Other People’s Produce

Garden goodness has started to show up at church. At least three of the families in our congregation have begun to see the fruit of their labor. We’re thankful that they have more than enough to share with those of us that don’t have space to plant outdoors.

Beefsteak and Roma Tomatoes

The Romas will probably become part of a fresh salsa: pico de gallo. The beefsteak (I’m guessing) are flavorful just sliced and seasoned with a touch of salt and sprinkle of sugar to balance any acidity.

The Cookwise book suggested that green beans arranged over sliced tomatoes and flavored with a garlic-basil vinaigrette would make a colorful plate for a buffet. So I mixed together their recipe and used it to dress my left-over green beans.

Garlic-Basil Dressing

1 clove garlic
1 shallot (I substituted dried minced onion)
2 T red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Kosher salt (the recipe called for 1 1/2 teaspoons salt)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 T Dijon mustard
1 T white sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
15 fresh basil leaves

Dressed-Up Leftovers

Singapore Mongolian Beef

More than twenty years ago Joel started seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota. He got to work in the school’s bookstore. His boss, a fellow student, had come from Singapore. Joel invited Alvin and Jismyl over to teach me how to make “Mongolian” beef. They took us to an Asian grocery store to buy ingredients, emphasized the importance of a sharp knife, and showed me how to prepare long green beans in addition to the stir-fry Joel had requested. The entree remains a favorite to this day. Thanks, Alvin and Jismyl!

Open Sesame!

“Open Sesame!” Getting the right grain was key to unlocking the cave in the tale, “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”. Apart from the world of fiction, you can open a culinary treasure chest of possibilities if you familiarize yourself with the small sesame seed.

Sesame seeds aren’t limited to garnishing the top of a soft hamburger bun. You can sprinkle toasted seeds on salads or over a stir-fry. They function as a garnish and also add a pleasant crunch.

A dash of sesame oil will give beef stir-fry an extra dimension of flavor.

Sesame seed candies are interesting if you’re looking for a not-too-sweet treat with texture.

Sesame seed is also hidden in hummus. Chickpeas are the main ingredient, but the addition of tahini (sesame seed paste) to the dip makes a world of difference to the flavor.

Hummus isn’t difficult to find at your local grocery store, but if you would like to see if you can perform your own magic from scratch, here’s a recipe that satisfied us.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, drained, 2 T of liquid reserved

1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (If you are using Morton brand, use half the amount of salt)

4 teaspoons garlic, minced

1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)

3 tablespoons lemon juice

4-6 dashes Tabasco sauce

2 T extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small food processor. Pulse until smooth.