun-dried tomatoes 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon asafetida pinch of cayenne 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 large tomato, chopped finely 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste 8 oz (225 g) large white mushrooms, sliced generous handful of dried curry leaves 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds fresh ground black pepper to taste 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Instructions: Rinse the beans and soak for 8 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Rinse the brown rice or millet and soak in a separate small pan or bowl in 1 cup of water. Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with several inches of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and add the ginger, jalapeños, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro and the bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beans are soft but not falling apart. Meanwhile, bring the rice or millet to a boil in a small saucepan, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside. While the rice and beans are cooking, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop. In a small saucepan or frying pan, toast the cumin seeds for 2 to 3 minutes over medium-low heat until the seeds darken. Add the chili powder, ground coriander, asafetida, cayenne and oregano, and stir for 1 minute. Now stir in the tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and salt. Turn the heat up slightly to bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. When the beans are cooked, remove from the heat and drain, reserving the cooking liquid. Return the beans to the stove and add 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir in the tomato sauce, rice or millet, mushrooms and salt, and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Add more of the reserved cooking liquid or sun-dried tomato soaking liquid or water as necessary. Put the mustard seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat, cover with a lid, and toast, shaking the pan, until the seeds begin to pop. Quickly toss in the fennel seeds, cover again, and continue to toast until the mustard seeds stop popping. Pour into the beans, cover, and let sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Season the chili with black pepper and more salt as desired. Serve hot, garnishing each serving with chopped cilantro. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Other vegetarian chili recipes you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Black Bean and Quinoa Mexican-Style Chipotle Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans, Black Beans and Rye Berries
Vegetarian Three Bean Chili with a Cashew-Pistachio Sauce

On the top of the reading stack: Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Yamuna Devi

Audio Accompaniment: Marko Furstenberg

Indian-Spiced Chayote (Chow Chow) Rice

An enormous array of fresh exotic vegetables and fruits is something I've become accustomed to seeing in the big city supermarkets and ethnic grocery stores, but it's something that would have astonished me as a girl growing up in a small northern Ontario town where dinner produce consisted mostly of potatoes, onions, carrots, corn and peas with brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower occasionally making their appearance on the supper plate.

I like to take advantage of the abundance to be found in my urban centre and test produce that is completely new to me. I've discovered the delights of bottle gourds, bitter melons, mustard greens and plantains this way, and the exercise adds adventure to the kitchen and the dining experience.

This time around I've added a chayote to the basket and come up with a lightly spiced white rice dish to serve as a backdrop for it. Pronounced "chi-YOH-tee", the chayote or custard marrow is the fruit of a squash plant native to central America that looks like a green apple with a large wrinkled pleat tucked in at one end, with a firm white crispy and juicy flesh like an apple and a mild and slightly sweet flavor that resembles the tastes of apples, cucumber and summer squash. The chayote is widely used in Latin America and in the American South, where it is known as a mirliton or merleton. It's also used occasionally in India where it goes under the charming name of "chow chow" and where it's mild flavor makes it a perfect vehicle for the characteristic assertive spicing of Indian food.

Although paired here with cumin, coriander, cloves and cayenne, this chayote rice is really quite mild and serves as a delicious and palate-soothing accompaniment to a hot and zesty curry. Tender pieces of lightly cooked chayote add wonderful bursts of crisp, juicy and refreshing light sweetness that make a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture to the soft buttery rice and astringent spices. This is really a lovely dish to add to any Indian meal, and I quite plan to use chayote again soon … possibly just simmered in a little milk or cream with cinnamon and nutmeg for a simple palate-cleansing dessert.

The recipe below includes instructions for opening a chayote and removing its single seed. I must note that it's considered by some people desirable to peel a chayote with kitchen gloves or under running water to avoid an irritating stickiness from the raw vegetable (a stickiness that disappears when cooked), but I was not bothered myself. When buying a chayote, look for one that is firm but not too hard and with an unblemished skin.

Indian-Spiced Chayote (Chow Chow) Rice

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 26, 2013 Simple and lightly spiced basmati rice with tender pieces of crisp and juicy chayote — a great side for a spicy curry Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 chayote 1 cup basmati rice 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste 2 tablespoons dried grated coconut 1/2 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional) 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil 1 tablespoon urad dal 1 tablespoon chana dal 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 3 whole cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pinch of asafetida fresh ground black pepper Instructions: Peel the chayote and run a knife gently through the fruit lengthwise until you can pry the two halves apart. Use a knife to gently pry the seed out of the center. Chop the fruit into small pieces and set aside. Rinse the rice and add to a medium saucepan. Add 1 3/4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in the salt. Set aside. Meanwhile, toast the coconut in a dry skillet or small saucepan over medium-low heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes or until the coconut is lightly browned. Remove and set aside. If using, dissolve the tamarind paste in 1/2 cup of hot water. Heat the ghee or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the urad dal, chana dal, brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds and cloves, and stir for 30 seconds or until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the ground coriander, cayenne and asafetida, stir once, then add the chopped chayote and the tamarind water. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook partially covered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the chayote is just tender but still crisp. Add more water if the pan becomes too dry. Remove the chayote from the heat and discard the cloves. Gently fold the chayote and toasted coconut into the rice and season with black pepper. Serve at room temperature. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Other Indian side rice dishes you will enjoy:
Yellow Lemon Rice with Fried Cashews
Tamarind and Coconut Pulao Rice
Sweet and Spicy Rice
Green Tea & Curry Rice

Mixed Lentil and Rice Indian Pancakes

Adored is an understatement for me when it comes to Indian savory pancakes. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack or dinner accompaniment pretty much covers the range of my favorite ways to serve up delights like these soft and fragrant Indian-spiced griddle-fried flatbreads. Very easy to make too, though they do take a bit of time to cook up, one by one. It's more than worth it, though, and if you have breads leftover, they store well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in foil with most satisfying results. I served them up with a chickpea curry and a chunky cashew-tamarind chutney. Lots of legume goodness in that meal.

Mixed Lentil and Rice Indian Pancakes

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on April 8, 2013 Soft, savory and fragrant Indian-spiced pancakes made from mixed dals and rice — flourless and gluten-free, they're perfect for rolling up with a dal or vegetable curry or serving with your favorite chutney Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 cup toor dal 1/2 cup chana dal 1/2 cup split urad dal with skins 1/2 cup split mung dal 1/2 cup basmati rice 4 to 6 dried whole red chilies, broken into pieces   2 to 3 cups warm water 2 to 4 fresh green or red chilies, seeded and finely chopped a few handfuls of dried curry leaves, crumbled 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili or Kashmiri chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin a few pinches of asafetida pinch of cayenne 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt oil for frying Instructions: Thoroughly rinse the dals and rice. Soak in 6 cups of water overnight with the dried red chilies. Drain and rinse. Process in a blender in batches, adding about 2 cups of the dal and rice mixture and 1/2 cup of warm water each time. Transfer each processed batch to a large bowl. Stir in the fresh chilies, curry leaves, chili powder, cumin, asafetida, cayenne and salt. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for an hour or two, or refrigerate for up to a few days and cook up the pancakes as needed. Whisk in more water as needed to achieve a fairly thick but pourable consistency. Brush a non-stick skillet with a little oil and heat over medium heat. When hot, scoop 1/3 cup of the batter into the pan and quickly spread into a 6- to 8-inch circle. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until small bubbles begin to form and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip and cook for another few minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep the cooked pancakes wrapped in foil. Brush the pan with more oil as needed and repeat with the remaining pancakes. Makes 12 to 15 pancakes

More Indian savory breads you are sure to enjoy from my kitchen:
Besan Roti
Fenugreek Roti
Chickpea Flour Crêpes

On the top of the reading stack: Everyday Raw Express: Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less by Matthew Kenney

Audio Accompaniment: Biosphere

Miso Mushroom Risotto

Hearty chunks of moist delicious oyster mushrooms embellish this simple, delicious and vegan-friendly Asian-style risotto cooked in an earthy miso and vegetable stock and seasoned with just a little cayenne and rice vinegar to give it a wonderful little kick. Delighted by such a gourmet risotto experience, your guests will never guess just how easy it is to make.

Oysters are a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful mushroom to use in this kind of risotto, but shiitakes or any other full-flavored mushrooms will make a lovely dish as well — even white mushrooms will make a pleasing risotto. Similarly, white or shiro miso lends this risotto a light golden color and just a delicate hint of sweetness, but other more pungent misos can be used to good effect, although you may wish to reduce the amount slightly if using a red or hatcho miso.

Miso Mushroom Risotto

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Asian / Italian Published on March 29, 2013 Simple, delicious and vegan-friendly Asian-style oyster mushroom risotto cooked in an earthy miso and vegetable stock Print this recipe Ingredients: 4 cups vegetable stock 3 tablespoons white (shiro) miso paste 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 cups oyster or shitake mushrooms, sliced 1 clove garlic, minced or crushed 1 bunch green onions, green and white parts, sliced 1 cup dry unwashed arborio or other risotto rice 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 1 tablespoon rice vinegar sea salt to taste (optional) 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional) Instructions: Heat the vegetable stock in a saucepan to a gentle simmer and stir in the miso paste until dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and keep on a gentle simmer. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic and the white parts of the green onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains. Add a 1/2 cup of the miso vegetable stock and the rice vinegar, and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Continue to add the miso vegetable stock 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup. Repeat this process until the stock is used and the rice is cooked but still slightly chewy. The risotto should be creamy. Season with salt if desired (the miso is quite salty itself) and remove from heat. Serve hot or warm garnished with the green parts of the green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds if desired. Makes 4 servings

Other risottos from my kitchen you may enjoy:
Spicy Azuki Bean Risotto
Baked Mushroom Risotto
Lemon Risotto with Leeks and Mushrooms

On the top of the reading stack: RawEssence: 165 Delicious Recipes for Raw Living

Audio Accompaniment: The Orb

Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf

Readers will certainly want to try this incredible curried rice and cauliflower dish that I often make for special occasions. Certainly underrated, cauliflower just happens to be a winter vegetable that will enhance your dining experience and it's plenty good for you too. I think the reason vegetables are often absent from the dining table is because many of us grew up with vegetables that were either frozen, canned or cooked into submission so they ended up reaching the plate bland and soggy. The key to this dish is not to overcook the cauliflower. You will want the vegetable to have a just tender texture. Both the cauliflower and rice are a perfect platform for the spices that make this dish extra special.

I have adapted this from Yamuna Devi's Indian bible of authentic dishes entitled Lord Krishna's Cuisine. My regular readers will know that this book was my earliest introduction to Indian cooking shortly after becoming a vegetarian and there was no going back after that.

The recipes are easy adaptable for cooks outside of India and you will find plenty of elegant ideas to grace your breakfast, lunch and dinner tables. If you are new to Indian cooking, this is a most valuable resource, complete with tips and an extensive chapter devoted to general information about basics and important elements of Indian cuisine.

Covered in the book are all the essentials that make up the rich culture of Indian cooking. Dals, breads, vegetable dishes, dairy based dishes, chutneys, sauces and relishes, savories, snacks, sweets and beverages. This is my favorite gift to give if I think my recipient is keen on Indian food and wanting to learn how to make some wonderful dishes in their own kitchen. Perfect for novices and experienced cooks alike, how can you resist over 500 recipes complete with tips and serving ideas.

Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking Cuisine: Indian Published on March 14, 2013 Simple, fragrant and delicious spiced rice pilaf with tender seasoned cauliflower — a stunning side dish for an Indian meal Print this recipe Cauliflower: 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut or dried unsweetened coconut 2 to 4 fresh green chilies, seeded and finely chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped 3 tablespoons fresh parsley or coriander, chopped 1/2 cup whole fat yogurt or coconut milk 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt fresh ground black pepper to taste 3 tablespoons ghee or oil 1 small cauliflower, chopped into 1 1/2 inch pieces Rice: 1 cup white basmati rice soaked in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes 3 tablespoons ghee or a mixture of butter and oil, or oil 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds generous handful of dried curry leaves 3 black cardamon pods, crushed 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon cayenne a few pinches asafetida 1 scant teaspoon jaggery or brown sugar (optional) lime wedges for garnish Instructions: Begin by preparing the cauliflower. In a food processor (or your trusty magic bullet) pulse together the coconut, chilies, ginger, parsley, yogurt or coconut milk, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Heat the ghee or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the cauliflower pieces and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until they begin to brown. Now add the coconut mixture to the pan and continue to stir for another few minutes until the cauliflower is just tender and the sauce has mostly evaporated. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Now drain the rice, reserving the soaking water. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ghee or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, toss in the mustard and cumin seeds and stir and for 30 seconds or until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the curry leaves, cardamom pods, ground coriander, cayenne and asafetida, and stir for another minute. Add the rice to the pan and stir for one more minute. Now pour in the reserved soaking water, stir in the jaggery or sugar, and bring to a boil. Stir in the prepared cauliflower, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ghee, butter or oil, fluff with a fork, and serve hot or warm garnished with lime wedges. Makes 6 servings

More rice dishes you are sure to enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Buttered Lime Rice
Brown Lentils and Rice with Roasted Onions and Spicy Baked Tortilla Chips
Lemon Rice with Toasted Cashews
Baked Italian Brown Rice Balls (Arancini)

Curried Parsnip and Wild Rice Soup

Now and then I purchase a vegetable that I enjoy eating but for some reason rarely ever cook with. The vegetable may sit around for a while, but the challenge of using it gives me occasion to find inspiration. In this case, the vegetable was a bag of parsnips and the inspiration was a soup submitted to our own No Croutons Required roundup from two years ago by mangocheeks of Allotment2Kitchen.

I'm delighted that I came across it again! Parsnips are surprisingly sweet when cooked and puréed, but retain their characteristic and unique flavor that's enhanced with a judicious seasoning of mild curry spices. And adding wild rice lends a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes this creamy, warming and nourishing soup a real winner. It's beautifully simple too and likely to win over even the staunchest parsnip critics.

Curried Parsnip and Wild Rice Soup

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Allotment2Kitchen Published on January 20, 2013 Thick, sweet and creamy, and warm and nourishing blended parsnip soup with wild rice and mild curry spices Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 lb (450 g) parsnips (about 4 large), diced 1 tablespoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 4 1/2 cup vegetable stock 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste fresh ground black pepper to taste large handful fresh parsley, chopped Instructions: Bring 1 1/3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until the grains are just tender but not falling apart. Remove from heat and drain off any excess liquid. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Add the parsnips and stir to coat the vegetables with oil. Toss in the curry powder, ground cumin and turmeric, and stir to coat the parsnips with spices. Pour in the vegetable stock and raise the heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the parsnips are tender. Remove from heat and purée the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a countertop blender until smooth, adding water or more vegetable stock if you want a thinner soup. Return to the stove and add the wild rice and half the chopped parsley. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to warm the soup, then season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or warm garnished with the remaining chopped parsley. Makes 4 servings

More root vegetable soups that you will enjoy from my well stocked vegetarian kitchen:
Caribbean Sweet Potato Soup
Cream of Potato and Turnip Soup
Curry-Laced Pumpkin and Potato Soup
Potato Cauliflower Soup with Brown Rice

On the top of the reading stack: more newly arrived cookbooks

Audio Accompaniment: howling wind