Warm Mushroom Salad with Beans

Makes 4 servings.

A satisfying, nutritious, light main course, this dish is a vegetarian delight.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound cremini mushrooms

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• One can, 15.5 ounces, white beans, drained

• 2-3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

• Leaves from 5 thyme sprigs

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 4-5 ounces baby arugula

• 1/3 cups pine nuts, toasted

• Ricotta salata, optional

PREPARATION:

1. Trim the mushrooms, wipe with a damp paper towel and slice thinly.  

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok and sauté the mushrooms with the garlic over high heat, stirring until the mushrooms are almost wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the beans, 2 tablespoons vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper. The mushrooms will be moist and a bit liquidy.

3. Remove from heat and season to taste.   

4. Divide the arugula among the 4 plates, top with the mushrooms and sprinkle with the pine nuts.  

5. Serve while still warm. Add the ricotta, if you like.

Quinoa with Feta

Makes 4 luncheon servings.

Nutritious, easy, simple and tasty.  What more can I say?

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¼ cups water
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup loosely packed, flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
• 3 scallions, including green parts thinly sliced
• ½ cup mint leaves, loosely torn
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice, approx
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ pound Feta, crumbled (See Note)

PREPARATION:

1. In a small heavy covered saucepan bring to a boil over high heat the water and salt. Sprinkle over the quinoa, lower the heat, and cook covered for 13 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. If the grains are still not tender, add 1 or 2 tablespoons hot water and continue cooking. Transfer to a large bowl, add olive oil, combine and cool.
2. Toss with the remaining ingredients and season to taste.
3. Serve topped with feta.

NOTE:

Feta comes in many strengths, from mild (which I prefer) to strong.

Before serving adjust the seasoning again.