"I got 99 problems but a meal ain't 1"
Self-Taught Vegan Chef :: Food Network Champion :: TV Host
I know this may come as a MASSIVE shock to you all, but I am lazy. I am basically a human version of the sloth (by the way, I love sloths and they’re highly underrated. But that’s for another time). I am a late riser, lover of sweat pants, and binge show watching gal. But …
I’m still on a spring produce binge! It’s the best time to scour your farmers markets for delicious, in-season and cheap produce! Plus, when produce are in season they are at the height of their nutrient content. So it’s a win win! I had a beet kick this time around and I know there can …
Did you know that over 40% of food supply is WASTED in the United States alone? I am talking about food that doesn’t even make it to supermarket shelves and then there is food that is purchased and thrown away. Why? Why do we let all of this perfect food go to waste? There is …
Watch out Giada – there’s a new girl on the block and she’s jumping on the PAA-sta train 😉. Haha, just keeeding. Who can ever trump the Everyday Italian queen! This pasta comes pretty close though! This is inspired by my love for Cacio e Pepe and this simply delish pink peppercorn pasta dish at …
By now you should know my obsession with pasta alternatives, i.e., pastas that are made out of different legumes rather than starch, so I can freely stuff my face with “pasta,” but be healthy at the same time! The geniuses at Banza have created a new addition to their line of pasta alternatives – a …
I grew up eating vodka sauce as much as I ate my moms homemade chapati. As I’ve mentioned several times before, Italian food is just as important in my life as Indian food given my childhood in good ole’ Staten Island. Vodka sauce is the best – creamy, garlicky, just a hint of tomato but …
I’ve been eating alternative pastas for several months now. They are SO good! I love that you get the feel and taste of eating pasta, but it’s actually packed with protein and is good for you! I’ve tried several brands at this point of varying price points, and I must say Banza is still my …
I’m becoming a little obsessed with one pan or one pot dishes, but I ain’t complainin’. Look, I’m a workin’ girl who lives in a Manhattan studio – ain’t nobody got time for cleaning a million dishes! Plus, cooking with pan or pot challenges me to be a bit more creative. And we all know …
I think what turns people off the most about cooking is the cleanup. Honestly, it gets to me too. As someone who lives on their own and cooks for herself, its the cleanup that tires me. Because of this I try to develop recipes that are simple and don’t require multiple pots and pans. I …
I went to Italy last month – hold up – you didn’t know?! You haven’t seen my 89485948 pics?! Haha!
I visited Italy with my family when I was 6 years old, and although it was a beautiful country then as it is now, we didn’t exactly have a ‘beautiful’ experience. We experienced quite a bit of discrimination because of the color of our skin – weird, eh? So I was left with a very bad taste in my mouth at a very young age. That being said, I was hesitant to travel to Italy this time, but figured I’d give it a shot. One of my good friends had been living in Bologna, and obviously my foodie 6th senses perked up.
Bologna is among some of the foodiest cities in Italy, next to Modena and Parma. I ate my way through Bologna and made my way down to the Amalfi Coast cities. Let me mention at this point – I did not face any discrimination. Italian thought I was either Spanish (Espanola) or Sicilian or just didn’t know, haha!
In Sorrento, we discovered a delicious store that specialized in products of Umbria. Some of Umbria’s specialties include truffles, and black truffles were in season for the summer. So obviously I had to buy some! What I really wanted to do was shave them in my mouth, but I decided to act like a civilized human being, buy a jar and leave.
Truffles are generally very strong, but these fresh truffles are very fragrant – have a subtle truffle flavor, softer texture, and are just all around delicious. I decided to make a simple orzo with these.
Lemon-Garlic Orzo with Black Truffle
1. Place water in a medium pot, spray with a bit of PAM and set over high heat to bring to a boil. Pour in orzo and allow to cook.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add in all of the ingredients except for the olive oil. Whisk together. While slowly whisking, pour in the olive oil until dressing is emulsified and combined.
3. Once the orzo is al dente, strain out the water (but save it!) and place the cooked orzo directly in the bowl of dressing, add in a couple of slices of truffle, and lemon zest and toss to coat. Taste for salt.
4. Serve on its own, with toasted ciabatta, or over arugula!