Category Archives: Weeknight Dinner

Dry Beans, Favorites, Great Leftovers, Rotation, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Baked Farro, Lentils and Feta

February 17, 2020 Sam

A good weeknight option because you can do dishes or hang out while it cooks in the oven. If served alone (without a side) this probably makes about 4 servings. With a side vegetable or salad, it’s probably a good 6 servings. The best part is probably the melted and browned feta, but the whole dish really comes together well.

Print Recipe

Baked Farro, Lentils and Feta

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 641kcal

Ingredients

1 cup farro
½ cup lentils green or black caviar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp red-pepper flakes
24 oz passata or tomato purée
3 cups vegetable broth
5 sprigs oregano, thyme or rosemary
12 oz feta sliced very thin

Instructions

Coarsely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Rinse the herb(s).
Heat the oven to 400ºF. Place the 1 cup farro in a baking dish and toast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a wide, deep pan (the all-in-one pan works great) heat the 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened (5-7 min), seasoning with salt. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato purée, herbs/sprigs and 3 cups broth or water (or a combination of both). Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Add the lentils and farro and stir completely. Bake in the oven for around 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check in the middle of cooking to ensure it doesn’t get too dry, and if it does add ¼ cup boiling water and stir well.
Cut the feta into thin (less than ¼”) slices. Once the farro is cooked (so it’s chewey but not crunchy), remove the dish from the oven and turn on the broil setting to high. Stir the lentils and farro once more, discard the herb sprigs, then top with the slices of feta. Broil until the feta is molten and brown in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Baked Farro, Lentils and Feta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 641 Calories from Fat 234

% Daily Value*

Fat 26g40%

Saturated Fat 14g88%

Cholesterol 76mg25%

Sodium 859mg37%

Potassium 1245mg36%

Carbohydrates 79g26%

Fiber 19g79%

Sugar 16g18%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 1771IU35%

Vitamin C 23mg28%

Calcium 494mg49%

Iron 7mg39%

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

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Fall, Great Leftovers, Quick, Rotation, Spring, Summer, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Sloppy Sams (Lentil Sloppy Joes)

February 17, 2020 Sam

I’ve edited and refined this several times and it’s now in really great shape. Don’t skimp on the green bell pepper – it adds a sharp, fresh counterpoint to the heavy (and great) tomato and umami flavor. Delicious and great for a few days in the fridge.

For dinner, this should be accompanied by a side of vegetables or, if you’re aiming to dive fully into comfort-food, oven fries or other potato product. (And the filling would be great on top.)

Black caviar lentils are great in this because they hold their shape well and provide a great flavor. French green are also great, if you make sure you don’t overcook them by cooking them lower and slower than you would cook black caviars.

Print Recipe

Sloppy Sams (Lentil Sloppy Joes)

Quick meatless comfort-food meal

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Keyword: Dry Beans, Lentils

Servings: servings

Calories: 649kcal

Ingredients

4 buns

Lentils

1 cup water
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup black or green lentils

Sauce

1 medium white onion
3 cloves garlic
1 large green bell pepper or 2 small
1 jalapeño
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
15 oz tomato sauce, passata or marinara
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Rinse lentils. In a medium saucepan, add the lentils and the 1 cup water and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a low boil and then cook, uncovered, for 18 minutes or until tender. Drain excess liquid when done. (Add more liquid if they aren’t tender and are looking dry, which is unlikely.)
While that cooks, peel and trim the onion and cut out the middle third, for rings to top the sandwiches. Take the other two thirds and chop finely, adding to a bowl, along with 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-2 green bell peppers (chopped) and the jalapeno (finely chopped).
Heat butter and olive oil (2 tbsp total) in a skillet on medium-high. Add the onions and peppers and cook until they are fragrant and starting to brown. Then, add the tomato sauce or passata, the 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dry mustard and 1 tsp oregano. Add salt to taste.
When the lentils are done (and drained), add them to the mix and continue cooking over medium-low heat until cooked through and fairly thick. Taste and adjust flavoring as needed.
Serve on toasted buns with rings of white onion.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Sloppy Sams (Lentil Sloppy Joes)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 649 Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 151mg50%

Sodium 1880mg82%

Potassium 644mg18%

Carbohydrates 80g27%

Fiber 14g58%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 25g50%

Vitamin A 2494IU50%

Vitamin C 51mg62%

Calcium 155mg16%

Iron 9mg50%

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

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Fall, Great Leftovers, Quick, Spring, Summer, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Slow Cooker Taco Salad

January 11, 2020 Sam

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Taco Salad

Easy to make and produces excellent leftovers

Prep Time30

Cook Time8

Total Time8 30

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: California, Comfort Food, Mexican

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 518kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

Beans

½ lb black beans
½ can chipotle peppers in adobo
½ red onion
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic
1 bunch cilantro stems and leaves separated and chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika

Toppings

2 red onions
2 avocadoes cubed and spritzed with lime juice
2 bell peppers
4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
2 cups corn chips
8 oz sour cream
16 oz cheddar cheese
4 tomatoes chopped
1 jalapeno thinly sliced
8 oz salsa

Instructions

Mince the small red onion, the cilantro stems, and garlic cloves. Mix the spices and salt. In the Instant Pot on sauté, add a bit of oil and the red onion, cilantro stems and garlic. Once fragrant and cooked, add the tomato paste, the juice from half of the can of chipotle and then chop half the peppers and add to the pot as well. (Save the other half for another use.) Add the spice mix. Rinse the ½ lb beans and add to the pot, along with 1 quart water. Stir well. Turn to medium for 6-8 hours. Adjust temperature if needed.
Prepare the toppings before you’re ready to serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Taco Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 518 Calories from Fat 324

% Daily Value*

Fat 36g55%

Saturated Fat 17g106%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 74mg25%

Sodium 1110mg48%

Potassium 899mg26%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 5313IU106%

Vitamin C 59mg72%

Calcium 514mg51%

Iron 3mg17%

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

Dairy-Free, Dinner Party, Dry Beans, Favorites, Great Leftovers, Projects, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans)

November 23, 2019 Sam

Is this technically a chowder, because it contains potatoes? The Internet told me once that a chowder is a soup with potatoes. The Internet lies.

So, no, it’s not a chowder. It’s just delicious.

Print Recipe

Habichuelas Guisadas

Puerto Rican Stewed Beans

Prep Time30

Cook Time2

Total Time2 30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 399kcal

Equipment

Pressure cooker
Dutch oven

Ingredients

Beans

1 lb dry beans red, pink or pinto beans
2 cloves garlic
1 medium shallot
2 bay leaves
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp peppercorns
1 stalk celery

Stew

1 cup sofrito
2 large carrots diced
1 large red bell pepper diced
2-4 tomatoes depending on size
2 tbsp sazón
1 lb red potatoes or other waxy potatoes, diced into large chunks
10 large green olives

Serving

2 cups Puerto Rican white rice
1 cup Pique

Instructions

First, the beans. Rinse and soak the beans in 1% salinity water for at least 6 hours. Add the beans and their soaking water to a large pot. To a spice bag, add 2 peeled garlic cloves, 1 shallot, 2 bay leaves, some coriander seeds, peppercorns, and a roughly chopped stalk of celery. Bring to a hearty boil for 10 minutes, and then cook for 30 minutes, maybe less depending on how fresh the beans are. When the beans are done (they can be just-cooked), drain but save the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, prepare the ingredients. Make the sofrito (if you do not already have some on-hand). Dice the carrots, bell pepper and tomatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut into fairly good-sized chunks. Drain the olives.
In a large Dutch oven, heat a few tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the sofrito, the carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes and 2 tbsp sazon. Cook for a few minutes to activate everything and start to soften the hard parts. Add the beans, potatoes and 1-2 cups of the bean water. If under-seasoned (besides salt), you can add some concentrated broth, bullion cubes, tomato paste, or more sazón. Make sure there is enough liquid for this to stew for a bit.
Cook for an hour, removing the cover part of the way through to let the broth thicken.

Notes

For six servings, including the rice

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Habichuelas Guisadas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 399 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 401mg17%

Potassium 1647mg47%

Carbohydrates 74g25%

Fiber 23g96%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 21g42%

Vitamin A 5301IU106%

Vitamin C 58mg70%

Calcium 151mg15%

Iron 6mg33%

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

Quick, Weeknight Dinner

Grilled Caprese Flatbread

November 23, 2019 Sam

This is a great meal for Naan Week (especially in summer) because it is typically going to be different than other naan-centered planned for that same week.

Print Recipe

Grilled Caprese Flatbread and Salad

Naan serves as an excellent flatbread to support a fresh summer dinner

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Total Time45

Servings: servings

Calories: 707kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces naan
1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
4 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
8 oz tomatoes cored and thinly sliced
1 tsp salt
2 oz basil pesto

Salad and Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large lemon zested and juiced
3 oz arugula

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients and lay it all out. Preheat a broiler on high.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
1 large lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil
Brush both sides of the naan with oil. Place on a sheet pan under the broiler for about 3 minutes until the top is developing good color. Remove from the oven.
2 pieces naan, 1 tbsp olive oil
Flip the naan so the bottom is the crispy side. Divide the sliced mozzarella among the naan, then top with tomato slices to cover (some can be for the salad). Season with with some of the salt and fresh pepper. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan.
4 oz fresh mozzarella, 8 oz tomatoes, 1 tsp salt
Return flatbreads to the oven and broil until the cheese looks softer or melted, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat if everything is browning too quickly. Transfer to a cutting board to cool briefly.
Finish the salad. To the large bowl with the oil and lemon juice, mix in remaining tomatoes, arugula, walnuts and parmesan.
3 oz arugula
Sprinkle some of the lemon zest and the 2 oz pesto over the top of the flatbreads, then cut into wedges.
2 oz basil pesto

Notes

Serves 2

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Grilled Caprese Flatbread and Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 707 Calories from Fat 441

% Daily Value*

Fat 49g75%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 19g

Cholesterol 50mg17%

Sodium 2238mg97%

Potassium 629mg18%

Carbohydrates 48g16%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 2959IU59%

Vitamin C 52mg63%

Calcium 483mg48%

Iron 3mg17%

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

Favorites, Great Leftovers, Projects, Rotation, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner

Pan Pizza

November 20, 2019 Sam

This is an excellent pan-style pizza that I revised and improved over several iterations. The outside edge gets crispy, the inside has an even and airy crumb and the top is enhanced by a light layer of sauce and delicious cheese. Vegetarian pepperoni push this into “excellent” territory, but cheese alone is a great topping.

Print Recipe

Pan Pizza

Like Pizza Hut, but much better

Prep Time30

Cook Time45

Dough Resting1 4

Total Time1 5 15

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Keyword: Pizza Hut

Servings: large slices

Calories: 424kcal

Equipment

Detroit-style anondized rectangular pan (or a rectangular baking dish)

Ingredients

Dough

500 g all-purpose flour plus up to 50g more
10 g kosher salt
350 g lukewarm water
35 g olive oil
4 g active dry yeast
5 g sugar

Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tbsp oregano ½ tbsp dried
½ tsp salt
2 tsp honey or agave syrup
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 shallot
1 clove garlic or about 1 tsp dried minced or ½ tsp powder

Topping

300 g low-moisture mozzarella cheese
olives optional
vegetarian pepperoni optional
fresh oregano optional
fresh basil optional
slice jalapenos optional

Instructions

One Day Before

Make the dough a day or two before you want to bake; the recipe makes enough for a large pizza. Measure out the 500g flour in a large bowl. Add about half to the stand mixer bowl. Add the salt.
In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine 350g lukewarm water (100-110ºF), 4g active dry yeast and 5g sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add 35g olive oil.
Turn on the mixer to a low speed with the paddle attachment and add the liquid mixture to the flour slowly, making sure the dough is being scraped off the edges and well mixed together. Add the remaining measured flour. Mix it all together until it is a large, shaggy ball of wet dough. Remove the flat attachment and clean it carefully. Cover the mixer bowl and allow to sit for about 30 minutes.
Uncover the dough and return it to the stand mixer with the dough hook. Knead it until it is uniformly smooth and just a little sticky, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. You will almost certainly need to add flour here – maybe about ¼ cup extra. Move the dough ball into a lightly-oiled, medium-sized mixing bowl (or other container) that can accommodate about double-growth. Cover well (air-tight wrap) and allow to sit for 1 hour at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 20 hours, and up to three or four days.

Sauce

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, or you can make it on the pizza day; it makes enough for 2-3 pizzas, so save leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Peel and mince the 1 clove garlic and 1 small shallot, if using either or both. Place a small saucepan over medium heat and add to it 1 tbsp olive oil. When the oil is just shimmering, turn down the heat a bit below medium and add the minced garlic and shallot (if using) and cook, stirring, until they are aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the oregano and red pepper flakes and stir briefly. Then add the tomato sauce, allow it to heat fully to the point where it just starts to bubble, then lower heat and add the 2 tsp honey or agave and stir well. Add salt to taste. Allow to simmer for a bit (5 min or so), stirring occasionally.

Warm Dough

About four hours before baking, remove the dough from the fridge and remove from the bowl. Fold and shape into a flat square and place in an oiled, coated-aluminum baking pan (like a Detroit-pizza style pan). Cover well.
After about an hour, press and stretch the dough into the edges of the pan. If it’s stretching back too much to fill the pan, return every 15 minutes or so until you can get it to stretch to the edge. Keep it covered.

Finish pizza

Heat oven to 450ºF with a baking stone, pizza stone or cast-iron pan in the bottom rack of the oven and a rack positioned over this, as close to the center of the oven as you can get.
Once pre-heated for at least 20 minutes, prepare the pizza. Use a spoon, ladle or curved spatula to very gently place a thin layer of sauce on the dough. Sprinkle the shredded cheese onto the pizza and add other toppings, such as veggie pepperoni, olives, fresh oregano, basil, jalapenos, etc. You can also dash a few sprinkles of salt on top.
Place the pizzas onto the middle rack of the oven. Turn the oven down to 425ºF once you’ve placed it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you can see nice burned sides and the cheese is bubbling and even starting to brown a little (not all cheeses will do this consistently, so the fully darkened sides are a better indicator).
Remove from the oven and use an offset spatula to separate the pizza from the sides as soon as you remove the pan from the oven. You want to very gently lift it and separate, but then leave it in the pan for another 10-20 minutes while it cools.
After the cooling period, you can remove the pizza to a cutting board and cut into slices, likely using a knife given the rise of the dough.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Pan Pizza

Amount Per Serving

Calories 424 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 20mg7%

Sodium 1156mg50%

Potassium 305mg9%

Carbohydrates 56g19%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 17g34%

Vitamin A 486IU10%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 303mg30%

Iron 4mg22%

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

Dry Beans, Great Leftovers, Projects, Rotation, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner

Greek Lentil Pie

November 20, 2019 Sam

This was so good that we ate the whole thing in one night. The best way to make this is to first cook the Lentil and Tomato Stew. Then, proceed to this recipe. All-in, it’s about 2-3 hours of work, excluding the dishes.

Even better, cook the the lentils the first night, and have them with bread, pasta or couscous, and then on the second night you make the pie with the leftovers. (It is even be better that way, since the lentils thicken nicely in the fridge.)

Print Recipe

Greek Lentil Pie

Prep Time45

Cook Time45

Total Time1 30

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 789kcal

Equipment

Nine-inch, straight-sided ceramic or metal pie pan

Ingredients

1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cups lentil and tomato sauce stew or 2 cups cooked lentils, with some cooking water
½ cup dill chopped
5 oz feta crumbled
2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 sheets phyllo dough
5 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat in a heavy skillet and add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Add a generous pinch of salt and the 2 cloves minced garlic and stir together until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Remove from heat.
1 medium onion, 5 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with the 2 cups lentils, the chopped herbs and crumbled feta.
2 cups lentil and tomato sauce stew, ½ cup dill, 5 oz feta
Combine 2 tbsp butter and 4 tbsp olive oil in a heat-safe cup and melt gently in the microwave. Brush a 9-inch straight-sided ceramic or metal pie tin with butter and oil. Lay your phyllo dough out on a work surface and cover completely with a kitchen towel. Moisten another kitchen towel, and place on top of the dry towel. Remove phyllo one sheet at a time, replacing towels each time. Do the next steps quickly, to prevent the phyllo from drying or becoming damaged.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, 5 tbsp olive oil
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lay a sheet of phyllo in the pan, tucking it into the seam of the pan, with edges overhanging rim. Brush it lightly with butter and oil and turn pan slightly, then place another sheet on top, positioning it so that edges overlap another section of pan’s rim. Continue to layer in 5 more sheets of phyllo (for 7 total), brushing each one with butter and oil and staggering them so that overhang on the rim of pan is evenly distributed and covers entire pan.
12 sheets phyllo dough
Fill the lined pan with lentil filling, then fold overhanging edges in over filling, brushing each one lightly with butter/oil mixture again.
Layer remaining 5 sheets of dough over top, brushing each sheet with butter and olive oil and rotating pan slightly after each addition. Crimp edges into sides of pan. Brush top with butter and oil. Pierce top of pie in several places with a sharp knife. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serves 4

Nutrition

Nutrition information is generalized and may not include the actual lentil stew calculation, though it likely won’t make a big difference considering the other ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Greek Lentil Pie

Amount Per Serving

Calories 789 Calories from Fat 315

% Daily Value*

Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 12g75%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 47mg16%

Sodium 683mg30%

Potassium 156mg4%

Carbohydrates 85g28%

Fiber 22g92%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 784IU16%

Vitamin C 12mg15%

Calcium 264mg26%

Iron 10mg56%

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

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Fall, Great Leftovers, Pressure Cooker, Rotation, Spring, Summer, Weeknight Dinner, Winter

Sage Pasta and Chickpeas

November 20, 2019 Sam

This meal, of unknown origin, is a great way to use chickpeas with things I typically have in the pantry, except the fresh sage. It’s delicious warm or cold. Don’t forget the capers!

Print Recipe

Sage Pasta and Chickpeas

Prep Time30

Cook Time1

Total Time1 30

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 566kcal

Equipment

Pressure cooker

Ingredients

Beans

1.5 cups garbanzo beans
Bean spices, including bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, oregano

Pasta

8 oz dry pasta farfalle or other small shape
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic minced
4 sprigs sage about 3 tbsp chopped
2 tsp capers minced
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Beans

Rinse then soak the garbanzos in 1% salinity water for at least 8 hours. Drain and add the beans to a pressure cooker. Cover with water by at least 1" or so. Add bean spices to the pot, in a spice bag if possible. Set timer for 10 minutes and cook on high pressure. Allow for pressure to release naturally for 25-30 minutes and then release remaining pressure. Drain beans.

Pasta

When the beans are nearly done, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Prepare the other ingredients.
Once the beans are done, in a large, wide skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped sage and fry for 20 seconds. Pour into a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
In the same skill over medium heat, fry the onion in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden, stirring frequently. Season with the salt, plenty of freshly ground pepper and the pepper flakes.
Turn heat to low. Add the drained chickpeas and mix well. Add the cooked pasta to the chickpeas and onions. Then add the capers. Stir well and turn off the heat.
Serve topped with the sage and garlic oil.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Sage Pasta and Chickpeas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 566 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 641mg28%

Potassium 859mg25%

Carbohydrates 92g31%

Fiber 16g67%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 23g46%

Vitamin A 201IU4%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 108mg11%

Iron 6mg33%

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

Dairy-Free, Dry Beans, Great Leftovers, Weekend Dinner, Weeknight Dinner

Lentil and Tomato Stew

November 20, 2019 Sam

I made this for the Greek Lentil Pie, but it makes way more than is necessary for that recipe and it saves extremely well.

A few recommended ways to eat this as a meal:

Pearl couscous
Crusty bread
Roasted vegetables
Bed of arugula, or a side salad

Print Recipe

Lentil and Tomato Stew

Excellent and simple lentil stew

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: Dry Beans

Servings: servings

Calories: 223kcal

Equipment

Food mill (if using fresh tomatoes)

Ingredients

1 lb black caviar lentils
1 onion peeled and halved
4 cloves garlic peeled and left whole
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs thyme
Parmesan rind optional
1 tsp salt
1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes
¼ tsp sugar
4 sprigs fresh basil

Serving

3 oz Parmesan freshly grated
Bread, couscous, pasta or rice

Instructions

If you're using fresh tomatoes, first you should roughly chop and clean the 2 lbs tomatoes and place in a bowl with a bit of salt. Add two sprigs basil. Mix well and set aside.
If you're using canned tomatoes, open the can and add to a very large bowl. Crush with your hands. Add two sprigs basil and set aside.
1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes, 4 sprigs fresh basil
Rinse and pick over the lentils. To a large sauce pot, add 6 cups water and the lentils. To a spice bag, add the 2 halves onion, 2 cloves peeled garlic, bay leaf, thyme and parmesan rind (if using) and add to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add ½ tsp salt, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-25 minutes, until the lentils are cooked through but still have some texture (they should not be mushy). Taste and adjust salt. Carefully remove spice bag. Set aside.
1 lb black caviar lentils, 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs thyme, Parmesan rind
Make the tomato sauce. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Add 1-2 tbsp olive oil to a large skillet or sauce pan. Heat over medium, add the garlic and stir until it is fragrant but not yet turning brown, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and basil and stir well. Add the ¼ tsp sugar. Turn heat to medium high so the tomatoes come to a brisk simmer. Turn the heat down to low and cook, stirring occassionally, until the tomatoes have cooked down to a thick, fragrant sauce, about 20 minutes. Remove the basil sprigs when done.
¼ tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt
While that cooks, sliver the remaining fresh basil, or enough to make 2-4 tbsp.
If you're using fresh tomatoes, once the tomatoes have cooked down, pass through a food mill. Then, add the tomato sauce to the lentils, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, until the mixture is fairly thick, more like a stew than a soup. Add pepper and salt to taste. Stir in the slivered basil.
If serving immediately, serve in wide bowls with couscous, bread, pasta or even rice. Top with freshly grated Parmesan.
3 oz Parmesan, Bread, couscous, pasta or rice

Notes

Nutrition information for 8 servings; excludes the bread, couscous, pasta and rice.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Lentil and Tomato Stew

Amount Per Serving

Calories 223 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 465mg20%

Potassium 41mg1%

Carbohydrates 31g10%

Fiber 12g50%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 18g36%

Vitamin A 152IU3%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 169mg17%

Iron 5mg28%

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

Dairy-Free, Quick, Rice, Rotation, Spring, Tofu, Weeknight Dinner

Spicy Tofu Fried Rice with Spring Vegetables

May 16, 2019 Sam

This is a relatively quick and delicious dinner with lots of flexibility depending on available produce.

Print Recipe

Spicy Tofu Fried Rice with Spring Vegetables

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Total Time45

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: California, Chinese

Keyword: Rice, Tofu

Servings: servings

Calories: 704kcal

Ingredients

¾ cup jasmine rice
½ tsp salt
10 oz firm tofu preferably Hodo Soy
½ cup snap peas
4 small scallions
¾ lb asparagus or broccoli or broccolini
3 cloves garlic
1 inch fresh ginger
1 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp sriracha
½ tbsp sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp neutral oil

Instructions

Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Add to a small saucepan along with 1¼ cups water and ½ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 17 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and spread out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool.
¾ cup jasmine rice, ½ tsp salt
If you have a small package of tofu (like Hodo Soy), you just need to pat dry before you cut. If you have a regular size package of tofu stored in water, drain the tofu, cut in half crosswise (saving the second half), and try to get the water out by patting dry and pressing a bit on top of a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tofu into ½-inch cubes.
Prepare ingredients. Bowl 1: Most of the thinly sliced scallions (save some for garnish) and the cleaned and prepped snap peas (or substitute). Bowl 2: Peel and finely chop the 3 cloves garlic and the 1” piece fresh ginger (making at least 1 tbsp each). Trim bottoms from asparagus, then cut spears into ½-inch pieces, saving the tops for larger spears so they don’t break apart too much.
In a small glass or bowl, combine 1 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp sriracha, 3 tablespoons water, and ½ tbsp sugar.
10 oz firm tofu
Beat 2 eggs in a small bowl. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add eggs and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softly scrambled, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out skillet.
½ cup snap peas
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet until shimmering. Add tofu cubes and ½ teaspoon salt; cook over medium-high, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned, 5-6 minutes. Add asparagus, ginger and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
Add rice, peas, and most of the scallions (save rest for garnish) and cook, stirring to combine. Stir sauce, add to skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is coated, about 4 minutes. Stir in scrambled eggs and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Spoon tofu fried rice onto plates and garnish with remaining scallions.

Notes

Serves 3

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Spicy Tofu Fried Rice with Spring Vegetables

Amount Per Serving

Calories 704 Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 12g

Monounsaturated Fat 15g

Cholesterol 186mg62%

Sodium 1343mg58%

Potassium 630mg18%

Carbohydrates 74g25%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 30g60%

Vitamin A 1933IU39%

Vitamin C 33mg40%

Calcium 295mg30%

Iron 8mg44%

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