Post-disaster cooking

This dinner got onto the table after a series of disasters. The fridge stopped working (but started immediately after I called the guy we bought it off to complain); we had an ant invasion; my battles with the electric stove continued, as evidenced by my ability to burn something with the element turned to the lowest setting.

These are both from 660 Curries: on the left is Cumin-scented Split Green Lentils and on the right is a very adapted version of Cabbage and Peas with Roasted Mustard Seeds and Lentils. (My first attempt involved burnt mustard seeds. I tried to cool the pan by throwing in almost all of the cabbage, which resulted, as you might expect, in burnt-mustard-tasting cabbage. My second attempt bolstered the small amount of remaining cabbage with potatoes and cauliflower.)

Two firsts tonight: my first use of asafetida powder (in the dal) and toasted urad dal (in the cabbage and peas).

Latkes and guacamole

So good.

(Inspired by this Mexican Hanukkah menu from Bon Appetit.)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving at the new house:

Clockwise from the top: maple glazed brussels sprouts, mashed potato, vegie roast, pumpkin,  stuffing with mushrooms and pecans. The vegie roast was pretty good, and made for nice sandwiches the next day. (R commented that it was probably the best fake turkey he'd ever had -- surprising, since I think the manufacturers were aiming for roast lamb.)

 

Okra

Good to know. Perhaps the NOLAites should take note for next summer.

What we've been eating

This blog has been pretty quiet of late. We've been busy finding our way in our new city, not to mention dealing with some pretty flaky internet service at our hotel. But now I bring you some food highlights of the past couple of weeks:

1. Indo Mie brand mi goreng. There was something of a mania for these instant noodles in my family a few years ago. We were all addicted, and I guess I still am: when I saw this packet I think I started to drool a little bit. Inside there's five little packets of things to season the noodles, one of which the packaging calls 'seasoning powder', but which is obviously crack.

2. Surprisingly vegan dim sum treats we found in Northbridge: these are Chinese doughnuts (deep fried dough wrapped in rice noodle).

3.  Laksa and Malaysian/Nyonya-style food generally. We enjoyed the laksa at Utopia, and yesterday had a great lunch at Sri Melaka. Today I made this laksa-ish soup for lunch (curry paste from a packet, coconut milk, water, carrot, mushroom, napa cabbage, fried tofu, sprouts, yellow mee).

Being vegetarian in Perth is like being vegan in New England

Ouch