Restricted Diet

The thing about restaurant week is that my idea of entertainment is a good friend and great food. What better way to spend a few hours than noshing and catching up. Laughing. Possibly drinking, although I will always take more food over drink.

So, last week (and the weekend before) were taunting me an excuse to go out. It wasn’t just that I went out to eat so much; it was that the meals weren’t cheap. They weren’t Commis expensive but four nights in a single week (plus a porchetta sandwich at the Ferry Building on Saturday) is excessive even for me.

Saturday, after a random shopping excursion and a delightfully expensive day in the City, I decided no more. No more eating out until the 6^th.

I promptly broke it Saturday night – food in my hand ready to cook – when Karma called me 15 minutes before her reservation. Her friend was stuck somewhere on the bridge. I could have said no but…who are we kidding. But Sunday I held fast. Karma and I were supposed to go to brunch; instead I made waffles and bacon at home. 

I couldn't say "no" to Mike (frozen lemon souffle at the Cliff House)

Monday I strayed because my dear friend and his family were in town from the east and he LOVES the Bay. And so we headed to his favorite place…the Cliff House.

It was the start of my week (plus) of eating at home. More than simply cooking things, I’m going to try to refrain from going to the grocery store until at least this weekend. I have a bag full of kale and sundry dried and frozen foods to work with.

Sunday night I cooked my newly standard, red dal and sweet potato soup. Karma was still hanging out (using my brain for spreadsheet charts) and has no love for beans. 

“I thought you were making enchiladas,” she said, looking mildly exasperated for someone who was inviting herself to dinner on the sly.

When I gave her the side eye she laughed out loud because we both know we are those kind of friends. The kind that can show up at your house with dirty clothes, wash and then leave (as I did two weeks ago), or demand/request particular foods you aren’t cooking (as she did this weekend).

“If you want to go to the store for my last few ingredients I’ll be happy to make enchiladas.”

Becoming enchiladas

And so she darted off to the store and I made enchiladas (complete with sour cream and guacamole), and had my soup ready for later in the week (plus some for freezing). 

Tonight I decided to put the two bunches of cilantro that have been threatening to go bad to some useful purpose. I concocted something akin to a chimichurri sauce, mixed it with some quinoa, a can of chick peas, some black beans I made a while back and froze (they also made an appearance in my enchiladas), some sautéed kale, and some diced yellow peppers. 

I conjured this dish up a few years back and haven’t made it since then- but it is still delicious.

It may not look like much, and I didn't plate it, but trust me when I say my chimichurri quinoa is delicious and I'm fairly sure, nutritious.

Of course i mad that after making loaded roasted potatoes with black beans and kale (you are sensing a theme here right?). Delicious, and I was able to use up some ingredients before they went south.

I have a half a week left on my challenge to myself, before i get to add fresh produce and animal protein to my menu. I won’t even say I can’t wait, right now I’m having fun seeing what delightful treats I can pull from my pantry.