5 Easy Rainy Day Dinners

Since the weather in LA is bright and sunny nearly year round, I savor every crisp, chilly rainy day that we get. At the first indication of even the slightest drizzle, I reach for a fuzzy blanket, some cozy pajamas and begin planning a warm, hearty dinner. Here are my five favorite easy rainy day recipes to get you through the storms forecast through the weekend.

Kale and White Bean Stew


Arugula and White Bean Stew: When you’re in need of a quick but satisfying dinner on a chilly night, it doesn’t get much better than this stew with arugula, white beans, tomatoes and ham. Slices of toasted baguette perfectly cap off of the bowl. (Recipe here.)

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice: This flavorful, spicy kimchi fried rice is divine any day of the week but particularly appealing when temperatures drop. Topping the rice with a fried egg adds an extra dose of comfort, and scallions and furikake make for delicious finishing touches. (Recipe here.)

Ramen

Souped-Up Ramen: Upgrade your store-bought ramen with fresh ingredients like vegetables, meat, and eggs. Some of my favorite additions include broccoli, corn, spinach, bean sprouts, freshly crushed garlic, and spam. A smidge of butter thickens up the broth and adds extra flavor.

Chili Frank and Rice

Chili Frank with Rice: Anyone familiar with Hawaiian plate lunches will recognize this bowl– a bed of white rice topped with chili and a hot dog. Super hearty, this dish is a splurge but absolutely worth it and can be made slightly healthier with turkey chili and high grade hot dogs.

Kimchi Quesadillas

Kimchi Quesadilla (or Grilled Cheese): Yes, kimchi again! A generous serving of spicy, crunchy kimchi transforms your trusty quesadilla or grilled cheese recipe from good to great. Sriracha smiley face optional. (Kogi BBQ’s kimchi quesadilla recipe here and kimchi grilled cheese recipe here). 
Next, settle into the couch for some marathon TV watching and enjoy.

Mid-Week InstaNom: Tsukemen at Tsujita Annex

Here’s your mid-week InstaNom to help get you over the hump:

Tsukemen at Tsujita Annex
“Let’s go get beef sukiyaki at Tsujita,” said no one ever. Of course, I’m kidding, but it’s not Tsujita’s dinner menu that draws the crowds; it’s their signature tsukemen and ramen served only at lunch. Thankfully, at the spot’s sister location across the street, noodles are served all day. At Tsujita Annex’s counter, tsukemen arrives in a duo of bowls– one with a combination of flat and curly chewy noodles and the other filled with silky, fatty pork broth, bean sprouts, chili sauce, tender char siu and a soft boiled egg. Bring your chopsticks to your lips, and I dip, you dip, we dip!
Tsujita Annex
2050 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 231-0222

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