No Croutons Required - the Winner for March
The theme for March was to come up with a dish containing either mung beans or adzuki beans. The entries we received were all tempting and it was tough to make a choice, but the most popular recipe this month was this mouthwatering and creative Sprouts Paratha from Harini of Sugar 'n' Spice. Congratulations to Harini! I am excited to try this recipe.
Jacqueline will be hosting the April edition of No Croutons Required. The challenge for April is to come up with a soup or salad from past themes. Choose one that was featured on the month of your birthday.
Mesopotamian Barley, Chickpea, Lentil, Tahini Soup
The nutty flavor goes oh so well with the earthiness of the grain and legumes.
This is my submission to this month's My Legume Love Affair, a popular event started by lovely Susan and hosted this month by Dee of Ammalu's Kitchen.
Mesopotamian Barley, Chickpea, Lentil, Tahini SoupMore Middle Eastern recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
2 tablespoons of butter, ghee, or oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 leeks, finely chopped (both green and white parts)
a generous handful of fresh green chilies, sliced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of chickpeas, soaked overnight in enough water to cover and drained
12 cups of vegetable stock or water
1 cup of pearl barley, rinsed
1/2 cup of lentils (I used puy lentils), well rinsed and free of debris
3 teaspoons of sea salt
freshly ground cracked black pepper
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of turmeric
dash of asafetida
dash of cayenne
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
2 cups of kale, chopped
1/2 cup of fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup of tahini
juice from one fresh lemon or two limes
In a large soup pot, heat the butter, oil or ghee over medium heat. When hot, add the onions, leeks, chilies and garlic. Stir and fry for 10 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the chickpeas to the pot, along with the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
Now add the barley, lentils, salt and pepper and bring to boil. Again, reduce the heat to medium low and cover and simmer for another 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add the tomatoes, fresh herbs, kale, turmeric, cayenne, asafetida, cumin and coriander. Simmer over low heat for another 30 - 40 minutes. Add more stock if necessary.
Stir in the tahini and lemon or lime juice and partially blend the soup with a hand blender or in batches in a blender or food processor. Add more salt and pepper and garnish with parsley, dill and strips of hot chilies.
Serves 6 - 8
Marinated Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus with Olives
Middle Eastern Chickpea and Olive Salad
Shakshouka
On the top of the reading stack: The National Post
Audio Accompaniment: Palace Brothers
Serve it up in Barley, Beans and Legumes, Chickpeas, Grains, Lentils, Middle Eastern, Soups, Vegan Friendly, Vegetables
Carrot Sambar
One of my latest creations is this warming carrot sambar that also has a cooling effect, if that makes sense. Sambars are popular in South India and most typically served with rice. A wide variety of vegetables can be used, and often toor dal and tamarind is a common addition, along with a delightful array of spices. Usually thick and fiery, sambars are often the first course for a South Indian full course meal. Do consider making your own sambar powder, as this is an essential ingredient and as I have noted before, fresh spice blends made in your own kitchen are far superior to store bought blends, and so easy to make if you have a coffee grinder to whiz it all up.
Carrot SambharMore sambars you may enjoy from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
1/2 cup of toor dal or lentils, well rinsed
4 cups of water
1 teaspoon of turmeric
2 tablespoons of butter or ghee or oil
2 whole dried chili peppers, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida,
a generous handful of dried curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
2 teaspoons of urad dal, well rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1 cup of carrots, washed and sliced
2 teaspoons of sambar powder
1/2 teaspoon tamarind paste
1/2 cup of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 cup of fresh coriander or parsley, chopped
In a medium - large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the toor dal or lentils along with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Reduce the heat to medium - low and simmer, uncovered, for roughly 30 minutes, or until the dal is creamy. Add more water if necessary. Set aside.
Heat the butter or ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the hot peppers, asafoetida, curry leaves, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and urad dal. Stir and fry until the mustard seeds begin to splutter and pop.
Now add the onion and tomatoes and another 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and stir and fry for 5 minutes. Toss in the carrots, sambar powder, tamarind paste, tomato paste and sea salt. Cook, covered, over medium - low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the toor dal, along with the remaining cooking liquid, and 2 cups of water and the parsley or coriander. Add more water as desired.
Black-Eyed Pea Sambar
Butternut Squash Sambar
On the top of the reading stack: How to tell fortunes with cards
Audio Accompaniment: Mr. Arvo Part
Serve it up in Dal Curries and Soups, Indian, Split Dals, Vegan Friendly, Vegetables
Sun Chlorella Giveaway
Rich in chlorophyll, chlorella is a purifying agent that is sure to give a boost to your nutrient levels and general well-being. This freshwater green algae is a superfood indeed, as it contains 60 % protein, 18 amino acids, along with vitamins and minerals such as potassium, all of the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and iron, and also beta carotene and lutein. The benefit of the granules is that those of us who have trouble swallowing supplements can simply add the mixture to a glass of water or smoothie and enjoy. I found the granules did not really add any extra taste to the water, but are packed full of goodness.
Eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb that provides an extra boost at the same time as a relaxing alternative to coffee or sugar. Now that I do not indulge in coffee, I was delighted to receive this product that helps to relieve stress and provide some additional energy.
I also can't but help to rave about the Sun Chlorella Cream that contains natural ingredients such as grapefruit seed extract, clove extract and chlorophyll. Purifying and refreshing for your skin, you can expect a process of skin renewal.
The random giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US. The offering is some Chlorella Tablets and Granules. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I will run the contest until April 7th. If you don't have a blog, please do include your email address in the comment section so I can contact you should you be the lucky winner.
For additional information, do visit the newsroom where you will also find some tempting recipes.
No Croutons Required - Aduki Beans and Mung Beans
Our first entry this month is from Harini of Sugar 'n' Spice. She submits this most delightful recipe for Stuffed Sprouts Paratha. Sprouted mung beans are here combined with wheat flour, Parantha masala, mango powder, turmeric, green chillies and cilantro. This mouthwatering bread would be a ideal accompaniment to any Indian meal. (USA)
Our next submission is from Michelle of Food, Football and a Baby. More sprouts and how could we resist Grandma's Spiced Sprouted Mung Beans?. Longevity is so charming and precious and what better way to celebrate than to make this wholesome dish? Spicy with a hint of sweetness, sprouted mung beans come together with curry leaves, coconut, onion and fresh lime juice along with a masala consisting of red chilies, onion, garlic, coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin seeds, turmeric and tamarind. Sounds delicious! (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Janet of Taste Space is up next with this tempting and hearty Adzuki Bean Soup. Vegetable broth, adzuki beans, shiitake mushrooms, onion, garlic, soy sauce, agave nectar, kombu and toasted almonds are featured here. Easy to make and a fine accompaniment to any grain dish. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)Mango Cheeks of Allotment 2 Kitchen enters a balanced and nourishing Aduki Bean and Mung Bean Brown Rice Salad. Adzuki beans, mung beans, brown basmati rice, celery and spring onions are dressed with olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic and mustard powder. This dish should surely be a staple on the menu. (West of Scotland, UK)
From Adam and Theresa of Yogi Kitchen we are treated to this Four Bean Indian Salad that is inspired by one of their favorite cooks who has a cookbook we are told is a must have. Green beans, fresh dill, toor dhal, mung beans (both sprouted and whole) and red bell pepper are tempered with black mustard seeds, red chilies, asafetida and coconut. This fine dish will be served in my kitchen soon. (Tarifa, Andalucia in Spain)
Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe serves up an Adzuki Bean Soup that she was inspired to make after I announced the challenge for March. Adzuki beans are whizzed up with onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, tomato paste, leeks, celery, carrot, paprika, veggie stock, parsley and yogurt. Sounds like a delightful soup that would be sure to please legume fans. (Melbourne, Australia)
Rachel of Rachel's Bite enters this nutrient packed Miso Udon Stir-Fry with Greens and Beans that she says tastes even better than it looks, though the picture has my mouth watering. Broccoli, brown rice udon noodles, garlic, swiss chard, green onions, adzuki beans, miso, toasted sesame seeds and Sriracha hot sauce all come together for a most delightful meal. Good for you and your tummy will be happy. (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
My submission this month is an Adzuki Bean Casserole. These delightful little red beans are baked with carrots, green beans, onion, pumpkin puree, sweet potato, kale, corn, peas, dried mushrooms, tomatoes (fresh and sun-dried), oats, cayenne, paprika, thyme, fresh dill, miso, tamari, extra old cheddar cheese and some Parmesan. My friends were certainly pleased with the results and the addition of olives, red chili flakes, saffron and sour cream the next day was a tasty twist. (London, Ontario, Canada)
Our next entry is from Valerie of City Life Eats. This gluten-free Roasted Onion Quinoa Azuki Salad is sure to please hungry tummies. East to prepare, Valerie made this up for several people. Roasted onion, quinoa, lemon juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, aduki beans, carrots, parsley and scallions make a fine salad indeed. (Washington, DC, USA)
Sweatha of Tasty Curry Leaf cooks up a Cold Roasted Mung Broth - Uppa Hesaru that she says is perfect for summer months, though it can be served with warm gravy and rice on chilly nights. Roasted and mashed mung beans come together with roasted red chilies and garlic and the dish is tempered with mustard seeds, dried red chili, curry leaves and asafoetida. Add some fresh lemon juice if desired. This interesting preparation has my tummy growling. (Bangalore, India)
Caffettiera of La Caffettiera Rosa enters the fray with this heavenly Sprouted Mung Bean Curry. I can certainly appreciate a fellow spice lovers addiction to spices! This dish is made up of sprouted mung beans, brown mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, peppercorns, coriander seeds, dried red chilies, turmeric, asafoetida, onion, coconut and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime juice. I would be happy to have this dish on the menu regularly. (Germany)
Heather of Gluten-Free Cat, who won the challenge last month, is back again with a gluten-free Adzuki Bean and Swiss Chard Skillet (or soup / stew). The goodness of adzuki beans come together with swiss chard, mushrooms, fresh basil, coconut, ground mustard, turmeric, cumin, garlic and veggie broth. Served over Jasmine rice, you are in for a real treat. (Nashville, Tennessee, USA)
Last, but not least, from Torwen we have an appetizing Japanese Azuki Soup-Karee. A good choice for vegetarians and vegans, this soup is made with onions, ginger, chili flakes, curry powder, a laurel leaf, hokkaido squash, vegetable broth, adzuki beans, and soy milk. Served with brown rice, this soup is surely most satisfying. (Heidelberg, Germany)
Jacqueline will be hosting the April edition of No Croutons Required. Check back at the beginning of the month for the theme.
Serve it up in Dal Curries and Soups, No Croutons Required
Scottish Oat Scones ( "Horse Treats" )
Samuel Johnson used to say that oats are "a grain used in England to feed horses and in Scotland to feed the populace." As a wonderful source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, fibre and B vitamins, this may explain why there were so many splendid specimens of English horses and Scots. As with the Scots, we Canadians must suffer a miserable climate for several months a year, so these “horse treats” ought to do as well for us as for them. Easy to make, these sturdy oat scones are warming, filling, and just slightly sweet — and they’re just wonderful with butter and jam spread over them.
Scottish Oat Scones ( "Horse Treats" ) |
| Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on March 19, 2011 Easy to make, these oat scones are warming, filling, and just slightly sweet — wonderful with butter and jam Print this recipeIngredients:
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More oat recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Spicy Lentil Quinoa Nut Loaf
Pomegranate & Blueberry Oat Smoothie
Vanilla Oat Pancakes
Quinoa-Oat Croquettes
Serve it up in Biscuits and Crackers, Breakfast, Grains, Oats
Azuki Bean Casserole
The next evening I reheated the casserole and added some chopped pitted black olives, a few dollops of sour cream, more grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped seeded hot chilies, a sprinkling of saffron and a dash of red pepper flakes. Much like soups, this casserole tastes better the day after. The smell is heavenly when reheating, just as it was when I cooked it to begin with.
This is my submission to this month's No Croutons Required. The theme this month is a vegetarian dish made with aduki beans or mung beans. You have until the 20th of March to enter your recipe.
Aduki Bean Casserole |
| Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on March 17, 2011 A rich, hearty, nutritious and flavorful azuki bean casserole loaded with vegetables and seasoned with spices and herbs Print this recipeIngredients:
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More azuki bean recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Mung and Azuki Beans with Fresh Peas and Spices
Spicy Azuki Bean Risotto
Hungdo Chow Ching Jiao
Adzuki Croquettes
On the top of the reading stack: Dakshin
Audio Accompaniment: Underworld
Serve it up in Azuki Beans, Beans and Legumes, Corn, Pumpkin and Squash, Vegetables
Cocoa Nut Butter No-Bake Fudge
Cocoa Nut Butter No-Bake Fudge |
| Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Green Gourmet Giraffe Published on March 15, 2011 Simple but heavenly and guilt-free no-bake cocoa fudge with nut butter Print this recipeIngredients:
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More chocolate treats from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Cocoa Fruit Treats
Chocolate Cocoa Brownies with Dried Cranberries and Chickpea Flour
Cocoa Brownies with Peanut Butter Chocolate Icing
Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
On the top of the reading stack: Food and Drink
Audio Accompaniment: Arvo Part
Serve it up in Treats and Desserts, Vegan Friendly
Giveaway from Lisa's Kitchen
This contest is open to residents worldwide. All you need to do is leave a comment including the words "I heart Broccoli" before the 26th of March for a chance to win. If you don't have a blog, please do include your email address so I can contact you.
Madras-Style Red Lentil Soup
Yet another recipe adapted from Silk Road Cooking
Madras-Style Red Lentil Soup |
| Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Silk Road Cooking: A Vegetarian Journey Cuisine: Indian Published on March 12, 2011 A richly flavored, spicy, earthy and hearty red lentil soup Print this recipeIngredients:
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More lentil dishes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Spicy Lentil Qunioa Loaf
Greek Lentil Soup
Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mixed Lentil Dal
Green Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk
On the top of the reading stack: How can I decide when I have so many books?!
Audio Accompaniment: Arvo Part
Serve it up in Beans and Legumes, Dal Curries and Soups, Indian, Lentils, Soups, Vegan Friendly, Vegetables
Tomato Cornmeal Muffins with Cheddar Cheese
Tomato Cornmeal Muffins with Cheddar CheeseMore muffin recipes from Lisa's Kitchen you will be sure to enjoy:
3/4 cups of unbleached white flour
1/2 cup of cornmeal
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
3 - 4 sun dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, drained and finely chopped
1 cup of milk
2 large eggs
1 heaping teaspoon of honey
1/4 cup of olive oil
roughly 4 ounces of extra old cheddar cheese, cut into inch cubes
Grease 9 standard sized muffin cups.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the tomatoes, making sure the mixture is distributed evenly and well combined. Make a well in the center.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey and olive oil. Pour into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Fill the prepared cups half full of batter and then push a cube of cheese into the center. Fill the cups with the remaining batter and bake in a preheat 375 degree oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown. Let sit in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10 - 15 minutes. Serve warm or cool.
Makes 9 large muffins.
Blueberry Goat Cheese Muffins
Cornmeal Honey Muffins
Spicy Baked Egg Muffins
Savory Dill Ricotta Muffins
On the top of the reading stack: Healthy South Indian Cooking
Audio Accompaniment: Arvo Part
Serve it up in Breads and Muffins, Eggs and Cheese






















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