Umami Cooking

Meaty with a dash of veggies

Recipes with vegetable / fruit

Creamed spinach, bacon and mushroom spaghetti

Let me explain the dish. The first time I made it was in 2011. I was so smitten with creamed spinach that I was pairing it with meat, seafood and chicken. Finally, I tried it with pasta and I loved it. Still, being more carnivore than herbivore, I just had to add bacon. In this updated recipe, mushrooms join bacon to give an already excellent dish even more flavor and texture.
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3 people

Blanched Chinese broccoli with ground pork adobo

They are not traditional partners but boldly flavored Filipino adobo, made even richer with the addition of oyster sauce, is just so good with lightly seasoned greens.
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Salmon, papaya and moringa (malunggay) leaves soup

Salmon collar and strips of belly are simmered with semi-ripe papaya and moringa leaves in a broth flavored with shallots, lemongrass, galangal, garlic and fish sauce.
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Squash and zucchini pancakes

Even carnivores will appreciate this side dish (or snack) for its subtle garlicky and herby tones, and its rich butter flavor. The pancakes are made with grated squash, zucchini, panko, salt, thyme and garlic, and fried in a mixture of butter and olive oil until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6 pancakes

Sichuan-style potato stir fry

Inspired by a dish we enjoyed at a restaurant in Osaka (yes, in Osaka!), this Sichuan stir fried potatoes has a bit of heat, plenty of crunch and a ton of flavors. A great side dish!
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Pork, pepper and mango stir fry

It’s salty and sweet with a bit of tang and more than a little heat. The sweetness is supplied by mirin and mango. The heat is from shichimi togarashi (a Japanese spice mix) and sweet chili sauce.
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Spicy pork belly, spinach and coconut cream stew

Born out of an effort not to waste excess vegetables in danger of spoiling, this is a creamy and spicy one pot dish that’s best enjoyed with newly cooked rice.
Cook time: 1 hour
Servings: 3 people