Lisa's Kitchen

06/18/2013 04:08 PM

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Beet and Top Green Smoothie with Apple, Orange and Ginger

Fresh smoothies are a terrific way of getting some nutrients on those mornings when you don't really feel like a solid breakfast — the chunkier the better for "tricking" your body into thinking it's eating instead of just getting a drink. Mind you, it's not just a drink when all this goodness is packed into one glass. But I confess that up until now I've never really been a fan of the popular pr

Lisa's Kitchen

06/17/2013 09:57 AM

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Toor Dal and Spinach (Toor Palak Dal)

I used to make this simple but colorful and exotic dal curry every few weeks years ago when my repertoire of vegetarian recipes was far more limited than now. But I never minded. The creamy combination of warm, sweet and nutty toor dal cooked with tangy tomatoes, tart lemon juice and earthy spinach greens is as delicious as it is simple. Served over a bed of fresh hot cooked rice, or with some

Lisa's Kitchen

06/14/2013 12:55 PM

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Sautéed Five-Spice Bok Choy, Mushrooms, Peppers and Green Beans

Confronted the other day with the desire for an undemanding dinner, a crisper full of vegetables and the unexpected arrival of a package of fresh baby bok choy, I put together this simple Asian-style stir-fry. I don't very often cook with bok choy, but that should change soon after this dish — gently sautéed in sesame oil until tender but still crisp, bok choy has a wonderful fresh taste like gre

Lisa's Kitchen

06/13/2013 03:12 PM

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New Features on Lisa's Kitchen

Many of you may have noticed the "Print this recipe" feature appearing on many of the recipes here at Lisa's Kitchen over the past several months. This will have come to the relief of those of you who had been asking me over the years for a quick and easy way to print recipes, and I will continue to add this function to older recipes as the opportunity arises. Print this recipe And now

Lisa's Kitchen

06/11/2013 12:14 PM

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Potato and Chickpea Curry with Tomatoes and Tamarind

Nourishment doesn't get much better than this. Chickpeas, potatoes and spices with some sweetness from a hint of sugar and tamarind and a bit of sourness from lemon and amchoor — it's a pleasing dish to the eyes and tummy and one that I think works well for an early summer dinner. It's easy to prepare and done in roughly 40 minutes once you have your potatoes and chickpeas cooked and ready

Lisa's Kitchen

06/09/2013 01:45 PM

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Barley and Lentil Herbed Salad

Although I adore barley, I don't tend to cook with this ancient grain very often, and that is a shame because not only it is rich in fiber and protein and relatively cheap at that, it also has a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor that makes it a popular choice for soups and salads. Here it is transformed into a substantial and nourishing salad that might just become a summer favorite of mine,

Lisa's Kitchen

06/06/2013 12:28 PM

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Chickpea Flour Breakfast Pancakes

My Dad used to serve up a batch of homemade pancakes on the weekend when I was a little girl. I like to carry on the tradition of weekend pancake breakfasts as an adult too, and it gives me a chance to experiment with different ingredients, flavors and techniques for pancakes. Light and fluffy or solid and sturdy, I enjoy pancakes in all varieties and the search for new recipes. If you're l

Lisa's Kitchen

06/04/2013 12:37 PM

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Black Bean and Quinoa Salad with Fresh Mango and a Chaat Masala Dressing

Bean salads are a simple, healthy and fuss-free way to enjoy outdoor eating in the summer, but for many of us a bean salad means only a bland and unimaginative store-bought side dish. Incorporating grains and vegetables into a homemade bean salad raises it up to the level of a complete and easy outdoor meal, but adding layers of contrasting textures, colors, flavors and seasonings is what really e

Lisa's Kitchen

06/02/2013 01:13 PM

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Paneer Butter Masala - Cheese Cubes Smothered in a Spicy Tomato Gravy

I've made a few versions of this classic North Indian dish and I never tire of it. Next to mattar paneer, it's one of my favorite ways to serve paneer when the craving hits and a good way to judge the quality of Indian restaurant offerings. I was inspired to make this as part of a weekend meal for my husband and best friend Basil after getting my paws on some locally made water buffalo paneer wh

Lisa's Kitchen

05/31/2013 10:17 AM

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No Croutons Required - The Winner for May

The challenge for May was to come up with a soup or salad that would make for a perfect appetizer to start a meal. We received some delicious little bites, but a winner we must choose. The most popular submission this month is this gorgeous Avocado and Strawberry Salad with Honey Vinaigrette from Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey. Congratulations Jagruti. Once strawberries are in season here, I will be

Lisa's Kitchen

05/29/2013 12:48 PM

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Sweet Potato Roti

Indian flatbreads often make their appearance on my dinner table and truly I could eat them everyday, anytime of day. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch with some chutney and an ideal accompaniment to curries; as I eat a lot of dal and vegetable curries, it's no wonder I crave savory breads such as these roti as often as I do. In this case, I wanted a wrap for some Jerk Chickpeas and with

Lisa's Kitchen

05/27/2013 09:57 AM

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Jerk Chickpeas

Growing up I never did much care for chicken even before I became a vegetarian, and my parents generally did not prepare ethnic dishes, so I never did try the classic Jamaican jerk chicken. But now with plenty of ethnic cooking behind me, I found that the seasonings that are commonly used in jerk spicing — Scotch Bonnet peppers, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg — appealed a great deal to m

Lisa's Kitchen

05/24/2013 02:51 PM

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Mung Dal Kitcheree

A kitcheree is a traditional dish originating in South Asia that consists of legumes and rice and often vegetables. For those who enjoy Indian creations, this is a one-pot meal that won't take you long at all to prepare. Mung beans are an especially easy bean to digest, making this a nourishing and restorative meal. I've always enjoyed the distinctive earthy aroma and flavor that these little ge

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

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