Gigi Hamilton’s Really Hot, Really Delectable Mixed Beans with a Lot of Ginger
This recipe is from "The Passionate Vegetarian" by Crescent Dragonwagon. It's a fantastic book filled with fabulous vegetarian recipes.
1 T. Olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ cup loosely packed, peeled, grated ginger
1-2 small hot chilies (Serrano or jalapeno), seeded and diced
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles
2 cans (30oz) white or navy beans, drained
2 cans (30oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained
1 can (15oz) chickpeas, drained
1 can (15oz) white hominy, drained
Stems from 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
Heat oil in large saucepan. Add onions and saute’ 4 minutes, then add garlic, ginger, chilies and saute’ 5 more minutes. Add Ro-Tel and cook, stirring often, until heated through. Add beans and hominy; bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Add cilantro stems and cook for 3-5 minutes more. Serve hot with any cooked grain.
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Basic Quinoa
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
½ t. salt
Place quinoa in fine mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly several times, swishing grains with your hand. Drain well. Place in dry cast iron or non-stick skillet and toast, stirring frequently, over medium heat, until it is slightly more golden in color, more aromatic, and making a popping sound. Bring water and salt to boil; add the quinoa. Stir once and let water return to boil. Lower heat and simmer 12-18 minutes, or until water is absorbed and grains have turned translucent. If desired, add ¼ t. cayenne pepper and some minced cilantro for the recipe above. Turn off heat and let stand a few minutes. Fluff and serve.
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Other suggestions to add to quinoa:
1) Add handful of frozen corn kernels the last 3 minutes of cooking.
2) Add 1 T. of Tahini and 1 t. toasted sesame oil to the quinoa the last few minutes of cooking. Grill fresh pineapple slices that have been brushed in tamari, oil, and honey, and dice when they come off the grill. Add to quinoa along with diced baked tofu or tempeh. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or mint.