Sunday, September 26, 2010

Black Bean and Corn Salad


This salad is easy, refreshing, and delicious. It takes no time at all, but it's really really good. I don't have much else to say about it, because its simplicity should speak for itself.

Ingredients:
1-2 cans black beans
1-2 cans corn
Diced red pepper
Diced yellow pepper
Minced cilantro
Red Wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
Lime juice
Salt and pepper

Drain the beans and corn and dump them in a bowl. Throw in the diced red and yellow peppers and cilantro. Sprinkle the sugar over the top, and pour red wine vinegar and lime juice over the salad to taste. Salt and pepper to taste as well. Mix it all together and eat it in a big bowl with a fork and healthy appetite.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Stir Fried Zucchini

I know I know, it's been quite a while. I always think I'm going to post more often but then life gets in the way, but considering I have maybe 6 followers, I'm sure you will forgive me.

This stir-fried zucchini is quite the simple yet delicious little side dish (Mom you might not remember but you loved this one). I'm pretty sure my family didn't just eat it...they inhaled it like oxygen. Enjoy.

2 pounds zucchini
2 tsp. salt
4 garlic cloves
1 scallion
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. sesame oil
2 Tbs roasted sesame seeds

Wash and trim the zucchini and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut the halves into 1/4 inch slices and put the slices into a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and mix it up. Let this sit for 30 minutes, then drain it thoroughly and pat it dry. While the zucchini is sitting, peel and mince the garlic. Cut the entire scallion (white and green parts) into small rounds.

Set a skillet over high heat. When hot, put in the olive oil and the minced garlic. Let cook for about 40 seconds. Add the zucchini and stir fry until just done (4 to 5 minutes only; you don't want mushy zucchini). Pour in the remaining salt, scallion, and sesame oil and stir once or twice. Remove from heat and add the roasted sesame seeds. Stir once and serve. The beautiful thing about this dish is it is easy, quick, and can be served hot or cold.

Tip: Salting and letting the zucchini sit before frying is important because it releases many of the juices and makes the dish less watery/soggy.