a couple nights ago i made rustic white beans and tomato couscous for dinner, both from the beloved veganomicon. there's a lovely little section where you can mix and match different types of proteins and sides, and these two came beans and grains, respectively. they were recommended to go together, and they certainly do.
the couscous has more of a bite to it... you basically take the strained juice from a few cans of diced tomatoes, and add a bit of oil and spices, including cayenne pepper.
then, you cook the couscous with it (surprising, i know).
then add the reserved tomatoes and capers - genius!
and quick, too. the beans took much longer. the recipe said that i could absolutely not use canned beans, and so i didn't. this was my first time soaking dry beans, and it was pretty exciting. you put them in a bowl with cold water and let them sit for a really long time. and they sort of swell. the end. then they are rinsed and go into pot with new water to simmer:
they were cooked with carrots and thyme and fresh tarragon.
and leeks. this was my first time chopping leeks. rather pretty things, i think:
and this is what leeks look like while being sauteed. neat!
and while we're at it, here are some sauteed cremini mushrooms!
everything gets nicely cooked up with the beans, and everyone is happy.
and here is the finished plate. i think i'm starting to get the hang of this whole 'presentation' thing.
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