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Miso Mushroom Risotto

miso mushroom risotto

Hearty chunks of moist delicious oyster mushrooms embellish this simple, delicious and vegan-friendly Asian-style risotto cooked in an earthy miso and vegetable stock and seasoned with just a little cayenne and rice vinegar to give it a wonderful little kick. Delighted by such a gourmet risotto experience, your guests will never guess just how easy it is to make.

Cauliflower and Pea Curry

cauliflower and pea curry

There is yet another new addition to my extensive cookbook collection and this one has quickly become one of those must-recommend books to my readers who are interested in Indian cooking. After reading an extensive review of the book by Sia of Monsoon Spice, I promptly ordered a copy and already I've been inspired to make a few dishes from the book.

Greek Omelette

greek omelette

On the rare occasions that I go to a diner for breakfast, I'll most often order a Greek omelette … in part that's because it's usually one of the few omelettes in diners that doesn't have meat, but mostly because I love feta cheese with eggs. Of course a Greek omelette from a diner doesn't usually seem to contain much more than onions, peppers and cheap salty cow's milk Feta. So when my husband suggested a trip to the diner on a cold winter morning that didn't make going outside very appealing, I thought that a homemade Greek omelette could be so much nicer and keep me indoors as well. So off to the refrigerator and cupboards to find the ingredients for a simple but terrific home cooked Greek omelette with a fair bit more of the ingredients and flair that you'd expect to find in Greek food — spinach, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, and of course some delicious imported sheep's milk feta from the local delicatessen.

Black Bean and Quinoa Mexican-Style Chipotle Vegetarian Chili

black bean quinoa chili

For someone as enamored of Mexican food as myself, it's rather surprising I suppose that I've seriously acquainted myself with chipotle peppers only this past year. Sure, I've used canned chipotles in adobo sauce on an occasion or two, but the adobo sauce quite overwhelmed any appreciation I might have gained for the pepper on its own. But after finding dried whole chipotles in the market, I am quite taken with the smoky heat and depth that these smoke-dried jalapeños bring to food. I expect that chipotles will find their way into many of my Mexican-style recipes from hereon…

…such as in this thick, smoky and spicy chili. Loaded with black beans, quinoa and plenty of vegetables, this simple and full-flavored chili is a complete, nourishing and filling meal in one pot. And it makes enough to feed a family or, in my case, to send a husband off to work with lunch for a few days. A slice of two of homemade cornbread on the side makes this chili a terrific meal.

Linguine with Pea-Basil Pesto and Mushrooms

pea basil pesto pasta

It's not all that often that I cook pasta, but when I do it surely is a comfort. Coming as it does in so many shapes and sizes and varieties, the possibilities for pasta are endless, and if you are extra ambitious you may want to make your own fresh pasta at home. I rather cheated here I suppose because I used fresh pasta from the grocery store down the street. No matter, as it didn't spoil the dish in the least. And it's green too and thus a timely post for an easy St. Patrick's Day meal.

Opting out of a tomato based sauce, I went for this fresh pesto sauce with peas and basil. Keep this one in mind for summer when you have an overabundance of fresh basil growing in your herb garden and fresh peas on hand at your local market. The depth of flavors goes so well with sautéed mushrooms, which are pretty much a must for me when I think of pasta for dinner.

Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf

Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf

Readers will certainly want to try this incredible curried rice and cauliflower dish that I often make for special occasions. Certainly underrated, cauliflower just happens to be a winter vegetable that will enhance your dining experience and it's plenty good for you too. I think the reason vegetables are often absent from the dining table is because many of us grew up with vegetables that were either frozen, canned or cooked into submission so they ended up reaching the plate bland and soggy. The key to this dish is not to overcook the cauliflower. You will want the vegetable to have a just tender texture. Both the cauliflower and rice are a perfect platform for the spices that make this dish extra special.

Classic Greek Salad Revisited

Greek Salad

I've been making my own Greek salad for years. The ones I have tried from most restaurants rarely satisfy. There is just no comparison to homemade versions. First, you typically only get about 4 olives, the Feta is not good quality and tends to be overly salty, and the vegetables are not as fresh as I would like, nor is iceberg lettuce of much use in terms of taste and nutritional value — it adds some crunch, but that's about it.

Spinach Pancakes with Lime Butter

spinach pancakes with lime butter

Who ever said pancakes were only suited for breakfast? These "grown-up" savoury pancakes are fragrant and lightly spiced, with spinach and quinoa and plenty of buttery goodness. An elegant meal that will surely leave a lasting impression, the pancakes are served with a zesty homemade lime butter to complete the experience. Complement the meal with fresh greens, a lentil curry, or grilled halloumi for an extra decadent touch.

Fenugreek Chapatis

fenugreek chapatis

Most cooks and diners with even a rudimentary knowledge of Indian cuisine are familiar with chapatis, a soft whole wheat, slightly puffy unleavened flatbread that is pan fried in a dry skillet or griddle. A staple for many meals served throughout the day in Indian households, chapatis pretty much go with any sort of Indian — or non-traditional Indian for that matter — meal that you can imagine. I adore them … the accompaniment possibilities are endless and they are an ideal way to fill out and dress up your meals. Here I have spiced up the basic batter with some fenugreek and seasoning for some extra flair.

Needless to say, these chapatis go well with any soup or dal curry, may be served much the same way you would a corn or wheat tortilla stuffed with your choice of fillings, are great for scooping up your favorite dips and chutneys, and are an excellent choice as a mini flatbread to showcase a mouthwatering array of toppings.

Savory Quinoa Corn Cups

quinoa cups

What are these you ask?

They are baked shells made with leftover quinoa, cornmeal and quinoa flour. Essentially they are healthy little cups to be served as an appetizer with the stuffing of your choosing. In this case, I went with a Mexican theme and stuffed them with my classic vegetarian refried beans. Other options you may wish to consider are dips, quacamole or salsas, cheese (think of your favorite nacho toppings or cracker spreads), or anything else that strikes your fancy. You may even wish to go with something sweet. They make for a cute presentation too should you have your mind on entertaining.

quinoa corn cups with refried beans

Savory Quinoa Corn CupsSavory Quinoa Corn Cups
Recipe by
Adapted from Cooking with Quinoa For Dummies
Published on March 5, 2013

Simple, savory and crunchy baked quinoa and corn cups — perfect for filling with dips, cheeses or salsas for an attractive and unique appetizer

Print this recipePrint this recipe

Ingredients:
  • 3/4 cup cooked quinoa (1/4 cup uncooked)
  • 3/4 cup cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup quinoa flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • 3 oz (85 g or 1/3 cup) cream cheese
  • juice from 1 lime
  • water as needed
Instructions:
  • Preheat an oven to 350° and lightly grease 24 mini muffin cups.

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cornmeal, quinoa flour, chili powder, shallot, sea salt and black pepper. Cut the cheese in with a pastry cutter or knife and fork until well blended. Work the lime juice into the quinoa mixture and gradually add a few tablespoons of water until the mixture is moist and just comes together.

  • Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffins cups. Make a hollow in each cup and gently press the dough up the sides to form a small shell.

  • Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Let sit in the pan for a few minutes and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

  • Serve warm with a filling of your choosing, or store in an airtight container for a few days, warm and stuff and serve

Makes 24 small cups
quinoa corn cups with refried beans

More little bites from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen you are sure to enjoy:
Fiery Deviled Eggs
Eggplant Quinoa Bites with Pesto
Olive Cheese Balls
Indian-Style Poppy Seed Wafers

On the top of the reading stack: various piles

Audio Accompaniment: Amok - Atoms for Peace

My Legume Love Affair - #56 - February 2013 Edition

I would like to thank each of the contributors to this month's MLLA roundup. You have all helped make this transition to legume mistress a great success. Of course, a special thanks to Susan for passing along the reigns and crowning me 'Our Lady of the Legumes'. I hope this long running and popular event will continue to be a favored spot for your legume creations and inspiration for those of us who love to cook with legumes.

Let's get started with some starters and sides.



moong daal paratha

courtesy of Sharmistha of Cook-A-Doodle-Do. The mighty mung bean shines here, combined with broken wheat, for a lovely starter or accompaniment to your meal.


peas pulao

from Nupur of One Hot Stove. A classic side all dressed up for dinner. Essential for any Indian meal.


Banana Flower Vada

entered by Shri of TiffinCarrier Antic/que's. These golden cutlets are inspired by a visit to India and will set your table abloom.


black_eyed pea salad

passed along from Siri of Cooking with Siri. A refreshing side that could just as easily serve as a main.


Lentil Prívarok

from Cinzia of Cindystar. A complete and balanced leguminous brunch or lunch with lots of satisfying flavors.


avocado hummus

offered up from Lisa's Kitchen. Smooth, light, creamy and fluffy fresh-tasting appetizer dip or a lovely lunch or dinner accompaniment.


chickpea cutlets

from Avika of A Day Through my Life. A substantial side, appetizer or satisfying meal just crying out to be served with homemade green chutney.


guar beans

entered by Swathi of Zesty South Indian Kitchen. These not so humble beans shine in this curry that goes oh so well with rice and gravy.


green beans

from Rose of Magpie's Recipes. An elegant side or complete meal when served with rice and a soft boiled egg.


bean couscous salad

from Elizabeth of Elizabeth's Kitchen. This vibrant salad could easily be a healthy meal just by itself and it's a snap to put together.



lentil fritters

Lentil Fritters/Urad Dal Vada
from Princy of Spicy Foood. A tea time snack with a healthy dose of legumes. Serve as a starter with your meal or as a tempting side.



Red lentil & shallot velluteè with Curry & Cumin

Red Lentil and Shallot Velluteè with Curry and Cumin
courtesy of Brii of briggishome. A nourishing lunch not to be missed and a welcome addition to the dinner table.



edamame hummus

Edamame and Garlic Spread
courtesy of Soma of eCurry. If you need a satisfying snack, then pair this mouthwatering lemony and nutty hummus spread with some rustic bread.




beans bulgur and kale

from Janet of The Taste Space. This nourishing dish is so easy and a delightful addition to the table.


Lemon Quinoa with Black Garbanzo Beans

offered up by Denny of Oh Taste n See. A beautifully balanced and elegant meal with some zest.


varan-bhat

from Anita of The Mad Tea Party. Perfect comfort food especially when served with coconut chutney, lime and ghee. Vegetables, pickles and pakoras really make this a special meal.


chow chow curry

from Meena of Encourage Spice. This nourishing kootu would pair well with a tamarind rasam and some Indian flatbreads.


pasta pea walnut pesto

from Shruti of Part Time Chef. Serious legume comfort food with grace.


Ragada Patties

from Lata of Flavours and Tastes. These could be served as a starter, but they are worth occupying the centerpiece of your meal.


pumpkin kale chickpea curry

served from Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe. This glorious stew is all the more comforting when paired with homemade rustic brown bread.



chickpea curry

from tigerfish of An Escape to Food. An Indian classic that never fails to please.



How about some snacks and desserts?


Gur wali Patti

from Saravjit of SohNi's Kitchen. A comforting and nourishing nutty winter treat to combat the winter blues.


moong dal ladoo

from Anusha of Tomato Blues. Simple, "sinfully delicious", yet healthy too. A comforting indulgence for any occasion.


peanut praline

from lovely Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook, the founder of this popular event. This "butterscotch-rich" vegan sweet will surely provide a needed boost throughout the day.



And now for our winner - congratulations to Rose of Magpie's Recipes. She will receive both the book and Hurst bean prize.

Our guest host for March is PJ of Seduce your Tastebuds ... Please forward your legume recipe to her and see her announcement. For all things MLLA, visit the ongoing archive.