Mexican Rice & Beans (Instant Pot)

Ingredients

1/2 c. dried black beans (not soaked)

3/4 c. brown rice

3/4 c. salsa (I used medium chunky)

1/2 c. frozen corn

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 white onion, chopped

2 c. vegetable broth

1/4 c. cilantro (stem and leaves, minced)

2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. chili powder

Directions

Add beans, rice and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Next, add the salsa, corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and spices BUT DO NOT STIR. Cover the Instant Pot and seal the vent. Cook on high pressure for 26 minutes. When done allow for 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then quickly release any remaining pressure.

Open the pot and give it a good mix. Serve in a burrito or over greens. 

Serves 3.

1 serving = 358 calories

Peanut Stew with Coconut & Kidney Beans

Original recipe found here: Peanut Stew with Coconut Milk & Kidney Beans ( Vegan) (veganricha.com)

Ingredients
1 tsp. oil or 2 tbsp. broth
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tbsp. peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. curry powder or garam masala or jamaican curry powder or berbere or baharat
1/2 c. chopped tomato
1 1/2 to 2 cups veggies, such as pepper, carrots, zucchini, winter squash, kale
1 c. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar or sweetener
15 oz. canned kidney beans or 1.25 c. cooked kidney beans
1/2 c. water
cilantro, lime juice, chopped peanuts for garnish

Directions

Heat oil or broth in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic and sauté them until golden. Add all the spices and herbs and stir into the onions for few seconds. Add in the peanut butter and mix it in. Add the tomatoes and veggies and mix in, letting everything come to a simmer. (If adding quick cooking veggies such as broccoli or kale, add them in the next step after 10 mins of simmering.)

Add the coconut milk, rinsed and drained kidney beans, salt, sugar and water and mix well. Cover and cook for 13-15 minutes or until the veggies are cooked to preference. Taste and add more salt or sugar to taste.

Garnish with cilantro and lime juice and serve with rice and other cooked grains.

Serves 4.

1 serving = 325 calories (does not include rice or grains)

White Bean Farro Risotto

Original recipe from PureWow. 

Ingredients

For the farro: 

1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup farro
1/3 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. coconut milk from a carton
6 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. basil, finely slivered
salt & pepper

For the white bean puree: 

2 c. white beans, like cannellini or navy, cooked, rinsed, drained
1/2 c. coconut milk from a carton
1/4 c. nutritional yeast 
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp. white or yellow miso paste
1/2 tsp. kosher salt

For the saucy cherry tomatoes: 

1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh thyme, minced
1 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 c. tomato sauce
1/4 c. dry white wine
salt & pepper

Directions

Select the sauté setting on the Instant Pot, and, after a few minutes, add the olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to turn golden, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the farro to the pot, stirring to coat all the grains. Cook for 1 minute. Add the white wine to the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Simmer until the wine has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the coconut milk, thyme and ¾ cup water; season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and set the pressure release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook (manual) setting at High Pressure and set the cook time to 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes and then perform a quick pressure release.

Meanwhile, make the white bean puree. Add the cannellini beans, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, lemon zest and juice, miso paste and salt to the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender and process until you have a smooth and creamy puree with no pieces of beans remaining.

Make the saucy tomatoes. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the thyme and cherry tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes burst, gently pressing down on them to help the process, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; stir in the tomato sauce and white wine. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer. Cook until the wine has mostly reduced and the smell of alcohol has dissipated, about 4 minutes.

Once the pressure on the Instant Pot has been released, open the pot and remove the thyme sprigs. Select the Sauté setting. Stir in the white bean puree until it has melted into the farro, about 1 minute. Stir in the 1 tablespoon lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch or two of salt as needed. Serve the farro immediately topped with the saucy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Serves 3.

Pumpkin Chipotle Rice

Depending on your preference, you can make this with a fried rice texture or more of a gumbo texture - play with the water to see what you like. Do not go below 1 cup! The original recipe is from Vegan Richa. 

Ingredients

1 c. long grain brown basmati rice
1 c. dried kidney beans
1 tsp. avocado or other neutral oil
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 1/2 c. veggies, chopped (frozen actually work well here!)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. thyme
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. chipotle chili powder
1/3 c. pumpkin puree
2-3 c. water or broth

For garnish: 

Pickled jalapeno
Cilantro 
Lime juice

Directions

Soak the rice and beans in hot water for 20+ minutes. Wash, drain, and set aside. 

Oil the bottom of the Instant Pot and set to sauté. Lightly sauté the onions and jalapenos. Add all other ingredients and mix well. 

Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release for 8 minutes, then quick release. Open the lid, fluff, taste, and adjust flavor. 

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl so it doesn't continue to cook in the hot Instant Pot. Top with garnishes of choice and serve. 

Serves 5

1 serving = 190 calories

Spring Vegetable Gnocchi with White Beans & Lemon Basil Butter

Ingredients
2 garlic cloves
1 shallot
2 carrots
4 oz. asparagus (or other spring vegetable)
½ oz. fresh basil
1 lemon
13.4 oz. butter beans
10 oz. fresh gnocchi
3 tbsp. vegan butter
2 tbsp. vegan parmesan
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions
Bring a large pot of 4 quarts water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Peel and mince the garlic and shallot. Peel and dice the carrots. Trim 1 inch off the bottom of the asparagus and cut the remaining stalks into rounds. Thinly slice the basil. Zest, halve, and juice the lemon. Drain and rinse the butter beans.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, minced shallot, diced carrot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the carrots are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the gnocchi to the large pot of boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, 3 to 5 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the gnocchi. Shake off any excess water.

Return the skillet with the carrots to medium-high heat and add the pasta water and butter and cook until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the asparagus rounds and cook until bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the lemon juice and just half of the basil, taste, and add salt and pepper as necessary. Transfer the lemon basil butter to a medium bowl and cover to keep warm.

Wipe the skillet and return to high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi, butter beans, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon zest and parmesan, toss, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Divide the lemon basil butter between bowls and top with the spring vegetable gnocchi and butter beans. Sprinkle with the remaining sliced basil.

Brassica Bowls with Crispy Butter Beans

Ingredients
6 oz. broccolini
1 tbsp. Italian spice mix
6 oz. Lacinato kale
2 radishes
1 lemon
1 can butter beans
1/4 c. vegan Caesar dressing
1/4 c. walnuts

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Trim about 1 inch off the bottom of the broccolini. Add the broccolini to a baking sheet and toss with 2 tsp olive oil and the Italian spice. Roast until browned in places, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Destem the kale and thinly slice the leaves. Thinly slice the radishes. Halve the lemon. Add the sliced kale to a large bowl along with the just half the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Massage the kale for a moment until the leaves are dark green. Add the sliced radishes to the kale.

Drain and rinse the butter beans and pat dry with paper towels. Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the butter beans in one layer, sprinkle with salt, and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until browned in places, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the remaining lemon juice, Caesar dressing, and a pinch of salt to a bowl. Stir the lemony Caesar dressing well. Divide the kale salad and butter beans between large plates. Top with roasted broccolini and walnuts. Drizzle with lemony Caesar dressing.

Chickpea Crepes with Spinach Yogurt & Cilantro Chutney

Ingredients
1/2 c. mung beans
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
1 serrano pepper
1 lemon
2 oz. sundried tomatoes
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. mustard seeds
6 oz. baby spinach
3/4 c. garbanzo bean flour
1/4 c. rice flour
5.3 oz. plain nondairy yogurt
1/4 c. cilantro chutney (pre-made)

Directions
Place the mung beans in a small saucepan with 1 1/2 cups cold water over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mung beans are tender and begin to break down, about 20 to 25 minutes. Drain the mung beans and return to the saucepan, off the heat.

Peel and dice the red onion. Peel and thinly slice the garlic. Trim, deseed, and mince the serrano pepper. Halve the lemon. Drain and roughly chop the sundried tomatoes. Add just 1/4 cup of the diced onion to a medium bowl with cold water.

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tsp vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced garlic, minced serrano pepper, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Cook, stirring frequently, until sizzling, about 1 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining diced onion, spinach, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to a medium bowl and chill in the fridge until the last step.

Add the garbanzo bean flour, rice flour, 1¼ cup cold water, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Return the skillet to high heat with 2 tsp olive oil. Once hot, pour in half of the batter and tilt to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook, undisturbed, until the batter sets, about 4 to 6 minutes. Carefully transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.

Drain the diced red onion. Once the mung beans are finished, add the sun-dried tomatoes, diced red onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper to them. In a medium bowl, combine the lemon juice, sautéed spinach, yogurt, and a pinch of salt and pepper and stir the spinach yogurt raita to combine.

Divide the chickpea crepes, mung beans, and spinach yogurt raita between large plates. Serve with cilantro chutney on the side.

Refried Butternut Tacos

Ingredients
1 can cannellini beans
2 c. cubed butternut squash
1 c. red grapes, halved or quartered
1 jalapeno, deseeded & minced
1 scallion
1/2 oz. cilantro
1 lime
1 tbsp. vegan butter
2 tsp. agave
2 oz. shredded green cabbage
6 tortillas
2 tsp. hot sauce
3 tbsp. pumpkin seeds

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse the beans. Add beans and squash to a large nonstick skillet and cover with an inch of cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and boil until squash is fork-tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the squash, return to skillet and mash with a fork. Transfer the mashed squash and beans to a bowl and wipe the skillet clean.

Halve or quarter the grapes. Toss with 1 tsp. olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast until grapes are soft, fragrant, and slightly wrinkled, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Mince the jalapeno and thinly slice the scallion. Finely chop the cilantro leaves. Combine the jalapeno with half the cilantro in a bowl with juice from half of the lime. After grapes have cooled, add them to the bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.

Return the skillet to medium-high heat with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Add the mashed squash and beans and smooth into an even layer in the pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook undisturbed until bottom is well browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the butter and agave and stir to combine. Season with a pinch of salt.

Add the remaining chopped cilantro, remaining lime juice, shredded cabbage, and a pinch of salt to a medium bowl. Toss the slaw to combine. Wrap the tortillas in a dish towel or foil and pop in the oven to warm.

Lay the warm tortillas on a clean work surface and divide the refried butternut between them. Toss with salsa, slaw, and pepitas. Drizzle with hot sauce.

Serves 2.

Baked Bean Tostadas

Ingredients

For the baked beans: 
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 c. onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. mustard
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
3 c. cooked navy beans (or 2 cans), rinsed and drained
1 c. water
1/3 c. brow sugar, packed
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce
(Or, use your favorite baked bean recipe!) 

For the collards: 
1 tbsp. vegan butter
10 c. collard greens, stemmed, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/4 black pepper, freshly ground

For the tostadas:
12 small tortillas (corn or flour both ok)
2 tsp. vegetable oil, for frying
The Sour Cream (see blog post titled "Vegan Sour Cream")
1/4 c. finely chopped red onion

Directions
To make the baked beans, saute onions over medium heat until just softened. Add paprika, mustard, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute. Add beans and water and stir to combine. Add the remaining baked beans ingredients and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook beans for slightly more or less time depending on how much liquid you like in your beans.

Meanwhile, to make the collard greens, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Saute the greens with garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes until soft, wilted, and dark in color.

Remove the collards from the pan and cover to keep warm. Lower the heat in the pan and fry the tortillas in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side to toast.

Assemble the tostadas with 2 tortillas per tostada. Layer on the warm baked beans and collards, top with sour cream and chopped red onion.


Serves 2 to 3.

Thai Kale Salad with Cashew Dressing

Ingredients

For the green beans: 
1 c. green beans (stems removed, steamed and chopped)
1 tsp. tamari or soy sauce
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. sesame seeds (optional)

For the salad: 
2 tsp. sesame oil
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
2 bundles lacinato (non curly) kale (torn into bite-size pieces, large stalks removed)
3 medium whole carrots (chopped or ribboned)
1/2 medium red bell pepper (quartered and thinly sliced)
1/4 c. fresh chopped cilantro or basil
1/3 c. roasted salted cashews (or peanuts)

For the dressing:  
1/3 c. salted cashew butter (or peanut butter)
1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
2 tsp. fresh grated (or very finely minced) ginger
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. chili garlic sauce or 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Directions
Steam green beans slightly so they still have a bite, either in a steamer basket on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Then transfer to a small mixing bowl and top with tamari, sesame oil, maple syrup, and sesame seeds (optional). Toss to combine, then transfer to refrigerator to chill.

Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add sesame oil and shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and slightly golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In the meantime, add kale to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with a bit of lime juice and sesame oil and use your hands to massage the kale to soften and remove some of the bitterness. Set aside.
Prepare dressing in a small mixing bowl by whisking together all ingredients and thinning with a little hot water until pourable.

Add green beans, sautéed shallot, and remaining salad ingredients to kale and toss with dressing.

If keeping for later, store dressing separately. Will keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days, though best when fresh.

Pozole Rojo

Ingredients
1 white onion
Garlic, peeled
2 oz. cremini mushrooms
6 oz. cooked hominy
1 1/2 c. cooked pinto beans
Pozole base (a mix of ancho chile powder, cumin, dried Mexican oregano, cloves, honey/agave, olive oil, apple cider vinegar)
1 1/2 c. diced tomatoes
1 c. vegetable stock
3 oz. green cabbage
2-3 radishes
Fresh cilantro
1 lime
4 corn tortillas
1 1/2 oz. queso fresco (omit for vegan)

Directions
Peel and coarsely chop the white onion, reserving one-fourth for garnish. Finely chop, press, or grate the garlic. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of oil until hot but not smoking. Add the garlic and three-fourths of the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Coarsely chop the mushrooms. Rinse the pinto beans and the hominy. When the onion is softened, add the mushrooms, hominy, beans, pozole base, tomatoes, broth and one teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broth is thickened and the mushrooms are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Cut away any core from the cabbage; thinly slice. Trim the ends from the radishes; thinly slice. Separate the cilantro into sprigs. Cut the lime into wedges.

On the stovetop, directly over a flame, or in a dry medium frying pan over medium heat, warm the tortillas until just pliable and warmed through, about 30 seconds per side.

Ladle the pozole into individual bowls. Garnish with the cabbage, radishes, cilantro, and reserved onion. Crumble the queso fresco (if using) and serve with the tortillas and lime wedges on the side.

Serves 2.

Vegetarian Shepherds' Pie

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash

1 head of garlic

1/4 c. olive oil 

2 c. bread crumbs

1 c. milk

2 eggs, beaten

1 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped 

1 tbsp. flat parsley, chopped

6 Yukon Gold potatoes, boiled but not peeled

1/4 c. melted butter

1/2 c. smooth goat cheese 
1 c. half-and-half 

3 c. sliced mushrooms

6 c. zucchini

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

4 cloves garlic cloves, minced

1 c. lentils (cooked), kidney beans or chickpeas

Fried shallots to garnish

Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 °F. First, cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 1 ½ hours. As an alternative, place on a plate and cook in the microwave on high for about 20 minutes.

Put the garlic head on a baking tray. Drizzle with 1 tsp. olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and put in the oven for 30 minutes or until the garlic is very tender.

In a bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the milk. Let stand for 5 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed. Mix in the eggs and herbs. Put aside.

Mash the potatoes with the butter, goat cheese, cooked garlic puree and cream to make them nice and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Remove the spaghetti squash flesh with a fork and put it in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and put aside.

Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Heat the remaining oil in a large pan and sauté the onions, carrots and celery over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini and continue cooking until brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cooked lentils or beans and the bread mixture. Stir and put aside.

In an 9 x 13 inches baking dish, spoon the vegetable mixture onto the bottom. Layer with the spaghetti squash, then the potatoes and smooth them down. Cook in oven for 30 minutes or so until top is slightly browned. Garnish with fried shallots to taste.

Red Curry Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

1 tbsp. canola oil

1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 3 cups)

a bunch of scallions, thinly sliced with white and green parts separated

2 tbsp. Thai red curry paste

2 tsp. lemongrass

1/2 tsp. ginger

extra firm sprouted tofu, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 c. vegetable broth

1 15-oz. can of diced tomatoes in juice

3/4 c. coconut milk

1-2 c. of green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tbsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower and white parts of green onions and saute for five minutes, or until veggies start to brown. Add curry paste, ginger and lemongrass and saute until fragrant, about a minute more. Add broth and tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes.

Add coconut milk, tofu, and green beans and simmer five minutes more, or until beans are tender. Stir in lime juice and remaining green onions.

Yellow Bean Salad with Coconut-Cilantro Dressing

My adaptation on a recipe from Heidi Swanson's 101 Cookbooks, for beans fresh from the garden!

Ingredients
1 lb. yellow runner beans (or, use green beans!)
1 jalapeno, stemmed and seeded
5 green onions, green parts trimmed and reserved
a big handful of cilantro
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
3/4 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1 tbsp.sunflower oil
1 c. coconut milk, well mixed
1-2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste1 tsp. agave
2 big handfuls pepitas, toasted
1 avocado, diced (optional)

Directions
Cut the beans into 1-inch segments on a deep bias. Cook in a pot of well-salted water for just 30-45 seconds, drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Drain, and aggressively shake off as much water as possible. Set aside.

To make the dressing, pulse the chile, onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, and sunflower oil into a paste with a food processor. Pulse in the coconut milk in two additions, before adding the lemon juice to taste, a half tablespoon at a time.

Place the beans and avocado (if using) in a large bowl with most of the pepitas. Toss well with a generous amount of the dressing. Serve in a bowl or platter topped with the remaining pepitas and scallions. 

Habanero & Cashew Chili

Ingredients

16 oz. tomato puree

1 bottle dark beer (stout)

2 small/medium yellow onions, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 habanero peppers, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 banana pepper, chopped (or another bell pepper)

1 tsp. granulated garlic

1 tsp. cumin

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 c. cooked black beans (or 1 can)

1 1/2 c. cooked white beans (or 1 can)

1/2 c. cashew pieces

1/2 c. bulgur

28 oz. can diced tomatoes

Directions

Put everything up through salt in crock pot, cook on low for 4 hours. Then add beans, cook for another 2 hours or so. About 1 hour prior to serving, add cashews, bulgur and diced tomatoes. Tasty topped with Greek yogurt!

Serves 4 with leftovers. 

Slow Cooker Enchiladas

Ingredients
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
1-16 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. frozen corn
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 c. cheese, shredded and divided
2-16 ounce jars of your favorite salsa or enchilada sauce
12 6"-8" tortillas, flour or corn
Optional: 1 cup leftover meat


DirectionsIn a medium bowl, mix together the onion, pepper, black beans, corn, spices, meat (if using), and just 1/2 cup of the cheese. Pour about a cup of salsa (half a jar) into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it around evenly. Scoop about 1/3 cup into one of the tortillas, roll it up, and nestle it into the bottom of the crock pot. Repeat with the half of the remaining filling, rolling tortillas until the entire bottom of of the crock pot is filled. Spread another cup of salsa over this layer and sprinkle it with another 1/2 cup of cheese.
Continue with the remaining filling and tortillas to create a second layer. Top with another cup of salsa, but reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the leftover cheese over the top and let it melt. Serve the enchiladas with the remaining salsa. Leftovers will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. 

To cook these enchiladas in the oven, layer the rolled tortillas in a 9x13 baking pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Ingredients
1 c. lentils
1 1/2 to 2 c. water
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1-2 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning
1 tsp. oregano
1 c. ketchup
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. barbecue sauce
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions
Combine the lentils and the water in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender. Saute the onions in a little olive oil for about 2 minutes.  Add the brown sugar, oregano, and steak seasoning.  Saute until onions are tender. Add the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce,and  barbecue sauce. Add the lentils and cook until heated through. Serve on whole wheat buns.

UPDATE: This recipe works really well in the crockpot! Just toss the ingredients in and cook for 5-6 hours on low. I recommend going with 1 1/2 cups of water, instead of 2.

Poblano, Corn & Pinto Burger

Ingredients

Burgers

15 oz. can of pinto beans, liquid reserved, rinsed and drained

1/2 c. sweet onion, diced

1/2 c. poblano pepper, seeds removed and diced

1/3 c. fresh corn, or thawed frozen corn

2 tbsp. canola oil

1/2 tsp. garlic, minced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/4 tsp. chili flakes

1/4 c. cornmeal

1 tbsp. tomato paste

2 tsp. reserved pinto bean liquid

1/8 c. green onions, thinly sliced

2 tsp. cilantro, minced

canola oil for sautéing

Chipotle Aioli—Whisk ingredients in a small bowl.

1 cup Veganaise

2 chipotles in adobo sauce, minced

2 tsp. adobo sauce, add less for a less spicy aioli

3/4 tsp. agave syrup

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

In a large bowl, mash the beans with a large spoon or fork until about 70 percent are smashed. Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, poblanos, and corn. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and starting to turn golden. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, chili flakes, and oregano to the pan, heat another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove this mixture from the pan and add to the bowl of smashed pinto beans. Add cornmeal, tomato paste, green onions, and cilantro. Use a large metal spoon to both stir and mash all the ingredients until they start to come together. Spray a large plate with cooking spray, next spray or oil your hands. Form into four equal sized burger patties and place on prepared plate. Add more oil or spray to your hands if the burger starts to stick to them.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat a very thin layer of oil over medium heat. Add the burgers and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Spread the inside of each roll with the chipotle aioli, top with a burger and veggies. Enjoy while still warm. Makes 4 burgers.