Slow Cooked Black Beans and Rice

My slow cooker quit on me over a year ago and I just never bothered to replace it. It was like the time our microwave gave out - it was convenient to have around but not necessary. Eventually I got used to it being gone but then we bought a new one and I was all excited about it.  Same thing here.

My husband decided to give me a new slow cooker for Christmas and I can't quite tell if it was out of his sensing I was beginning to miss having one around or if there may have been a bit of self-interest there. ;) Either way, we're both happy. And the first thing I made in it definitely made our youngest happy - slow cooked mac & cheese, more on that another day.

This black beans and rice dish is what I made for last night's dinner and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out! While we enjoyed this as a taco filling, it would also make an excellent side dish or filling for enchiladas.

2 - 15 ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup salsa

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 package crunchy taco shells

Suggested toppings:

cheddar, mozzarella, Pepper Jack cheeses

salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, jalapeño slices

1. Prep a medium size slow cooker with cooking spray or liner.

2. Add all ingredients and stir briefly, just to combine.

3. Cover, cook on low heat for 3 hours. 
Leave it alone - do not stir during this time or you will risk of ending up with mushy rice. 

4. When the cooking time is up, remove lid and then stir. Season to taste.

To serve:

Spoon bean and rice mixture into warm taco shells. Add favorite toppings and serve warm.

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English Muffin Bread

Some days are just made for staying home and baking bread.  Today has been one of those days for me.

It's been cold, dark, and rainy outside ever since I was awakened by a screaming toddler before the crack of dawn.  As it turns out, the cold that seems to be going around lately has officially arrived at our house.  My littlest girl is fighting a fever but, thankfully, is able to rest.  Add to that the older boy is not having a much better day.  He left a bag with clothes and Christmas presents on the Metro and will likely not see it again, had to walk through pouring rain... on and on... you get the idea; he's having an anything-that-can-go-wrong-will kind of day.

So, with nothing I could do but comfort these two, I decided to make English muffin bread.  There's probably some deep psychological root meaning behind it like the memory of my stepmom baking homemade bread and that yeasty aroma in the air.  Maybe it comforted me in some way?  I'm sure it did; it must have....maybe I'm overanalyzing.

But, about this bread... it's perfect for toast. That's it!  When there is freezing rain coming down outside and I am homebound with sick and miserable children, I just want to sit and eat toast.  That's what I did, too, and it was everything I hoped it could be.  

2 3/4c warm water

1 TBSP + 1 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast

1 TBSP salt

1 TBSP + 1 1/2 tsp. white sugar

5 3/4c all-purpose or bread flour

1 TBSP butter, melted (optional)

1.  In a large mixing bowl, proof the yeast by pouring in 1 cup of the warm water and the yeast.  Allow to stand for a few minutes while the yeast gets bubbly and foamy looking.

2.  Stir in the remaining water, salt, and sugar.  

3.  Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

4.  Cover bowl and place in a cool, dark place.  Allow dough to double in size.  I let mine sit for about an hour.

5.  Punch down the dough and divide equally into two prepared 8x4 loaf pans.  Cover again and allow to rise again, doubling in size.  I allowed another hour for this.  Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°

6.  Uncover and place in preheated oven.  Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.  If desired, brush tops with melted butter 5 minutes prior to finish.

7.  Remove from oven and turn loaves out onto a wire rack.  Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Wild Rice and Garbanzo Bean Soup

It's been wonderfully dreary and rainy here lately.  Normally, this alone is enough to get me craving a hot bowl of soup but, add in the fact that I'm fighting a stubborn cold that just won't go away, and it's pretty much guaranteed there's going to be some sort of comfort food happening here and this was exactly what I needed.

Cooking this soup, I was tempted to add a little heavy cream, mostly out of habit, but after tasting it I realized it was completely unnecessary.  The turmeric really gives a nice Indian flavor and if you're inclined to add some some sort of carb to the meal, I would suggest a garlicky naan bread.

2c herbed wild rice blend, cooked

1 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP butter

1/4c yellow onion, chopped

1c carrots, diced

1 large stalk celery, chopped

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme

1/8 tsp. dried turmeric

1 bay leaf

1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

6c vegetable broth

2 - 15oz. cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1.  In a medium size pot, heat olive oil and butter over Medium High heat.  Add the onions, carrots, and celery.  Cook and stir 4-5 minutes, until softened.

2.  Stir in the garlic, thyme, turmeric, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.  Cook and stir an additional 1-2 minutes.

3.  Add the vegetable broth and garbanzo beans.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to Low, cover, and allow to simmer 20-30 minutes.

4.  Remove cover and stir in the cooked rice.  Allow to simmer another 5-10 minutes, or until rice is heated through.  Serve warm.

Red Beans and Quinoa

Southern-style comfort food that just happens to also be high in protein, gluten-free and vegan!  Served alongside Beer Braised Collard Greens, here, and a slice of cornbread, you've got a hearty, delicious meal:

1 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP yellow onion, chopped

1/3c green pepper, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2c vegetable broth

1c quinoa, rinsed

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste

1/2 tsp. Creole seasoning, or to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

1.  Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over Medium heat.

2.  Add the onion, green pepper, and celery.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes or until vegetables have softened a bit.  Add the garlic and continue cooking another 1-2 minutes.

3.  Add the thyme, kidney beans, and vegetable broth.  Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to Low, cover, and allow to simmer 10 minutes.

4.  Stir in the quinoa and season to taste.

Vegan Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Fall is here!  Time for sweaters & boots, hot apple cider, and comfort food at it's best.  I've been making this family favorite every fall for several years now and it is always a big hit.  The recipe has evolved quite a bit from the first time I made this soup and I think it's better than ever now.

Hope you enjoy these classic flavors as much as we do!

1 pkg. Beyond Meat chicken strips

1 TBSP olive oil

salt, pepper, & garlic powder, to taste

6c vegetarian chicken broth

1 - 4oz. pkg. wild rice mix, with seasoning packet

3/4c all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2c vegan butter

1/4c yellow onion, diced

1/2c carrots, diced

1/2c celery, chopped

1/2c white wine, optional

2c soy creamer

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add chicken strips and cook until heated through, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste.  Remove to a cutting board and shred.

In a large pot over medium high heat, bring the broth to a boil.  Add rice and seasoning packet included.  Cover and remove from heat.

In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

In a medium-large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until slightly tender.  Stir in garlic and cook another minute, until fragrant.

Add white wine, if desired, and reduce heat to low.  

Gradually whisk in the flour mixture.

Pour in the creamer, a little at a time, whisking to maintain a smooth consistency.  Allow to simmer approximately 5 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.

Stir creamy mixture into the large pot with broth and rice.  Bring heat to medium and allow soup to heat through; 15-20 min.

 Served with biscuits for dipping - yum!

Spicy and Savory Thousand Island Dressing

Trust me, once you make this for yourself, you won't ever want to go back to that sugary sweet stuff in a bottle!  It's super easy to throw together and absolutely perfect for Reuben sandwiches.

1/2c mayonnaise (I use Vegenaise)

1/4c ketchup

1 TBSP dill pickle relish

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. celery seed

1/4 tsp. mustard seed

1/2 tsp chili powder

1.  Stir everything together in a small mixing bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Good stuff!

Caprese Pasta

I don't know what it is lately, but I have been craving the simple and delicious flavor combination like crazy!  Sandwiches, salads, pizza... it was only a matter of time before pasta went into the mix.  Good thing I love caprese-anything because I now have quite a bit of fresh mozzarella in the fridge, thanks to a recent Buy 1 Get 1 sale at Whole Foods.

This was a super easy dinner that I threw together in no time last night.

1/2lb. farfalle pasta, cooked and drained

3TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP yellow onion, diced

1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves 

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2c vegetable stock

1c cherry tomatoes, quartered

1c fresh mozzarella, cubed

1c fresh spinach, rough chopped

salt and pepper, to taste
basil for garnish

1.  In a medium pot, cook pasta according to package directions; drain in a colander and set aside.

2.  In in same pot, over medium high, heat olive oil and add diced onions.  Cook approximately 1 minute before adding the garlic and thyme.  Cook and stir another 1-2 minutes, until mixture is softened and fragrant.

3.  Pour in the vegetable stock and continue cooking until liquid is reduced almost half.

4.  Add the pasta to the pot.  Then, gently stir in the spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella; allow to heat through approximately 1-2 minutes.

5.  Season to taste, garnish with basil, and serve hot.

Toddler-Approved Pasta Dinner

Do you buy canned raviolis and o's for your little one?  If so, stop it right now!  It's way too easy (and cheap) to make your own!  My two-year old loved this today and even the 20-year old gave it a thumbs up.

Notes:

* As usual, I subbed non-dairy products for the milk and butter
* I use white sugar but think this would be just as tasty with Splenda or maybe agave (haven't tried them yet).
* Pasta I used was the dried mini raviolis from Trader Joe's.  Next time, I'll use fresh though.

15oz. can tomato sauce

2 TBSP milk

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. salt

1 TBSP butter

3 TBSP nutritional yeast

2 TBSP sugar

2c small-medium size pasta

1.  Cook the pasta according to package instructions.  Drain and set aside.

2.  In a medium saucepan, over medium high heat, melt the butter.

3.  Add remaining ingredients and heat through, stirring frequently.

4.  Top pasta with sauce and serve.

Roasted Garlic and Leek Soup

The annual spring cold that has been going around lately finally made an appearance at our house.  I had a little touch of it but my husband is absolutely miserable!  So, in addition to a homemade juice involving lots of ginger, garlic, kale, and other cold-fighting foods, we enjoyed this soup along with a simple baguette and butter for dinner last night.  The house smelled amazing from all the garlic in the air  and the soup was a big hit with everyone.  Our two-year old even went back for seconds!

Notes:

* Used Earth Balance for the butter and Better Than Bouillon's No-Chicken for the broth

4 bulbs garlic, large

olive oil

6 TBSP butter

4 leeks, chopped

1/2c yellow onion, chopped

6 TBSP all-purpose flour

4c chicken broth

1/3c dry sherry

1/4 tsp. white pepper

fresh chives, for garnish

1.  Preheat oven to 350*  Cut off tops of garlic heads, exposing the cloves.  Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven approximately 1 hour.  Allow to cool and squeeze to remove the cloves.

2.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add garlic, leeks, and onion.  Break up the garlic with your spoon and stir frequently until leeks and onion are soft.

3.  Add the flour and stir quickly to thicken.  Pour in the broth, sherry, and white pepper.

4.  Reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer approximately 20 min.  Adjust the seasoning, to taste, top with chives, and serve hot.

Vegan Teriyaki Chicken

Last night's dinner of my vegan version of teriyaki chicken, served over rice, and with a side of sautéed green beans was devoured by everyone, even our super picky 2-year old.  

Note:  For the "chicken", I used Beyond Meat which is easily the best chicken substitute available right now, in my opinion.   

1 TBSP cornstarch

1 TBSP water

1/2c white sugar

1/2c soy sauce

1/4c apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 pkg. chicken substitute, chopped into bite-size pieces

1.  Preheat oven to 425*

2.  In a small saucepan over low heat, combine all ingredients except the chicken.  Allow to simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened.

3.  Add chicken to a prepared 8x8 baking dish and baste generously with the sauce.

4.  Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 min., turning and basting with extra sauce every 10 min.

Savory Stuffed Red Potatoes

I recently found myself with half a bag of baby red potatoes and no real plans for them.  A few more days and they would go out with the trash.  That seemed wasteful though and I'm trying to make more of an effort to actually use all the produce I buy.

Roasted corn and poblano soup was already on the menu so I decided to try these little potato bites on the side.  The two dishes paired really well, which was a relief because the potatoes can take awhile to prepare.  It's a simple recipe but the scooping out of the potatoes (without tearing the skins!) is what is most time consuming.  Worth it though.

Note:
* I used vegan substitutes for the sour cream and butter.

8 red potatoes, bite size

1 TBSP sour cream

2 TBSP butter, melted

1/4 tsp. seasoned salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. green onion

2 TBSP cheddar cheese, grated
olive oil and sea salt

1.  In a saucepan, cover the potatoes with water and boil until tender.  The amount of time needed here will depend on the size of your potatoes.  Mine were on the small side and I let them boil about 15 minutes.  Drain potatoes and set aside to cool.

2.  Cut potatoes in half and carefully scoop out the inside, leaving a little edge all around.  Spray a little olive oil on the skin side of each potato and sprinkle with sea salt, to taste.

3.  In a medium size bowl, combine the scooped out potato, sour cream, butter, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder, green onions, and cheese.

4.  Spoon the mixture evenly back into each potato skin and top with a little extra cheese.

5.  Bake approximately 10 minutes.  Sprinkle with green onions and serve.

Creole Spiced Quinoa and Kale

I have to admit, I wasn't sure if this alone was going to be enough for a meal.  But that's because I had forgotten how surprisingly filling quinoa can be.  This recipe yields two servings that are not only full of flavor but also satisfying.

This was my first time actually cooking with kale.  I had only used it frozen in smoothies before so I was a little concerned an entire bunch would be too much but it wasn't at all.  It was actually the perfect amount.

Notes:
* I used the Lacinato variety of kale, also known as "dinosaur kale"
* Better Than Bouillon makes a fantastic vegetarian version of chicken broth base

1/2c quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 bunch kale

1 tsp. olive oil

1/8c yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. Creole seasoning, or to taste

1.  Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Add the kale and blanch for 1-2 minutes.  Drain and rinse immediately with cold water.  Chop into bite size pieces and set aside.

2.  In a medium pot, bring broth to a boil and add the quinoa.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer until liquid is absorbed; approx. 15-20 min.

3.  In a separate medium pot, heat the olive oil.  Sauté onion and garlic 2-3 min., until softened.

4.  Stir in the kale and cook another 2-3 min.

5.  Add the quinoa and Creole seasoning, stirring to combine everything and serve.

Black Bean Chili

I don't know why I've waited so long to write a post about this chili.  I've been serving it for years, usually over couscous or rice, and everyone loves it!  Last night though, I served the chili by itself and it was just as satisfying as always (minus the additional calories!).  I suppose a more appropriate title would be something more like, "black bean, red pepper, mushroom, and corn chili" but that just seemed like a ridiculously long name so.... black bean chili.

1 1/2 tsp. olive oil 

1/2c onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

5 baby bella mushrooms, chopped

3 roma tomatoes, chopped

1/2c corn

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. cumin

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

3/4c vegetable broth

1/2 tsp. salt

Optional toppings: 

cheddar cheese, jalapeño slices, chopped green onions

1.  In a medium pan, over medium-high heat, sauté onion, pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, and corn for about 5 min., or until vegetables are softened and fragrant.

2.  Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

3.  Using an immersion blender, puree approximately 1/4 - 1/2 the mixture.

4.  Top with cheddar cheese, jalapeño slices, and chopped green onions.

                  

Crispy Polenta with Mushroom Ragout

My husband and I both recently read the same book on the benefits of a gluten-free diet and decided to give it a try.  The results have been positive - I've dropped 5 lbs. in the last two weeks (It was 6.5 but I slipped).  However, as a vegetarian pasta and bread lover, the switch has been somewhat challenging.
And then I remembered how much I love polenta and the way it satisfies me in a way very similar to that of my beloved pastas and breads.

A few notes about this recipe:

*  Before serving, I did pop the polenta rounds in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
*  I used vegan butter (it's the only kind I buy anymore).
*  I had big plans to make my own polenta but just ran short on time.  And really, the pre-made stuff      worked great.

1 pkg. pre-made polenta

1/2c cornmeal

1 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 TBSP Italian parsley, chopped

1 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP butter

2 TBSP olive oil

1/3c yellow onion, chopped

2 pkg. mushrooms (I used 1 baby bella and 1 shiitake), sliced

5 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper, to taste

1/4c Marsala wine

1 1/2c vegetable broth

2 TBSP Italian parsley, chopped

1.  Slice polenta into 1" thick rounds.  Begin heating butter and oil in a large skillet over Medium heat.

2.  In a small bowl, combine cornmeal, salt, pepper, and parsley.  Dredge each round in the cornmeal mixture and add to skillet.

3.  Allow polenta to cook 5-10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.  Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.  Remove any cornmeal residue from the pan.

4.  To the skillet, add remaining 2 TBSP olive oil.  Saute onions and mushrooms until soft and fragrant.

5.  Add garlic, salt, and pepper.  Continue cooking and stirring another 2-3 minutes.

6.  Pour in the wine and broth.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to Low and simmer approximately 15 minutes.

7.  Top polenta rounds with mushroom sauce and serve immediately.

                              

                             

                             

                             

The one serving leftover will be my lunch today!

Black-Eyed Pea and Cabbage Stew

The first day of 2014 and I'm bringing back this recipe from last New Year's.  So good, we're having it again for dinner tonight!

********

It is well known and understood in this house that everyone is required to eat the black-eyed peas and cabbage served on New Year's Day.  In previous years, I have served the peas and cabbage as two separate side dishes and watched as both boys put just the very teensiest amount they thought would be acceptable on their plates.  

So, this year I tried a new approach by putting everything in one big pot and the resulting stew was delicious!

1 TBSP olive oil

3/4c onion, chopped

1/2 large green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped

3 stalks celery, sliced

2c chicken broth (I used a vegan no-chicken broth)

3/4c brown rice

2 cans black-eyed peas with liquid

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles with liquid

2 cloves garlic, minced

1c cooked cabbage

1.  In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2.  Add the onion, green pepper, red pepper, and celery; cook and stir until tender.

3.  Add the broth, rice, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and garlic.

4.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer approximately 1 hour.  Add the cabbage during the last 15 minutes.

Served with cornbread.  Happy New Year!

Rhubarb Crisp

Rhubarb is one of those vegetables I would always bypass in the grocery store because, really, I had no clue what to do with it.  I had never even tasted it before and neither had my husband.  Apparently, his mom used to make rhubarb pies when he was growing up but he would never try it because, well, it's rhubarb - gross.  Turns out, it's pretty good. 

This recipe yields two 6oz. ramekins:

1 1/4c rhubarb, diced

2 tsp. all-purpose flour

4 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. allspice

1/4 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 tsp. salt

3 TBSP rolled oats

1 TBSP brown sugar, packed

1 TBSP all-purpose flour

1 TBSP butter, melted

1/8 tsp. allspice

1/8 tsp. salt

1.  Preheat oven to 400*.

2.  In a medium bowl, combine the rhubarb, 2 tsp. flour, sugar, vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp. allspice, lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp. salt.  Pour into prepared ramekins.

3.  For the topping, combine the oats, brown sugar, 1 TBSP flour, butter, 1/8 tsp. allspice, and 1/8 tsp. salt.  Sprinkle over rhubarb mixture and press gently to make it stick.

4.  Place on cookie sheet and bake approximately 25 minutes, or until bubbly and topping is a pretty golden brown.

This has inspired me to keep experimenting with rhubarb. :)

Bang Bang Cauliflower

The weather here has just been too perfect to not sit outside at dinnertime so that's what we did again yesterday.  I never noticed before but it's true that the taste and texture of cooked cauliflower is very similar to that of shrimp.  I've made this style cauliflower twice now, once as an appetizer and again as an entrée salad last night.  The meal wasn't originally planned as a salad but I had some lettuce I needed to use or lose so... Bang Bang Salads for everyone!

1/2 head cauliflower, chopped into florets

1/4c cornstarch

1 1/2 TBSP flaxseed

1/4c + 1 1/2 tsp. water

1/2c Panko breadcrumbs

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2c coconut oil

1/3c mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. chili sauce

1 TBSP rice vinegar

1 tsp. agave sweetener

2 green onions, chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 400*

2.  In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, flaxseed, and water.  Whisk to thicken and set aside.

3.  In another small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.  Set aside.

4.  In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium high heat.

5.  Dip each cauliflower floret first in the cornstarch mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture, to coat.

6.  Add the cauliflower to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides.  (Use tongs to flip the cauliflower.  Stirring will only knock the breading loose.)

7.  Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.  Then, toss in the mayonnaise mixture, to coat.

8.  Place in a prepared 8x8 dish and bake for approximately, 10-15 minutes, or until desired crispiness.

9.  Top with green onions and serve.

For serving, I tossed the lettuce with just a tiny amount

of chipotle ranch dressing before topping with the cauliflower. 

DIY Cream of Chicken* Soup

I don't eat chicken so, when a recipe calls for canned cream of chicken soup, I make my own vegetarian version.  It's so easy and I just feel better knowing I made it myself.  This recipe makes the equivalent of one can:

3 TBSP butter  (use Earth Balance to make it vegan)

1 TBSP all-purpose flour

1/2c unsweetened almond milk

1/2c chicken broth (I like Better Than Bouillon's No-Chicken Base)

salt and pepper, to taste

1.  In a small saucepan, melt the butter.  Add flour and whisk until smooth.

2.  Whisk in the milk, broth, salt, and pepper.

3.  Bring to a boil and whisk occasionally until it thickens (about 2 minutes).

Easy!

White Chili

It's a snowy Spring day here and I am planning to serve leftovers fantastic chili/soup for dinner.  I say, "chili/soup" because you can control the consistency.  We like it more soupy, so I simmer it with a lid.  If you prefer something thicker, leave the lid off.  It's good either way. 

1 TBSP olive oil

3/4c yellow onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

4oz. can Fire Roasted green chiles, diced and drained

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 pkg. mushrooms, sliced and chopped

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 can light pinto beans, rinsed and drained

4 green onions, chopped

3/4c Italian parsley, rough chopped

1c white wine

3 1/2c vegetarian chicken broth

2 tsp. vegetarian chicken bouillon

1 tsp. dried rosemary

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 TBSP dried oregano

1 1/2 TBSP ground cumin

2 bay leaves

1.  Heat olive oil in a large pot, over Medium heat.  Add the onions, garlic, chiles, and pepper.  Cook and stir until onions soften, about 2-3 minutes.

2.  Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, beans, green onions, and parsley.  Cook and stir another 1-2 minutes.

3.  Add the wine, broth, bouillon, rosemary, thyme, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves.

4.  Cover, reduce heat to Low, and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for approximately 90 minutes.  Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.

Serving this with cornbread tonight!

Sloppy Joes

When I think, "Man Food", sloppy joes are definitely on the list.  Every time I make them, they are practically inhaled by my guys and they always go back for more!  I've been making these sandwiches like this for years and finally remembered to snap a photo before they were devoured at dinner recently:

1lb. ground beef substitute

1/4c onion, chopped

1/4c green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. yellow mustard

3/4c ketchup

1 TBSP brown sugar

salt and pepper, to taste

 

1.  In a large skillet over Medium heat, brown the meat, adding the onions and peppers toward the end so they don't get too soft.

 

2.  Stir in the garlic powder, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

 

3.  Reduce heat to Low and allow to simmer 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

Served with the easiest green beans ever.  I threw some cooked beans in a skillet with a little butter, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper - done.