This tomatillo-laced chili was initially conceived during a mission to create a pozole, a hominy-based Mexican stew. When my search for hominy left me empty handed, my brother-in-law suggested subbing in hearty beans for a more nutrient dense and accessible alternative. The result, a tangy and satisfying spicy green chili.
Read moresuper bowl eats - white bean chili with the works
It is chili season! Whether you are looking for an easy option to enjoy during the super bowl or a quick weeknight main, this white bean chili comes together in under an hour. The recipe is for a standard vegetarian version but, if you lean more toward a turkey or chicken chili, ground meat would fit in well. The spice level is also adaptable, depending on who is in your eating audience. To play it safe, you can always kick up the hotness via your garnishes - which is my favorite part of chili and a great way to engage tiny and normal size diners.
Read morewarm up this winter - immune boosting chana dal with spinach
If you are looking for a simple and hearty stew to warm you up this winter, look no further then this immune boosting chana dal. Chana dal beans are split chickpeas, which are full of fiber, plant-based protein, and iron. They can be used in dips, salads, soups, and stews and are a staple in Indian cuisine.
Read morewinter soup series: tomato, kale, and white bean stew
I recently dined at King, a restaurant in NYC. The meal was delicious and warming. The dishes were uncomplicated - just the type of food I want to enjoy when I eat out. One hearty dish which really stood out was the ribollita, which is a Tuscan bean and tomato bread stew. It was dense and crispy and belly warming. I wanted to create something similar at home, minus the bread. Yes, I am aware that it is hard to omit the bread in a bread stew. Yet, with the inspiration intact, my bread stew morphed into a hearty tomato and bean soup, heavy on the kale, with the addition of potato to add some density and texture. Just what my belly asked for in the dark days of winter.
Read morewhat's for lunch? black-eyed pea salad
I recently asked the Instagram community what they want to see more of on Crunchy Radish. A large majority of you asked for make-ahead lunch ideas, meal prep, and breakfast recipes. In an effort to give the people what they want, I will be focusing more closely on these topics. First up, a simple bean salad. Easy to make, durable and hearty to store and tote to work or school, and, most importantly, nutritious, plant-based, and delicious.
Read morechickpea + kale soup
I've been in culinary school the last two weeks and the amount of knowledge which I have absorbed is exponential. I thought that I had a solid understanding of whole foods and vegan cooking but, as I eagerly discovered, there are infinite things to better understand and discover. One of the foundations that I have learned is the basic principle behind beans. From a nutritional standpoint, soaking beans increases the legume's digestibility for some individuals and affords the consumer total control over sodium content, quality, and quantity of spices which flavor or preserve the beans.
Don't get me wrong - I have always been a boxed or BPA-free can bean sort of girl. The ease and simplicity is undeniable as well as the last minute convenience of cracking open a can of cooked beans. Yet, once you cross over to prepping beans yourself, the difference is insurmountable.
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