Moroccan Sweet Potato Bisque

Vibrant, soul-satisfying sweet potato soups are a favorite of mine. This one has the luscious texture of a bisque, but none of the cream. You're free to add some heavy cream or coconut cream if you'd like. But you won't miss it. I promise. I adore this soup! I hope you'll give it a go.

Two common spices, cinnamon and cumin, infuse this recipe with Moroccan flavors. Fresh ginger brings a bit of heat. It's relatively easy to prepare too. Everything is chopped and dropped into a pot to simmer. The soup can even be made ahead of time.

Thai Chickpea, Vegetable And Potato Curry

Lately I've been hearing a lot about Blue Zones. Regions of the world where vegetable and bean dishes are consumed regularly. These areas are populated by healthy humans who live very long lives. Since I love chickpeas, I thought I'd create my own variety of a Blue Zone dinner tonight.

This Thai inspired vegetable and bean curry is mild and mellow. Creamy coconut milk and hearty potatoes make it very satisfying. Everything is simmered in one pot for ease of preparation. 

Easy Indian Chicken Curry

A simple chicken curry with creamy coconut milk and perky ginger is what's for dinner tonight. Coconut milk is a rich source of antioxidants and certain minerals, including iron and potassium. Vitamins C, E and many B vitamins are abundant in coconut milk too. This a light curry in that it doesn't contain lots of butter or cream. You'll feel energized after you've enjoyed a bowl of it.   

Chicken curry can be on your table in no time. A potato gives it substance. It's mild and mellow with great flavor. Even if you've never made Indian food, you can prepare this delicious dish without much effort.  If you've got fresh mint growing in your garden, sprinkle some on top. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is a must!  If you're serving guests who like a little more heat, you can offer them some thinly sliced chilis or sriracha sauce. Get your curry on!  

Three Indian Inspired Chutneys

I've got three Indian-inspired chutneys for you. Bright and summery...the bomb diggity spooned over salmon. Serve them with chicken or your favorite protein. Think of them as chopped salads or salsas to enjoy with warm chapati, tortilla chips or pita bread. Toss some beans into them for a light vegan meal. The mango chutney is spiked with creamy coconut milk.

A welcome addition to Indian meals as well as backyard bbq's, each one has its own character. They all share the warmth of sesame and the heat of chili in common. Cool and crunchy, the chutneys are a nice choice during the warm weather months.

Summer Squash With Thai Coconut-Chil Sauce

Fresh, light, easy and tasty....this is summer eating at its best. Quickly roasted to bring out the sweet flavors, a generous platter of patty pan squash and zucchini is served with a cool and creamy coconut sauce. The Thai-inspired sauce is spiked with chili, lime, ginger and basil. Enjoy this lovely dish over rice for a light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside fish or chicken. The sauce alone is great on almost anything.

Sesame-Sriracha Turkey Meabtalls

I enjoy cooking all kinds of juicy, light and flavorful turkey meatballs. They're easy, healthy and tasty. Everyone loves them. This recipe weaves some favorite Southeast Asian flavors into a quick and satisfying meal. Thai basil (or regular basil), sesame seeds, soy sauce and ginger show up here. A drizzle of sriracha and a squeeze of lime juice finishes the meatballs off with citrus-tang and chili-heat. I serve them with my Chopped Salad and steamed Jasmine rice.

Thai Red Curry Lentils

Eight reasons to love Thai vegetable and bean curries:

1. They're easy to prepare
2. They're economical
3. They're healthy, clean and completely delicious
4. They're fun, punchy and fresh
5. They're creamy and satisfying
6. They're protein packed, especially when served with rice
7. They reheat well for workweek meals
8. They're filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber

Thai Red Curry Wings

Crispy Thai wings can be on your table without the hassle of deep frying. This five-ingredient recipe (not including salt) is easy and delicious. Golden-brown wings in a creamy coconut milk sauce that's spiked with red curry paste is what's for dinner. They're a nice choice for summer when we need something perky and fresh. They're equally good in winter when we crave something spicy. Best of all, they're baked, not fried. If you love Thai curries, give them a go. I imagine they'd taste great grilled too.

  

Lebanese Chopped Salad With Tahini Dressing

Winter is behind us and Boston has turned green. Lilacs are blooming. On the river path, the air smells like moss and honeysuckle. My beagle's nose twitches as she catches all the fresh scents. Seagulls are squawking. Summer is coming soon.

Creamy Black Bean Dip With Red Chili Salsa

Cool and creamy, spicy and crunchy, this healthy black bean dip has it all! Greek yogurt gives it a light, velvety texture and some added protein. The refreshing salsa is what makes it special. Lime juice and red chili infuse this dish with citrus flavor and punchy heat. Dip tortilla or pita chips into it. Serve it with some sliced avocado on the side and you've got a vibrant, healthy meal. Easy dishes like this are nice in summertime. This is a great appetizer for girl's night, casual entertaining on the deck or a solitary lunch in the sunshine.

Green Curry Meatballs With Creamy Coconut-Basil Sauce

Every once in a while a recipe comes along that's stellar and special. A culinary idea is formed and then something magical happens. The ingredients surprisingly combine into a delicious dish that's more than you imagined. You're not really sure how it turned out so good. But you're thrilled it did! Oh mercy, these easy, Thai turkey meatballs make me thank the Good Lord for coconut, lime & ginger.

Avocado & Chickpea Hummus With Mediterranean Salsa

I'm half Lebanese, which means I grew up eating hummus. This non-traditional, ultra-creamy version has the added nutrition and luxuriousness of avocado and Greek yogurt. It's a high-protein, healthy and delicious dip that's perfect when paired with pita or on top of a fluffy baked potato for a light meal. I like this hummus better than the old standard. Ohhhh it is good! The fresh Mediterranean salsa takes it over the top with a welcome contrast of crunchy texture and zesty flavor. It'll have you rethinking hummus.  

Quick Chicken Pho

If you've visited me before, you may have noticed my deep devotion to Asian noodles, especially big brothy bowls of them. Oh how I love pho! The aroma of it alone can brighten my day. I've been making this quick and easy version for a while now. It mimics the slow-simmered flavor profile of the real deal. It's just delicious! 

Greek Turkey Meatballs

Since I'm half Middle Eastern, the sunny flavors in this dish are close to my heart. I've been making these meatballs for twenty years. A bit of oregano and a pinch of cinnamon give them an Eastern Mediterranean vibe. The delicious aromas of this dish remind me of my Lebanese grandmother. She cooked beautiful meals in her little, yellow, Brooklyn apartment kitchen. She taught me to add a pinch of cinnamon to savory dishes to give them an authentic taste.

Toasted Coconut-Lime Muffins

My husband is coming home from a tiring business trip. He spent his birthday on the road. He doesn't have a huge sweet tooth. He doesn't even like cake, which is mind boggling to me. So instead of a birthday cake, I made muffins. He loves muffins. I whip up lots of different kinds, like my Incredibly Moist Blueberry Muffins and French Vanilla Pear Muffins. You can view all of them in the Recipe Index. He's a fan of the cozy, toasted coconut and lime combination in this recipe. I love that there's no mixer needed to prepare them. They have moist centers, slightly crunchy exteriors, with a texture and flavor similar to scones. They're delicious eaten warm, minutes after they're made, with a little butter or tart marmalade. Brew some coffee or tea!

Honey-Lime Baked Chicken with Fresh Basil

My husband and I have been making this easy roasted chicken for years. We enjoy it at least twice a week, sometimes swapping lemons for limes. It's a foolproof dinner that everyone loves. The crispy and juicy chicken is lightly seasoned with honey and chili pepper, giving it a sweet and spicy vibe. Lime adds a fresh finish. Simple baked potatoes, Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing, French Peas or Coconut Rice  are nice side dishes. This homey meal is one of life's deliciously simple pleasures. If you're interested in roasting a whole chicken, I provide instructions for that too.

Thai Garden Vegetable Soup

Today we care so much about what we eat. Yet we have less time to prepare nutritious food. My favorite midday meal is soup. I make a lot of quick ones. This rainbow-colored recipe is ready in about 30 minutes. A bit of chopping and dropping into a pot is all that's required. It's a fun, healthy, Thai-take on garden vegetable soup. I like it much better than the old standard. Spiked with chili, lime and creamy coconut milk, it makes a light and lively lunch paired with crusty rolls or crackers. With an abundance of vegetables, pops of  sweet peas and fresh scallions, this non-traditional veggie soup is a good choice for springtime. It's wonderful sprinkled with Thai basil or regular basil.  If you're craving a satisfying Southeast Asian bowl of deliciousness, give it a try!

Mexican Corn Cakes with Jalapeno & Lime

I've taken a break from designing and stitching a new pattern to make corn cakes for lunch. They're an easier riff on my usual recipe. A Mexican cheese blend is delicious in these cakes. Golden-brown, light and fluffy, they're ready in about 20 minutes. Self rising flour helps them puff-up, which is a good thing. Pops of sweet corn, wrapped up in a pillow-soft center, along with some spicy jalapeno is a winning combo. They're crave-worthy and enticing. A squeeze of lime is a fresh finish. The deep-fried-calories and mess are missing... hassle-free cooking at its best. You can also change up the some of the recipe ingredients to suit your personal taste. Sometimes I omit the jalapeno and serve them with a generous amount of Texas Pete Hot Sauce. The cakes are a nice breakfast or brunch option too. Have fun and personalize this recipe!

Thai Cauliflower Curry

I love to cook Thai food. This vegetarian curry has bright flavors and a creamy, light texture. Potatoes give it substance. Cauliflower pairs well with coconut milk. Tangy lime and warm ginger..it's all here!

This cauliflower curry gives you energy and contentment. My husband loves it. Full of omegas, vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and other good things, you'll be happy you prepared this nutritious, 30-minute meal. Just chop and drop the ingredients into the pot, simmer and serve. Minimal effort, big reward. Jasmine rice, chapati or roti is nice with it too.

Spicy Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut Cream & Sriracha

Nothing says comfort to me more than soup. I come close to slurping it 365 days a year. This luscious sweet potato soup is a gift to yourself or people you love. It's rich and velvety like a bisque. It's satisfying, but not heavy. Cinnamon and coconut lend their warm notes. Perky lime and sriracha sauce counter the sweetness of the potatoes and wake up the taste buds. It hits all the right flavors and textures: creamy, spicy, tangy, sweet.