Short-Cuts to (an elegant) Supper
Perhaps there was a part of me that thought washed and chopped bags of lettuce were a cop-out, something Julia would never do. So I belabored my authenticity, really driving the point home that I am oh-so-old-fashioned, buying heads of lettuce, washing them, spinning them dry, and wrapping them in embroidered tea towels before stowing them away in the crisper.
Well, no more, my friends. Now I'm all about the short-cuts: peeled and steamed baby beets, smoked meats, frozen gnocchi, sacks of washed arugula, and trimmed hearts of romaine. These, I think, may just be the key I've been looking for in the preparation of the weeknight meal. Sure, in an ideal world, I'd head out to a garden where I'd pull carrots out of the ground by their fronds. But things aren't always exactly as we want them to be; and that, at least, gives us something to dream about. For the day to day reality of living, all that matters is that when I sit down, I don't want the meal to feel as if it has sprung from the freezer or a tin can. For supper to feel truly restorative, the food must be vibrant. It must feel voluptuous, simple, and relaxed, the way the best meals are.
And look at this. Does this seem in any way like a meal of cut corners? I promise, it doesn't taste like it either. So when my sister was coming over on a Wednesday and I stepped through the door only a few moments before her, this was the perfect thing to piece together in 20 minutes. Forgive me if I sound a little too pleased with myself, but I believe I may have just made a major breakthrough. But chances are you were steps ahead of me, so do tell: what are your go-to quickie but vaguely, you now, fancy meals? I'm dying to know.
Red Lentils and Beets with Smoked Duck
Serves 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups red lentils
1/2 an onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup thinly sliced kale
1 8-ounce package peeled, steamed beets, or 8 baby beets, peeled and steamed
1 smoked duck breast about 3/4 of a pound, trimmed of fat
Heat the olive oil in a sauce pan over moderate heat. Saute onion, garlic, and carrots for about 5 minutes. Stir in lentils and cover with five cups cold water. Add thyme and season with salt and pepper. Raise heat and bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Cook until lentils are tender and water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes (you may need to add more water). Just before the lentils are done, stir in the kale to wilt. Serve lentils with thinly sliced duck breast and steamed baby beets.
Comments
I do love frozen gnocchi! Sometimes I'll make the browned sage butter (fast) to give it that fancy touch.
Polenta is a good quick one too. It impresses people b/c not everyone is familiar with it. I'll heat up sauce throw in coarsely chopped pieces of garlic (6-8 cloves!), and then make the polenta from cornmeal, which involves boiling water, whisking for a few minutes, and stirring in parm. and mozzarella cheese. Done!
Posted by: Alicia Kachmar | January 17, 2008 10:50 PM
Get a sandwich or panini maker- it will save your life- you can experiment with all the most amazing fillings and breads imaginable to make amazing grilled sandwiches. I am in love with smoked turkey, cranberry sauce, and provolone with horseradish mustard on sourdough or onion bread. It's a throw back to thanksgiving but who really cares?
Another that truly impresses people is homemade mac and cheese- which should honestly not take any longer than it takes to boil noodles. Make a roux, season it with a tablespoon of mustard, 1/4-1/2 c. finely diced onion, two or 3 chopped cloves of garlic and some white pepper to your taste. Add in some milk and 2 cups of shredded cheese (your preference- personally I love sharp white cheddar), keep stirring till its all ooey-gooey melted, drain the noodles, toss together and serve with a side salad and either shrimp or chicken. Yum!
Posted by: Sara Rose | January 18, 2008 12:30 PM
I think this looks amazing! I'm completely impressed. Duck breast? My quick dinners are, um, cheese sticks:)
Posted by: Housegirrl | January 18, 2008 12:42 PM
Speaking of Julia Child, have you read the gem "Julie & Julia"? It is about a 20 somehting New Yorker who cooks the entire "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" in one year. It was so great- that I moved onto "My Life in France" by Julia Child (another great find).
I don't (really) cook- but I found both of these books so inspiring that I actually look at my pots and pans- and imagine the possibility.
Posted by: Kelly | January 18, 2008 2:19 PM
Alicia, I was surprised how good the frozen gnocchi was, and polenta is a total siren for me that I always forget about. Thanks for the reminder.
Sara Rose, Fancy sandwiches are a great idea and your turkey one sounds fab. And I have never made homemade mac and cheese, but I think this is the year!
Housegirrl, I admit the duck breast was a splurge, but I was feeling sort of decadent and always wanted to know what it tasted like. Quite salty, actually, if you want to know the truth. :)
Kelly, I loved both of those books! I think Julia Child is such an inspiration just because she didn't find her passion in life until her late 30's. Kind of puts feeling lost in your 20's in perspective. You might also want to check out On Rue Tatin. I've mentioned it before, but it's a really magical book about cooking and living in France.
Posted by: Sarah | January 18, 2008 2:55 PM
Two of my favorite foods on one plate? Duck AND beets?? Um yeah... my 'quick' dinners involve the taqueria on the way home... not duck breast and roast beets! Way to go you!
Erin
Posted by: EB | January 18, 2008 3:37 PM
Seriously, guys, I don't deserve major props here or anything. It's not like this is a typical Tuesday night dinner....though I don't see why it couldn't be! ;)
Posted by: Sarah | January 18, 2008 4:06 PM
I get you, Housegirrl--my version of quick and fancy is a micorwaveable burrito with gourmet salsa. And by "gourmet" I just mean expensive, for I can't imagine salsa EVER being considered gourmet, no matter what it costs...
I really have no excuse to not cook and eat better meals. I just...don't.
Posted by: Suzy | January 18, 2008 6:35 PM
i'm completely into the pannini thing as well--i use olive oil spray, sourdough, salami, manchego, and a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread from trader joe's. artichoke hearts are also nice in it. My other fave would be marinated lamb with mint vinaigrette: http://gracelaced.wordpress.com/2007/07/18/boneless-leg-of-lamb-with-fresh-mint-vinaigrette/
i am loving your duck and beets combo. have a great weekend!
Posted by: Ruth Simons | January 18, 2008 9:53 PM
Suzy, in my world "gourmet" salsa makes everything better! In fact, I've totally been known to make "dinner" out of a bag of chips and jar of salsa. It's actually one of my favorite meals. :)
Ruth, that mediterranean sandwich sounds awesome!
Posted by: Sarah | January 19, 2008 11:28 AM
i'm happy to say that i'm in love with chopped and peeled veggies. the frozen chopped onions are my favorite and i just added a bag to my homemade chicken soup last night!
Posted by: corrin | January 19, 2008 8:13 PM
Well, I don't think I've ever served anything as fancy as smoked duck, from scratch or the store. Two of my favorite speedy dishes are crustless broccoli-cheddar quiche, and what I made tonight- penne and ricotta with peas. Both take mere minutes to prep, and not much longer to cook. I also love to make toasted sandwiches in my skillet- especially smoked ham and mozzarella with rosemary on sourdough.
Posted by: Jessica | January 23, 2008 9:34 PM
I must say, rosemary and sourdough sounds kind of genius, Jessica.
Posted by: Sarah | January 23, 2008 11:13 PM