Blue Palate

Black beans are a true Blue Palate Special. They’re full of protein, folate, fiber, magnesium, iron and other wonderful nutrients. Black beans low in fat and can cost as low as $0.49 per can. And prepared my special way they can be quite delicious and served a variety of ways. This recipe takes about 15 minutes.The total cost for the recipe was around $3 and will feed 2-4 depending on how it’ s served.

Black Beans a l’Awesome

Chop one half of a yellow onion and one anaheim pepper. Saute in a little olive oil on medium heat until tender. Add 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp powdered chipotle or chili powder and 1 tsp salt. Saute for two minutes. Add one small can of diced tomatoes. Mix until tomatoes are coated and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Drain two cans of black beans and add to mixture. Cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.

Ideas for serving:

Spoon beans atop baked russet or sweet potatoes or fresh-baked corn bread.
Serve with warm corn tortillas.
Serve with cooked brown rice and pico de gallo.
Add to a burrito, along with some lettuce, rice, cheese and salsa.
Served alone, topped with a little cheddar cheese, sour cream or avocado.

I am leading a hectic life these days. Not to whine, but my weekday schedule consists of three consecutive 12 hour days. Bottom line: I don’t have a ton of time to cook (Or write blog posts…wink wink). This Sunday I was very proactive though and, with the help of my legal boyfriend Peter, made three meals that have lasted through the week. I am very proud of my planning, and also proud that all three recipes are my own. Not stolen from a cookbook or pilfered from a cooking website. I came up with all three of these recipes and they are all cheap, healthy and easy. I will share them with you. Here’s the first. Pilfer away.

Lindsay’s Cauliflower Sweet Potato Curry

Saute half a chopped onion in olive oil. Add a half cup of fresh cilantro. Add a couple teaspoons of curry powder and one teaspoon of garam masala. Saute until fragrant. Add a half cup of chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp of tamari or soy sauce, 2 tbsp plain yogurt and one head of cauliflower, chopped. Saute for 7 minutes. Add 1 large or 2 medium peeled, chopped sweet potatoes. Let cook for 10 minutes. Add a bunch od chopped spinach, chard or kale. Cook for 10-15 minutes until greens are soft. Serve with brown rice, couscous or quinoa.

I used orange cauliflower. It tastes the same as white, but looks prettier.

I used orange cauliflower for the first time in this delicious curry recipe.