Author: Lesley at Lola Rugula

Tzatziki Recipe

Tzatziki Recipe

Cool, crisp, garlicky tzatziki.  What’s not to love? It’s currently 95º in the shade (which I’m sure I’ll smile about when I reread this in the dead of winter) so what better to serve for a light, healthy lunch than cold red bell pepper slices, whole 

Rhubarb and Basil Shrub Cocktail

Rhubarb and Basil Shrub Cocktail

I have been busy, busy, busy getting our gardens going this year. Veggies and flowers and herbs galore. In the midst of all my annual garden craziness, I wanted to take a moment and share a quick summer cocktail recipe with you. Thanks to my 

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring, so far! I’m in full gardening mode myself, hence the lack of recipes and photos the last few weeks. Nonetheless, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite photos that I’ve taken while I’ve been out digging in the earth and planting things that will nourish our stomachs and souls.

This first shot is of one of the flowers in a planter – my husband actually planted this agapanthus (also known as lily of the Nile) last year and then brought the planter inside. About a month or so ago it went back outside and it finally decided to bless us with its beautiful blooms.

lola rugula tuberose in the rain

And this is a photo of some of the gorgeous orioles who’ve been visiting us while we till, and dig, and plant.

lola rugula orioles 5.11.18

They definitely seem to prefer the grape jelly over the oranges but far be it for us to not offer them a gourmet selection of both. 🙂

I’m looking forward to sharing some more photos, along with my gardening adventures and summer recipes. I hope you’ll continue to share your comments and let me know what you’re doing in the warm months ahead.

Peace!

Sesame Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Vegetables

Sesame Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Vegetables

I had a craving recently for a big bowl of noodles and shrimp so what better way to satisfy that craving but with a quick and delicious stir-fry?  You can make this with the protein of your choice, the veggies of your choice, and even 

Braised Red Cabbage

Braised Red Cabbage

Here’s a quick recipe for today – braised red cabbage. There are a lot of ways to customize this and change it up but I want to show you just how simple and easy braised red cabbage can be. Easy Braised Red Cabbage Recipe 1/2 

Easy Farro with Mushrooms

Easy Farro with Mushrooms

I recently shared with you one of my Farro Salad recipes that can be changed up depending on the veggies you have on hand. If farro isn’t one of your pantry staples yet, it should be. Its versatility in hot and cold dishes makes it a breeze to throw a healthy dish together and its delicious, nutty flavor will have you reaching for it again and again.

This is an easy, hot farro recipe that comes together in just one pan. It’s delicious as is but don’t be afraid to use it as a stuffing for roasted squash for a perfect Meatless Monday dish. If you want to add some greens to this, kale, spinach or broccoli rabe can all be added along with the mushrooms.

lola rugula farrro with mushrooms

Easy Farro with Mushrooms Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional – if you prefer to not add butter, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 10 oz. portobello mushrooms, sliced (don’t slice too thinly, so they hold up during cooking)
  • 1 cup pearled farro, rinsed and drained
  • 3 1/2 cups vegetable stock (if using canned stock, don’t add additional salt until dish is finished. Reduced canned stock can be plenty salty all on its own)
  • 1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Fresh minced parsley, for serving (optional)
Directions
  • Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil.
  • When butter has melted, add shallots and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften
  • Add garlic and stir well. Cook for 1 minute or until the edges of the garlic and shallots start to turn golden.
  • Add mushrooms and stir well.
  • Cover pan and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes or until mushrooms have begun to soften.
  • Add farro and stir well to coat all of it in the mushroom mixture.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add stock,  salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well.
  • Bring everything to a boil and reduce to a healthy simmer.
  • Cook, uncovered, for about 30-35 minutes, until the farro is tender and most of the moisture has been absorbed.
  • Shut off heat, cover pan, and let sit 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley and serve.

lola rugula easy farro with mushrooms

Easy, one dish to make, and healthy. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Enjoy!

Black Rice Sushi Rolls

Black Rice Sushi Rolls

I’ve never liked white or brown rice all that much but when I discovered black rice about 5 years ago, my husband and I were instant fans. Black rice is denser and chewier with a lot more flavor, and it’s also a lot healthier than