Tuesday, August 14, 2007

what I've been up to...feauting Pimientos de Padron

Last Wednesday, I picked up this box of adorable pimientos de pardon, inspired by a friend's purchase. I probably would have preferred a container of spicy pepperocinis, but I cherish experimenting with new produce and did like these, though I've yet come across the 'hot one'.

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That evening, I made this dish to satisfy cravings for beans along with my desire to use my fresh produce of the day. I sauteed the pimentos whole with olive oil, coarse sea salt and garlic, and added pinto, kidney, black beans, corn and seasoned it all with fiesta chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano and freshly ground black pepper.

The meal itself is served on top of quinoa cooked in vegetable broth and grilled habanero sherry tofu (habanero hot sauce, sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, water, tamari and garlic) along with grilled zucchini.

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Served with some more grilled corn and a candy apple martini (99 apples, vodka, lime juice, grenadine).

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Tofu scramble ala Fueled by Popcorn and the PPK recipe - seasoned with thyme, oregano, garlic, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, lime juice and with red potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini and maittake mushrooms. I knew it was missing *something* and afterwards I realized it was the nutritional yeast - a key element.

Tofu scramble morning

I also had my first experience with cooking fava beans this past week - from whole pod, to shelling, boiling, chilling and stripping. Oh, and cooking and finding tasty.
I had been wanting to try my hand at them since finding them delightful in a cous cous dish at Portland's newest vegan restaurant, Nutshell.

fava bean 1

Ready to be cooked...

fava bean 2

Go figure - sauteed with olive oil, garlic and fresh corn over Trader Joe's new multigrain flax penne and a homemade roasted garlic and fresh basil marinara. On top is a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

I usually use Trader Joe's whole wheat penne (organic and 99cents a pound, how could I not?), and this one is quite similar, and dare I say, even tastier. I didn't get a chance to see if it was actually more nutritious - but I'm leaning towards yes. It's $1.69 for a 1 pound bag, to note. Still cheaper than a pound of organic pasta nearly every place else in town.

fava bean 3 - the dinner

And for the PPK Pizza Party on this past monday, a variation on the upcoming Veganomican Fudgey Wudgey brownies I've made before - Raspberry brownies with toasted almonds.

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Just a note, this Saturday is the second Red & Black Cafe's Vegan family style dinner benefit.
I thoroughly enjoyed last month's, and recommend it, especially since it's a beneift to support their upcoming forced move.

12 comments:

a-k said...

this all looks delicious, particularly your pimiento dish with the tofu! yours was really the first vegan blog i stumbled upon that inspired me to start my own (and i especially like how you feature cocktails in your photos)... you're still the #1 bookmark. i hope if i ever go to portland we can meet and consume treats!

Lori- the Pleasantly Plump Vegan said...

the bean/corn/pimiento dish looks so good.

Anonymous said...

I so love your blog and your photos... That first dish really looks amazing to me.

Anonymous said...

looks glorious!!

bazu said...

Oh Jess, I'm swooning. I love fava beans, glad you liked them too! I love eating them right out of the pod, sprinkled with some salt and angelica.
Oh, and your brownies... there I go swooning again!

KleoPatra said...

Jess, great as always here. i can always count on you putting a smile on my face and a grumble in my tummy. Your photos are so terrific, i can almost smell the great food you make. Thank you for sharing the "pr0n" again!!

Peggy said...

Mmm, that all looks fantastic! I've never had fresh fava beans before, but they look so lovely and green that I MUST ABSOLUTELY have some before I die. :) hopefully much sooner.

Judy said...

You know, I've yet to try a tofu scramble. I keep meaning to, but then I forget. This time, I will.

The brownies look heavenly :)

Carrie™ said...

Great tofu bean dish. It's still steaming in the photo. Fudgely Wudgely brownies you say? Mmmmm

urban vegan said...

Gorgeous as always, jess. What an appetizing combination.

Webly said...

those were some good brownies.

Anna said...

That bean dish looks sooo good. How did the brownies go in a taste-test? Almonds with chocolate sounds delish...

Just love checking by here for your latest creations...