Chef Samir Mohajer just opened Cabbage Patch restaurant in Beverly Hills three weeks ago. He shops a number of times a week at the farmers markets. Right now he's buying baby broccoli which is a different variety than the usual crown variety.
This "baby" broccoli comes in separate stalks. Samir blanches the stalks in boiling water for about 1 to 2 minutes, until they are very slightly cooked, then immediately plunges them into ice water to stop the cooking and preserve the color. The next step is to saute it quickly in a very hot pan with garlic and red pepper flakes until the broccoli gets brown at the edges and slightly crispy. This can be served as a delicious side dish. Cabbage Patch is located at 214 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 550-8655. 214 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 550-8655.
Debbie Chamberlain of Wong Family Farms is bringing in hydroponically grown tomatoes. Rather than absorbing nutrients through soil, the plants' roots are "fed" by the nutrient-rich water. The Shady Lady variety of tomatoes are large and deep red. Debbie also brings in unripe or green tomatoes.
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup cornmeal (substitute bread crumbs if needed)
1/4 cup oil
1/2 cup flour
3 green or unripe tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
Cut tomato into 1/4 inch slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dip slices into first flour, then the milk, then the beaten eggs, and finally the cornmeal or bread crumbs.
Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat. In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 minutes on each side or until brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper.