Karl’s Palak Paneer

From my research on the web I understand that the difference between Palak and Saag Paneer is that if you only use only spinach it is a Palak and if you use a mixture of greens it is a Saag. When people come to Silicon Valley, they bring their food with them. As Californians we often feel it necessary to mash these recipes up with other cuisines. Today, I am doing an Indian shepherd’s pie, a mash up of Indian and English cuisines. I am thinking of making my palak a bit more French by adding wine.

Karl’s Palak Paneer

Karl’s Palak Paneer

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Side Dishes, Vegetables

Karl’s Methi Murg (Chicken Curry with Fresh Fenugreek)

I am making Indian Shepherd’s Pie today but the top and bottom halves of this recipe can be standalone dishes. I am posting them separately for anyone who would like to make as a dish in their own right.

Karl’s Methi Murg (Chicken Curry with Fresh Fenugreek)

Karl’s Methi Murg
(Chicken Curry with Fresh Fenugreek)

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Main Dishes, Poultry

Karl’s Mashed Gobi Aloo (Indian Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes)

I am making Indian Shepherd’s Pie today but the top and bottom halves of this recipe can be standalone dishes. I am posting them separately for anyone who would like to make them as a dish in their own right.

Karl’s Indian Shepherd’s Pie

Karl’s Mashed Gobi Aloo (Indian Mashed Cauliflower and Potatoes

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Side Dishes, Starches, Vegetables

Karl’s Pulled Pork Tacos

I have had some slow roasted pork in my freezer for a while. I decided that it was time to do something with it and pulled pork tacos seemed like a good idea. The decision was a popular one with Jan and Eilene.

Karl's Pulled Pork Tacos

Karl’s Pulled Pork Tacos

Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Main Dishes, Pork

Karl’s Seafood Corn Chowder 2

Jan’s brother is still visiting and Jan wanted Crawdaddy Corn Chowder. On Sunday the Crawdaddy restaurant does not open until noon. This would push lunch to 2 PM, the time they should start thinking about makeing the drive back to Fresno. I talked her into a variation that does not require a restaurant purchased starter.

Karl’s Seafood Corn Chowder 2

Karl’s Seafood Corn Chowder 2

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Main Dishes, Seafood, Soups

Karl’s Shepherd’s Pie

Adapted from Rachael Ray and Cook’s Illustrated Recipes.

I am feeding a crowd today. Jan’s brother and cousin are coming, both with +2, so nine diners in total. The last time I did a shepherd’s pie it made enough for 6 diners. I will have to scale up my recipe and use a large baking pan, rather than my usual casserole.

Karl’s Shepherd’s Pie

Karl’s Shepherd’s Pie

Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Beef, Main Dishes

Karl’s Mesclun Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing

Our garden produced another spectacular cucumber and a few red and yellow tomatoes. I went to the farmer’s market and picked up some mixed baby greens (mesclun).  We are having company this week end, so I did not want to use a bottled dressing. A few weeks ago Jan had bought fig balsamic vinegar at the farmer’s market, a few herbs, some olive oil and garlic and you have a dressing.

Karl’s Mesclun Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing

Karl’s Mesclun Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables

Jan’s Elderflower Spritzer

Jan came back from England in love with the taste of elderflowers. She decided what this weekend’s meal needed was a spritzer.

Jan’s Elderflower Spritzer

Jan’s Elderflower Spritzer

Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Karl’s Chicken, Kale and Farro Soup

My brother-in-law is coming to visit and he is having trouble with his teeth. So I am planning a soft, low-chewing soup for dinner. This side of the family also likes their food pretty American standard, so heavy spices are out as well. However, I can work with that.

Karl’s Chicken, Kale and Farro Soup

Karl’s Chicken, Kale and Farro Soup

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Main Dishes, Poultry, Soups

Karl’s Tofu and Chinese Broccoli Stir-fry

It is a constant struggle to keep week day meals interesting. My mother, Claudia, was a strict budgeter; with 5 kids to feed she had to be.  However, the result of this budgeting was that frequently you could tell what day it was by what was on the table. I had the same problem when I worked off shore, “If it is Tuesday it must be T-bone steaks.” No matter how good the food is, it gets boring if it is predictable.

Karl’s Tofu and Chinese Broccoli Stir-fry

Karl’s Tofu and Chinese Broccoli Stir-fry

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Main Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian MD