My husband always talks fondly of his time abroad in London during his college years. He studied for a year at the London School of Economics. And while there, he played “varsity” college ball for a season. I feel bad for putting quotes on varsity. But I don’t think college basketball was all that popular over a decade ago in London. And he played in a team with “bookish, basketball misfits.” Even he (reluctantly) admits to that. I guess they were the Bad News Bears of the European college league – without the miraculous come-from-behind win at the end. But no matter; he is a huge sports fan, and that’s his claim to fame.
Roasted Yams and Carrots
Roasted Yams are one of my sister-in-law’s specialties. She made them twice over the course of the week our families were together for Thanksgiving. Each time was delicious. They were kind of like Lay’s potato chips: you couldn’t just have one. I was nibbling on those tasty wedges over the course of the entire day.
Dubu Jjigae (Tofu Soup)
Seriously. I can eat tofu everyday for the entire month. It’s such a versatile ingredient. There are so many possibilities that I know my palate won’t get bored. Alas. Anything taken to an excess can’t be good for you. Everything in moderation right?
BUT one more day of tofu won’t hurt, no?
Dubu Jorim (Soy-Braised Tofu)
I’ve been suffering from a meat and alcohol-induced walking coma since I got back from Missouri. The Missouri I experienced was sort of a meatopia with free-flowing wine. By no means am I a vegan nor do I abstain completely from imbibing. I eat meat and enjoy wine occasionally; but for the most part, I’m a vegan-leaning teetotaler. So needless to say, my body is in a bit of a shock.
So to give my body a break, I decided to make a bunch of vegan side dishes. Dubu jorim (soy-braised tofu) was on the top of my list, because my husband absolutely loves this dish. He really immersed himself in the meat-and-wine lifestyle while we were in Missouri; so he is due for a little vegan protein.
Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge with Rice Dumplings)
I have a habit I need to break.
I buy way too much of foods that I love – unreasonably too much. I love kabocha pumpkins. And the last time I went to Whole Foods, organic kabochas were on sale. I can’t pass that up right? So I bought the biggest kabocha they had in stock and a smaller one – 12+ pounds in total. When I bought them I felt so good that I whistled all they way home despite the pain in my shoulder from lugging the heavy load. Not too much, I figured. It’s just the two of us, but half of it will be seeds that I will discard right?
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