Cilantro Pesto

A summertime favorite...equally delicious when mixed into a bowl of pasta, slathered on some grilled veggies, or thinned with water/oil/vinegar and drizzled on a garden salad. This recipe is straight out of Mama Steinhauser's repertoire...


2 C packed cilantro (thin stems are ok)
1 clove garlic, squashed or finely grated
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C olive oil/canola oil/peanut oil
4 TBS unsalted peanuts

In the bowl of a food processor, combine your cilantro, garlic, salt, about half of the oil, and about half of the peanuts. Turn the food processor on and let it run until well blended, slowly drizzling in the rest of the oil as you go. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and run the food processor for another couple of seconds. Add in the remainder of the peanuts and pulse 7-10 times or until the peanuts are broken up a bit.

One batch will make about a cup of pesto. It will last in the fridge for a week or so but if you plan to store it longer it keeps great in the freezer! Just pour it into an 8 oz mason jar, stir it and tap it a bit on the counter to get out any air bubbles, top it off with about a 1/2 tsp of olive oil (to keep the color from changing) and pop it in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge the day before you plan to use it.

Lemony Minted Watermelon Salad

Simple but brilliant. This is all I want to eat now that it's consistently 95 plus and humid here in Delaware.


1/2 medium sized watermelon
juice from 1 lemon
pinch of sea salt
1-2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
a nice fistful of mint leaves
1-2 tsp sugar, optional

Carefully remove and discard the rind from your watermelon and cut the fruit into into bite sized pieces. Chop your mint into nice thin ribbons. In a large bowl, combine the melon with the mint, the lemon juice, just a drizzle of olive oil and a little pinch of sea salt. Gently mix until the mint is evenly distributed. Taste test. If your melon is nice and sweet on its own, skip the sugar. If your melon isn't as sweet as it ought to be, add just the tiniest sprinkle of sugar to give it a boost. Mix again and serve immediately.

Ok, go make this now. For real. You can thank me later!

Potato and Green Bean Salad

I think this one is by far Chris' favorite. I'm pretty sure the two of us put away several pounds of this potato salad over the course of two days. We used green beans and dill right out of the garden and it tasted just like summer...


2-3 pounds of small red potatoes
a couple of handfuls of green beans
1/2 C plain yogurt
1/2 C mayonnaise
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 TBSP grainy dijon mustard
small handful of fresh dill, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, wash and quarter your potatoes. You want nice bite sized pieces so if your potatoes are huge you might have to eighth them or whatever to make them the right size. When the water is boiling, salt it well and dump in your potatoes. Boil gently for a while (maybe 15-20 minutes) until your potatoes are perfectly done. Test them with a fork. When they're nice and tender, they're done! Using a wire strainer, scoop out all of your potatoes and put them in a nice big bowl. Chop your green beans into 2" pieces and dump them into your potato water. They really only take a minute or two to cook. Watch for them to turn bright green and then pull them out before they have a chance to overcook! The green beans can go right into the bowl with the potatoes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. You should have a nice loose dressing. Drizzle this all over the potatoes and mix well. It should almost look like there's too much dressing on the potatoes because as they cool they will absorb some of it and you certainly don't want to end up with a dry potato salad :)

Grilled Tofu with Spicy Peanut-Soy-Ginger Sauce

This has been my go-to recipe for grilled tofu this spring/summer. It's super easy and extremely flexible - I think I've prepared it differently each time I've made it based on what I've had on hand! Adjust and alter to your hearts content...I'm convinced you really can't go wrong with this combination of flavors.

1 block tofu, drained and sliced into 1/2" thick grillable-sized slices
peanut butter
hot water
juice from half a lime
soy sauce
garlic, minced
grated fresh ginger or powdered ginger
cayenne pepper or hot sauce
black pepper
fresh cilantro, chopped


Pat your sliced tofu dry with a clean dish towel to get out any remaining water, drizzle with just a touch of soy sauce, and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix together several spoonfuls of peanut butter (I prefer crunchy!) with a tablespoon or two of hot water until the peanut butter kind of dissolves and gets nice and saucy. It's better to start with just a bit of hot water and add more as needed to get the desired consistency. Add to this: the juice from half a lime, several tablespoons of soy sauce, as much minced garlic as you can stand, about a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger or a couple of pinches of the powdered variety, several dashes or pinches of hot sauce or cayenne, a couple grinds of fresh black pepper, and a nice handful of chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well.

Taste and adjust to your preferences! Like things spicy? Add more heat. Prefer it a bit saltier? Add a couple shakes of soy sauce. Want to repel vampires? Up the garlic content. You get the picture.

Get your grill going, oil it up a bit, and spread out your tofu slices. Grill until you have nice grill lines on the bottom side and then flip. Now, brush on a good layer of the sauce on the tops of the tofu slices. When the bottoms are all perfectly grilled, remove tofu from the grill and flip it over onto a plate so the non-saucy side is up. Brush (or pour!) on plenty of the sauce. I like to save a little bit of the sauce so that as I serve the tofu I can drizzle more on each plate to let it mingle with whatever veggies or salad I am serving. Yum.

Squash and Lentil Soup

Mmmmmmmmm, this soup smells like fall. And tastes like fall. And will make you feel all warm and toasty on a chilly day.

olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch chunk ginger root, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
about 3 C veggie broth
about 2 C water
1 1/4 C red lentils, rinsed
1 medium sized squash (I used a kabocha!)
salt and pepper, to taste
handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Quarter and deseed your squash. Arrange squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake at 400 degrees for about 40-45 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, heat several TBSP olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, add onion and garlic and saute until softened and fragrant. Add ginger and cumin and saute for another minute or two. Add veggie broth, water, and lentils - I wasn't precise with my fluid measurements so play it by ear. You might start with a bit less and then add some more later in the cooking process as the liquid evaporates. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes partially covered.

When squash is tender, carefully slice off and discard skins. Cube squash and add to soup. Cook over low heat for another twenty minutes. Using a potato masher, gently mash squash until you reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with more cilantro and toasted whole wheat bread.

Cheesy Summer Squash Pancakes

Here is a kid and boyfriend-friendly recipe to help you use up your summer squash surplus. Just like potato pancakes...crispy and fried and oh-so-yummy!

3 good sized summer squash, grated
coarse sea salt
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 small onion, grated
1 egg
3/4 C cottage cheese
1/2 C cream cheese
1/2 C flour (I used whole wheat)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 C corn meal (I used a mixture of coarse and fine ground)
1 TBSP fresh dill, or 1 tsp dried
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
plenty fresh black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

Mix grated squash and sea salt and place in a colander for an hour or so - leave the colander either in the sink or over another bowl because the salt will pull water out of the squash. Squeeze the squash to get any extra water out.

Mix squash with remaining ingredients, using your fingers to squish everything together and disperse the cream cheese evenly through the batter. If your batter feels too wet feel free to add a little more flour or cornmeal to get a drier consistency.

Heat a frying pan with about 1/2 an inch of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, form squash batter into patties and carefully drop into hot oil. Fry for about three minutes on each side, or until pancakes are golden brown!

We served ours hot, topped with sauteed garlic scapes. Yummy! I bet they would also be delicious topped with sour cream or yogurt...

PS - We used cream cheese and cottage cheese because that's what we had in the house, but I imagine ANY cheese could be used for a variety of delicious flavors! Go get creative!

Grilled Greek Eggplant Rolls (a la Heather)

As the name suggests, Heather whipped these up at her impromptu Memorial Day barbeque, and they were a-ma-zing! No exact measurements, but you can tweak things to taste :)

1 large eggplant -- sliced lengthwise into broad 1/4-inch slices
olive oil
about 1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
about 1/4 cup mint, minced
a squeeze of lemon juice
1 chili pepper, minced
salt and pepper to taste


Brush the slices of eggplant with olive oil. Grill (or roast in the oven, if you're lacking in grill) until they're soft/roasted.

In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. When the eggplants are done, place about two tablespoons of the feta mixture towards the end of each slice, and roll it all up.

Seriously tasty :)

Zucchini Pancakes

So I haven't actually gotten to try this yet, but I just found it on Epicurious.com and it looks seriously tasty. It's hovering near the top of my "to cook" list this week . . .

1 pound zucchini, trimmed, coarsely grated

2 cups chopped green onions
4 eggs, beaten to blend
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried dillweed
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
2/3 cup chopped walnuts (about 3 ounces)
Olive oil



Place zucchini in colander. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and let stand 30 minutes to drain. Squeeze zucchini between hands to remove liquid, then squeeze dry in several layers of paper towels.

Combine zucchini, chopped green onions, 4 eggs, flour, chopped dill, parsley, tarragon, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in medium bowl. Mix well. Fold in crumbled feta cheese. (Zucchini mixture can be prepared 3 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Stir to blend before continuing.) Fold chopped walnuts into zucchini mixture.

Preheat oven to 300°F. Place baking sheet in oven. Cover bottom of large nonstick skillet with olive oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, drop zucchini mixture into skillet by heaping tablespoonfuls. Fry until pancakes are golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer each batch of pancakes to baking sheet in oven to keep warm. Serve pancakes hot.

Hyderabadi-style omelettes

I've only eaten this made with egg, onion, and spices, but I bet it would also be seriously tasty with some chopped tomato and red pepper tossed in. Could potentially be served with aloo gadda (potato fry) for a spicy brunch :)

2 eggs
2 tbs chopped onions
1tsp ginger-garlic paste
½ tsp chili powder, or to taste
1 tsp meat masala
¼ tsp turmeric
Pinch of salt
about 2 tbs fresh cilantro, chopped
Splash of milk

Sauté onions in oil till translucent. While they're cooking, whisk all other ingredients together in a small bowl. Add to pan and cook as you would an omelette, or scrambled eggs.

Curried Squash, Kale, and Lentil Casserole

A variation on one of the squash recipes Lisa posted last fall. Serve this with quinoa (or couscous) and you've got a hearty dish that makes for a truly delicious November meal!



1 medium butternut squash
1 small red onion, roughly chopped
1 tsp curry
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
2/3 C lentils
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1 C feta, crumbled
4 C kale, chopped
1 C peanuts (or other nuts), coarsly chopped
juice from one lime
handful fresh cilantro, chopped
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Quarter and de-seed the squash and bake in a shallow pan for 30 minutes at 450 degrees. (If your oven heats from the bottom, like mine, it's a good idea to fill the pan with a 1/2 inch of water to prevent burning!)

Meanwhile, mix lentils and garlic together in a sauce pan with enough water to cover. Cook over medium heat continuing to add water as necessary until lentils are tender and water is all absorbed, about 30 minutes. When lentils are cooked, stir in crumbled feta, salt, and pepper.

In a skillet, heat 1 TBSP olive oil and gently saute kale for a minute or two. Add about 1/2 C water, cover and let steam about 5 minutes until bright green and tender. Remove from heat and strain kale, shaking out excess water to stop cooking.

When squash is tender, remove from oven. Carefully peel away skin and chop into 1/2 inch chunks. In a large baking dish, mix together squash, onion, curry, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, pepper, and 2 TBSP olive oil. Sprinkle peanuts over squash and bake mixture for 10 minutes at 450 degrees. Remove from oven and layer kale evenly over squash. Squeeze juice from 1/2 of the lime over the kale. Spread the lentil mixture evenly over the kale and place casserole back into the oven for 10 more minutes.

Remove from oven and squeeze second 1/2 of the lime over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the entire dish. Serve over quinoa or couscous, topped with a big dollop of yogurt.

Baby Turnip and Avocado Salad

A note on turnips: check out the selection of fresh turnips from your local farmer's market and choose the small ones - they will be unbelievably sweet and tender! They are wonderful eaten raw on their own, dipped in hummus, or in this lovely simple salad.

Also, if you're not familiar with dulse, now's the time to acquaint yourself with this delicious, chewy sea vegetable. It's super tasty...and a great source of veggie protein, iron, potassium, and bunches of other trace elements, enzymes and phytochemicals. You can buy it as whole leaves (in which case, you really ought to eat it lightly toasted with melted chedder cheese on top...my favorite elementary school after-school snack) or as flakes - perfect for topping soups and salads.



6-8 baby turnips, tops removed, chopped
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 TBSP dulse flakes
2 TBSP parsley, chopped
1/4 C rice vinegar
3 TBSP olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, gently toss together all ingredients. Serve immediately. Yum yum!

Warm Potato Salad with Goat Cheese

Found this on the NY Times website today and I am SO excited to make it. Sounds dee-licious.



Dressing:
1 TBSP white wine vinegar
1 TBSP lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 C low-fat yogurt or buttermilk
2 TBSP olive oil

Salad:
1 1/2 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold, fingerling or red bliss)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 TBSP red onion, finely chopped, rinsed with cold water and drained
2 TBSP flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 oz soft goat cheese
2 to 3 sage leaves, cut in thin slivers

To make the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic. Whisk in the yogurt and olive oil. Taste and adjust seasonings, Set aside.

Scrub the potatoes and cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Steam above 1 inch of boiling water until tender but not mushy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss while hot in a bowl with salt and pepper to taste, the onions, parsley, goat cheese, and the dressing. Sprinkle the sage over the top and serve.

Haitian-style rice and beans

Stolen from allrecipes.com . . . the cloves make this smell AMAZING as it's cooking!

1 (8 ounce) package dry kidney beans
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 bulb shallot, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (though I'm sure it would also be yummy with brown)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon adobo seasoning (optional - you can also use a combination of oregano, paprika, and black pepper)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 sprigs fresh parsley
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 chile pepper


Place beans in a large pot, and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours, or until tender. Drain, reserving liquid.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute shallot and garlic until softened. Stir in cooked beans, and cook for 2 minutes. Measure reserved liquid, and add water to equal 5 cups; stir into skillet. Stir in the uncooked rice. Season with bay leaves, adobo seasoning, salt, pepper, and cloves. Place parsley, thyme, and chili pepper on top, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20minutes. Remove thyme, parsley, and chile pepper before serving.

Serve with avocado. Yummy :)

Vegetarian Lasagna

Nothing beats lasagna. And this recipe, adapted from my grandmother's, is truly special...

15 whole wheat lasagna noodles (plus 2 or 3 in case some break!)
salt

2 TBSP olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 package Gimme Lean soy ground beef (optional)
fresh basil, chopped
salt

2 TBSP olive oil
4-5 cups of finely chopped or grated:
onion, mushrooms, spinach, summer squash, zucchini,
kalamata olives, or whatever else you have on hand
salt and pepper

2 lb ricotta or cottage cheese
2 eggs
1/2 C parmesan cheese
1 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper

10 oz. mozzarella, grated
handful of parmesan


In a large pot, bring several quarts of water to a boil. Salt well. Add lasagna noodles gently one or two at a time, and return to a boil. Cook about 10 minutes for whole wheat noodles (or follow directions on package). Drain carefully, rinse in cool water, gently separate noodles, and lay flat to dry.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan heat 2 TBSP olive oil and saute garlic until slightly golden. Add crushed tomatoes and salt to taste. Stir well. Simmer until liquid starts to evaporate and tomatoes thicken, about 15 minutes. Stir in fresh basil (in a pinch, dried basil and oregano work well). If you prefer a meaty sauce, you can add a package of Gimme Lean soy ground beef to the tomatoes for a delicious protein-packed sauce.

Finely chop or grate whatever combination of vegetables you are using. In a separate pan, heat 2 TBSP olive oil and saute vegetables until tender, adding salt and pepper to taste. In general, onions, squash, and mushrooms can all be thrown in at the same time. Spinach or any other greens should be added at the last minute.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk ricotta/cottage cheese, parmesan, eggs, parsley, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Brush sides and bottom of large baking dish (9x13") with olive oil. Layer five noodles in the bottom of pan, spread half the ricotta mixture over noodles, spread one third of the sauce over the ricotta, sprinkle one third of the mozzarella, and spread half of the vegetables. Repeat. Finish with one more layer of noodles, the remainder of the sauce, the remainder of the mozzarella, and a good handful of parmesan.

Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 30-45 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned. This recipe freezes very well, so feel free to make in advance and then increase the cooking time accordingly.

Enjoy!

Spaghetti and Giant Stuffed Baked Tofu Balls

Yes, that's right. The old tofu ball recipe, updated for 2008. Can I just say: These are phenomenal. And if you make them, you will totally impress anyone you serve them to, as they make for a most attractive and aromatic dish.

3 slices stale whole wheat bread
1 C milk
1 package extra firm tofu
1 large egg
1/2 C bread crumbs
3 large mushrooms, finely chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely shredded
1/2 C grated parmigiano
splash or 2 of soy sauce
splash of cidar vinegar
salt and pepper
handful fresh parsley, chopped
8 1" cubes of feta cheese
OR
8 baby fresh mozzerella balls
extra virgin olive oil
----
whole wheat spaghetti
----
1 can whole tomatoes, crushed
1 C pesto
salt and pepper
grated parmigiano for garnish



In a shallow bowl, pour milk over torn up bread and let soak until evenly saturated (you may have to stir occasionally). Meanwhile, drain excess water from block of tofu and crumble into a large bowl. To the tofu, add the egg, bread crumbs, mushrooms, scallions, garlic, parmigiano, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper, and parsley. Squeeze most of the milk from the bread and add bread to the tofu mixture. Using your hands, squish all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Mold tofu into a giant disk and then divide into 8 even sections.

To form the balls: Take each section and form into a patty (it should resemble a burger). Place a feta cube or mozzerella ball (depending on your mood!) in the center of the patty, and then curl the sides up around the cheese and smooth into an even round shape. Space the eight balls evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in a hot oven (425 degrees) for about 20-25 minutes. (Optional: at the end of the baking time I popped my tray under the broiler for three minutes to get the tops nice and browned...lovely!)

While tofu balls are baking: Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water for the time specified on the package. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. In a skillet over medium heat, simmer the crushed tomatoes with a bit of salt and pepper until fluid is significantly reduced. Just before serving, remove tomatoes from heat and stir in pesto (you can use pesto from a can, or feel free to make your own!!). Serve each plate with a pile of spaghetti, a whole bunch of delicious basil-tomato sauce, and two giant stuffed balls balanced on top. Sprinkle with parmigiano.

Heaven!

Lentils and Quinoa with Avocado

According to a guy who works at Murray's Bagels on 8th Ave, eating lentils will make you live forever. Here's to heart health! Woohoo!

1 pound lentils
6 C water
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cremini mushrooms, chopped
3 garlic cloves
6 kale leaves, chopped
2 splashes apple cider vinegar
4 splashes soy sauce
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp ground coriander seed
handful fresh parsley, chopped
1 C quinoa
2 C water
salt
black pepper
avocado
fat-free or dairy-free sour cream (optional)

In a large pot, combine lentils, 6 C water, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, whole garlic cloves, a solid pinch of salt, and plenty of black pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes with lid tilted. Add kale, vinegar, soy sauce, cardamom, and coriander, stir well, and cook another 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add parsley, squash garlic cloves against the side of the pot, and stir. Meanwhile, as lentils are cooking, bring 2 C water to a boil in a saucepan. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt and cook for 15 minutes covered on low heat.

To serve, layer a scoop of quinoa and a scoop of lentils in a shallow bowl. Arrange avocado slices on top of lentils and finish with a dollop of sour cream. Heart-healthy and oh-so tasty...

The Ultimate Baked Potato

Comfort food at its very best...

2 medium Idaho potatoes
1 small onion, diced
4 baby bella mushrooms, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small head of broccoli, chopped
1 small ear of corn, boiled and corn cut off
1/2 C grated cheddar cheese
1 C cottage cheese
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
handful fresh parsley, chopped
cooking spray

Garnish with:
dollop of sour cream
scallions, minced

Prick potatoes all over with a fork and either bake in the oven or microwave on the baked potato setting until tender. Meanwhile, spray a non-stick pan with a bit of cooking spray and saute onions, mushrooms, and garlic until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add broccoli and corn and continue to saute, stirring frequently, until broccoli is tender. Add in cheddar and cottage cheese and mix well until cheeses melt, about one minute. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.

Slice open potatoes, use fork to fluff the centers, and smother with the veggie/cheese mixture. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and some minced scallions. Serves 2.

(If you use non-fat cottage cheese and sour cream, and low-fat cheddar, I promise you won't taste the difference AND the dish becomes surprisingly good for you!!)

Roasted Corn and Zucchini Salad

Farmer's market veggies are muy importante for this recipe.

2 small-to-medium zucchinis, chopped
kernels from 2 ears of corn
1-2 tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
handful of chopped herbs: I use a combination of basil, parsley, chives, and oregano, but you can experiment :)

Toss the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a 425-degree oven until the zucchini starts to brown and smell yummy (about 20-30 minutes or so). Give it a stir halfway through so the corn doesn't burn.

Let cool for a bit, then toss with the herbs. Tastes like summer!

Chickpea and Brown Rice Burgers

Easy to make and totally delicious. I tried these first as burgers, and then a couple days later made them again but formed little 1 inch cubes instead (for a cube-themed meal!). I served the cubes with a yogurt-cucumber-lime sauce that was pretty awesome too if you're looking for a different option... Enjoy!

Burgers:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2/3 C cooked brown rice
2 TBSP oats, chopped finely
1 medium carrot, grated
2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
2 TBSP fresh cilantro, chopped
2 medium scallions, minced
2 clove garlic, pressed
1 tsp lemon or lime zest
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 large egg, beaten

Salad:
1/2 C cucumber, diced
2 small tomatoes, diced
1/2 green pepper, diced
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 small red onion, slivered
2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
juice from 1/2 lemon or lime
1 TBSP olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas until a course texture is reached. Add brown rice and mash until well combined. Add oats, carrots, parsley, scallions, cilantro, garlic, lemon/lime zest, coriander, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add egg, mix until combined, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

In a separate small bowl, add all salad ingredients and toss gently. Set aside.

Set oven to 400 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray, form burger mixture into 5 patties and arrange on sheet. Lightly coat tops of burgers with cooking spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flip burgers to second side, and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serve burgers topped with salad. Yum!

Black Bean, Avocado, Corn Salad

Spinach or mixed greens, washed thoroughly
1 medium sweet potato, thinly sliced
1 TBSP brown sugar
1 can black beans
2 ears corn, boiled and cut off the cob
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
2 scallions, white and green parts sliced thinly
1/2 mango, peeled and chopped
1/2 C cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
handful of fresh parsley and/or cilantro, chopped

Dressing:
juice from 1 lime
1/4 C olive oil
2 TBSP cidar vinegar
1 TBSP honey
salt and pepper to taste

Arrange sweet potatoes in a small baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes until tender.

Meanwhile, layer all remaining salad ingredients on top of mixed greens in a large bowl. In a small jar with a lid, add all dressing ingredients, cap, and shake thoroughly. Dress the salad, toss, and serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread.