This easy to make, pre-colonial Mexican meal is basically a grilled tortilla sandwich. It can have any number of fillings: cheese, squash, even mashed potatoes. Tonight you get the flavors of savory sweet potatoes (or yams), onions, peppers, garlic, Kalamata olives and lime juice. Some quick beans and rice are added to complete this meal. You can use your own salsa and guacamole or your favorite commercial products.
If making your own salsa and guacamole – See “Tips and Time Savers”
Our meal tonight starts with rice, an ancient food of the Arabs and Spaniards. It was later adapted in the kitchens of Italy to become Arborio rice.
With Arborio rice in hand, we’ll make risotto. We’ll fold additional cultures into the meal as well. Mediterranean and North-African countries contribute to the plate with the use of a cilantro/lime pesto. The protein in the dish comes from edamame beans with roots in East Asia.
Hang out your United Nations flags and enjoy!
Tonight’s stir-fry is loaded with nutrients! Broccoli is available pretty much year round and you can cash in on cashews in either bulk foods or the nut aisle. (I’ve actually met some very interesting people in the “nut isle.”) Enjoy!
White bean chili is on the menu. You’ll get a kick out of this delicious and unique chili. I’m offering it as a weekend entree. A specially seasoned “Red Swirl” will add a decorative appeal while providing an extra chili kick.
Assemble the soup early in the day and let it rest for at least an hour.
Pick up some fresh artisan bread to enjoy with this meal.