Beans

Wallace’s Vegan Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Our friend Wallace, artist and New Orleans chef extraordinaire, prepared this recipe for vegan Louisiana red beans and rice when we visited him in San Francisco this fall. This vegan rendition is made with smoked paprika instead of meat, and I must say it gives the beans a wonderful and complex flavor. I have taken the liberty of adding a bit of...

Kitchari Recipe: Ayurvedic Mung Bean or Lentil and Rice Stew
This recipe for kitchari is a soupy Ayurvedic mung bean and rice stew. Kitchari (“mish-mash” in Hindi) is traditionally used as a restorative food after illness or childbirth, but also as part of the Ayurvedic cleansing protocol called Panchakarma. This simple dish is composed of rice and mung or lentil dal cooked with spices. It is great to...

Moroccan Vegetable Stew With Saffron and Spices
This delicious, warming recipe for Moroccan Vegetable Stew With Saffron and Spices is quite versatile, and is rich with spices and layers of flavor.

Pasta with Lentils, Spinach and Roasted Tomatoes (Pasta con le Lenticchie)
Pasta with lentils is a country Italian dish that varies from one kitchen to the next. This version combines lentils with rich roasted tomatoes, garlic and lightly sautéed spinach; all tossed with spaghetti, but feel free to try variations, as you are inspired.

Moros y Cristianos- Moors and Christians-Black Beans and Rice
This recipe for Moros y Cristianos might be better called Moros y Indios (Moors and Indians,) since it uses brown rice instead of white. The finished product is a nutritious, easy to make and delicious spin on a Medieval Spanish dish invented when the Christians and Moors were at war with one another. We often have this dish as a light supper with a big salad.

Newfangled Hoppin’ John
This adaptation of Hoppin’ John makes a bit of a departure from the traditional recipe. It can be made with turkey bacon, or as a vegan Hoppin’ John with tempeh bacon, but either way it’s very tasty. Brown rice, black-eyed peas, vegetables and a touch of spice make this an excellent and simple supper dish. Add green veggies and a salad for a complete meal.

Chickpeas (Garbanzos) with Garlic and Greens
This nutritious, tasty recipe for chickpeas with garlic and greens is fast and easy, and can be altered by the choice of greens, as well as by substituting white beans for the chickpeas.

Macrobiotic Chickpeas (Garbanzos) With Watercress Recipe
This is a favorite quick global macrobiotic recipe of mine. The sweetness of chickpeas is a really pleasant contrast with the watercress, and sweet curry spices give a great ethnic twist. White beans can be substituted for the chickpeas.

Avocado Cilantro Hummus Recipe
This rich, creamy smooth avocado and cilantro hummus recipe will no doubt become a favorite if you’re an avocado fan.

Macrobiotic Italian Stewed Lentils
This macrobiotic lentil recipe actually improves with age, and sitting overnight (in the fridge) will bring out its flavor. It can be eaten either as a soup, side dish, or an entrée. Add steamed or sautéed greens, brown rice or millet, and a tablespoon of sea vegetables and you’ve got a complete meal.

Black Bean and Corn Salad
This easy whole foods recipe for black bean and corn salad is a great way to use up extra beans. It can be made with black or red beans, or black lentils, and is equally good with all. Fresh basil or cilantro, lime and olive oil all add bright flavors to this lovely side dish.

French Lentil Salad
This French lentil salad recipe is inspired by Provencal cooking. Use small green or Beluga black lentils, as they hold their shape much better than their larger cousins. Served with a mixed green or arugula salad, a small wedge of good sheep’s milk cheese and some crusty bread, this salad can easily make a meal.

Macrobiotic Stewed Adzuki Beans
This creamy, slow cooked, macrobiotic adzuki bean dish is slightly sweet and fragrant with herbs. It was inspired by my friend Anita Devine, who is a great macrobiotic chef in upstate New York. She makes a mean pot of beans!

Adzuki beans strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, and aid in detoxification and weight loss.

Red Lentil Dahl Recipe
This mildly spiced version of an East Indian favorite, red lentil dahl is a quick, easy base for a meal. Serve with brown rice, greens, and steamed carrots or squash.

Macrobiotic Moroccan White Beans Recipe
This macrobiotic adaptation of Christine Benlafquih's delicious Moroccan White Beans is mild by comparison, but can satisfy the craving for ethnic tastes while still adhering to macrobiotic principles.

Spicy Black Bean and Chipotle Harissa Hummus
This creamy, spicy black bean and chipotle harissa hummus recipe will no doubt become a favorite if you are a hummus aficionado who also likes a bit of heat.

Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burger Recipe
This versatile recipe for whole foods spicy black bean veggie burgers takes a bit of time, but the end result is well worth it. They are a great easy meal, and rich in iron because of the beets (which, by the way, you can't taste). In a pinch, substitute organic canned beans for fresh cooked, and be creative! Try making these with a variety of...

Stewed Red Lentils with East Indian Spices
This easy recipe for stewed red lentils with East Indian spices takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. It is wonderful eaten with steamed grains but also makes a great soup with the addition of a little extra liquid.

Quick Wilted Spinach With Chickpeas and Coconut Milk
This recipe for quick wilted spinach with chickpeas and coconut milk was inspired by a dish served at one of my old stomping grounds, a Haitian restaurant in Miami Beach called Tap Tap.

Red Lentil Soup with Fennel and Leeks
Fragrant and delicious, rich with chunks of fresh fennel bulb, leeks and baby greens, this whole foods, gluten free, vegan recipe for red lentil soup with fennel and leeks is another favorite in my kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetable and White Bean Hummus Recipe
This recipe for oven roasted root vegetable and white bean hummus is a wonderful savory and flexible side dish that is perfect for everyday or entertaining.