Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are native to Italy and can charm any number of dishes with their smooth texture; mild, sweetish flavour; and versatility. Cook as per instructions below and use in soups, salads, or stews. Satisfyingly delicious. Switch out tuna with organic boneless chicken breasts, if preferred.
The bigger the beans, the longer the soaking and cooking time. Cover with enough cold water to extend above beans by 2 in (5 cm). Set aside at room temperature overnight for no longer than 12 hours. For a shorter soak, place beans in a pan of cold water with 2 in (5 cm) to spare. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside for 1 hour. Thoroughly drain and use as per recipe.
Dried beans will keep for 6 to 9 months in a lightly sealed container at room temperature. To have beans ready to go for quick dinner plans, soak and cook up a generous-sized pot. Strain and cool. Then store in small containers and freeze. Simply add frozen to soups and stews or thaw and toss into salads or stir-fries.
Per serving:
Place soaked and drained beans in large saucepan. Cover with water and 1 in (2.5 cm) to spare. Add bay leaves, garlic, and herbs. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook, with lid ajar, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until beans are tender but still a bit firm. Do not add salt, as it will toughen the beans. Beans can be soaked and cooked ahead. Remove bay leaves and herbs. Then drain and refrigerate for up to a couple of days. Or freeze for up to a month.
While beans are simmering, place dressing ingredients in mini blender. Whirl until emulsified. Set aside. On large serving platter, arrange spinach, onion, and cherry tomato halves. Shave cucumber into long, thin strips and add along with cooked beans. Set aside.
Combine fennel seed, salt, and generous gratings of pepper in mortar and pestle and grind to a fine powder. Stir in dill. Sprinkle on cutting board and press tuna loin into seasonings to lightly coat on all sides.
Preheat barbecue or dry grill pan until very hot. Sear whole loin for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on both sides, just until lightly golden on the outside but still raw in the centre. Set aside on cutting board to rest. Drizzle with a few drops of olive oil and rub in.
To serve, cut tuna crosswise into slices. Arrange overtop salad ingredients. Dot with dressing and serve.
Custardy French toast drizzled in pure maple syrup is a cozy, cold-weather breakfast classic. We’ve given this recipe a vegan makeover by swapping out eggs in the batter with mashed banana and a bit of ground flaxseed. This clever swap makes the French toast reminiscent of banana bread. Top it off with a decadent drizzle of raspberry syrup and you’re just a quick stint in the kitchen away from breakfast bliss. Citrus swap If you don’t have any bananas around, consider swapping for an orange. In blender, add zest of one large orange along with peeled fruit and other batter ingredients. Blend until smooth and proceed with the recipe as described.
A satisfying plant-based dinner or packed lunch, quinoa and beans add filling protein, while greens, cucumbers, roasted veggies, and a probiotic-rich dressing bring texture and flavour. Try it with a creamy plant-based cheese on top, or goat cheese for non-plant-based eaters. Mix and match Use this recipe as a guideline. Add in your go-tos such as chopped walnuts or hemp hearts, pitted sliced dates, roasted cauliflower, and crumbled feta (plant-based, if desired).
Brown rice and two varieties of lentils cook in one pot with broth, coconut milk, and simple spices. Nourishing spinach and sweet green peas bring this meal to life. It’s true sunshine in a bowl for those cold winter nights. Main grains White basmati rice, short-grain brown rice, quinoa, or millet can be used in place of the brown basmati rice. Try a mixture of grains for added nutrition and taste (e.g., millet and basmati rice, quinoa and millet, and so on).
Sprouted tofu and mushrooms soak up a delicious tamari marinade before being baked along with prepared vegan potstickers and bok choy. A tasty sauce, sesame seeds, and a bed of whole grains to serve tie everything together. Adjust the heat level of this dish in the sauce or at the table so kids can partake. Salad swap Once cool, the tofu mixture can be served on a bed of crunchy romaine for a packable lunch that’ll spark office envy. Keep the sauce on the side and dress right before serving.