Category Archives: Mains

Here are the big boys. The heavy hitters. Main courses to build a meal around. We specialize in strong flavors and quality ingredients and not overly complicated preparation. Check ’em out.

Recipe: Maachere Jhol (Bengali Fish Stew)

Maachere jhol is a classic Bengali fish meal simmered in a rich curry sauce. This gravy is called jhol. You can use almost any type of fish. Salmon and mahi mahi are popular choices. Sea bass, cod, tilapia and flaky … Continue reading

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Recipe: The Ultimate Ramen Hack

By ramen I mean Shin Ramyun, of course, though this would probably work with another brand. This ultimate ramen was inspired by a similar recipe in the highly recommended Koreatown cookbook. The egg and cheese combine to create a savory … Continue reading

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Recipe: Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers

This Italian-American classic apparently appeared on The Sopranos, but I first encountered it at Danny’s Mio Posto, a high-end place in Saratoga Springs, NY favored by the toffs who frequent the Race Course. Allow 1 pork chop (about 3/4 lb) … Continue reading

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Recipe: Mejadra (Rice and Lentils with Fried Onions) from Jerusalem

There are many recipes for this Middle Eastern comfort food, but the Jerusalem cookbook rendition (with the key addition of currants) the only one worth making. Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side. Ingredients: 1/2 c … Continue reading

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Recipe: Ake (Raw Liver) Poke

My blogger friend Jon in Albany gave me some incredibly fresh beef liver so I had to try this raw liver poke. The flavor is surprisingly mainstream and un-livery, with the taste and texture of any good poke. Serves 6-8 … Continue reading

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Recipe: Sticky Spicy Korean Marinade for Spareribs or Whatever

Da-yum! I do believe this addictive stuff is better than KFC. Same wonderful flavor profile of heat+sweet+spice but more of all. I was inspired by the new Koreatown cookbook which says it’s ok to use fish sauce, plus a recipe … Continue reading

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Recipe: Utica-Style Chicken Riggies

There are a lot of renditions of Chicken Riggies on the internet, but this is the real deal. I know because I brought home an order from the Chesterfield Restaurant, where Mike Schultz claims he put this Italian-American classic on the … Continue reading

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Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff was a staple of my supper club back in college. It was basically beef stew with some sour cream mixed in at the point of serving to add richness and a bit of tang. I’m grown up now, … Continue reading

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Recipe: Main Dish Quinoa Salad

The carb-avoiders in my household have been gobbling up this quinoa salad. Even though it is full of protein and fiber and other healthy stuff, it’s pretty tasty. Makes 6-8 main-dish servings or a dozen side salads. Ingredients: ½ c … Continue reading

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Recipe: Porcupines (Meat Balls with Rice)

I tinkered with Dorothy Crum’s very plain recipe in the Phi Beta Phi cookbook by adding the ingredients marked with a *. Makes six porcupines. Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef ½ c uncooked rice ½ chopped onion 1 clove … Continue reading

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