29.10.2002

feeling kinda

since it's starting to get properly cold here, how about a few winter recipes?

Armenian Lentil Apricot Soup

• 3 T olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/3 c dry apricots, chopped
• 1 1/2 c red lentils
• 5 c stock
• 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 T fresh lemon juice
• fresh parsley to garnish

Pick over the lentils to make sure there are no crunchy bits. Sauté the onion, garlic and apricots in olive oil for about 12 minutes, until the onions are soft. Add lentils and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes until the lentils are soft. Stir in tomato and seasonings, and simmer 10 minutes. Purée half of the soup (be careful with hot liquids in blenders), return to pot, and simmer. Add lemon juice, simmer a few minutes, and serve topped with chopped parsley.

Shrimp Casserole

this one is a nice variation on tuna casserole. it's not particularly chic, but it's very tasty.

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 1 can shrimp, drained
• 1 can soup (mushroom is good, as is cream of shrimp)
• 1 c milk
• 1 c uncooked minute rice
• 2 T mayonaise
• 1 T onion

Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish. Top with cheese and bread crumbs, and bake at 350° for 50 minutes. (note: reheats really well, and makes lovely leftovers for lunch the next day.)

yesterday :: tomorrow