Broccoli isn’t typical Indian fare, but it works well with the mix of spices. Cook this dish quickly, with a light touch—you want the broccoli to keep it’s bright green color and crisp texture, while taking on a bit of caramelized goodness from browning in the pan. If you don’t have mushrooms, you can leave them out, or substitute another quick-cooking vegetable such as bell peppers or carrots.
Succotash is an old-fashioned American dish composed of corn cooked with lima beans. You may have seen it at a Thanksgiving buffet, happily situated along-side jello-molds and marshmallow-topped yam casseroles. This version takes the spirit of the original down a divergent path, more Italian than American—sautéing the vegetables with garlic, summer squash, creamy cannellini beans and handfuls of fresh basil. The vegetables caramelize in the pan as they cook, and the end result is full of deep flavor—a far cry from Thanksgiving. Just right for summer.
Leave out the squash if you prefer, or substitute bell peppers in season. Arugula would be a nice addition as well.
This is the kind of dish that conjures up daydreams of Italy. Scoop a spoonful onto rustic bread, take a bite and close your eyes. You’ll be transported—if only for a minute.
The time it takes to prep the artichokes is well worth the tasty bite at the other end.
You can follow the shortcut route with this recipe—with bottled peppers and canned tomatoes, even frozen artichoke hearts or bottoms—but if you have the time, use fresh artichokes and roast your own peppers. You’ll be glad you did. Turn on the radio, roll up your sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen.
You’ll need two-thirds of a 28-ounce can of tomatoes. Freeze the remainder in a covered plastic container for later use in soup, pasta sauce—you name it.
This simple sauté of carrots and peas is quick to prepare, but loaded with flavor. You can substitute chopped spinach, sugar snap peas or shelled fava beans for the peas. Try adding some minced ginger root for extra spice.
Serve with Indian flat bread such as naan or roti (check out Trader Joe’s frozen section) or rice. Add a bowl of yogurt raita on the side for a complete meal.