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October 26, 2010

Delicious Rice/White Bean/Kale Dip

This uniquely flavored dip is based on a white bean dip recipe I found online and modified.  This dip is unbelievably healthy for you, yet it is absolutely delicious... hence the name!  Beans and rice each contain what are called "incomplete proteins", but by combining them you make a complete protein which your body can readily use.  Kale and Rainbow/Swiss Chard are both nutrient packed dark leafy greens which strengthen the immune system and keep our bodies purring.  Combine that with lime juice (cleansing) and raw garlic (daycare.. bring it on!) and you have this amazing yummy dip that might just make you live to be 100!  That's my goal anyway....  ;)

What's special?
-Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Yeast-Free, Vinegar/Ferment-Free, Corn-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free.
-Contains true whole grains (rice mix), lentils, and white beans for a complete protein.
-Raw garlic and lemon cleanse and strengthen immune system.
-Kale is a superfood for the immune system and will make your skin glow!
-Low in fat.
-Very high in fiber.
-A super quick and balanced meal in a bowl if you combine 1 cup with a can of tuna, tempeh/tofu or leftover chicken!
-Family sized recipe.
-Keeps in fridge for up to 6 days.


Sara’s Delicious Rice/White Bean/Kale Dip
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked mixed rice/lentils 
(I use a brown/wild rice blend (2/3c)  and (1/3c) lentils with 3 cups water.  Bring rice, pinch of salt/pepper to a boil, simmer on low for 15 minutes, add lentils and cook for another 25-30 minutes.)
2 (14 oz) cans or 3 cups white beans (cannelli, navy beans, great northern beans), drained and rinsed
2 TB fresh thyme, chopped 
4TB fresh basil, chopped 
8 TB fresh lime juice (3 limes juiced with a large spoon) 
2 TB extra virgin olive oil
2 TB (8 cloves) raw crushed garlic.
1 TB sea salt
1 tsp pepper
4 cups kale (1 large bunch), steamed and finely chopped (stems removed, steamed for 3 minutes.) 
2 cups swiss/rainbow chard (1 large bunch), steamed and chopped (use stems, just chop off very bottoms- steam stems first then add leaves 2 minutes later, steaming for 1 more minute.)


Preparation:
Cook rice and lentils according to instructions above.  Steam kale and swiss chard.  Combine beans, thyme, basil, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, sea salt and pepper in blender until mixed.  Add 3 cups warm rice/lentils and blend again until you can't see rice grains anymore.  Remove half of mixture and place in medium bowl.  Add 1/2 of the rainbow/swiss chard (1c approx) and 1/2 of kale (2c approx) to blender and mix well.  Pour this mixture into a large salad bowl, refill the blender with the other half of the dip, add remaining kale and swiss chard and blend well.  Combine both batches of dip in the large bowl, mix well, transfer to storage containers and refrigerate (preferably glass containers to keep it fresh for longer).  Can be served hot or cold.  Keeps for 6 days in refrigerator.

Serving Ideas:  Serve as a dip with whole grain rye crackers, wholemeal rye bread, or raw vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cucumber, green beans).  Use as a topper for tempeh, tofu, left-over chicken or fish.  Use as a spread for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.  The usual dip drill....!

Preparation time:  1 hour 20 minutes (including 50 minute rice cooking time)
Yield: Approx. 9 cups

October 14, 2010

Sara's Tangy Guacamole




This guacamole recipe is a bit of an oddity, but it is SO good.  Goes so nicely with so many different things. Tomato paste gives it an unexpected edginess.

What's special?
-Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Yeast-Free, Vinegar/Ferment-Free, Corn-Free, Dairy-Free.
-Contains raw garlic and red onion to fight off those cold bugs before you can sniffle!
-Avocado is a super healthy fat source if used in moderate portions (1/2 avocado = 1 TB oil = 15g fat)
-Quick and easy to make and delicious with crackers.

Sara’s Tangy Guacamole

Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados (turning dark and very soft on outside)
1c diced red onion
4 cloves garlic, pressed
juice of 1 lime (halve lime, use spoon to twist juice out for maximum yield)
1 heap tsp sea salt
3/4tsp fresh ground pepper

1 can tomato paste(5.5oz/156ml)

Preparation:
Halve avocados, remove pit then quarter them for easy peel removal.  Place avocado quarters, lime juice, garlic salt and pepper in a medium bowl and mash with a fork until you reach a creamy consistency.  Add onion and stir in.  then with a large spoon, drop the tomato paste into bowl in three scoops, mixing in gently each time as to have swirls of red and green in your bowl.  Be careful not to overmix as it will turn into a weird brownish colour... but don't worry if you do because it still tastes amazing!  Transfer to serving/storage bowl, chill and serve.  This keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days and tastes much better after chillin' like my brother for a day!

Serving Ideas:  Serve as a dip with whole grain rye crackers, wholemeal rye bread, or raw vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cucumber, green beans).  Buy dry pressed cottage cheese cubes and slice into 1 inch cubes, top with guacamole for an unusually delicious lunch.  Use as a spread for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.  Give yourself a facial... just kidding!

Preparation time:  15 minutes



Yield: Approx. 2 cups