Category Archives: Lunch

Basics, Dairy-Free, Low Calorie, Lunch, Meal Prep, Meat, Weekend Dinner

Baked Chicken Breasts

August 24, 2024 Sam

Print Recipe

Baked Chicken Breasts

Prep Time45

Cook Time35

Total Time1 20

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: California, Simple

Keyword: Basics, Chicken, Meat

Servings: servings

Calories: 184kcal

Ingredients

Brine

6 cups water
3 tbsp kosher salt

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp avocado oil
4 tbsp seasoning

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of room temperature water and the salt. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully submerged. Brine for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. (Cover and refrigerate if brining for more than 30 minutes.)
Heat the oven to 425 degrees and line a sheet pan or large baking dish with parchment paper. While the oven heats, remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels, discarding the brine. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil, flipping chicken so both sides are coated. Sprinkle with the dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, if using, and some black pepper.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breasts reaches 165 degrees. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into the chicken and serving.

Notes

5 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Baked Chicken Breasts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 184 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 0.01g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 58mg19%

Sodium 1517mg66%

Potassium 484mg14%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 0.5g1%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 228IU5%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 203mg20%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Basics, Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Low Calorie, Lunch, Meal Prep, Sauces

Ranchish Dressing (Vegan)

August 24, 2024 Sam

This isn’t exactly ranch dressing. It’s a different thing, but it’s nonetheless good and non-dairy. And it’s very quick to make.

Print Recipe

Ranchish Dressing (Vegan)

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Salad

Cuisine: California, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Basics, Sauces

Servings: servings

Calories: 138kcal

Ingredients

1½ cup raw cashews
1 cup water
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp dried dill

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Notes

About 8 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Ranchish Dressing (Vegan)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 138 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 6g

Sodium 151mg7%

Potassium 190mg5%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 428IU9%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 19mg2%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Lunch, Pressure Cooker, Salad, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner

Vegan Caesar Salad With Crisp Chickpeas

July 7, 2024 Sam

Print Recipe

Vegan Caesar Salad With Crisp Chickpeas

Prep Time25

Cook Time20

Beans4

Total Time4 45

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American, California, Vegan

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 618kcal

Equipment

1 high-speed blender

Ingredients

Dry Beans

½ lb garbanzo beans dry

Salad

2 cups sourdough bread crusty, chopped
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 large bunch lacinato kale stems removed, roughly chopped
1 large head romaine lettuce chopped

Dressing

1 cup whole unroasted cashews
¼ cup nutritional yeast
¼ cup lemon juice fresh, from 1-2 lemons
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp caper jar brine
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp white miso paste
¾ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp pepper
¾ cup water (or aquafaba for extra creamy)

Instructions

Beans

Make the ½ lb garbanzo beans, either in the pressure cooker or in a slow cooker (after soaking only). Refer to the main page on beans. Do not add any spices.

Salad

Heat the toaster oven to 400 degrees on speed convection. On a small baking sheet, toss the 2 cups sourdough bread (chopped) with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and add salt and pepper generously. Bake for about 8-10 minutes.
While that bakes, prepare the ½ lb garbanzo beans. Drain them (save the liquid for this or other projects). Dry them thoroughly; use kitchen towels and then paper towels. Toss with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and add salt and pepper generously. Drain the oil off. Then add to a parchment-paper-lined sheet pan, ensuring they are not crowded. You may want to do two patches if using the toaster oven.

Dressing

To a high-speed blender, add the 1 cup whole unroasted cashews, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, ¼ cup lemon juice, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tsp caper jar brine, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp white miso paste, ¾ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp pepper, and ¾ cup water (or aquafaba for extra creamy).
Blend until completely smooth, 3-4 minutes, scraping the sides with a rubber spatula every minute or so, at least.

Finish

When ready, prepare and chop the 1 large head romaine lettuce and 1 large bunch lacinato kale. Add the chopped kale to a large bowl, along with the dressing. Massage the kale with your grubby little hands until softened.
Add the lettuce, croutons, and half the chickpeas. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with more nutritional yeast. Top with remaining roasted chickpeas.

Notes

Makes 4 servings, at least at those nutrition facts

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Caesar Salad With Crisp Chickpeas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 618 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Fat 34g52%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Polyunsaturated Fat 6g

Monounsaturated Fat 19g

Sodium 684mg30%

Potassium 1436mg41%

Carbohydrates 63g21%

Fiber 18g75%

Sugar 12g13%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 20418IU408%

Vitamin C 78mg95%

Calcium 310mg31%

Iron 9mg50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Appetizer, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Lunch, Pressure Cooker, Side, Slow Cooker, Summer

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

September 2, 2023 Sam

Print Recipe

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Prep Time3

Cook Time30

Soaking Time8

Total Time11 30

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: California, Mexican, Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans, Fresh Corn

Servings: servings (as a side)

Calories: 215kcal

Ingredients

1 large green pepper Anaheim, or 2 small
2 bunches green onions trimmed
3 tsp olive oil divided use
4 ears of corn shucked, cleaned and kernals removed, cobs can be saved for soup or discarded
1 tbsp butter
½ lb Ayocote Morado beans or similar large bean
¼ cup creme fraiche or sour cream
3 limes
1 tbsp hot sauce ideally smoky and deep
1 tsp Rancho Gordo New Mexican Red Chile Powder or other chile powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 small bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

Halve the pepper, remove the stems, pith, and seeds, then cut into thick strips. Put the pepper strips and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a bowl and toss to coat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; once the skillet is hot, add the peppers and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board or plate to cool.
In the bowl, toss the green onions with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add them to the skillet (in two batches if necessary) and char them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the cutting board. Once cool, cut into 1-inch chunks. Return the green onions and pepper to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In another bowl, toss the corn with a teaspoon of olive oil. Add to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter. Return the corn to its bowl and stir in the beans.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, juice of 1 lime, hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of water; mix well. Add to the bowl with the corn and beans, and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In another small bowl, combine the chile powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
Arrange a third of the pepper-onion mixture and a third of the corn-bean mixture on a platter or in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with some of the feta, some of the chile mixture, and some cilantro. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used. Add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Notes

Serves six as a side dish

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Ayocote Morado and Charred Corn Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 215 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 16mg5%

Sodium 309mg13%

Potassium 380mg11%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 409IU8%

Vitamin C 18mg22%

Calcium 108mg11%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Appetizer, Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Fall, Great Leftovers, Low Calorie, Lunch, Salad, Side, Spring, Summer, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

June 28, 2022 Sam

This fairly simply meal is delicious and saves well. It probably needs to have a secondary side of some kind.

Print Recipe

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Bean Soaking6

Total Time7

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Inspired by New York Times, Roasted Vegetables, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 392kcal

Ingredients

Beans

½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
1 bay leaf

Salad

1 lb cauliflower trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup celery thinly sliced
3 tbsp parsley chopped, optional
3 tbsp green onions sliced

Dressing

1 large shallot small diced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp ground fennel seed
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Beans

Soak the beans in 1.5% salinity water for 6-8 hours, ideally. (If not soaked, switch to pressure-cooker method for next step and cook for 20-40 minutes under pressure, depending on the bean.)
½ lb dry white beans (e.g., Buckeye)
Drain the soaked beans. To a large sauce pot, add the drained beans and lots of water, enough to cover by two inches. Add the bay leaf. Cover and heat over high until boiling (and turn down to keep hearty boil but not overflow the pot). Boil heartily for 10 minutes, then turn heat to just above low, so you have a steady simmer. Cook for at least 20 minutes, and up to an hour, checking at regular intervals if the beans are cooked through. When fully cooked, drain and set aside.
1 bay leaf

Cauliflower and Other Prep

Once you start the beans, prepare the cauliflower by trimming and cutting. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Put cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until nicely cooked and developing some browned bits. Set aside to cool.
1 lb cauliflower, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper
Prep the other salad ingredients. Celery can go into the ultimate salad bowl. The scallions and parsley (if using) should be kept separate, ideally.
1 cup celery, 3 tbsp parsley, 3 tbsp green onions

Dressing

In a medium bowl, place all dressing ingredients (minus the salt and pepper for now). Whisk well to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
1 large shallot, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp ground fennel seed, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper

Combine and Rest

Once the beans and cauliflower and done, and hopefully have cooled some, add to the bowl with the celery. Gently toss with the dressing. Let it rest for 30 minutes so the flavors combine. Then add the green onions and parsley (if using). Toss again. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

White Beans with Roasted Cauliflower

Amount Per Serving

Calories 392 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 13g

Sodium 1273mg55%

Potassium 1513mg43%

Carbohydrates 45g15%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 16g32%

Vitamin A 422IU8%

Vitamin C 62mg75%

Calcium 197mg20%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Great Leftovers, Lunch, Pressure Cooker, Weeknight Dinner

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

February 26, 2022 Sam

An excellent, relatively simple recipe.

Print Recipe

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Bean Soaking8

Total Time9

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: California, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans, Sandwich

Servings: servings

Calories: 781kcal

Equipment

1 Pressure cooker

Ingredients

Beans

½ lb dry garbanzo beans
bean spices garlic, onion, bay leaf, oregano, etc.

Salad

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
6 tbsp tahini
2 large lemons 3 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped scallions

Sandwich

8 slices bread
8 leaves butter lettuce
4 tbsp vegan mayonnaise optional

Instructions

Beans

Soak the beans in 1.5% salted water for 8 hours, ideally.
½ lb dry garbanzo beans
Add the soaked beans and ~2 quarts of water to the pressure cooker. Add bean spices in a spice bag or other container. Cook under high pressure for 8-12 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 25 minutes. Then check doneness. If done, proceed; if not, cook again under pressure or not, depending on how much is needed. Drain beans and set aside to drain completely, cool some, and release steam while you prepare the other ingredients.
bean spices

Salad

In a large bowl (or large food processor), combine oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk (or pulse) until well combined.
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 6 tbsp tahini, 2 large lemons, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
Add cooked, drained garbanzo beans and mash gently, for a chunky texture (or briefly pulse in food processor). Add celery and scallions and mix (consider not pulsing again and mixing with a spatula). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
½ lb dry garbanzo beans, ½ cup finely chopped celery, ½ cup finely chopped scallions

Sandwitch

Prepare sandwiches. Optional mayonnaise can go on each side of the bread. Then add butter lettuce. Consider other toppings like tomato, avocado, cucumber, pickles, etc. Also consider making the mayonaise spicy with a bit of sriracha.
8 slices bread, 8 leaves butter lettuce, 4 tbsp vegan mayonnaise

Notes

Makes 4 big sandwiches

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Amount Per Serving

Calories 781 Calories from Fat 432

% Daily Value*

Fat 48g74%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Polyunsaturated Fat 9g

Monounsaturated Fat 22g

Sodium 922mg40%

Potassium 958mg27%

Carbohydrates 71g24%

Fiber 17g71%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 1243IU25%

Vitamin C 36mg44%

Calcium 193mg19%

Iron 7mg39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Great Leftovers, Lunch, Meal Prep, Pressure Cooker

Lunch: Mayocoba, Cilantro Brown Rice and Cilantro Hemp Paste

January 8, 2022 Sam

Print Recipe

Lunch: Mayocoba, Brown Rice and Cilantro Hemp Paste

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Rice

Servings: servings

Calories: 579kcal

Equipment

1 Pressure cooker
1 Large food processor

Ingredients

Beans

1 lb Mayocoba beans
bean spices

Cilantro Brown Rice

4 cups water
½ tbsp olive oil
2 large limes zested and juiced, saving half of juice for paste
1 bay leaf
2 cups brown rice medium or short-grain
½ bunch cilantro leaves chopped
½ tsp salt

Cilantro Hemp Paste

1 bunch cilantro leaves and stems toughest stems removed
1 cup hemp hearts
1 large jalapeño destemmed
2 cloves garlic trimmed
1 large lime juiced
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

Sides

4 large bell peppers

Instructions

Dry Beans

Soak the beans in 1% salted water for 6-8 hours, ideally. (Or skip this step and just rinse the beans and increase cooking time substantially.)
1 lb Mayocoba beans
Add the soaked beans and ~2 quarts of water. Add bean spices in a spice bag or other container. (If unsoaked, add more water; if soaked long enough, you may be able to use less water.) If fully soaked, cook under high pressure for 5-8 minutes; if unsoaked, cook under high pressure for 20-30 minutes. Allow pressure to release for 25 minutes. Drain beans, salt lightly, and set aside.
bean spices

Brown Rice

Boil at least 1 quart of water in the kettle.
4 cups water
Heat olive oil over medium heat in large sauce pot. Add the lime zest, bay leaf and rinsed rice. Stir well.
½ tbsp olive oil, 2 large limes, 1 bay leaf, 2 cups brown rice
After the rice starts to crackle and smell aromatic, add 4 cups boiling water. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil again (if not already) before turning to just above low. Cover and let the rice cook completely undisturbed and covered for 30-35 minutes.
4 cups water
Turn off the heat and discard the bay leaf and fluff well. Add the cilantro, half of the lime juice, and a pinch or two of salt and stir well to combine. Taste and add ½ tsp salt at most, but keep it under-salted.
2 large limes, ½ bunch cilantro leaves, ½ tsp salt

Cilantro Hemp Pesto

To the bowl of a full-size food processor, add everything except the oil, including half of the lime juice from the cilantro brown rice. Process until everything is finely chopped; pause to scrape down the bowl as necessary. Add about ½ tsp salt, more if your salt isn't very salty.
1 bunch cilantro leaves and stems, 1 cup hemp hearts, 1 large jalapeño, 2 cloves garlic, 1 large lime, 1 tsp salt
Slowly add the olive oil while still mixing, continuing until it is all well-combined and creamy. Taste and add salt if needed.
2 tbsp olive oil

Assembly

Add the rice and beans to the containers. Top with the cilantro paste. Add the bell peppers on top.
4 large bell peppers

Notes

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lunch: Mayocoba, Brown Rice and Cilantro Hemp Paste

Amount Per Serving

Calories 579 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 458mg20%

Potassium 1359mg39%

Carbohydrates 80g27%

Fiber 14g58%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 2830IU57%

Vitamin C 115mg139%

Calcium 207mg21%

Iron 11mg61%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Great Leftovers, Lunch, Meal Prep, Pressure Cooker

Lunch: Garbanzos, Quinoa, and Sikil Paak

January 8, 2022 Sam

Print Recipe

Lunch: Garbanzos, Quinoa, Sikil Pak

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Quinoa, Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 501kcal

Equipment

1 Pressure cooker
1 Large food processor

Ingredients

Beans

1 lb garbanzo beans
bean spices

Quinoa

2 cups quinoa
4 cups vegetable broth

Sikil Pak

1 cup pepitas
1 serrano pepper
4 cloves garlic trimmed
1 small cilantro toughest stems chopped off
1 large lime zested and juiced
½ cup fire-roasted tomatoes

Sides

4 large bell peppers sliced
½ cup sesame seeds

Instructions

Beans

Soak the garbanzo beans in 1% salted water for 8 hours, ideally. (Or skip this step and just rinse the beans and increase cooking time substantially.)
1 lb garbanzo beans
Add the soaked beans and ~2 quarts of water. Add bean spices in a spice bag or other container. (If unsoaked, add more water; if soaked long enough, you may be able to use less water.) If fully soaked, cook under high pressure for 8-12 minutes; if unsoaked, cook under high pressure for 30-40 minutes. Allow pressure to release for 25 minutes. Drain beans, salt lightly, and set aside.
bean spices

Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa and drain well. Add to a large sauce pot.
2 cups quinoa
Add the 2 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and cook for 15-30 minutes, depending on the kind of quinoa. Cook until done and all liquid has been absorbed.
4 cups vegetable broth

Sikil Pak

Add the sikil pak ingredients to a food processor. Mix until everything is combined. Lightly salt, if desired.
1 cup pepitas, 1 serrano pepper, 4 cloves garlic, 1 small cilantro, 1 large lime, ½ cup fire-roasted tomatoes

Assembly

Once all ingredients are ready, add to small containers in roughly equal proportions, starting with qunioa and beans, then the sikil pak then the sesame seeds and bell pepper slices.
½ cup sesame seeds, 4 large bell peppers

Notes

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lunch: Garbanzos, Quinoa, Sikil Pak

Amount Per Serving

Calories 501 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Sodium 516mg22%

Potassium 1035mg30%

Carbohydrates 73g24%

Fiber 17g71%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 2957IU59%

Vitamin C 111mg135%

Calcium 191mg19%

Iron 8mg44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Great Leftovers, Low Calorie, Lunch, Meal Prep, Pressure Cooker

Lunch: Black Beans, Farro, Tofu and Cilantro

December 11, 2021 Sam

Print Recipe

Lunch: Black Beans, Farro, Tofu and Cilantro

A simple meal for meal-prepped lunch

Prep Time15

Cook Time1 30

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans, Farro, Leftovers

Servings: servings

Calories: 608kcal

Equipment

8 large (~6 cup) containers

Ingredients

Beans

1 lb black beans
1 small red onion
3 oz chipotle in adobo
½ tsp salt

Farro

1½ cups pearled farro
4½ cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil

Walnut-Cilantro Paste

2 cups walnuts
1 small serrano pepper
¼ cup olive oil
½ bunch cilantro
½ tsp salt

Chipotle Tofu

20 oz firm tofu Hodo Soy preferred
3 oz chipotle in adobo cubed
2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small lime juiced
1 tsp oregano

Sides

3 large green bell peppers

Instructions

Chipotle Tofu

Mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the cubed tofu. Set aside for a few hours, if possible.
20 oz firm tofu, 3 oz chipotle in adobo, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small lime, 1 tsp oregano

Beans

Soak the black beans in 1% salted water for about 6-8 hours, ideally. (Or skip this step and just rinse the beans and increase cooking time.)
1 lb black beans
In a pressure cooker (electric or stovetop), turn on the heat (turn on saute) and add the chopped red onion, the chipotle in adobo and a few pinches of salt. Cook until it has softened and developed some color and aroma.
1 small red onion, 3 oz chipotle in adobo, ½ tsp salt
Add the soaked (or just rinsed) beans and ~2 quarts of water. If unsoaked, add more water; if soaked long enough, you may be able to use less water. If fully soaked, cook under high pressure for 4-6 minutes; if unsoaked, cook under high pressure for 24-28 minutes. Allow pressure to release for 25 minutes. Drain beans, salt lightly, and set aside.

Chipotle Tofu

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Place the marinated tofu in a ceramic baking dish. Once oven is pre-heated, bake tofu for 40 minutes.

Farro

Rinse the farro and drain well. Add to a large saucepot and turn to medium-high heat. Allow farro to burn off the water and start to toast in the pot.
1½ cups pearled farro
Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for about 25 minutes, until cooked.
4½ cups vegetable broth
Drain and add back to the pot, mixing with 2 tbsp olive oil.
2 tbsp olive oil

Walnut-Cilantro Paste

Toast the walnuts (optional). Add the walnuts, serrano pepper, olive oil, cilantro and salt to a small food processor. Blend until you get a paste.
2 cups walnuts, 1 small serrano pepper, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ bunch cilantro, ½ tsp salt

Assembly

Once all ingredients are ready, add to the small containers in roughly equal proportions, starting with farro and beans, then the cilantro paste, then the olives and bell pepper slices.
3 large green bell peppers

Notes

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lunch: Black Beans, Farro, Tofu and Cilantro

Amount Per Serving

Calories 608 Calories from Fat 315

% Daily Value*

Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Sodium 1100mg48%

Potassium 589mg17%

Carbohydrates 59g20%

Fiber 17g71%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 20g40%

Vitamin A 1646IU33%

Vitamin C 54mg65%

Calcium 165mg17%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Dairy-Free, Lunch, Quick, Salad, Summer, Weeknight Dinner

Spinach-Strawberry Salad

June 6, 2021 Sam

This recipe was found and modified out of necessity. I was supposed to use spinach in this cranberry bean and barley soup, but I forgot to include it. The next day, I made this salad to accompany dinner and it was delicious.

Print Recipe

Spinach-Strawberry Salad

Prep Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

½ cup raw walnuts chopped
½ small red onion very thinly sliced
10 oz fresh baby spinach
2 pints strawberries tops removed and sliced
7 oz vegan feta crumbled

Dressing

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp poppy seeds
1½ tbsp agave
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
black pepper

Instructions

Prep the dressing by combining all ingredients in a large bowl and whisking well. Set aside half if you're making just two servings at a time.
When ready to eat the salad, prep the other ingredients as described above.

Notes

4 servings

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Spinach-Strawberry Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500 Calories from Fat 333

% Daily Value*

Fat 37g57%

Saturated Fat 15g94%

Sodium 695mg30%

Potassium 885mg25%

Carbohydrates 39g13%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 21g23%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 6678IU134%

Vitamin C 160mg194%

Calcium 179mg18%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.