Peas and Edamame with Pistachio Yogurt Cream

A few of Rice Kernel’s favorite things combined for this verdant springtime delight.  Sweet, tender peas and nutty, crispy edamame are glazed in an unexpectedly light pistachio cream.  The dressing is versatile enough to be used for salads, on roasted meats, or as a dip for crudite.  (It could probably dress up many more foods, but I can attest to only the those three for now.)  Give your next meal a nutritional boost by adding this healthy – and easy - side of legumes.

Peas and Edamame with Pistachio Yogurt Cream, adapted from Eric Gower’s The Breakaway Cook

Ingredients

1/2 pound frozen or fresh baby peas
1/2 pound frozen or fresh edamame
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Salt to taste

Directions

1. Thaw vegetables. 
2. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
3. Meanwhile, put the scallions, olive oil, yogurt, and 1/4 cup of the pistachios into a blender and puree. Gently mix into the peas, sprinkle the top with extra chopped pistachios.  Bake for about 15 minutes – about the time the top will begin to brown.  Serves 4-5.

Read Full Post »

Yogurt Corn Quiche in a Teff Crust

Since Rice Kernel came along, the world outside all-purpose and whole-wheat flours has come into clear view.  My latest exploration is teff flour, a gluten-free ancient grain.  Native to Ethiopia, teff has a nutty, earthy flavor and a beautiful chocolate hue.  Touted as a nutritional powerhouse, it is packed with protein, calcium, thiamin, and iron, among other nutrients. 

I found this recipe from the back of a package of teff flour and adapted the filling to include creamy, guilt-free yogurt.  Filled with a savory-sweet, ethereal yogurt and corn mixture, the teff crust is a hearty counterbalance in texture and flavor.  The dish comes together simply and is the perfect Spring or Summer recipe for a brunch, picnic, potluck, or lazy afternoon snack.

Corn Quiche in a Teff Crust, adapted from Bob’s Red Mill

Ingredients

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
3 tbsp butter or Earth Balance 
1 cup Teff flour
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/8 tsp salt 
2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen (thawed) 
1/2 cup yogurt (I used 2% Greek yogurt)
1/2 cup milk (I used 2%; cream or whole milk would add more body)
4 large eggs 
1/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt 
1/2 cup cheese (Gouda, Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack or your favorite variety)
1 bunch scallion, chopped (or 2 tbsp basil or tarragon, chopped)
1/2 medium green bell pepper and/or yellow onion, minced (1/2 cup total)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, cut softened butter or Earth Balance into teff and all-purpose flours. Add water and oil and combine until a soft ball of dough forms.  Roll between two pieces of plastic wrap (it will be delicate) and transfer to an oiled 9″ pie plate. (You can also press the dough directly into the pie plate.)
3. Place corn, yogurt, and milk in blender and blend until smooth.
4. Add eggs, pepper and salt, blend just to mix.
5. Sprinkle all but 2 tbsp cheese in unbaked teff pie crust.
6. Add corn mixture.
7. Sprinkle green onion and vegetables over the surface of pie.  Top with remaining 2 tbsp cheese.
8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean and center of pie is set.

Read Full Post »