Sunday, April 27, 2014

BLACK BEAN, CORN, AND TOMATO SALAD



**Warning: This is very addictive! No worries though, it's vegetarian and gluten-free. Eat all you want!!**

Ingredients

Salad:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
4 ears corn, kernels removed or 2 cups frozen and thawed corn kernels
1 dried bay leaf
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
6 ounces jicama, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Dressing:
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons agave nectar or 2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lime zest
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper




Directions

Salad: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, salt, smoked paprika,  and cayenne pepper (be careful not more than 1/2 teaspoon! it will be too hot)

, if using. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft. Add the corn kernels and bay leaf. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the jicama, the broth, and black beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and stir until warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat.

Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lime juice, agave nectar (or maple syrup, if using), lemon zest, and lime zest. Whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Remove the bay leaf and put the salad in a serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm or at room temperature.

Friday, April 11, 2014

GREAT PENNE A LA VODKA!


This is soooo easy and quick!

Makes 4 servings, You will need:
 1 (16 ounce) package dry penne pasta
 1 teaspoon olive oil
 2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1/8 pound prosciutto, chopped
 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
 2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (I like Tottorossa)
 1/2 cup vodka
 1 cup heavy cream
 1 cup Parmesan cheese
 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
 salt to taste





Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic, prosciutto and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, and cook for 3 minutes (I break up the tomatoes with the spatula). Stir in vodka and cream. Simmer 15 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in Parmesan and chopped basil. Toss with pasta until evenly coated.