Indian Curry Fried Eggplant

I'm always at a loss when it comes to a side dish for Indian cuisine. After making these tasty little fried eggplants thet other evening, I have a feeling that my Indian side dish crisis is officially averted.

These fluffy golden nuggets are crispy, ever so lightly battered, and rich with the flavors of a delicious yellow curry. The juicy eggplant inside perfectly compliments the spicy, golden brown crust. Once you taste one of these, it will be hard to stop.

Indian Fried Eggplant
from my trusty Betty Crocker Cookbook

1 medium eggplant (about 1.5 lbs.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup salad oil

Wash eggplant. Beat remaining ingredients vigorously with a whisk until smooth. Heat oil one-inch deep to 375 in a large skillet.

Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch slices (we had some long and skinny eggplants from our CSA farm basket, so I just cut them into little medallions). Dip the slices in the batter, letting the excess drip into the bowl. Fry in hot oil until golden brown - about 2-3 minutes - turning once.

Drain on paper towels. If desired, salt to taste.

To keep the slices warm and crisp, place in a 300 degree oven until ready to serve.

Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

Here is a side dish that my green-thumbed hubby likes to make during the summertime when he has an abundance of tomatoes and okra in the garden. He likes to eat it served over rice.

Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

2 cups okra, cut until 1/2 inch slices
2 cups ripe tomatoes, cored and then diced
4 medium cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown rice, cooked

Combine the okra, tomatoes, garlic, and water in a medium saucepan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer.

In true southern fashion, my husband says that you should cook it "until it's mushy." But I think about 1-1.5 hours is usually plenty to make the veggies nice and tender, the flavors nice and melded. Stir occasionally and add extra water if your veggies begin to dry out. Serve over hot rice. Enjoy!

Julia Child's Ratatouille

I, dear readers, like many other home cooks, completely idolize Julia Child. I mean, what American cook wouldn't want to be her?! Learning to cook in France, bringing a new cuisine to home cooks in America, the whole shebang - she's pretty much just the best.

Not surprisingly, I, like many other food bloggers, went to see Julie & Julia, the recent film about a blogger who worked her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking - all in one year. In fact, every time the trailer for this film would come on the television, my cute hubby would say, "Wow, that is so you. We've got to see that!"

Well, the movie was quite nice - even the hubs enjoyed it. So when we ended up with a bunch of random veggies in the fridge (thanks to our wonderful CSA farm), I thought it was a great idea to use them up by making a classic French-Provençal dish: ratatouille. And of course, whose recipe would I use but Julia's!?

Well, I have to admit that Julia was right when she said that ratatouille "is not one of the quickest dishes to make." Although a bit time-intensive, the techniques are not difficult, and the results completely justify the effort. It's hard to imagine a dish that is this simple in its seasonings and ingredients, and yet this rich in its layers and layers of flavor.

Without further ado, let me give you the recipe, in the words of Julia Child herself. . .

Julia Child's Ratatouille
from Mastering the Art of French Cooking

1 pound eggplant
1 pound zucchini
A 3-quart, porcelain or stainless-steel mixing bowl
1 teaspoon salt

A 10- to 12-inch enameled skillet
4 tablespoons olive oil, more if needed

1/2 pound (about 1 1/2 cups) thinly sliced yellow onions
2 (about 1 cup) sliced green bell peppers
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, if necessary
2 cloves mashed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

1 pound firm, ripe, red tomatoes, peeled, seeded and juiced (makes 1 1/2 cups pulp)
Salt and pepper

A 2 1/2 quart fireproof casserole about 2 1/2 inches deep
3 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and pepper

Peel the eggplant and cut into lengthwise slices 3/8 inch thick, about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. I actually just sliced it in half lengthwise and then cut it into half-moons.

Scrub the zucchini, slice off the two ends and cut the zucchini into slices about the same size as the eggplant slices. I cut mine into medallions because we had a really long, skinny one!

Place the vegetables in a bowl and toss with the salt. Let stand for 30 minutes. Drain. Dry each slice in a towel.

One layer at a time, saute the eggplant and then the zucchini in hot olive oil in the skillet for about a minute on each side to brown very lightly. Remove to a side dish. I found it helpful to add a bit more olive oil with each batch to get them nice and golden brown.

In the same skillet, cook the onions and peppers slowly in olive oil for about 10 minutes, or until tender but not browned. Stir in the garlic and season to taste.

Slice the tomato pulp into 3/8-inch strips. Lay them over the onions and peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, or until tomatoes have begun to render their juice. Uncover, baste the tomatoes with the juices, raise heat and boil for several minutes, until juice has almost entirely evaporated. I tipped the skillet and used a spoon instead of a baster, and it worked very well.

Place a third of the tomato mixture in the bottom of the casserole and sprinkle over it 1 tablespoon of the parsley. Arrange half of the eggplant and zucchini on top, then half the remaining tomatoes and parsley. Put in the rest of the eggplant and zucchini and finish with the remaining tomatoes and parsley. I went with one of my trusty Le Creuset pieces.

Cover the casserole and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover, tip casserole and baste with the rendered juices. Correct seasoning, if necessary. Raise heat slightly and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes more, basting several times, until juices have evaporated leaving a spoonful or two of flavored olive oil. Be careful of your heat; do not let the vegetables scorch in the bottom of the casserole.

Set aside uncovered. Reheat slowly at serving time or serve cold. Yields 6-8 servings.

Green Beans with Walnuts and Bleu Cheese

Here is a tasty, tangy, and well-balanced side-dish that's perfect for everything from a potluck gathering to a romantic dinner for two. The toasty walnuts and pungent bleu cheese compliment the sweet beans just perfectly for a lovely trio of flavors.

Beans with Walnuts and Bleu Cheese

3 big handfuls of green beans (or purple pole beans, like we used here!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ounce of good bleu cheese, crumbled

Rinse the beans well and place them in a large saucepan. Cover with water, and bring to a simmer, cooking for approximately 7-8 minutes, until the beans are tender.

Meanwhile, add the walnuts to a dry skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the nuts just begin to brown, and are nice and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

When the beans are done, drain them well and place them in a bowl. Toss them with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the toasted walnuts and the bleu cheese crumbles. Serve immediately.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

These parmesan potatoes are creamy, rich, indulgent. The perfect pair to a nicely marinated steak or a juicy piece of roasted chicken.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

4 medium potatoes, scrubbed
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup milk or cream
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Place the clean potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cool water. Add about 2 teaspoons of salt to the water. Boil potatoes until fork-tender (depending on the size of your potatoes, this will probably take about 30 minutes).

Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the liquid. Mash up the potatoes and add the remaining ingredients. Adjust the texture to your liking using the reserved liquid. Enjoy!

Easy Zucchini Pie

Don't know what to do with all of the zucchinis that you've harvested from your garden this summer? Here is a great (and easy!) recipe that even the kids will love.

Easy Zucchini Pie

2 cups of diced or shredded zucchini
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated Mozzarella cheese
1 cup Bisquick
3 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup more grated Mozzarella cheese

Preheat your oven to 350 and grease a deep pie dish.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, except for the second 1/2 cup of Mozzarella. Dump into the prepared pie dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Kidney Bean Casserole

This recipe is a favorite side dish in my family, especially during the summer for all of our cookouts. The flavors blend beautifully for a zesty, sweet side dish packed with delicious and colorful veggies and beans. Just one bite, and you will be a fan for life!

Kidney Bean Casserole
from my Auntie Moo Moo
also contributed by my mom to Puttin' on the Peachtree, 1979

2 15-ounce cans kidney beans, partially drained
1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped or sliced
2 small onions, coarsely chopped or sliced
1 strip raw bacon, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 of a 14-ounce bottle ketchup or chili sauce

Combine all ingredients in casserole dish and bake, covered, for 2 hours at 325 degrees. May be prepared in advance and reheated.

Alternatively, combine ingredients in your crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour, then low for 2-4 hours. Enjoy!

Potatoes Provençal

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Herbes de Provence

1/2 lb. fingerling potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black peppers
1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and spray an oven-save dish or baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Wash your potatoes, and slice them on the bias into 1/2-inch-thick coins. Sprinkle the olive oil over the potatoes. Season with pepper, salt, tossing to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on your prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes; then remove from the oven and sprinkle with the Herbes de Provence. Toss the potatoes carefully to distribute the herbs evenly, and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown.

A Chilled Bean Salad for a Hot Summer Picnic!

Hello, dear readers! Sorry for the brief hiatus - the hubs and I were enjoying a long weekend at the lake with our friends. Good times and good eats were had by all. But now it's back to bloggin'!

One of my favorite things about our CSA farm is the crazy varieties of heirloom and specialty veggies that we get from them - these Chinese Red Noodle Beans come in every summer - they are over a foot long and naturally coil up like snakes. It's fun to cook with these because you can show your guests you're feeding what they look like before (ew!) and what they look like afterwards (yum!).

The recipe for this chilled bean salad comes from our CSA farm's cookbook that they make just for their shareholders. I've changed it a bit over the years, and it is a crowd pleaser every time. Now, don't worry about going out and trying to hunt down Chinese Red Noodle Beans! This salad is fabulous with regular old green beans, too! The dressing is slightly sweet and tangy, and the feta cheese gives this salad that creamy, zesty punch.

Purple Bean Salad
inspired by a recipe from our CSA farm's cookbook

2 pounds fresh purple beans, or a mix of yellow, green, and purple beans
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh thyme (optional)

Trim stem ends of beans and cut the beans into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Steam in the microwave or in a stove-top steamer until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cool water before transferring to a bowl. Cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, dijonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Then slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking the mixture. Pour over the beans, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with feta cheese and garnish with fresh thyme.

Southern Hominy with Squash and Mushrooms

This dish was inspired by what I had on hand in my refrigerator and from a few different recipes I browsed recently online. We have so much squash these days from our own garden and from our CSA baskets, as well. But no one in our house is complaining - you've never tasted squash unless you've eaten it fresh from your garden - so sweet and fresh!

Hominy with Squash and Mushrooms

4 slices of thick-cut bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 can hominy, drained and rinsed
2 small yellow squash, sliced into 1/4" thick half-moons
2 small zucchini squash, sliced into 1/4" thick half-moons
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley

In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Remove the bacon to drain on paper towel.

Add the onion to the pan with the bacon drippings and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender. Add the mushrooms, hominy, squash, lemon zest, lemon juice and chicken broth. Continue to cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 more minutes, until all the veggies are tender.

Break the bacon into bite-sized pieces and return themn to the pan. Season the veggies with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with the fresh chopped parsley.

Sautéed Squash Medallions

Sometimes the best way to cook fresh veggies is the simplest. Just some olive oil and salt and pepper bring out the sweet and juicy flavor of fresh summer squash. Also, caramelizing veggies as you cook them - just bringing out the slightest browned color in them - will draw out their amazing natural sweetness. These simple sautéed squash medallions go down like candy, the perfect accompanimnet for a light, summery meal.

Sautéed Squash Medallions

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 medium yellow crook-necked squash
1 medium zucchini squash
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, slice up your squash and zucchini on the diagonal so that you have pretty round slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the slices in the pan in an even layer and allow them to brown for about 3-4 minutes. Turn the slices over and allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve immediately for a fresh and tasty veggie side dish.

Yellow Summer Squash Casserole

Yellow Summer Squash Casserole
from my mom

3 pounds yellow summer squash
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 eggs
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 more tablespoons butter
about 1/2 cup crushed crackers or bread crumbs

Wash and slice up the squash. Boil or steam until tender, drain thoroughly, then mash.

Add the onion, eggs, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper to the squash. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter, and then spread it over the top of the squash. Sprinkle with crackers or bread crumbs.

Bake in 375 degree oven for approximately 1 hour, or until brown on top. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Spicy Southwestern Roasted Potatoes

Here's a hot and spicy side to go with your burgers. This one was inspired by Hayley, too!

Spicy Southwestern Roasted Potatoes

4-6 medium-sized red potatoes, cut into roughly equal sized wedges
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with the vegetable oil and the spices until they are completely coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve warm.

Vidalia Victuals Finalist #10: Vidalia Onion and Tomato Pie

Vidalia Onion and Tomato Pie
Submitted by Tasha of Life as I know it . . . is just beginning

1 prepared pie crust
One large Vidalia onion, halved and thinly sliced
One large tomato, halved and thinly sliced
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 palm full herbes de provence
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Gently place prepared pie crust in a deep dish pie plate.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Carefully transfer to the pie dish.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Vote using the poll in the right-hand column. Thanks!

Vidalia Victuals Finalist #9: Vidalia Onion Casserole

Vidalia Onion Casserole
submitted by Mrs. G of The Givens Chronicles

5 large Vidalia onions, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 Ritz crackers

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Apply cooking spray to a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, and cook, stirring until tender - about 7-10 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream and parmesan cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and crumble the Ritz crackers on top.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until top is browned and sauce is bubbly. Serve immediately.

Vote using the poll in the right-hand column. Thanks!

Vidalia Victuals Finalist #7: Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Pie

Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Pie
submitted by Sue from The per Sue of Happiness

3 tablespoons butter
3 Vidalia onions, one diced and two quartered
1 lb. small mushrooms
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons sherry
1 cup heavy cream
2 egg yolks, beaten (whites reserved)
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 sheet frozen puff pastry

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease a pie dish and set aside.

In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter and cook all the onions, occasionally shaking the pan. Then add the mushrooms, turning them frequently. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2 more minutes. Finally, drain the onions and mushrooms or use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a deep pie dish.

Next, raise the heat to medium on the skillet and add the sherry. Mix contents well and then pour over onions and mushrooms.

In a small bowl, mix the cream, egg yolks, nutmeg, and paprika. Add salt to taste and pour the mixture into the pie dish over the veggies. Gently roll the puff pastry over the pie dish. Decorate the edges and pinch them to the pie dish. Use a knife to cut a slit in the center of the dough. Brush with reserved egg white.

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Vidalia Victuals Finalist #6: Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Goat Cheese Grits

Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Goat Cheese Grits
submitted by Courtney of Cook Like a Champion

2 tablespoons butter
1 large Vidalia onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
3 cups water (or amount specified by grits package directions)
1 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
2 ounces fresh goat cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add butter and swirl to coat. Add onions. Cover and allow the onions to cook for about 5 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions reach a deep, golden brown color. This should take about 25 minutes, depending on how thin you slice your onion.

Remove the onion and add water to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits that may have formed. Bring the water to a full boil and gradually whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent any clumps from forming. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until grits are thickened, no more than 5 minutes, adding extra water if necessary.

Remove the grits from the heat and stir in the caramelized onion. Crumble in goat cheese and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Vote using the poll in the right-hand column. Thanks!

Vidalia Victuals Finalist #5: Vidalia Onion on the Grill

Vidalia Onion on the Grill

submitted by Brandette L

1 large Vidalia onion
1 beef bouillon cube
3 tablespoons butter

Take an onion and score the top in an X shape with a paring knife. Pull open the middle slightly. Stick the beef bouillon cube in the middle, then stuff with the butter. Wrap tightly in foil.

Grill the onion until tender to the touch, about 30 minutes. Serve each onion in a bowl for perfect individual portions.

Vote using the poll in the right-hand column. Thanks!

Vidalia Victuals Finalist #3: Vidalia Onion Tart

Vidalia Onion Tart
Submitted by Ashley P.

1 9-inch deep dish pie crust
3 tablespoons butter
1 large Vidalia onion, diced
1/2 cup sour cream
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 packet dry leek soup mix
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

In a large, heavy skillet, saute butter and diced onion over medium heat. Cook until lightly caramelized. Place your pie crust in a deep dish pie pan and set aside.

Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream. Next, slowly whisk in the evaporated milk. Then blend in the dry soup mix until it is completely incorporated. Add the eggs and mix in the shredded cheese until blended.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared pastry. Place the pie on a cookie sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in teh center comes out clean. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

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Vidalia Victuals Finalist #2: Beer Battered Vidalia Onion Rings

Beer Battered Vidalia Onion Rings

Submitted by Elizabeth of Reality Distorted

3-4 Vidalia onions sliced and separated into rings
Oil for deep fryer
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups flour
dash of pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon melted shortening
1 cup beer (or milk)

Place the eggs, flour, pepper, baking powder, and shortening into a blender or large bowl. Whip together, gradually adding in beer last. Refrigerate the batter while you heat the oil and slice the onions.

Heat oil in deep fryer to 370-380 degrees. You can test the oil by dropping in a small chunk of white bread. It should turn golden in about a minute.

Dip onion rings into batter, drip excess from rings and then drop them into the hot oil. Deep fry until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the fryer because this cools the oil.

Cool slightly on a rack with paper towels or newspaper to catch any oil drip. Serve warm.

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