Baked Beans

This delicious and relatively easy recipe is a great way to get tasty, from-scratch, vegan baked beans. Easily customizable with the strength and type of mustard(s) you use.

Baked Beans

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dry Beans, Grilling
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 199kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ lb beans Alubia Blanca, Whipple, Cranberry, Yellow Eye
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1.5 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Finishing

  • ¼ cup tomato powder or paste
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp mustard

Instructions

  • Measure, rinse and pick through the beans. Add to a large bowl with 1.5% salinity water and soak for 6-8 hours. Once ready to make the beans, drain and rinse briefly.
    ½ lb beans
  • Heat a little oil in the pressure cooker on medium (sauté). Once warm, add the onion and garlic. Fry until softened and transparent.
    1 tbsp neutral oil, 1 small yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • Add the bay leaves, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and plenty of pepper, and stir for a few seconds. Add two cups vegetable stock to the pot. Add the beans to the pressure cooker. Add the lid, and bring to pressure for 10 minutes.
    2 bay leaves, 1.5 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dry mustard, ½ tsp salt
  • When done, allow pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes. Open, and the beans may need just a bit more, but they’ll cook with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Add the tomato powder or paste, brown sugar, and mustard. Turn on heat again to low (sauté low) and cook and stir occasionally. Add additional mustard, salt, and pepper as needed. Reduce sauce and cook further until at the desired result.
    ¼ cup tomato powder or paste, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp mustard

Notes

Serves 4 as a side

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1858mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 567IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Baked Beans
Amount Per Serving
Calories 199 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 1858mg81%
Potassium 455mg13%
Carbohydrates 36g12%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 567IU11%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 74mg7%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Lentil-Jeweled Mashed Potatoes

Converted this to the pressure cooker for Thanksgiving 2018. These were incredible. It looks like a lot of work, but it’s really worth it! The lentils should be fairly firm – don’t overcook them.

Lentil-Jeweled Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Other Prep Time1 hour
Total Time2 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Keyword: Lentils, Potatoes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 234kcal

Equipment

  • Stovetop pressure cooker

Ingredients

Lentils

  • 100 g Black caviar lentils
  • ½ medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 sprigs fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, and/or sage
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar to taste, won't use it all

Potatoes

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
  • 60 g butter
  • 80 g cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp milk or a bit more
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Lentils (can be made ahead)

  • Rinse the lentils and add to a small sauce pan. Put garlic cloves, the half onion and the herbs in a sachet or cheesecloth and add to the pot. Cover lentils with a few inches of water, and add a small amount of salt, about ½ tsp.
    100 g Black caviar lentils, ½ medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3 sprigs fresh herbs, ½ tsp salt
  • Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil and then immediately turn down to a low simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, until soft, checking at 15 minutes just in case. When lentils are cooked but still toothy, remove from heat immediately. If you are making them ahead, put the lentils in a storage container, let them cool briefly, and then place in the fridge.

Potatoes (best made just before mashing)

  • Rinse, peel and cut the potatoes into the same size chunks, about 1-inch. Place a steamer in the stovetop pressure cooker and add 1 cup water. Heat to full pressure and then turn off the burner and allow to set for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure. Check for doneness; a fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart. Steam longer if not done.
    2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
  • Remove the potatoes from the pressure cooker. Rinse out the pressure cooker and briefly dry it. Return it to the stove. Mash the potatoes over lowest heat, allowing steam to escape. They can be a bit chunky here still.
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF if you’re baking the dish right away; if not, hold off on pre-heating until you’re ready to bake. (The combined dish can be refrigerated for a bit before baking, if desired.)
  • Turn off the stove and add 60g butter, 80g cream cheese and about 2 tbsp milk (you may need more). Mix and mash everything together. You can take pauses to allow the butter and cream cheese to melt, if that's easier. Add a bit of salt and pepper.
    60 g butter, 80 g cream cheese, 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
  • Stir well and and set aside as you finish the lentils.

Finish lentils

  • Discard the herbs and other ingredients before continuing, if you haven't already. In a medium saucepan or high-sided skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add drained lentils along with just enough of their cooking liquid (less than ¼ cup) to moisten slightly. Bring to a simmer, then cook until lentils are heated through and enough liquid has evaporated that the lentils are coated in a creamy glaze but there isn't any standing liquid.
    1 tbsp butter
  • Add the balsamic vinegar 1 tsp at a time until the lentils have a pleasant bright flavor (it should taste like a light contrasting tang, but not strongly sour). Season with salt and pepper.
    1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Combine and bake

  • Add the lentils to the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. Add to the baking dish. (You can briefly refrigerate here if needed.)
  • Bake at 350ºF for 5-15 minutes, until heated through.

Notes

Makes about 8 servings as a side dish

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Facts
Lentil-Jeweled Mashed Potatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 399mg17%
Potassium 517mg15%
Carbohydrates 28g9%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 407IU8%
Vitamin C 24mg29%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Baked Mac & Cheese

Traditionally I have made this for Thanksgiving, but I don’t see why (besides for health reasons) I shouldn’t make this every day. Well, maybe that often. But every few months is probably fine, right?

Bakes exceptionally well in the largest of the Forest Fancies Pyrex casseroles.

Baked Mac & Cheese

The Perfect Casserole™
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Keyword: Thanksgiving
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 358kcal

Equipment

  • 2+ quart casserole dish

Ingredients

  • ½ lb pasta fusilli, elbows, shells, farfalle, etc.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked or hot paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 5 oz cheddar cheese grated
  • 5 oz fontina cheese grated

Topping

  • ½ cup course bread crumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese finely grated

Instructions

  • Cook ½ lb of pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s barely al dente. (It should be a little undercooked – it will cook more in the oven.) Drain and set aside when done.
    ½ lb pasta
  • Grate the cheeses – both the mixed and topping cheese. Crush or finely chop the garlic. Measure out the ingredients, since this one requires active cooking/stirring when making the sauce.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 425ºF.
  • In a large saucepot (at least 3 qt), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 2 tbsp flour and cook, whisking constantly for about 4 minutes, until the flour foams and is beginning to turn a light golden brown.
    2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • While still stirring, add the garlic, paprika and cayenne, then season lightly pepper.
    1 clove garlic, 1 tsp smoked or hot paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Keep whisking while it comes to a simmer, making sure the flour mixture on the edges is totally incorporated.
    2 cups whole milk
  • Remove the pan from heat. Add the grated cheese. Whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted; it will start thick, then thin out. It should be fairly thin – you want to cook and whisk until it coats the back of a spoon like a cold heavy cream. (It will thicken in the oven and once cooled a bit, so it's ok if it seems far too thin here.) Pour into the baking dish.
    5 oz cheddar cheese, 5 oz fontina cheese
  • In a small bowl, add the ½ cup bread crumps, 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 tbsp grated hard cheese. Spread the toping in a thin layer on top.
    ½ cup course bread crumbs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • Bake for at least 25 minutes, until everything is bubbling, thickened, and creamy, and the bread crumbs are evenly golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 305mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1120IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 454mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition Facts
Baked Mac & Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 358 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 72mg24%
Sodium 688mg30%
Potassium 305mg9%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 1120IU22%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 454mg45%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Vegetarian Pozole

Lots of replacements are possible here. If you do not want to cook the hominy (or do not have dry hominy available), you can replace with one large can of hominy. I think dried is better in my limited experience, but some people think the canned hominy is better. Also, for the beans you can replace with any large bean (Christmas lima, fava/broad beans, even pinto is fine, but not ideal). I would not recommend canned beans because I never recommend canned beans, but if you want a quick version, canned pintos would be the way to go. (Don’t do black beans, they’re too small.)

For the full recipe, I’m assuming you have two pressure cookers, which I understand is a little crazy. The dual pressure cookers just help this whole recipe go much faster, so it “only” requires about 2 hours, instead of 3-4 hours. If you do not have two pressure cookers, cook the hominy ahead of time, or you can cook either the beans or the hominy without a pressure cooker, but that would (of course) alter the amount of time everything takes.

Hominy, pozole and posole are sometimes used interchangeably (hominy is never used to refer to the soup, but the corn alone is sometimes called pozole/posole). I’m going with “hominy” is the corn part – the dry, frozen or canned version – and pozole/posole is the final product of a soup with hominy in it. Sue me if you disagree.

Vegetarian Pozole

Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time2 hours
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: California, Mexican
Keyword: Dry Beans
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520kcal

Equipment

  • 2 pressure cookers

Ingredients

Pantry / Dry Goods

  • ½ lb dry hominy
  • ½ lb Rio Zape beans or other larger, dark bean
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 piece kombu
  • 6 dried chiles de arbol
  • 1 tbsp sweet vinegar e.g., white wine
  • 2 tsp peppercorns
  • 1 tsp epazote (Mexican Oregano)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or miso
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 tsp kosher salt used throughout

Produce

  • 2 yellow onions
  • 6-8 tomatoes or 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 4 radishes
  • 2 avocados
  • 1 small cabbage savoy preferred
  • 2 limes

Other

  • 16 oz stock or equivalent bouillon
  • 6 oz queso fresco

Instructions

  • For best results, soak the ½ lb. beans all day (6-8 hours) before cooking. Also soak the ½ lb. hominy for best results.
    ½ lb Rio Zape beans, ½ lb dry hominy
  • When ready to cook, start with the hominy since it may take the longest. If you only have one pressure cooker, use it for the hominy. And the hominy to the pot along with plenty of water, more than for beans (about 2 quarts). Add 2 tsp salt. To a spice bag, add ½ tsp peppercorns, two dried chiles de arbol, 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp epazote. Add to the pot. Set to high pressure for 15 minutes, allow to depressurize for 15 minutes, and then check.
    ½ lb dry hominy, 2 bay leaves, 6 dried chiles de arbol, 2 tsp peppercorns, 1 tsp epazote (Mexican Oregano)
  • Next, do the beans. If you’ve soaked them, you could definitely just cook these on the stovetop. Add to a Dutch oven or large pot with 2 quarts of water. To a spice bag, add two cloves garlic, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp peppercorns, 1 piece kombu, and 1-2 chilies de arbol. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes, then turn to medium-low for 30-45 minutes and check towards the end to see if it is finished. Remove from heat and drain when done.
    ½ lb Rio Zape beans, 6 cloves garlic, 1 piece kombu
  • While all of that is cooking, dice 1 onion. Slice the other onion into thin strips, for garnish and adding when serving. Clean and finely dice or crush the 4 cloves garlic and add to the diced onion. Cut the tomatoes until you have about 4 cups (eighths work well for small/medium tomatoes). Cut the 2 limes into halves. Cube the avocado(s) and use the juice of one half of the lime to preserve the cut avocado, and save in the fridge. Chop the cilantro. Slice the radishes thinly.
    2 yellow onions, 6-8 tomatoes, 6 cloves garlic, 1 bunch cilantro, 4 radishes, 2 avocados, 2 limes, 2 tsp oregano
  • Preheat the oven with a sheet pan on the middle rack to 450ºF. Clean the savoy cabbage and then cut into halves and then into slices. Toss or drizzle with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. When the oven is pre-heated, throw the cabbage on top of the covered sheet pan and cook for 12-15 minutes, until it is lightly charred around the edges.
    2 tsp kosher salt, 1 small cabbage, 3 tbsp olive oil
  • When the beans are done, drain them and set aside. Start the next steps once the hominy is nearly done. Quickly rinse out the Dutch oven used for the beans. Heat a generous amount of olive oil over above-medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic. Cook until they start to soften are fragrant. Add 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chipotle and 2 tsp cumin and stir well. Add 1 tbsp tomato paste (or miso) and stir well. Add the tomatoes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the 1 tbsp sweet vinegar. Mix well, cooking for 5-10 minutes to draw the flavors out.
    1 tbsp sweet vinegar, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chipotle powder, 2 tsp kosher salt, 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Add the 16 oz vegetable stock and stir well. Bring to a boil, then bring down the temperature some. Add the beans and stir well. Add the hominy.
    16 oz stock
  • Serve with the cabbage, radishes, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro and onion slices.
    6 oz queso fresco

Notes

Serves 6

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 1551mg | Potassium: 1578mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2230IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 328mg | Iron: 5mg
Nutrition Facts
Vegetarian Pozole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 520 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 1551mg67%
Potassium 1578mg45%
Carbohydrates 60g20%
Fiber 19g79%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 2230IU45%
Vitamin C 81mg98%
Calcium 328mg33%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sauerkraut and White Bean Soup

A simple soup great for the winter. Serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Sauerkraut and White Bean Soup

Experiment with the bean choice in this simple soup
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keyword: Dry Beans
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 210kcal

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry white beans Royal Corona, Large White Lima, Alubia Blanca
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp thyme dried or fresh
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups broth bean, vegetable, no-chicken
  • 2 cups sauerkraut drained

Instructions

  • First, prep the beans. Ideally, pre-soak the beans for at least four hours in a 1% salinty water. Then drain and add to the pressure cooker along with plenty of water, at least enough to cover by 1" or so. In a cheese cloth or cloth bag, put half the onion, some carrot and celery chunks (or celery greens) and a few cloves of garlic. Add some peppercorns and pepper flakes, but only a pinch or two of each. Add a small piece of kombu. Tie and add to the mixture. Heat to high pressure for the appropriate time for the type of beans. Allow pressure to release naturally, and check for doneness. If not done, repressurize to low pressure for a few minutes and then allow pressure to release for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure.
  • While that cooks, peel and dice the remaining vegetables and place in one bowl. Vegetables for this part include one carrot, one celery rib, and the remaining half of the onion. Peel and thinly slice the remaining cloves garlic and also add to the bowl too.
  • When the beans are almost done, warm 3 tbsp olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sauté until soft, about 10 or 15 minutes. (Resist the urge to add salt – saurkraut can be very salty on its own.) Add the thyme and 2 cups broth. Stir well.
  • Drain the sauerkraut well, allowing to drip.
  • Gently add the beans and the sauerkraut. Stir until mixed and gently simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes. The soup should be very hot. Check for seasoning and ladle into soup bowls. Serve with a crusty bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 804mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3595IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition Facts
Sauerkraut and White Bean Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 210 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 648mg28%
Potassium 804mg23%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 3595IU72%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 115mg12%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Whipped Cream

Whipped Cream

Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: Powdered Sugar
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 348kcal

Ingredients

  • 355ml cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup 60g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp 5ml vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place your metal kitchen-aid bowl in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to chill. Add the heavy cream to the freezer too, but only for 10 minutes at the very most, so it doesn’t freeze.
  • When ready to make the whipped cream, get the bowl out of the freezer and add the ingredients. Whip using the whisk attachment, starting at low speed and increasing to high speed. Beat until stiff peaks form. Don’t over-beat.
  • Keep unused whipped cream refrigerated in an airtight container.

Notes

4 servings

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 82mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1238IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Nutrition Facts
Whipped Cream
Amount Per Serving
Calories 348 Calories from Fat 270
% Daily Value*
Fat 30g46%
Saturated Fat 19g119%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 23mg1%
Potassium 82mg2%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1238IU25%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 56mg6%
Iron 0.1mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Shakshuka 2: Simpler, Fresher

This is a simpler, fresher and now dairy-free shakshuka. Bread is a must for serving!

Shakshuka 2: Simpler, Fresher

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Brunch, Dinner
Cuisine: California, Middle Eastern
Keyword: Quick
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 409kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb tomatoes diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper small diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ bunch cilantro (optional) thick stems removed, rest chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
  • Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    3 tbsp olive oil, 1 small yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper
  • Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, another minute or two. Add the tomatoes and jalapenos and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juice.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 lb tomatoes, 1 jalapeno pepper
  • Using the back of a spoon, make four pockets in the mixture. Crack an egg into each pocket and season to taste with salt and pepper.
    4 large eggs, salt and pepper
  • Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve right from the skillet.
    ½ bunch cilantro (optional)

Notes

2 servings

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 372mg | Sodium: 2485mg | Potassium: 893mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4504IU | Vitamin C: 119mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition Facts
Shakshuka 2: Simpler, Fresher
Amount Per Serving
Calories 409 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 372mg124%
Sodium 2485mg108%
Potassium 893mg26%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 4504IU90%
Vitamin C 119mg144%
Calcium 100mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Goat Cheese Toast with Peppers, Tomatoes and Avocado

This is a great brunch and may even work well as a lunch or light dinner option, especially if you add an egg or increase the cheese.

Goat Cheese Toast with Peppers, Tomatoes and Avocado

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: California
Keyword: Quick
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 398kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 slices bread high-quality sourdough preferred, up to 4 slices if small pieces
  • 3 Fresno peppers or 2-3 other mildly spicy peppers, like Anaheim, Poblano, Hatch
  • 1 serrano pepper optional
  • 3 tomatoes Early Girl or heirloom
  • 1 avocado
  • ½ lemon or lime, cut in half, for the juice
  • 5-6 sprigs basil
  • 4 oz goat cheese or whole-milk ricotta
  • cilantro optional

Instructions

  • Pull the 4 oz goat cheese out of the fridge so it warms.
  • Slice the 3 Fresno peppers and clean out the seeds. Chop the 1 serrano pepper (and remove the seeds if you'd like). Cut the 3 tomatoes into medium-sized cubes or ½ slices. Cube the 1 avocado and juice the 1/2 lemon. Slice or cut the 5-6 sprigs basil and pick the cilantro leaves. Slice the bread if needed (2 slices bread).
  • Turn a non-stick skillet to medium, medium-high and add the peppers. Season with salt. Cook until the peppers are softened and a nice brown color in parts.
  • Toast the bread lightly.
  • Spread the 4 oz goat cheese on the toasted bread. Top with the basil leaves in an even layer across the whole thing. Top with the peppers, tomatoes, and avocados and cilantro (if using).

Notes

  • Serves 2
  • For added protein, fry 1 egg per serving

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 690mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1261IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition Facts
Goat Cheese Toast with Peppers, Tomatoes and Avocado
Amount Per Serving
Calories 398 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 26mg9%
Sodium 345mg15%
Potassium 690mg20%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 10g42%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 1261IU25%
Vitamin C 52mg63%
Calcium 156mg16%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Gardener’s Pie

I’ve modified this recipe over time and expect to keep tweaking. I have an idea in my head of what this should taste like, and I haven’t yet achieved it.

Gardener’s Pie

A comfort-food classic made vegetarian
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Keyword: Dry Beans
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 407kcal

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker
  • Casserole dish

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 2 medium turnips
  • 1 tbsp thyme fresh, chopped, or dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary fresh, chopped, or dried
  • cups vegetable stock
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup French green lentils
  • 1 bunch parsley

Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp milk more if needed, but unlikely

Instructions

  • Dice the onion (about 1 cup), carrot (½ cup) and celery (½ cup) and put into one bowl/cup.
    1 large yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, 1 stalk celery
  • Dice the turnip (½ cup), clean and chop the thyme (1 tbsp) and rosemary (1 tsp), and rinse and pick through the lentils (1 cup).
    2 medium turnips, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 cup French green lentils
  • Dice the tomatoes (1 cup). Peel the potatoes and cut into 2” pieces. Cut the 3 cloves garlic in half. Mince parsley (¼ cup).
    1 cup diced tomatoes, 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, 3 cloves garlic, 1 bunch parsley
  • Add ¼ cup flour to a dry skillet over medium heat. Let the flour sit until you smell it toasting or the edges start to get darker. Start stirring as it gets darker, and stop the process when the flour gets toasty and turns brown. Transfer immediately to a bowl.
    ¼ cup flour
  • Get out both pressure cookers. In the electric cooker, set to sauté. Add the onion, carrot and celery and dry sauté for 3 minutes. Then add the turnip, lentils, thyme, rosemary and 1¾ cup vegetable stock. Lock the lid on the pressure cooker, and set for 10 minutes of high pressure, with no warming after. When done, release pressure naturally for 20 minutes, releasing remaining pressure after that.
    1 large yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, 1 stalk celery, 2 medium turnips, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 1 cup French green lentils, 1¾ cups vegetable stock
  • In the stovetop pressure cooker, add the cut potatoes, garlic, and 1 cup vegetable stock. Bring to high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release the pressure. Mash the potatoes, adding the ¼ cup butter, 2 oz. cream cheese, and 2 tbsp milk (or less). Add salt to taste and the parsley.
    2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup vegetable stock, ¼ cup butter, 2 oz. cream cheese, 2 tbsp milk, 1 bunch parsley
  • Once the lentils are depressurized, pre-heat the broiler. To the lentils, add 2 tbsp of the browned flour, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp tamari, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Stir well. Add more toasted flour if it seems thin. Lock the lid in place and let it sit for 3 minutes without heat. Quick release any built-up pressure.
    ¼ cup flour, 1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp tamari, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Transfer the filling to a casserole dish or ramekins. Top with the mashed potatoes. Run under the broiler to brown, or at least heat, the potatoes.

Notes

Serves 6

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 760mg | Potassium: 1361mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4990IU | Vitamin C: 63mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 6mg
Nutrition Facts
Gardener's Pie
Amount Per Serving
Calories 407 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 760mg33%
Potassium 1361mg39%
Carbohydrates 63g21%
Fiber 16g67%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 4990IU100%
Vitamin C 63mg76%
Calcium 119mg12%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Eggplant Casserole with White Beans and Arugula

Eggplant Casserole with White Beans and Arugula

A much simpler meal if you buy the beans in a can and the marinara pre-made.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time30 minutes
Bean Soaking Time8 hours
Total Time9 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keyword: Dry Beans, Winter
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 394kcal

Equipment

  • Casserole dish (medium – about 2 quart)
  • Pressure cooker (if cooking from dry beans)
  • Immersion blender (optional, for marinara)

Ingredients

Beans

  • ¾ cup dry white bean cassoulet
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 piece kombu

Marinara

  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large shallot
  • ½ stalk celery chopped (optional)
  • ½ carrot chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 sprig rosemary de-stemmed and chopped finely
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 14 oz can of tomatoes diced or crushed (or ~1 lb fresh, stemmed and chopped)
  • ¼ tsp salt

Casserole

  • 1.5 lb eggplant
  • 8 oz arugula or spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 10 sprigs basil half stemmed and chopped; half whole leaves
  • 1.5 tbsp white wine optional
  • 3 oz Parmesan cheese finely shredded
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs

Instructions

Beans

  • In the morning, rinse and pick over the beans and add to a bowl with water and 1% salt and soak for about 8 hours. About 60-90 minutes before your intended dinner time, drain the beans and add to a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover by about one-half inch. Add the bay leaf and kombu. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for at least 25 minutes. Check consistency – you want them to be very well cooked, so they will mash well. Reserve about 1 cup of the bean water and drain and set aside.

Marinara

  • While the beans cook, make the marinara. Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and celery and carrot (if using). Cook until softened and starting to develop color, about 10 minutes (depending on the heat). Then add the garlic, rosemary and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the can of tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes) and cook on medium-low for at least 10 minutes, covered, and up to 30 minutes, stirring frequently. When almost ready to assemble the dish, use an immersion blender to make the sauce smooth.

Make the casserole

  • Pre-heat the oven to 450°F. Trim the ends from the eggplant; slice the eggplant into ¼-inch-thick rounds. On a sheet pan, place the eggplant slices side by side. Drizzle (or spray) the eggplant with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once halfway through, until lightly browned and starting to soften, about 6 minutes per side. Keep the oven set at 450°F.
  • In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp oil over medium. Working in batches if needed, add the baby greens, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Wipe out the pan.
  • In the same pan used for the greens, warm 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the drained white beans, ¼ cup bean water (or regular water), and 1.5 tablespoon white wine, if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are seasoned and warmed through and the liquid has cooked off, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Transfer the beans to a medium bowl. Mash to a coarse paste.
  • Using a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, wring out the baby greens. Then, coarsely chop. In a 2.5 quart casserole or other baking dish, grease lightly with oil and. The order here will go: eggplant, basil, beans, greens, eggplant and sauce.
    Arrange a layer of eggplant slices, slightly overlapping or in two overlapping layers. Add the whole basil leaves as a layer. Then spread the entire bean mash evenly over the top and then top with all of the greens. Arrange the remaining eggplant slices in an even 1-2 layers on top. (You can also repeat layers if you wish.) Spoon the marinara over top – you want a layer, but not a pool of it, so you may have extra sauce.
  • Bake until the casserole is warmed through and the marinara is bubbling, about 10 minutes. While that bakes, mix together the chopped basil leaves, ¼ cup bread crumbs, the shredded Parmesan and 1-2 tsp olive oil together for a fun combined topping. After 10 minutes, top the casserole with the topping and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the top is turning golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes or up to 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 1727mg | Potassium: 1632mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 4503IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 428mg | Iron: 7mg
Nutrition Facts
Eggplant Casserole with White Beans and Arugula
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 1727mg75%
Potassium 1632mg47%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 14g58%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 4503IU90%
Vitamin C 28mg34%
Calcium 428mg43%
Iron 7mg39%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.