Little Village » Alicia Ambler http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content Iowa City's News and Culture Magazine Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:42:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en Hummus is Yummus http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/2008/08/hummus-is-yummus/ http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/2008/08/hummus-is-yummus/#comments Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:38:26 +0000 Alicia Ambler http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/?p=65 Basic Hummus Recipe

It’s simple, cheap and tasty.  Serve with veggies or pita bread.

2-8 oz. cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) drained and rinsed
1/3 c. olive oil
1/2 c.  tahini (sesame paste)
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp. salt

Throw the above ingredients in a food processor or a blender until well combined.  If necessary, add more olive oil to achieve a smooth texture. Tahini can be found at most grocery stores.  It can be a little too bitter for some people.  If it’s not your taste, peanut or any other nut butter would be a fine substitute.

Once everything is well blended and put into a bowl, drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with paprika for color. Smoked Spanish paprika has much more flavor than the traditional paprika, but either is fine.

]]> http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/2008/08/hummus-is-yummus/feed/ International Flavor http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/2008/08/international-flavor/ http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/2008/08/international-flavor/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:03:42 +0000 Alicia Ambler http://www.littlevillagemag.com/content/?p=54 International food can be hit-or-miss in small Midwestern cities. But thanks to a diverse population and a propensity for eating out, Iowa Citians can eat their way through a culinary world tour within city limits on a reasonable budget. Here are two stops that should be on everyone’s list.

Oasis Falafel
206 N. Linn St., Iowa City
www.oasisfalafel.com

While you might spot their products in local grocery stores, or even the IMU cafeteria, don’t pass up a full, delicious meal at Oasis Falafel. Eating out healthfully can be a challenge. There aren’t many restaurants where the ingredients are few and the dishes are homemade. Even fewer are the restaurants where such food is reasonably priced.

Well known for the authentic falafel­—fried balls of seasoned chickpeas—it’s also popular for its vegetarian friendly menu.

A platter, complete with a falafel sandwich and homemade fries or pita chips is an excellent lunch for under $10. For omnivores, seasoned lamb, chicken or beef may be added for a few bucks. Pile on all the hummus, baba ganoush and mediteranian salads you can eat. If you’re still hungry for dessert after the generous portions, try the baklava, a layered pastry with honey and nuts, which is best accompanied by a Turkish coffee.

Thai Spice
1210 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City
www.thethaispice.com

The restaurant makes a fantastic version of the traditional Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with tofu, tamarind paste, eggs, green onions, bean sprouts and crushed peanuts. Diners will also find the usual stir-fry, noodle and curry dishes, with spice adjustable to your preference.

On my last two visits, I have ordered dishes from the chef’s special menu. I am in love with the fried red snapper in garlic sauce. This dish is composed of a whole red snapper chopped into large chunks, breaded, fried, and served piping hot with rice. The sauce, like so many Thai sauces, is a balance of sweet, salt, savory and heat. My vegetarian partner was more than satisfied with the fried tofu appetizer and spring roll options.

At Thai Flavors, entrees range from $7 to $16 for generous portions making this a great restaurant to experience family style.  Enjoy it all with a cool, sweet Thai tea with milk.

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