YURA’S MEALS-TO-GO

 Here are some highlights from this week’s Meals-to-Go:

Leah’s never forgotten the swordfish Yura served at her wedding—patted with soft rosemary-lemon zest breadcrumbs, that fused with the juices as the fish baked. Buddy executed it to perfection in the host’s tiny galley kitchen. In the years since then (in May, it’ll be 20) Leah simply closes her eyes, and can still taste it. (Gentle throat-clearing sound.)…Monday’s Rosemary-Roasted Salmon is made in that same preparation, and served room temperature, draped over a lovely Composed Greek Salad. Red Wine-Herb Vinaigrette (thyme, mint, oregano) is served on the side.

We dispense with the skewers in this Grilled Yakitori-Style Chicken, setting whole boneless, skinless thighs directly on the grate. The marinade is classic: dark soy sauce, mirin, sake, ginger, and garlic, plus brown sugar that ensures caramelization and color when the meat meets the flame. The residual basting liquid stains Sesame Brown Rice with even more flavor. Roasted Broccoli-King Oyster Mushrooms adds a perfect balance to the meal.

Per usual, this MTG was invented in a mad quest for flavor, and you’ll find it sparkling from all facets of this Smoky Beef-Pork Meatloaf. Tucked in the meat mixture is Slow- Roasted Garlic that’s been folded into juicy, quick-sauteed Spinach. Once the meatloaf is shaped it’s brushed with a Maple-Rosemary Glaze, then Wrapped in Bacon Strips that act as a baster while it bakes. Spinach-Mashed Potatoes have been a Yura specialty from the get-go. The meal is complete with Honey-Dilled Carrots and Baby Peas.

It’s an eggplant Parmesan! No—It’s lasagna! Hey, calm down, folks. New Roasted-Eggplant Casserole is an eggplant Parmesan and a lasagna! Thin “sheets” of oven-roasted eggplant stand in for pasta in this whimsical spin on two Italian-American classics. Lasagna’s must-have ricotta filling has been fortified with punchy chevre and sauteed spinach. The eggplant hasn’t been egg-dipped, breaded or fried; bright, meat-free marinara makes a light sauce. But oh, all that Parmigiano and melted mozzarella. You’ll never have to fight over dinner again. 

We’re adorning chicken soup with an amalgam of Ashkenazi-style soup accessories—think: chicken kreplach meets kneidlach meets dilled chicken noodle soup. Buddy’s feather light Chicken Meatballs are fluffed with matzoh meal and schmaltz, and float plump in Rich Broth with Orzo, Lemon Zest and Dill. The chicken stock is so homemade-traditional and collagen-rich, that you can bet it turns into jiggly gelatin in a cold fridge! Picture perfect with bright orange carrots, cabbage, and petite peas. Chive Biscuits come on the side.