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Fennel, Potato & Zucchini Mash

In Sides, Vegetables On August 2, 2013 0 Comments

Feel frustrated when you open the refrigerator and see one of every vegetable? Any thoughts of mounting one vegetable on a pedestal and letting it shine solo are immediately gone.

Recently, I found myself holding one fennel, one potato and one zucchini in my hands. As I grabbed these three veggies, I was about to toss them in the trash. I ultimately decided not to do that because they were still fresh.

So I became creative and found myself cutting up the trio into one-inch chunks. I then threw the melange into a medium pot covered with cold water and …. Well, just look at the photo! This fennel, potato & zucchini mash is exquisite, healthy and vegan.

Prep time: 15 minutes (10 minutes for the boil and 5 minutes for the mash)

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

One fresh fennel, green stalks cut and discarded and white parts cut into 1-inch chunks
One medium potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
One medium zucchini, peeled and tips cut and discarded; flesh cut into 1-inch chunks
Extra virgin olive oil, to taste (about 2 tablespoons)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1. Rinse the peeled and cut vegetables in cold water and drain.

2. Transfer to a medium pot and cover with cold water.

3. Bring to a boil and cool approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until all vegetables are fork-tender.

4. Drain the cooked vegetables completely.

5. Using a hand masher or a handheld electric mixer, beat the vegetables until a puree is formed. Stir in the olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve immediately as a side dish to chicken, seafood or meat. Alternatively, serve as part of a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Text and Photograph ©2013 Nancy DeLucia Real

Celebrating Chanukah – Potato & Chives Latkes

In Breads, Crêpes, Pancakes & Puddings, Holidays, Vegetables On December 4, 2010 9 Comments

Lasting eight days, Chanukah, also known as the “Festival of Lights”, is a Jewish holiday  which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (Second Temple) in Jerusalem. At Chanukah, one of the traditions occurring in Jewish homes is the lighting of a candle on a Menorah – a candelabrum – in a prayer at dinnertime. Over the years, I have been invited to my Jewish friends’ homes in order to participate in such a joyous celebration.

A popular side dish served at Chanukah dinners consists of potato pancakes called “latkes”. Latkes are crunchy on the outside and deliciously sweet inside. I finally learned how to make them with an added accent of chives. Serve these latkes as tradition has it – with applesauce and sour cream. Enjoy.

Active prep time: 10 to 15 minutes
Inactive prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Makes: 6 to 7 latkes

Ingredients:
1 pound Russet potatoes (approx. one large)
1 small white or brown onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
Dash ground black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose, unbleached flour
1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup olive oil
8 ounces (1 cup) ready-made applesauce
8 ounces (1 cup) sour cream

1. Peel and grate potato into a large bowl with cold water. Peel and grate the onion into the same bowl; stir in ½ teaspoon of the salt. Let mixture soak 1 to 3 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a 4-quart mixing bowl, beat together the egg, remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, black pepper, flour and chives. Set aside.

3. Drain the potato-onion mixture in a colander, pressing down to remove excess water.

4. Transfer the drained potato-onion mixture to a cheesecloth or clean white kitchen towel; roll up and squeeze out excess water.

5. Stir the potato and chives into the egg mixture and blend with a fork until uniform.

6. Heat both oils in a 12-inch, nonstick skillet until oil is hot but not smoking.

7. Measure ¼-cup potato mixture into hands and form a round, flattish shape.

8. Place the flattened potato mixture in hot oil, pressing down with a spatula to form a 4-inch pancake (latke).

9. Measure and prepare 2 more flattened potato mixtures in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, on medium-high heat, until latkes are golden brown.

10. Drain on paper towels on a platter.

11. Serve latkes hot, accompanied by applesauce and sour cream. Latkes usually accompany beef brisket or other roasted meats.

Note: If oil is not hot enough, the latkes will be oily.

Text and Photographs ©2010 Nancy DeLucia Real