On growing things

It is getting to be that time of year: gardening season. And after going through a few new books (!) on gardening, I feel that I am very much behind.

Near the beginning of last April, I brought home the first green things of the year: parsley, basil, thyme, and a variety of mints — chocolate, orange, ginger, and peppermint. Then, near the very end of April, I brought home five more: sage, chives, oregano, chamomile, and curry leaf. I have grown neither chamomile nor curry leaf before — so I feel I am in for a grand adventure. Here is their progress, so far:

parsley.
6 April 2013

basil
6 April 2013

thyme
6 April 2013

chocolate mint
6 April 2013

orange mint
6 April 2013

ginger mint
6 April 2013

peppermint
6 April 2013

parsley
18 April 2013

basil
18 April 2013

thyme
18 April 2013

the three mints
18 April 2013

peppermint
18 April 2013

parsley
24 April 2013

basil
24 April 2013

chamomile, sage, oregano, chives, curry leaf
29 April 2013

This will be my first attempt at growing so many things in containers — on a deck that gets mostly morning sun. We will see what happens!

two lentil dishes

I’ve been on a lentil kick lately. I make them with rice. Nearly always.

But below, courtesy of Moro East, are two lentil dishes sans the rice — proof to myself that they come in other forms as well. The first is a lentil and angel-hair pilav.

The second dish features lentils and peas with fresh sage and plenty of fresh mint.

And in the name of Spring: some daffodils my mom sent through the mail.

 These represent my 18th and 19th dishes from Moro East. Percentage complete: 11.88%

Moroccan spiced potato salad

I want to begin by admitting that half-way through making this dish, I was certain the final result would be a flop. I began with high hopes for this Moroccan spiced potato salad (what, with my earlier success with the mushroom and potato al forn), but soon realized that the red potatoes were falling apart (boiled too long?) — falling apart into horrible-looking clumps and shards. The few small golden potatoes were holding their shape well, but there weren’t enough of them to pull the dish together.

So, I did the only thing I could think of doing, that is, I abandoned all attempts at precision and began almost ruthlessly to mix the ingredients together as quickly as I could. I added plenty of heat, and doubled the amount of harissa suggested; then, I threw the mixture onto a baking sheet (diverging from the recipe almost completely at this point) and heated it throughout. I have found that hot food — both in temperature and in spice — can cover up many a mistake.

And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. Not my best fare. But fare, after all.

And I made harissa for the first time. I need to make this again, though — with a mortar and pestle.

This salad and the harissa represent my 16th and 17th completed dishes from Moro East. Percentage complete: 10.63%

 

mushroom and potato al forn

I chose to make this dish a few nights ago because the recipe promised to be simple.

But once again, Moro East has exceeded my expectations, demonstrating that simplicity often produces results that are rich with complexity. My faith in potatoes has been renewed. And my faith in mushrooms—particularly, oyster mushrooms—is stronger now than ever.

Although I would not have thought to mix mushrooms and potatoes, the combination is surprisingly stunning. This is solid, solid comfort food.

I now have completed 15 recipes from Moro East. Percentage complete: 9.38%

squash pisto

According to Moro East, pisto is a Spanish ratatouille. And although this squash pisto is good, I would like to try it again soon. The pan I used had been too small, I think, and the squash didn’t seem to cook as evenly as I had hoped. And further, I have yet to try this with an actual pumpkin. Admittedly, my pumpkin cooking adventures have been tied mostly to desserts. This must change, I think.

I now have made 14 recipes from Moro East. Percentage complete: 8.75%