Jasmine Rice Salad with Wasabi Leaf Pesto and Crystallized Ginger

By Adrian J.S. Hale as featured on The Oregonian

Makes 6 to 8 servings Wasabi leaves aren't easy to come by, but if you can find them they are well worth it for this bright, spicy pesto. (Flying Fish Co. in Southeast Portland usually carries leaves as well as roots from Frog Eyes Wasabi.) If wasabi leaves are unavailable, mustard greens make a good substitute. For an even richer flavor, make the rice with stock instead of water.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups jasmine rice
3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 bunch wasabi leaves or mustard greens (about 10 ounces)
1 cup cashews, roasted (if you buy them roasted and salted, adjust the salt below)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces crystallized ginger, cut into 1/4-­‐inch cubes (about 1/4 cup)
6 ounces peas
1 summer squash, cut into 1/4 -­‐inch cubes

To make the rice: Soak the jasmine rice in cold water for at least 10 minutes. When it is slightly plumped and opaque, transfer to a colander or strainer and rinse under cold water until the liquid runs clear. Put the rice in a medium saucepan, along with 4 cups water. Set over medium-­‐high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for about 14 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

To make the pesto: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add the garlic cloves and blanch for 2 minutes, until the skin starts to loosen. Remove with a slotted spoon. Peel the cloves and add to the bowl of a food processor. Add the greens, cashews, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Process until the mixture is homogenous and the texture is no longer chunky, but not quite smooth. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with the pesto. Toss in the crystallized ginger, peas and summer squash. (Can be made and refrigerated three days ahead.) 

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

By The Oregonian

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (see note)
2 tablespoons grated fresh wasabi (grate it 5 minutes before combining with milk mixture)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
1 1/4 cups half-and-half or light cream (use whole milk for less richness)
1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper (you can use black pepper, but it leaves flecks in the white potatoes)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Bring the potatoes to boil in a large covered pot of cold salted water. Lower the heat and boil until tender when pierced with a fork, about 12 to 20 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, in a small saucepan, melt the butter in the milk (use moderately low heat). After the wasabi has stood for 5 minutes after grating, stir it into the butter and milk mixture.

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Return them immediately to the hot pot and shake them over high heat for about 30 seconds to dry them out.

Peel and mash the potatoes (a ricer is the most efficient way, or use an electric mixer, taking care not to over-blend) and stir in the wasabi cream, salt and pepper.

Note: You can leave the potato peel on for a rustic presentation.

Photo courtesy.