noodles

Skinny Beef Stroganoff

Skinny Beef Stroganoff

The first time I ever had Beef Stroganoff was during lunchtime in middle school. I had tried a bite of my friend Ari's lunch and couldn't stop thinking about how delicious it was. You could say that I've been food obsessed since forever, haha :) I love the creamy, robust sauce that's jam-packed with tender mushrooms and beef, and how it clings to al dente egg noodles. It's the ultimate comfort food; the perfect dish to usher in cooler fall nights. This week I've taken the traditional recipe for Beef Stroganoff and made it a little lighter - a Skinny Stroganoff! Instead of using condensed soup and sour cream, we're going with Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt is an amazing substitute for tons of ingredients when it comes to cooking and baking, and it's a great trick to lighten up heavier dishes. 

Spring Salmon, Asparagus, and Orzo Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

Spring Salmon, Asparagus, and Orzo Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

Pasta salad is perfect for Springtime! This recipe is an easy and delicious way to stretch out fresh seafood. Tender orzo pasta, roasted salmon, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and salty feta are tossed with a zesty citrus dressing for a beautifully hearty salad. There's something about the texture of orzo pasta that makes me crave it all the time! This Spring salad is great for emptying the fridge - don't have asparagus? Use peas, spinach, or beans! Sub shrimp for salmon or leftover chicken and feel free to use Parmesan instead of Feta :) If you're cutting carbs, toss all these ingredients with crispy Romaine or kale. 

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen)

Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen)

This dish is a great way to cool down in the Spring/Summer! Hiyashi Chuka can be made with a variety of toppings, but popular ones include: pickled ginger, cucumbers, ham, shrimp, strips of egg crepes, imitation crab, nori strips, wakame seaweed, and sesame seeds. Some other great ideas are carrots, shredded steamed chicken, and tomatoes! The options are endless, and the dressing is so yummy that it'll pull any combination together. This recipe is super simple - shred and julienne all your toppings, whisk up the dressing, and toss the chilled noodles together. You know how certain foods taste even better when eaten cold? The flavors of the sesame, soy, and rice vinegar dressing bring all the toppings to life :) Let's get cookin!

Bolognese

Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese is a delicious classic. There are a million recipes out there for this meat-based sauce, or ragu, but I think I've got a really delicious one.  This isn't an ordinary weeknight meal - the simmer time alone makes it a recipe to try out on a night where you're already digging into some leftovers, or on a weekend where you've got a little more time. You can make it ahead of time; let it simmer while you sit down for dinner, and then store it for another night. It's rich, flavorful, and so wonderfully hearty. Even better when it's topped off with tons of freshly shaved Parmesan :) Let's get cookin!

Chilled Ginger Sesame Soba Noodles with Grilled Tofu

Chilled Ginger Sesame Soba Noodles with Grilled Tofu

Indian Summer is here and the weather is gorgeous out here in San Francisco. I have been craving a big bowl of cool soba noodles with tons of junk inside! The junk is often the best part of any dish. My favorite thing about this one is how bright and colorful it is. I'll show you how to whip up an absolutely delicious sesame dressing that is savory, with a kick from freshly grated ginger and lemon zest. All the veggies can be substituted with your family's favorites, but edamame, carrots, Shiitakes, and Persian cucumbers are full of nutrients and keep this dish nice and light. I love adding thin strips of fishcake and slivers of green onion to finish it all off. Let's get cookin :)