This is a family recipe and can be used as a soup, an appetizer, or as an entire meal. Where my parents learned it, I don’t know. But I do know that I have been using this recipe and variants of it for the past N or so years. The recipe originally calls for ground pork; this one is modified so that it can accommodate ground turkey (which fries drier than pork).
Ingredients:
1 pkg. Gyoza skins (round or square)
1/2 c. minced fresh chives (optional)
1 lb. ground turkey (or pork)
1 pkg. chopped spinach
2 tbsp. kelp granules (optional)
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 1/2 tbsp. lite soy sauce (or regular, if you like salt)
1/4 c. chicken broth or water (omit if using pork)
Oil for frying (grape seed or canola works best)
1. In a large bowl, mix turkey, spinach, and chives until well mixed. Add sesame oil, soy sauce, and kelp granules. Mix. Add chicken broth until the mixture looks a little mushy, but not runny. If there is too much liquid in the mix, they won’t hold up well when you fry the wontons.
2. Take one Gyoza skin and place a teaspoon of the mixture in the center. Moisten half the edge of the skin on one side with water. Fold in half. At this stage, you don’t need to worry about aesthetics or style. Repeat until you have enough to cover the area of a frying pan; or until there is no more mix or skins.
Frying method:
Ideally, you’d want to place them in a non-stick frying pan or use a cast iron pan; actually any frying pan with a lid that covers the entire pan will work just as well. About 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil should be enough per batch. Spread the oil so it evenly covers the pan. Heat pan on a medium setting. When the bottom of the wontons are brown, turn wontons over. Cover with lid. Wait a few moments. Add about 1/8 cup water or less to wontons. Cover with lid. When all the water has either evaporated or absorbed, they’re done! Total cook time should be no more than 6 minutes on a medium heat setting.
Soup method:
When the soup comes to a boil, drop prepared wontons in. Simmer until the wontons float to the surface. Add 1/2 cup cold water, then bring up to boil again. Voila! Soup is done.
Dipping sauce:
Basic sauce that tastes good can be as simple as just vinegar; or vinegar and soy sauce. Equal parts of vinegar to soy sauce. Everything else (kelp, ginger, scallions) are in whatever quantity you want.
#1: rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, kelp granules
#2: balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced ginger
#3: apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, finely sliced scallions
End notes:
Gyoza (Japanese) or wonton (Chinese) skins can be picked up in the refrigerated section of any supermarket. Kelp granules from the Whole Foods market or similar health food store.
Pesto-Tomato Clams
Clams are my favorite seafood and I rarely hesitate to order it off the menu when they're in season. If I were to be responsible for wiping out a species, it'd be the clam. They're so tasty!!
Pesto:
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 oz. Parmigiano-Romano cheese, coarsely grated
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 c. loosely packed basil leaves
1/2 c. virgin olive oil
Food processor: all pesto ingredients, with oil last to blend.
Clams:
2 lbs. littleneck clams
1 c. dry white wine (or 1/2 c. broth and 1/4 c. rice wine)
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2-3 red tomatoes, diced
1 c. pesto
1. Bring wine, garlic, and crushed red pepper to boil. Add clams.
2. Cook until clams open. Transfer clams only to 4 large bowls.
3. Stir tomatoes and pesto in pan and bring to a simmer.
4. Ladle pesto broth over clams and serve.
Pesto:
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 oz. Parmigiano-Romano cheese, coarsely grated
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 c. loosely packed basil leaves
1/2 c. virgin olive oil
Food processor: all pesto ingredients, with oil last to blend.
Clams:
2 lbs. littleneck clams
1 c. dry white wine (or 1/2 c. broth and 1/4 c. rice wine)
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2-3 red tomatoes, diced
1 c. pesto
1. Bring wine, garlic, and crushed red pepper to boil. Add clams.
2. Cook until clams open. Transfer clams only to 4 large bowls.
3. Stir tomatoes and pesto in pan and bring to a simmer.
4. Ladle pesto broth over clams and serve.
New England Clam Chowder
I have only made this once, and have yet to procure enough fresh in-season clams to try this again. While this recipe makes quite a large batch of soup, it was entirely devoured the same weekend it was made by three ravenous adults.
1/2 brown onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp clarified butter or EVO oil
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 c. unbleached white flour
3 c. water
1 1/2 c. rose potatoes, peeled, cubed
2 c. half 'n' half
2 pounds fresh clams
1-2 slices fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 tbsp white wine
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
One 16-oz can chopped clams (wash and pick out the shells before adding to soup)
1 c. white wine
freshly chopped parsley (optional)
/soup base/
1. Put onion, garlic, and clarified butter in a large heavy pot. Sauté on low heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add celery and thyme. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle flour on top of vegetables.
3. Pour the water in slowly and use a whisk to breakup the chunks of flour.
4. Add potatoes and turn heat to medium-high until mixture comes to a boil. Turn down the heat after 10 minutes.
5. Add half 'n' half and simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
/the clams/
1. Soak clams in cold water until ready to use.
2. Scrub the shells clean before steaming.
3. Put clams, sliced ginger, and two tablespoons white wine in a separate lidded pot
4. Steam until shells open, about 10 minutes.
5. Reserve cooking liquid, strain and add to soup base.
6. Remove clams from shells, setting aside a few to garnish each bowl.
/the aftermath/
1. Add clam meat to soup base
2. Add cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper
3. Add chopped clams
4. Add white wine
5. Simmer to combine flavors.
6. Serve with reserved clams and/or freshly chopped parsley as garnish.
1/2 brown onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp clarified butter or EVO oil
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 c. unbleached white flour
3 c. water
1 1/2 c. rose potatoes, peeled, cubed
2 c. half 'n' half
2 pounds fresh clams
1-2 slices fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 tbsp white wine
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
One 16-oz can chopped clams (wash and pick out the shells before adding to soup)
1 c. white wine
freshly chopped parsley (optional)
/soup base/
1. Put onion, garlic, and clarified butter in a large heavy pot. Sauté on low heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add celery and thyme. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle flour on top of vegetables.
3. Pour the water in slowly and use a whisk to breakup the chunks of flour.
4. Add potatoes and turn heat to medium-high until mixture comes to a boil. Turn down the heat after 10 minutes.
5. Add half 'n' half and simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
/the clams/
1. Soak clams in cold water until ready to use.
2. Scrub the shells clean before steaming.
3. Put clams, sliced ginger, and two tablespoons white wine in a separate lidded pot
4. Steam until shells open, about 10 minutes.
5. Reserve cooking liquid, strain and add to soup base.
6. Remove clams from shells, setting aside a few to garnish each bowl.
/the aftermath/
1. Add clam meat to soup base
2. Add cayenne pepper and freshly ground black pepper
3. Add chopped clams
4. Add white wine
5. Simmer to combine flavors.
6. Serve with reserved clams and/or freshly chopped parsley as garnish.
Bai-zhan gi (white cut chicken)
This is a generational recipe, one passed down in my family. I've added the thermometer step because prodding the chicken with a knife to see if it still bleeds is an inefficient way to check if the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
One whole fresh chicken
Fresh ginger slices, julienned
A pot large enough to boil a whole chicken
1. Bring pot of water to boil. Add ginger.
2. Place chicken in pot, breast-side down.
3. Cook on medium heat 20 minutes with cover on pot.
4. Turn off heat. Let chicken cook for 20 minutes.
5. Meat thermometer should read 160-180 degrees F. Do not overcook chicken.
6. Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Carve. Chill.
7. Serve with spicy dipping sauce.
Reserve the cooking liquid as a soup base. This is enough stock for 10-12 servings.
One whole fresh chicken
Fresh ginger slices, julienned
A pot large enough to boil a whole chicken
1. Bring pot of water to boil. Add ginger.
2. Place chicken in pot, breast-side down.
3. Cook on medium heat 20 minutes with cover on pot.
4. Turn off heat. Let chicken cook for 20 minutes.
5. Meat thermometer should read 160-180 degrees F. Do not overcook chicken.
6. Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Carve. Chill.
7. Serve with spicy dipping sauce.
Reserve the cooking liquid as a soup base. This is enough stock for 10-12 servings.
Homemade pancakes
Ever look on a store brand box of pancake mix? Look at what they ask you to add: an egg, some oil, some water or milk. So, do you know what you are really buying? A box of pre-packaged, pre-mixed flour, baking soda, and baking powder. The material requirements to make your own pancakes is extremely inexpensive, compared to the $4 most people dish out for a box of mix. Plus, what happens if you're left with a small amount of mix? You could go out and buy another box, but with this method you can make what you want.
This recipe feeds 3 somewhat hungry people or 2 very hungry people.
1 c. unbleached white flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. unbleached cane sugar
2 eggs
2/3 c. organic milk
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. dried blueberries (optional)
1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together in a large bowl.
2. Whip eggs together in a small bowl. Add vanilla extract, olive oil and sugar. Beat until combined.
3. Combine egg mixture into flour mixture. Mix while adding milk. Beat until not lumpy.
This recipe feeds 3 somewhat hungry people or 2 very hungry people.
1 c. unbleached white flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. unbleached cane sugar
2 eggs
2/3 c. organic milk
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. dried blueberries (optional)
1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together in a large bowl.
2. Whip eggs together in a small bowl. Add vanilla extract, olive oil and sugar. Beat until combined.
3. Combine egg mixture into flour mixture. Mix while adding milk. Beat until not lumpy.
Pan-Fried Fish Fillets
Drowning a fish in any sauce is just to cover up the not-so-fresh feeling the fish has. The whole wheat flour gives texture and some crunch. How to tell when the fish is done? Well, if it can be easily stabbed through with the edge of a spatula, it should be done.
The idea here is to prepare the toppings in a sauté pan and set aside. Topping #1 strangely tastes like pizza sauce and when I made it the first time it was eaten faster than the fish.
Note to self: make more topping next time. Because salt is one of those spices that to just want to hint at in a fish dish, I add it after the fish is done cooking, sprinkling it on the top of the finished product.
3 tilapia fillets or 2 catfish fillets
2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. grape seed oil or butter
Topping #1:
6-8 large black olives, finely chopped
1 stalk green onion, sliced thinly
1 tbsp. organic red vinegar
1 tbsp. light soy sauce
Topping #2:
2-3 sundried tomatos, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
thin slices of ginger
Butter gives great flavor to fish. Grape seed oil will not burn at higher temperatures. It's a good oil to work with for an amateur cook, but it does not taste good raw (for salads and marinades stick with olive oil).
Do not use frozen fillets for this recipe. Thaw first!
1. Rinse fillets and pat dry. Coat fillets with flour on both sides.
2. Heat oil on skillet on medium heat. Add fillets, if they both fit. If they do not, then cook one at a time and adjust for oil.
3. Average cooking time is about 5-7 minutes per side on a medium fire. The thicker the fillet, the longer the cooking time. Do not exceed 10 minutes per side, you'll get a rubbery tasting fish regardless of fillet thickness.
4. Arrange neatly on a clean plate. Put topping on top of fish. Enjoy.
Topping preparation:
1. Heat a small skillet. Add oil. Add green onions (topping #1) or garlic and ginger (topping #2).
The idea here is to flavor the oil. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir fry. Remove from heat and set aside until fish is done.
The idea here is to prepare the toppings in a sauté pan and set aside. Topping #1 strangely tastes like pizza sauce and when I made it the first time it was eaten faster than the fish.
Note to self: make more topping next time. Because salt is one of those spices that to just want to hint at in a fish dish, I add it after the fish is done cooking, sprinkling it on the top of the finished product.
3 tilapia fillets or 2 catfish fillets
2 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. grape seed oil or butter
Topping #1:
6-8 large black olives, finely chopped
1 stalk green onion, sliced thinly
1 tbsp. organic red vinegar
1 tbsp. light soy sauce
Topping #2:
2-3 sundried tomatos, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
thin slices of ginger
Butter gives great flavor to fish. Grape seed oil will not burn at higher temperatures. It's a good oil to work with for an amateur cook, but it does not taste good raw (for salads and marinades stick with olive oil).
Do not use frozen fillets for this recipe. Thaw first!
1. Rinse fillets and pat dry. Coat fillets with flour on both sides.
2. Heat oil on skillet on medium heat. Add fillets, if they both fit. If they do not, then cook one at a time and adjust for oil.
3. Average cooking time is about 5-7 minutes per side on a medium fire. The thicker the fillet, the longer the cooking time. Do not exceed 10 minutes per side, you'll get a rubbery tasting fish regardless of fillet thickness.
4. Arrange neatly on a clean plate. Put topping on top of fish. Enjoy.
Topping preparation:
1. Heat a small skillet. Add oil. Add green onions (topping #1) or garlic and ginger (topping #2).
The idea here is to flavor the oil. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir fry. Remove from heat and set aside until fish is done.
Balsamic Eggplant and Peppers
Most eggplant recipes you see are for baked, roasted, deep-fried, or steamed eggplant. Why is this? Because it generally takes a long time to cook, even if you're patient. This method involves frying, but with a covered lid. As long as the eggplant doesn't dry out, it should cook thoroughly.
3-5 Japanese eggplants, sliced in 3/4" diagonal cut pieces
1 red bell pepper, 1/4" lengthwise slices
1 green bell pepper, 1/4" lengthwise slices
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. chicken/vegetable/beef broth or water
slivers of green onion for garnish (optional)
dash of salt, to taste
Sauce:
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. sugar
1. Stir-fry red and green bell peppers with the oil and the garlic about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Stir-fry eggplant until lightly browned. Turn heat down to medium and simmer with 1/4 c. broth covered until eggplant is soft. About 30 minutes.
3. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Once the eggplant is just about done, add the sauce and stir until the eggplant is coated. Add the peppers back in and fry for 1-2 more minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Garnish with slivers of green onion.
3-5 Japanese eggplants, sliced in 3/4" diagonal cut pieces
1 red bell pepper, 1/4" lengthwise slices
1 green bell pepper, 1/4" lengthwise slices
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. chicken/vegetable/beef broth or water
slivers of green onion for garnish (optional)
dash of salt, to taste
Sauce:
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. sugar
1. Stir-fry red and green bell peppers with the oil and the garlic about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Stir-fry eggplant until lightly browned. Turn heat down to medium and simmer with 1/4 c. broth covered until eggplant is soft. About 30 minutes.
3. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Once the eggplant is just about done, add the sauce and stir until the eggplant is coated. Add the peppers back in and fry for 1-2 more minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Garnish with slivers of green onion.
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