A Use For White Beans

I have a super high-fiber diet, mostly due to beans. I love them, all kinds but I had never made much of anything with the white bean.

Until now. (The following was approved by my official taster, Neighbor Blair)

White Bean Salad With Lemon and Cumin

• 2 C White (Northern) Beans (dry)
  
• 3 Bay Leaves
  
• 1 1/2 t Salt
  
• 1/2 Red Onion, diced
  
• 1/2 C Cilantro, chopped
  
• 6 Tbls Olive Oil
  
• 5 Tbls Lemon juice, fresh
  
• 2 t Cumin
  
• 1/4 t Chipotle or Cayenne
  

1 Place beans in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by 3 inches. Soak overnight.

2 Drain beans then place in a large saucepan. Add bay leaves and enough water to cover the beans by a couple of inches then bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat then simmer for 40 minutes. Add salt then cook until beans are tender but firm, another 10-20 minutes.

3 Drain beans then place in a large bowl, picking out the bay leaves. Add onion and cilantro. Whisk olive oil, lemon, cumin and hot pepper in a small bowl. Pour over beans then toss lightly.

Notes: Dont use canned white beans, too mushy making the whole thing look and feel like a paste.

If you aren't a cilantro fan, try parsley instead. I liked the cilantro version better but that's me.

A Use For Cauliflower

My brother-in-law refers to cauliflower as 'that dry, lifeless packing material that people continue to call a vegetable'. He changed his tune after trying this.

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 Head Cauliflower, broken into flowerettes
  
• 1 T Butter
  
• 2 T Olive Oil
  
• 1 tsp Sugar
  
• 1/2 tsp Salt
  
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  
• 1/2 tsp Sweet Paprika
  
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  

1 Preheat oven to 500. Melt butter and toss with olive oil and cauliflower in a large bowl. In a small bowl combine spices. Toss spices with cauliflower until coated evenly. Spread cauliflower in a single layer in a roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes or until carmelized.

2 Sprinkle with salt and pepper, serve.