Four Vegetables and a Legume (serves 4)
After nearly two weeks of one dish meals, I have finally made the break to a main and two sides. But this time, they are all vegan. So, with an homage to a movie with a similarly evocative title, we are enjoying beets, spinach, broccoli, carrots and beans. The fact that the temperature got all the way to 40 degrees today (after a rather icy start) meant that I was willing to risk two salads and one hot dish. Not exactly dining al fresco, but a reminder that spring and summer will come! Blessings and peace to all ~ Glyn
Orange Ginger Beets
2 c cooked small beets, quartered (1 can with juice)
¼ c thinly sliced onions
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
½ tsp. dried orange zest
½ tsp. dried basil
¼ tsp. salt
1 tbsp. unsweetened grated coconut
¼ c white balsamic vinegar
Combine all ingredients and let marinate for several hours.
Beans and Greens
2 c cooked cannellini beans
1 10 oz. pkg frozen leaf spinach
¼ c chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp. each black and white sesame seeds
¼ c. tahini sauce
Saute the onion, garlic and sesame seeds in the oil. Stir in the beans and spinach and cook until steaming. Add the tahini sauce, bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes on very low heat.
Raisin Broccoli & Carrot Slaw
1 c grated carrot
1 c finely chopped broccoli florets
¼ c chopped walnuts
1 tbsp. raisins
1 tbsp. chopped onion
2 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. walnut or vegetable oil (optional)
Combine the carrots, broccoli, onions, walnuts and raisins in a food processor and whirl until chopped to your taste. Remove to a serving bowl. Stir in the vinegar and optional oil. Let rest for one hour to meld the flavors.
All Good Gifts 
This was a true feast for the senses – sight, smell, and taste. The whole house smelled wonderful, and the taste combinations of earthiness and the tartness of vinegar were fantastic. See the visual contrast of all the great colors? It tasted the same. Like tasting color, and like seeing aromas. What looks like “creamed” spinach is done with tahini, for a much lighter and more flavorful dish! And cannellini beans are the source and support of all life on earth, as far as I am concerned. ~ Will
LikeLike