Vegetable and Cilantro Orzo Salad

Utensils: 3 qt saucepan, colander, large skillet, food processor

Salad:
3/4 cup dried whole wheat orzo
2 cups sliced fresh button mushrooms
1 medium red or yellow bell pepper, cut into bite sized strips
1/2 cup chopped onion (cone #3)
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 cups of fresh chopped spinach, arugula or watercress (4-5 oz.)

Pesto:
3/4 cup firmly packed cilantro
1/4 cup firmly packed mint
3 cloves of garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp water

DIRECTIONS:
1. A) Cook orzo for about 10 minutes in water. Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.
1. B) Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook mushrooms, pepper and onion over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, then set aside.

2. For pesto: blend in a food processor the cilantro, mint, garlic, salt and pepper. Then add the oil and water. Process until nearly smooth.

3. Combine all the ingredients including the leafy greens.

This dish would make a great addition to salmon or halibut.

This photo includes Brussels sprouts

Black Bean and Quinoa One-Pot meal

This easy one-pot recipe can be vegan or vegetarian depending on broth and desired toppings. Pair with a large salad (and tortilla chips if desired).

Utensils: 5 qt saucepan

Ingredients
-1 tsp. olive oil
-1 onion (diced or cone #3)
-3 cloves of garlic, minced
-1 bell pepper (orange or red) (diced)
-3/4 cup raw quinoa
-1.5 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
-1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
-1-2 tsp. cumin
-Salt and pepper to taste
-1 cup of water
-1 cup frozen corn
-2 cans of black beans, rinsed
-1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

Optional Toppings: Plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, shredded cheese, red onion, green onion


1. Preheat saucepan and cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
2. Add quinoa and broth; add the seasonings (cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper). 

3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is tender and broth is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
4. Stir water and frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes; mix in the black beans and cilantro.