Braised Soy Curls Aladdin – A Presidential Plant-Based Twist

This recipe is perfect for those moments when you’re craving a dish that’s both different and familiar. Be cautious not to burn the sauce; you can see I was thiiiiiis close to scorching it in the photo!

A kind stranger recently dropped an out-of-print cookbook from 1968 into our Little Free Library, and it absolutely made my day! The book, titled The White House Chef Cookbook, was authored by French Chef René Verdon, who cooked for President Kennedy and the First Family. He later penned this book, detailing his interactions with them and the recipes he prepared at The White House. I noticed that used copies are available on Amazon for less than $10. While I haven’t read the entire book, and you’ll need to be creative to adapt the recipes to a plant-based diet, I can confidently say it’s worth the price.

Initially, I turned to the section titled Vegetables, Rice and Noodles. While it was interesting to browse the recipes, not many truly caught my eye. Chef Verdon shared a meal that Mrs. Kennedy particularly admired. He suspects the green beans with almonds, rather than the soufflé or pheasant, truly delighted her. He also shares several “touches” he used to elevate vegetables and make them “a little out of the ordinary.”

The cookbook includes an amusing anecdote about President Kennedy (and family) once requesting a pair of scissors from Chef Verdon. The President then proceeded to give himself a trim, with Mrs. Kennedy offering suggestions and “Caroline, who didn’t want John’s hair cut at all, crying through the whole barbering” session. It’s a truly fascinating cookbook!

When it comes to soy curls, I typically find more intriguing and creative ideas in the “Meats” section, and this book doesn’t disappoint. If I can find even just one or two enjoyable, repeatable recipes from a cookbook, that’s a win. I’ve adapted the Braised Short Ribs Aladdin recipe for soy curls, which I assume was named for its few Middle-Eastern-inspired ingredients. The dish also has distinct Spanish and Mexican hints, but most importantly, it’s one of those rare “hearty but doesn’t leave me with a food coma” type dishes. Plus, it’s Presidential!

Step by Step Photos

How to Serve

Braised Soy Curls Aladdin truly stand out as a hearty and satisfying dish. You can serve them over pasta, paired with rice, or even alongside grilled peppers and onions in a hoagie for a delightful meal experience.