Tortillas!

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm water
3 tbsp oil

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Divide dough into eight portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. circle.

In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook tortillas over medium heat for 1 minute on each side or until lightly browned. Keep warm.

Red Lentil Coconut Soup

I made a batch of this amazing soup a few weeks ago for a vegan friend who had just had a baby. It was so good I decided to post the recipe!

Ingredients:

2 cups red split lentils
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 fresh jalapeno or serrano chili, finely chopped, including seeds
1 tablespoon fresh peeled and minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup tomato paste
7 cups water
1 can unsweetened light coconut milk
1 15-ounce can of chickpeas
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Method:

Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a dutch oven or large soup pan and add the onions, bell pepper and jalapeno and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and start to take on some color. Add the garlic, ginger, spices and tomato paste and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the mixture is toasty and fragrant. Add the water, coconut milk, lentils and chickpeas and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes adding the lime juice at the end of cooking. Taste and adjust with more salt or more lime juice if desired. Serve the soup topped with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and some extra limes on the side.

Easy Peasy Bourbon Baked Beans

This is a cheater recipe that is perfect for when you decide to make baked beans at the last minute and don't have the chance to soak beans overnight :D

3 cans baked beans (I like the maple ones)
2 cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 onion, diced
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup bourbon
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp fancy molasses

optional:
1/4 cup brown sugar (I don't find you need this if you buy the maple beans, but it might be needed if you bought the ones in tomato sauce.)

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot or dutch oven. If using a crockpot, cook on high for 6 hours and then switch to keep warm until ready to serve. If using the oven, cover and bake for 1.5 hours at 350F, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Black Bean & Corn Salad

2 cups cooked black beans
2 cups corn (I use defrosted frozen nibblets)
1 red pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 jalepeno, seeded and minced finely
Zest of one lime
Juice of 2 limes
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp cumin
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed.
Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Combine all ingredients except avocado, tomatoes and cilantro. Allow to marinate at room temperature for a few hours. Add avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro right before serving. Can also be made and served immediately but I like to give the flavours a little time to meld.

Rockin' Morrocan Stew

This is from one of the Looney Spoons cookbooks and is a favorite of ours.
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup each diced celery and chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable stock
3 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes (I use yams)
1 can (19 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp each ground cumin, curry powder, ground coriander, and chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup raisins
2 tsp each peanut butter and chopped, fresh cilantro

Heat olive oil in large saucepan or pot over med-high heat. Add onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients, except raisins, peanut butter and cilantro. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes.

Stir in raisins, peanut butter and cilantro. Mix well. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

Enjoy!