Tag Archives: Mediterranean

In praise of mom-and-pop ethnic restaurants

Posted on December 8, 2024 by Burnt My Fingers

Ethnic mom-and-pop restaurants are a treasure. I’m thinking of small places that have been in business for a while, so the proprietors have developed a well-oiled routine which is highly efficient but also entertaining to watch just because it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Recipe: Tomatillo Rice

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Burnt My Fingers

Tomatillo Rice was a happy accident. We had tomatillos left over from shish kabab and decided to toss them into a pilaf. The effect is transformative. It’s slightly tart with a very full and well-balanced taste that will complement any … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating, Recipes, Sides | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Shish Kabob hacks

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Burnt My Fingers

Shish kabob by definition is sort of a hack, yes? You take random pieces of meat and veggies, marinate them in some way, then arrange on a stick and grill so the flavors meld. Our prep is pretty traditional with … Continue reading →

Posted in Cooking, Eating | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Recipe: Jacques Pepin Tapenade

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Burnt My Fingers

Here is the tapenade Jacques Pepin makes on the “Jacques Pepin’s Easy Coq Au Vin Will Impress Your Friends” episode of Today’s Gourmet. He serves it as the underlayment of a mild flavored fish, either cod or halibut, meaning the … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes, Sides | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Recipe: Spicy Caponata

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Burnt My Fingers

Ordered some caponata at a venue the other night and it was pleasant but bland. Our Spicy Caponata is anything but. It’s borrowed from an Ottolenghi recipe which is online but has never been published in any of his books. … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating, Sides | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Recipe: Mediterranean Okra Stew

Posted on September 24, 2023 by Burnt My Fingers

My friend Suzanne has been supplying delicious okra in late summer, creating the good problem of finding new ways to cook it. This Mediterranean okra stew recipe is from the New York Times and makes a bonus amount of gravy … Continue reading →

Posted in Mains, Recipes | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Mediterranean Diet… bogus, or lifesaving?

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Burnt My Fingers

Internet trolls say the Mediterranean diet research is bogus, based on false information. But proponents insist the science is real, with profound health benefits to those who follow its dietary precepts. Who’s right? To dig a little deeper, we spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Recipe: Octopus Lentil Pesto Salad

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Burnt My Fingers

Octopus Lentil Pesto Salad seems sophisticated and complicated, thanks to the dramatic combination of tastes and textures. But it comes together in just a few minutes when you have the core ingredients on hand. Serves 2 as an entree or … Continue reading →

Posted in Mains, Recipes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Recipe: Broiled Baby Octopus

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Burnt My Fingers

Broiled baby octopus is easy to make and a versatile addition to mezze, antipasto or appetizer combos (terminology defined by the cultural palette you’re using) as well as a distinctive and flavorful addition to a hearty salad. Rest assured that … Continue reading →

Posted in Eating, Mains, Recipes | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Recipe: Pickled Turnips Mediterranean-style

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Burnt My Fingers

The pickled turnips at Falafel’s Drive-In in Cupertino, CA were so good I’d order extras on the side. Here’s my re-creation, with help from the Jerusalem cookbook. (I’ve tweaked Ottolenghi’s recipe which I feel is not sour enough.) A good … Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes, Sides | Tagged , , | Leave a comment