Ravioli in broth, vegetable bolognese, lentil and vegetable curry and homemade tomato soup
More snow this week, and more family-friendly, cozy meals! You may notice a bit of a theme happening - loads of veggies. I had fun with them this week, in an old favourite and in a couple of new recipes as well. I love, love, love my veggies and I always enjoy finding different ways to include them in my cooking. I also like trying new ones, and this week we gave spaghetti squash a go for a change.
On the menu November 3 - 9, 2019:
Sunday Ravioli in Broth
I needed something quick and delicious for supper tonight, and I recently found this recipe in my "archives". It's been years since I've made this, but it is quite possibly my most favourite way to eat fresh ravioli. The original recipe was published in The Record newspaper, but sadly, I wasn't able to find a copy online. The above recipe is close, minus the veggies. Basically, you take as much ravioli as you think your family will eat, simmer it in chicken stock (or homemade broth) for about 5 minutes, add some quick-cooking veggies (sweet peppers, zucchini, celery, carrots, spinach, edamame) and leftover meat (roast beef, chicken or whatever you have) and cook for another 5 minutes or so. Don't worry if some of the ravioli burst open - that just adds to the flavour. I used a combination of spinach and ricotta and ricotta, basil and tomato ravioli and added in some cooked chicken. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and dinner is done! I think I'll be serving this again very soon. It was heavenly.
Monday Leftovers / eat out / takeout
If you're ever in Goderich, I highly recommend Part II Bistro. One of my dear friends and I went there for supper tonight, and it was fabulous! We even met the chef which was fun. I am a super fan of their Flourless Chocolate Cake - in fact, it may be the best dessert I've had in a restaurant anywhere, in years! I also love the food photography on their website. Definitely something to aspire to. (My photo really does not do this cake justice!)
Tuesday Vegetable Bolognese with green salad, pasta and spaghetti squash
I first spotted this recipe during a recent Instagram scroll and I knew that it was just the one I needed to rescue the eggplant that was languishing in my fridge. Sadly, the eggplant didn't make it, but I prepared this recipe anyways and added in some extra zucchini and a carrot instead. I was really looking forward to that eggplant though... Next time! I think it would be delicious. I served this with both linguine and spaghetti squash. (I like a few carbs, but it's awesome to fill up on veggies!) I've only cooked spaghetti squash once before, although I'm not sure why that is. It just seems to be a vegetable that we don't often eat around here. It was a perfect accompaniment to this sauce, though, and I think it's a veggie that I need to serve more often! I remember being unimpressed with it last time, but maybe I overcooked it? I really enjoyed it tonight. The sauce was flavourful and robust, with so many veggies. Loved it! Don't forget the Parmesan (not pictured)!
Wednesday Easy Lentil and Vegetable Curry
As I previously mentioned, this week's theme seems to be loads of vegetables!! This recipe was appealing because it was vegetarian and also encouraged "cleaning out the fridge". I happened to have many of the recommended veggies on hand, including red pepper, cabbage, carrot, and broccoli, as well as a bag of red lentils that I purchased some time ago for I forget what... I also added in some edamame. Confession time: I didn't have coriander or cumin seeds, only ground spices, so that's what I used. I didn't have any chili flakes either, so I used chili powder. (Next time, I would purchase the proper spice seeds!) That said, we did not find this very spicy, and it was maybe even slightly bland (additional salt helped - I did not add salt during cooking, just vegetable bouillon.) However, there was something warm and wonderful about this meal, and really satisfying. We all had second helpings! I topped mine with Greek yogurt, and I loved it.
Thursday Leftovers / eat out / takeout
Sadly, I don't have permission to share today's actual recipe, and I was unable to find it online, but it came from Chef Michael Smith's "Real Food, Real Good" and may be one of the best homemade tomato soups I've ever had. I loved the little bite from the Sriracha, and it was just so creamy and good. I also loved that I had everything I needed to make it on hand. I have never tried pickles in my grilled cheese before, and I have to say, they were a yummy addition. You'll want to check this recipe out!
Saturday Leftovers / eat out / takeout
The Christmas gatherings have started already as we got together with my mom's side of the family today. It's always so good to see everyone and enjoy a fabulous potluck lunch. I love that you can count on some family staples, like meatballs and my Aunt Betty-Lou's best ever toffee angel food cake! We are usually so stuffed afterward that supper is pretty light.
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