Sugar Snap Stir Fry

Serves 4 to 6
 
12 ounces dried pasta of choice, such as fettuccine or rice noodles

Sauce:
1/4 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons good-quality soy sauce
2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons peeled, minced fresh ginger
1 clove minced garlic

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 block extra-firm tofu, cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onion

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook noodles according to package directions. While pasta cooks, whisk together the broth, soy sauce. brown sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl, then set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet and add tofu, cooking and turning to lightly brown all sides. Remove browned tofu and reserve.

3. Add onions to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add sugar snap peas and soy sauce mixture, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until sauce has thickened, about 3 minutes.

4. Add spinach and cook briefly, until just wilted. Add cooked pasta and green onions to pan and stir to combine. Top with browned tofu and serve immediately.

- inspired by Simply in Season

Polly's Pumpkin Soup

Serves 6 – 8

Butter for browning
1 pound cooked pumpkin*
1/2 cup diced onions
1 T. honey
12 oz. mushrooms
A dash of nutmeg
3 T. flour
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp curry powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup half-and-half

In a large pot, melt the butter and brown onions and mushrooms. Stir in the flour and mix to combine. Stir in the curry powder, broth, pumpkin, honey, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the half-and-half and heat until just warm.

*Optional green sauce: 1 cup yogurt mixed with chopped chives, parsley, and green onions.
Ladle the soup into bowls and place a dollop of the green sauce on top if desired.

*Notes: We actually prefer this soup without the “green sauce” on top. I cook the pumpkin by quartering it, cleaning out the seeds and pulp, and then microwaving it until tender. Scoop the cooked pulp out of the skin and puree it in a processor.

Submitted by Margery Prazar