Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad of bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and vegetables that hails from the Eastern Mediterranean. Light, lemony, and herb-forward, it’s ideal as a side dish, part of a mezze spread, or a make-ahead lunch. INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup bulgur 1 cup hot water 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2...Read More
This rustic, velvety bean soup proves that simple ingredients can deliver big comfort. White beans form the hearty backbone — protein-packed, inexpensive, and naturally creamy once blended —while roasted garlic adds a mellow sweetness that deepens with every spoonful. Smoked paprika brings just the right amount of warmth and smokiness, giving the soup a rich,...Read More
This classic recipe for red beans and rice from The New Orleans Cookbook by Rima and Richard Collin is about as close to “the real deal” as you can get. As Ms. Collin explains, red beans were once the traditional Monday meal in New Orleans. While the wash hung out to dry in the heavy...Read More
This hearty bean stew lands somewhere between a soup and a side dish—comforting, rustic, and full of flavor. It’s easily adaptable: add more broth for a soupier bowl, or cook it down to enjoy with crusty bread as a hearty main course. INGREDIENTS: 3 cups cooked cranberry beans 2 cups diced carrots 1/2 bunch collards,...Read More
This is the basic method for cooking fresh shelling beans (often called “shellies”), such as cranberry, borlotti, or Tongues of Fire. You can enjoy them just as they are, or use leftovers in grain dishes or soups like minestrone. This recipe is also a great base: try adding sausages and cooked rapini for a one-dish...Read More
Farro is an ancient, unhybridized form of wheat that is also known as emmer wheat. It has recently become popular, as has spelt. Although some recipes say they are the same grain, they are not. Spelt (Triticum aestivum spelta) is a grain that takes longer to cook, and can use a soaking before cooking, where...Read More
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty dish that brings together simple ingredients in a rustic, flavorful way. This Stewed Fava Beans recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired classic that combines tender young fava beans with savory Italian sausage, sweet onions, and rich stewed tomatoes. The result is a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying—perfect...Read More
Farro with Pesto is a hearty, comforting dish has become a staple in our kitchen. Farro, with its nutty flavor and satisfying chew, soaks up pesto beautifully—more subtly than pasta—so the bright herb and garlic notes meld seamlessly with the natural sweetness of the grain. The result is a dish that feels both rustic and...Read More
Quinoa is a versatile, protein-rich grain that’s quick to cook and adapts well to both savory and sweet dishes. Before cooking, it must be rinsed to remove saponins—a natural coating that can make quinoa taste bitter or soapy if left behind. Domestic quinoa often needs just a quick rinse, while imported varieties may require several...Read More
This fragrant and colorful pilaf is a vibrant twist on classic quinoa, infused with warm spices and finished with hearty garbanzo beans, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy toasted nuts. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exotic—perfect as a flavorful side or a satisfying vegetarian main. The combination of protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas makes...Read More
