Lisa's Kitchen

05/22/2013 11:07 AM

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Creamy Herbed Potato and Green Pea Salad

Spring is toddling into summer with faltering steps this year, but the respites of warm sunny weather along the way bring to mind the comforts and pleasures of summer eating. Soups and hearty meals give way to salads and light fare that can be transported to the patio, warming foods give way to refreshing plates, and dried and canned goods give way to fresh herbs and produce. This simple salad

Lisa's Kitchen

05/21/2013 08:42 AM

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No Croutons Required - Appetizer Soups and Salads

The challenge for May was little bites. We asked for soups and salads that would make for a perfect starter for a meal. Certainly the entries this month stimulated my appetite and I would be delighted to serve each and every dish. Thanks to everyone who found the time to share their creations. We do need to determine a winner, so please vote for your favorite in the comment section or via email. N

Lisa's Kitchen

05/19/2013 03:00 PM

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Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites

I found the idea for these easy, soft and moist, and healthy gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies while browsing on facebook and just knew right away that I had to give them a try. Egg-free and flour-free too, they contain cooked chickpeas that end up like a flour-based dough after they are whizzed up in a food processor with other ingredients. The dominating flavor is the peanut b

Lisa's Kitchen

05/17/2013 10:36 AM

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Mung Beans in a Golden Karhi Sauce

One of my favorite dishes from Yamuna Devi's gospel of Indian cooking, "Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking", is Tender Chickpeas simmered in a Golden Karhi Sauce. I've more than a few favorites from the book that often appear on my table, yet each and every time I browse through 800 pages of culinary Indian bliss, I find yet another recipe that I can't believe I haven't

Lisa's Kitchen

05/15/2013 02:33 PM

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Rich and Creamy Raw Mushroom Soup

As the temperature rises, raw creations occupy a shining spot on the dinner table. My dear friend Susan thoughtfully sent me a gift of raw in the form of an elegant cookbook that celebrates the beauty of vibrant raw creations that can be made with ease. Everyday Raw Express by Matthew Kenney is certainly worth your attention. The presentation of the dishes within the covers is gratifying, but ev

Lisa's Kitchen

05/13/2013 10:08 AM

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Asparagus Pesto Lasagna with Mushrooms

After such a long and dreary winter, spring seems like even more of a treat this year than usual. Spending time outdoors is nearly impossible to resist. It's a time of renewal. Everything is so fresh and lush. The sunshine warming and pleasing to the body, mind and eyes. The fresh foliage and exploding blossoms and spring flowers are still displaying much of their earliest glory and new delights

Lisa's Kitchen

05/11/2013 10:11 AM

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Tamarind Chutney with Coconut, Mint and Parsley

Chutneys and sauces are pretty much a necessary and staple pairing for many savory Indian appetizers and flatbreads. Store-bought chutneys really pale in comparison to the freshness and flair that homemade chutneys can impart to your snacks and meals. This chutney is incredibly easy to prepare and will keep in the fridge in a well-sealed glass container for up to a week. I will note that this is

Lisa's Kitchen

05/09/2013 09:19 AM

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Mushroom, Lentil and Spinach Risotto

Warm, creamy, elegant, earthy and sweet, risottos are comfort food to me. And although people are often intimated by the idea, I love cooking them too. They're actually very simple to make, and although risottos do require pretty much constant attention, they're only really fussy toward the end of the cooking time when you want your rice grains cooked just to a perfect creamy and toothsome or al

Lisa's Kitchen

05/07/2013 10:10 AM

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Potato and Green Bean Chaat Salad

I wasn't quite sure what to call this spiced up vegetable stir fry, but it really is rather like a dry side salad, so a salad it is. I cooked up a three course Indian meal and this delightful little dish made up the vegetable component of the dinner. It's incredibly easy to make, and if you want to save time, roast or boil your potatoes the evening before or in the morning before you really get

Lisa's Kitchen

05/05/2013 10:54 AM

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Raspberry-Banana Oat and Chia Seed Smoothie

I haven't entirely jumped aboard the chia seed bandwagon, but even if they're not the universal panacea as has been suggested, I don't mind taking advantage of the omega-3 acids, fiber, iron, calcium, protein, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants that chia seeds provide. Apart from delightful chia seed puddings, chia seeds are easy to incorporate in smoothies, which I frequently enjoy for a he

Lisa's Kitchen

05/03/2013 11:01 AM

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Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes

I love making pancakes for a special weekend breakfast, so I'm always looking for new and creative ideas to liven up the treat. One of these ideas occurred to me when I was looking at my recipe for a pineapple upside-down cake in which butter, brown sugar and rings of fresh sweet pineapple are baked at the bottom of a simple white cake, after which the cake is inverted so that the cooked pineap

Lisa's Kitchen

05/01/2013 11:06 AM

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No Croutons Required - The Winner for April and the Challenge for May

The theme for April's No Crouton Required Challenge was to come up with a soup or salad featuring Indian spices. Thanks to everyone who contributed their spicy dish. Do check out all of the tempting entries. We do have a winning dish to announce, though as usual, all of the submissions are winners. Congratulations to Preety from Preety's Kitchen, who entered her tempting and nourishing Red Kidne

Lisa's Kitchen

04/30/2013 01:22 PM

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Black Bean Chili With Mushrooms and Toasted Spices

Spring is finally here, though in a rather cool manner, but warmer weather is coming soon and that means lighter meals for most of us. Usually more salads appear on the table, along with a greater selection of raw creations. Still, no matter the season, there is always a place on the table for a thick, steamy and spicy chili, unless of course it is blazing hot outside, but even then, you won't b

Lisa's Kitchen

04/28/2013 11:55 AM

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Gigantes Bean Tomato Casserole

I never used to like lima beans, which is rather odd I suppose as I have quite a supply of different dried beans on hand at all times as they occupy such a central place in my diet. My first experience was less than pleasant, as I used beans from a can that had a slimy texture that just didn't work with a mixed bean salad, and another time I made a huge pot of "lucky bean" soup that lacked any r

Lisa's Kitchen

04/26/2013 01:00 PM

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Indian-Spiced Chayote (Chow Chow) Rice

An enormous array of fresh exotic vegetables and fruits is something I've become accustomed to seeing in the big city supermarkets and ethnic grocery stores, but it's something that would have astonished me as a girl growing up in a small northern Ontario town where dinner produce consisted mostly of potatoes, onions, carrots, corn and peas with brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower occasional

Lisa's Kitchen

04/23/2013 11:18 AM

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Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Molasses Icing

I'm a savory gal, but sometimes I like a wee treat and I do like to bake. Most cakes are loaded with way more sugar than I can handle and the culprit is often the icing, so I came up with a mini cupcake recipe with reduced sugar content and one of the most mellow but pleasing toppings that I have enjoyed on a baked good. Cream cheese with a few dashes of molasses and powdered sugar really take the

Lisa's Kitchen

04/20/2013 06:10 PM

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Kashmiri Chickpeas with Mushrooms

This dish is an easy, nourishing and satisfying curry with bold and complex flavours that is an especially good choice for a midweek meal when you are pressed for time and energy and want some spice in your life. I will add that it is a good choice for mushrooms fiends like myself to get their weekly fix. Serve with a bed of hot steaming buttered rice and you have all the makings for happy tummi

Lisa's Kitchen

04/17/2013 11:50 AM

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Black Bean and Quinoa Chili Casserole

Every year I surely sound like a broken record as I declare each winter the one that will never end, because it always feels like that, even in March and now April. Comfort food can often improve my mood and though this dish is not the most photogenic, or at least I was in too much of a rush to spend much time with plating and lighting, it is a balanced and substantial meal. Vegetables, grain

Lisa's Kitchen

04/14/2013 03:08 PM

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Spicy Yellow Lentil Tomato Soup

This vibrant and elegant soup is not only easy to make, but full of lovely and subtle flavors. It makes for a perfect nourishing light lunch or side for dinner. Sometimes there is nothing better than a comforting warm soup, especially during this chilly time when spring just doesn't want to shine. Yes, spring seems to be poking around the corner, and a few robins have been sighted, but it’s stil

Lisa's Kitchen

04/11/2013 04:02 PM

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Classic Blueberry Muffins

For many years, I have been trying to come up with a classic blueberry muffin that focuses on natural sweetness. Too often, they are loaded up with refined sugar and are more like mini cakes. The twist here is adding some chopped apple that adds extra moistness and more natural sweetness combined with the berries. I like to bake, usually simple quick breads, as they are ideal for breakfast, brun

Lisa's Kitchen

04/08/2013 11:43 AM

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Mixed Lentil and Rice Indian Pancakes

Adored is an understatement for me when it comes to Indian savory pancakes. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack or dinner accompaniment pretty much covers the range of my favorite ways to serve up delights like these soft and fragrant Indian-spiced griddle-fried flatbreads. Very easy to make too, though they do take a bit of time to cook up, one by one. It's more than worth it, though, and if you ha

Lisa's Kitchen

04/05/2013 12:05 PM

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Chickpeas Smothered in a Tangy Tomato Gravy

Tender and plump chickpeas really need no introduction as far as I'm concerned. Even my comrades who profess not to like beans can be persuaded to enjoy them. And they present so many possibilities to the cook. Now, as should be clear from even a quick look at my blog, I adore spicy food so it's no wonder that I should be especially smitten with spicing them up. When I cook them, I always boil u

Lisa's Kitchen

04/02/2013 12:06 PM

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Chia Seed Pudding

I've been hearing a lot about the benefits of chia seeds lately, one of the latest "super foods", but until recently I had yet to try them though they have long been a traditional food in some cultures, so they might best be considered an ancient superfood. My best friend Basil had a bag of them that was passed on by a co-worker and he thought that I might be interested in coming up with a re

Lisa's Kitchen

03/31/2013 01:01 PM

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No Croutons Required - The Winner for March

The challenge for March was to come up with a raw soup or salad. All of the submissions were mouthwatering, but we do have to crown a winner. Congratulations to Ingrid of Kitchen Tales of Sugar and Spice who entered this month with an elegant and unique Ajo Blanco. I'm certainly looking forward to trying a raw version of a Spanish classic. Jacqueline will be hosting the April 2013 edition o

Lisa's Kitchen

03/29/2013 11:04 AM

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Miso Mushroom Risotto

Hearty chunks of moist delicious oyster mushrooms embellish this simple, delicious and vegan-friendly Asian-style risotto cooked in an earthy miso and vegetable stock and seasoned with just a little cayenne and rice vinegar to give it a wonderful little kick. Delighted by such a gourmet risotto experience, your guests will never guess just how easy it is to make. Oysters are a wonderfully fr

Lisa's Kitchen

03/26/2013 02:40 PM

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Cauliflower and Pea Curry

There is yet another new addition to my extensive cookbook collection and this one has quickly become one of those must recommend books to my readers who are interested in Indian cooking. After reading an extensive review of the book by Sia of Monsoon Spice, I promptly ordered a copy and already I've been inspired to make a few dishes from the book. Prashad - Indian Vegetarian Cooking by Kaus

Lisa's Kitchen

03/24/2013 10:07 AM

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Greek Omelette

On the rare occasions that I go to a diner for breakfast, I'll most often order a Greek omelette … in part that's because it's usually one of the few omelettes in diners that doesn't have meat, but mostly because I love Feta cheese with eggs. Of course a Greek omelette from a diner doesn't usually seem to contain much more than onions, peppers and cheap salty cow's milk Feta. So when my husban

Lisa's Kitchen

03/21/2013 08:36 PM

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No Croutons Required - Raw Soups and Salads

The challenge for March was to come up with a raw soup or salad to inspire us to eat more cleansing foods after such a long winter oftentimes dominated by rich foods. Thanks to everyone who found time to share their recipe. The roundup is rather short this month but I am sure you will agree that all of the submissions are lovely and, in this case, quality more than makes up for quantity. Please vo

Lisa's Kitchen

03/19/2013 12:49 PM

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Black Bean and Quinoa Mexican-Style Chipotle Vegetarian Chili

For someone as enamored of Mexican food as myself, it's rather surprising I suppose that I've seriously acquainted myself with chipotle peppers only this past year. Sure, I've used canned chipotles in adobo sauce on an occasion or two, but the adobo sauce quite overwhelmed any appreciation I might have gained for the pepper on its own. After receiving some chipotle spice blend and also finding t

Lisa's Kitchen

03/17/2013 12:14 PM

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Linguine with Pea Basil Pesto and Mushrooms

It's not all that often that I cook pasta, but when I do, it surely is a comfort. Coming as it does in so many shapes and sizes and varieties, the possibilities are endless and if you are extra ambitious, you may want to make your own fresh pasta at home. I rather cheated here I suppose because I used fresh pasta from the grocery store down the street. No matter, as it didn't spoil the dish in t

Lisa's Kitchen

03/14/2013 02:26 PM

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Rice and Cauliflower Pilaf

Readers will certainly want to try this incredible curried rice and cauliflower dish that I often make for special occasions. Certainly underrated, cauliflower just happens to be a winter vegetable that will enhance your dining experience and it's plenty good for you too. I think the reason vegetables are often absent from the dining table is because many of us grew up with vegetables that were ei

Lisa's Kitchen

03/12/2013 04:04 PM

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Classic Greek Salad - Revisited

I've been making my own Greek salad for years. The ones I have tried from most restaurants rarely satisfy. There is just no comparison to homemade versions. First, you typically only get about 4 olives, the feta is not good quality and tends to be overly salty and the vegetables are not as fresh as I would like, nor is iceberg lettuce of much use in terms of taste and nutritional value - it's ad

Lisa's Kitchen

03/12/2013 12:39 PM

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Classic Greek Salad - Revisited

I've been making my own Greek salad for years. The ones I have tried from most restaurants rarely satisfy. There is just no comparison to homemade versions. First, you typically only get about 4 olives, the feta is not good quality and tends to be overly salty and the vegetables are not as fresh as I would like, nor is iceberg lettuce of much use in terms of taste and nutritional value - it's ad

Lisa's Kitchen

03/10/2013 12:04 PM

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Spinach Pancakes with Lime Butter

This recipe is adapted from Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi, and I think my readers will know by now that this is one of the most treasured books on my shelf. It's all vegetarian too. I dare say that Ottolenghi, who is not himself a vegetarian, produces more vibrant, yet straightforward, vegetarian recipes than many of us vegetarians. I've had my eye on these pancakes every since I cracked open the c

Lisa's Kitchen

03/07/2013 03:00 PM

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Fenugreek Chapatis

Most cooks and diners with even a rudimentary knowledge of Indian cuisine are familiar with chapatis, a soft whole wheat, slightly puffy unleavened flatbread that is pan fried in a dry skillet or griddle. A staple for many meals served throughout the day in Indian households, they pretty much go with any sort of Indian, or non-traditional Indian meal for that matter, that you can imagine. I ador

Lisa's Kitchen

03/05/2013 11:07 AM

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Savory Quinoa Corn Cups

What are these you ask? They are baked shells made with leftover quinoa, cornmeal and quinoa flour. Essentially they are healthy little cups to be served as an appetizer with the stuffing of your choosing. In this case, I went with a Mexican theme and stuffed them with my classic vegetarian refried beans. Other options you may wish to consider are dips and salsas, cheese (think of your favor

Lisa's Kitchen

03/03/2013 10:55 AM

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My Legume Love Affair - #56 - February 2013 Edition

I would like to thank each of the contributors to this month's MLLA roundup. You have all helped make this transition to legume mistress a great success. Of course, a special thanks to Susan for passing along the reigns and crowning me 'Our Lady of the Legumes'. I hope this long running and popular event will continue to be a favored spot for your legume creations and inspiration for those of us w

Lisa's Kitchen

03/01/2013 11:14 AM

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No Croutons Required - The Winner for February and the Theme for March

The challenge for February was to come up with a potato salad and we sure did receive some creative and utterly tempting recipes. I don't know which one I would make first - they all look and sound wonderful. Be sure to check out the roundup if you love potato salads with a twist. We do have a winner to crown though. Congratulations to Mariana of Mariyka's food who submitted this Russian Winter

Lisa's Kitchen

02/27/2013 01:29 PM

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Gluten-Free Gingerbread Muffins

Breakfast is one meal, as important as it is to get the body ready for the day ahead, that I don't typically trouble over unless I have a lazy day to indulge. I tend to plan ahead and have healthy quick bites on hand throughout the week to nourish and keep me going — the sort of thing you can sit down and enjoy without rushing and without fussing. Muffins are always a good choice, as I sta

Lisa's Kitchen

02/25/2013 12:27 PM

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Creamy Thai Coconut Mushroom Soup

Think of this creamy dish as a vegan alternative to chicken noodle soup. Here chicken stays on the farm, where it belongs, and succulent and earthy mushrooms are the meaty component. Throw in some fresh bean sprouts and some rice noodles and you have a silky, comforting bowl of soup to be enjoyed anytime of year. The recipe I present here is pretty faithful to what I did in the kitchen, but

Lisa's Kitchen

02/23/2013 09:52 AM

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Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans, Black Beans and Rye Berries

Perhaps I should call this dish Fire in a Bowl. I drafted this recipe on a chilly afternoon and when I got to making it, well, I guess I was quite liberal with the spices and chilies. Writing up the recipe here, I have adjusted the ingredients, but of course, feel free to cut down on the heat according to your preference. It was delicious all the same and my readers will know that I like a kick wh

Lisa's Kitchen

02/20/2013 10:18 AM

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Indian-Style Potato and Pea Salad with Tamarind and Chat Masala

This potato salad is probably not what many of us would think of when a potato salad makes its appearance on the dinner table. Often we envision Mom's famous potato salad with eggs, mayonnaise and paprika, perhaps, and some green onion. Don't get me wrong — I loved my Mom's classic potato salad and it was always a favorite of mine. Potato salads can however be dressed up further and this o

Lisa's Kitchen

02/18/2013 01:09 PM

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Avocado Chickpea Hummus

Hummus is something that I like to have on hand often. Not only is it delicious and good for you, but it always encourages me to eat raw vegetables too. It makes for a perfect appetizer, lunch, snack or accompaniment to your dinner table. I've made several different hummus recipes in the past as it is such a versatile dip and varieties and serving possibilities are endless and certainly inspiring.

Lisa's Kitchen

02/16/2013 11:39 AM

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Cinnamon Spiked Black-Eyed Peas Curry

This an easy dish to make, making use of staples that most of us who cook Indian dishes on a regular basis will likely have on hand, and thus especially suited for busy weeknights or just days when you really don't feel much like cooking and failed to really plan ahead. Let me assure you though, it is delicious and the layering of spices with aromatic cinnamon really complements the natural eart

Lisa's Kitchen

02/14/2013 11:42 AM

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Blueberry Lemon Cake Cookies

I suppose these are really more like miniature cakes rather than cookies, but they are baked like a cookie and essentially can perhaps be best described as cake, muffin and cookie all rolled into one. You can't get much better than this I figure, if you want to indulge without completely overdoing it. And no, I am not claiming that these are good for you, because they're not particularly, despi

Lisa's Kitchen

02/11/2013 04:35 PM

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Cornmeal-Oat-Quinoa Pancakes with Dried Cherries

Years ago when I worked in a bookstore the Dummies series of how-to books were everywhere to be found on almost every subject available. I had quite forgotten about them until I was recently sent a review copy of Cooking with Quinoa For Dummies, which goes to show that the supply of how-to subjects is not yet exhausted. Now having been acquainted with this wonderful food for years, I am not,

Lisa's Kitchen

02/09/2013 09:20 AM

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Mushroom Polenta Pizza

This is not exactly a pizza as we would normally think of a pizza, as the 'crust' is made up of a soft polenta base. Nonetheless, it does rather look like a pizza and it even rather tastes like one too. Adapted from Yotam Ottolenghi's invaluable Plenty, the texture of the soft polenta crust is a welcome treat and the rich and earthy herbed mushrooms could not fail to please fungus aficionados.

Lisa's Kitchen

02/05/2013 02:56 PM

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Rustic Sun-Dried Tomato Bread

I've already made this rustic loaf with pine nuts a few times and not only is it easy to prepare and bake but absolutely delicious and satisfying. There is nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread to stimulate the appetite and calm the mind. This all-purpose bread goes nicely with some butter, fills out pretty much any meal you can imagine and is wonderful for dunking into your favorite veg

Lisa's Kitchen

02/03/2013 11:24 AM

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Black-Eyed Pea and Mung Bean Sambar

This recipe is my own creation, though I must give a nod to Vegan Richa for the idea of combining mung beans and black-eyed beans in what turned out to be a very earthy curry. It is not unusual for me to experiment with different combinations of legumes, and I am well acquainted with spicing up mixed dal dishes. Your palate is in for a treat here with a lingering spiciness that intensifies on

Lisa's Kitchen

02/01/2013 01:50 PM

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My Legume Love Affair - 56 and An Announcement

My Legume Love Affair has been going strong since 2008. A huge thanks to Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook for starting up this popular legume feast where we can find contributions from food bloggers worldwide to encourage and inspire us to get creative with legumes in our own kitchens. Flattered and humbled is an understatement as I announce I am now the Legume Mistress, beginning this month, wit

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