I was so excited to recently receive a copy of “The Modern Salad” by Elizabeth Howes (available here). As the cover says, it is an innovative, modern take on salads. So far, I have only made one of the recipes, but it was so delicious that I cannot wait to try the rest.
I decided to start with the Masala Chai Braised Pork and Garlic Udon Salad. It is the type of dish that you need to start early, to account for the braising time for the meat, but it is not labor intensive at all.
You start by searing a pork shoulder that has been marinated in masala chai tea.
After that you braise the meat for three hours in a mix of coconut milk and garlic.
While you let the pork cool, you saute mushrooms and then wilt some arugula. You also, at some point in this process need to cook udon noodles (fresh are best, in my opinion).
While you cook the mushrooms, it is time to shred the pork.
Next you add the pork to the vegetables. 
The final steps are to add the noodles and a little braising liquid and stir it all together. Viola! Dinner is served.
The Masala Chai Braised Pork was enjoyed by all of the member of my family, including its youngest, pickiest members. I am definitely going to add it into our rotation of regular dinners. If this looks good to you, I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Modern Salad. You won’t be sorry.
HERE IS MY REVIEW OF MODERN SALAD…
The Modern Salad by Elizabeth Howes- if you love salad this will be irresistible!
Are you tired of eating a plain standard salad? Are you looking to spice up your life? Do you want something you can really sink your teeth into, something crunchy, flavorful and eye-appealing? If you love a good salad, The Modern Salad (Innovative new American and International recipes inspired by Burma’s iconic Tea Leaf Salad) written by Elizabeth Howes might be just right for you. This hardcover book is well-designed with color-rich covers, full page photos and high-gloss heavy paper stock made to last you a very long time.
Elizabeth’s introduction makes for an enjoyable read focusing on Burma’s Tea Leaf Salad, its history and a flavor guide. The Modern Salad is divided into sections, including Vegetarian, Noodles/Grains, Fish, Fowl, Pork/Beef, How to set up your Pantry, Conversion Tables and other helpful information.
So sit back, relax, open the book and get ready to enjoy reading about a healthy smorgasbord of scrumptious salad selections like the following:
Shaved Asparagus Salad- it’s fast and easy to prepare.
Summer Fig and Caramelized Onion Salad- figs, spinach, walnuts…can you taste it?
French Lentil and Poached Egg Salad- lentils, peppers and everyone’s favorite… bacon!
Cider-smoked Salmon and Toasted Rye Salad- gotta love that smoked salmon.
Grilled Tamari-Ginger Chicken Salad- a real summer favorite.
Miso-marinated Flank Steak, Pickled Radishes and Cukes Salad- now that’s a complete meal!
Those are just a few of the wonderful salads you’ll enjoy when you purchase your copy of Modern Salad by Elizabeth Howes.