Recipe riffs and improvisations
Hello!
I hope you’re having a good week. I want to recognize the heaviness of the world right now, especially with the devastation and violence happening in the Middle East. I’m thinking of and praying for those who are affected and wishing I could do more. I do know that feeding my people can be an act of care and it’s such a small thing but it’s what I can do right now. If you are also wanting to do more, here are some organizations that are doing real good: World Central Kitchen and Unicef.
Quick Links
cavatappi with tomatoes and beans, brussels sprouts // baked pinto beans // chicken rice // applesauce
Weeknight Meals
Sun-dried tomato cavatappi with white beans, balsamic brussels sprouts
As I looked at this recipe, the amount of sun-dried tomatoes just seemed… overwhelming. So I added half sun-dried and half cherry tomatoes. The flavor was excellent. For a little something green, serve these delicious brussels sprouts on the side.
Instant pot pulled pork sandwiches and slaw
This dinner is a little on the longer weeknight end but totally doable. I wanted to use Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, which is more mustard and vinegar flavored, so the dry rub has no sugar, unlike most recipes I’ve seen. I think I will do it this way forever because it turned out so delicious and the leftovers are so easy to use in a variety of ways since the flavors are quite neutral.
3-4 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into roughly 3 in. cubes
1 Tbsp salt, 2 tsp of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika, 1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
3/4 c beef broth
~6 oz of coca cola
mix spices and rub all over the cubes of pork
on saute mode, sear the pork on at least 2 sides. We did about 3 pieces at a time. Remove to a plate and deglaze the pan with broth. Turn off the instant pot, add the pork and the coke.
pressure cook on high for 40 minutes and then let it naturally release for at least 10 minutes.
Shred, discard fat and serve on buns with slaw.
For vegetarians: black bean burgers? I’m sorry, you’ll have to miss out on the pulled pork party.
Pinto bean and crispy potato tacos
I really like the linked recipe, but I’ve found that I can make it even a little bit easier. She says to bake the beans for 15 minutes, but simmering them does nearly the same thing and is done faster. Also bacon is very optional! They are still delicious without it. We love to have small potatoes (or sweet potatoes) diced and crisped in oil with taco seasoning with these. And then use them in tacos instead of on chips. Still the same idea, just a few changes as I’ve made these beans a lot of times.
Weekend Meal
I have wanted to try this dish since I listened to the Spilled Milk podcast YEARS ago and they described every form of chicken and rice cooked together (biryani, arroz con pollo, chicken paella, etc.) and I realized that this is pretty much my favorite food and I hadn’t tried this iteration yet. This combination was super delicious and not nearly as difficult at home as I had imagined it to be.
For vegetarians: veggie sushi bowls or teriyaki tofu rice bowl
Treat of the Week
What a delight to make homemade applesauce and perfume your whole house with the apple aroma in the fall. I will definitely use some of it to make applesauce cake with cream cheese frosting this weekend so consider this a twofer.
Something to Listen to
I made a little playlist recently, give it a listen if you wish.
Have a good week!
Emily