Quinoa Pudding

Warm and fragrant steam rising from a gently simmering saucepan of quinoa pudding is really almost as enticing an experience on a cool autumn day as savoring its delicate texture and slightly sweet and nutty flavor in the bowl. Resembling small opaque tapioca pearls swimming in cream, quinoa pudding is just as pretty and easy to prepare as tapioca. And with quinoa's almost perfect amino acid profile as well as bountiful calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, B vitamins and vitamin E, it's also versatile and wholesome enough to serve as a delicious and nourishing breakfast porridge.

Black and Yellow Chickpeas with a Coconut Chili Sauce

My trusted volume of 660 Curries by Raghavan Iyer has many post-it notes sticking out from the pages. Excuse me for once again raving about this fabulous book that includes lots of inspired ideas for spice blends, appetizers, paneer dishes, legumes, vegetables, grains and fusion style Indian curries. The introductions to his recipes are informative and highly entertaining. This cookbook is highly recommended from Lisa's Kitchen and it makes a great gift too for cooks that enjoy creative and heart-warming, but often easy to prepare, Indian dishes.

Sautéed Spinach and Cannellini Beans with Balsamic Vinegar

"Mid-week meals" are those fast and simple recipes we all need to cope with weekday hustle and bustle with a minimum of bother but without sacrificing taste and nutrition. And at 15 minutes from scratch if the beans are cooked ahead of time, they don't come much faster or simpler than this one. Sautéed spinach and tender cooked beans sautéed in balsamic vinegar and spices are a delicious way to top off cooked noodles, pasta, rice or polenta for a filling, zesty and wholesome dinner.

Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Chat Masala

Hot, sour and salty, chat masala is a popular northern Indian spice blend that forms a delightful combination with cool or tangy foods like fresh cucumbers or tomatoes. Naturally, it is perfect addition to legume based salads like this Indian-style chickpea salad loaded with both tomatoes and cucumbers, with a little corn and fresh hot chilies for good measure. A colorful, healthy and delicious light lunch or dinner on a hot day or cold day.