A crunchy taste of the Midwest! |
This past week our family was able to get away for a few days to Lake of the Ozark, Missouri . Lake of the Ozark is about 7 ½ hours southwest of Chicago (unless you take a detour to the Kosher Krispy Kreme donut store in St. Louis…the extra hour detour is definitely worth it!). The drive is through the heartland of the US , miles and miles of Midwest farmland. Corn growing on the right, soybeans growing on the left. Soybeans on the right, corn on the left. Corn on the right and left…you get the idea. The Midwest is one of the primary suppliers of corn and soy worldwide, and driving through Illinois and Missouri you can see why. We also spotted some sunflower fields which were a sunny burst of color amidst the blanket of green.
Corn on the left... |
Soybeans on the right... |
Soybeans on the left! |
Corn on the right! |
Additionally, we saw a lot of livestock – cows, horses, and goats, grazing happily in the summer sun, and made sure to shout “COW!” every time we saw one (yes, we did shout “HORSE” and “GOAT” too). With so much time in the car, and nothing but miles and miles of corn and soybeans as far as the eye could see, it shouldn’t be shocking that my husband and I started to talk about possible recipes that would incorporate all the crops that are harvested in the
No fish tale here...too small - back into the water...even the bigger one!! (BTW, it was 4 of 5!) |
CRUNCHY HEARTLAND SALAD
16 ounces frozen corn niblets, defrosted
12 ounces frozen shelled edamame, defrosted
½ cup toasted and salted sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons vegetable (soybean) oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 green onions, sliced diagonally
2 packages oriental style ramen noodle soup mix
½ cup feta cheese (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside. Open the ramen noodle soup mixes and remove the seasoning packets. Place the ramen noodles on the prepared cookie sheet, then break into small pieces. Toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the noodles are crisped.
Place the corn, edamame, sunflower seeds, and green onions in a large bowl. Toss in the vegetable oil, rice vinegar and contents of the two seasoning packets making sure to evenly coat the vegetables, then add the toasted ramen noodles and toss to evenly distribute. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve topped with feta (optional) for a complete Midwest experience!
NOTES:
- You can make this salad in advance, just don’t add the toasted ramen noodles until 30 minutes before serving.
- Alternate method #1: Use the same amount of vegetable oil, corn, edamame, and sunflower seeds. Add ½ red onion, finely diced, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, chicken or vegetable flavored ramen noodle soup mix. Proceed as directed above.
- Alternate method #2: Cook 16 ounces of orzo according to package directions. Drain and cool. Blend ½ cup basil, ½ cup parsley, and 2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional), and ¼ cup vegetable oil in a food processor. Combine corn, edamame, and sunflower seeds in a bowl. Stir in orzo until thoroughly combined. Toss in blended basil mixture until orzo is completely coated. Served chilled.
Salad all mixed together in a bowl!
SO yummy topped with Feta!
Don't forget to get your Krispy Kremes hot...look for the light!
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These recipes are for sole, personal use of visitors to Sharon Matten -Edible Experience Kosher Everyday. Edible Experience Kosher Everyday recipes are for your enjoyment but are not to be posted or reprinted without express permission from Sharon Matten. Thank you!!
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