Summer is definitely here, and along with it.... is a bounty of fresh produce at my local farmer's market. This week I was able to purchase lots and lots of fresh, yummy goodness... so it was really a wide-open book as to what I could potentially make for today's "foodie" post.
Here's what I did.
I love basmati rice, and we make a pot most every day.
But sometimes, you want something just a little bit different than plain old rice.
First, I put on my rice, because it takes about 20 minutes or so. I made 2 cups of dry rice with 2 cups of water in my rice cooker.... and added a few chili pepper flakes and some Bell's seasoning.
In (my brand new) cast iron skillet (a present to myself this week).... I put some water, and steam cooked a large zucchini, 1/2 of a large red sweet pepper, a clove of minced garlic, some fresh (really small) leeks, and a granny smith green apple... all chopped into little bits. I also had a small bowl of chopped (not cooked) string beans and salad greens leftover from a salad... so I threw that in.
For seasoning, all I added was some coarse sea salt and some fresh ground black pepper.
I let them steam cook on low heat for about 8 minutes.
((why the apple? My thought was that the tart/yet sweetness of the apple would temper any bitterness in all the greens... and it did))
When the rice was about half way done... I added a can of organic black beans... rinsed well... to the rice pot. And when the veggies were steamed (fork tender)... I turned off the heat to the pan. I then added several handfuls of fresh greens. We had spinach, fresh artisan salad greens, kale, swiss chard, and beet tops. *I should mention here, that my daughter had cut a lot of the greens; particularly the chard... to remove the stems and large middle vein* I replaced the lid on the pan; and let the steam finish wilting the greens.
Once everything was done, I could have assembled it all into one cohesive dish.... but I chose not to for this photo.
This is the end result:
This dish (as is) is completely vegan.
However, I will admit that I also cooked a couple fabulous steaks on the grill... and after they rested... I sliced them into thinner slices and placed them... and the broth... all over my serving of food.
It was awesome.
The daughter, however ... ate this sans meat.... and was more than happy.
Plus.... the beans, rice and greens were more than adequate protein and iron sources.
...see you all tomorrow.