salad of rubies

a stunning salad! beautiful for a substantial summer meal, or to impress friends as a gorgeous starter (or work lunch :) )

1 large tomato
1 cucumber

3-4 sprigs of fresh mint, finely sliced (substitute fresh parsley and dried mint if not available)

0.5tsp salt
2tsp lemon juice

1 tin kidney beans
1 pomegranate

0.3c pepitas (pumpkin seeds, shelled)
0.25tsp ground black pepper
3Tbs pomegranate molasses (available from delis and nut/spice provedores)
2Tbs olive oil

100g baby spinach or baby leaf mix

 
chop tomato into 2-3cm chunks, and slice cucumber; add to salad bowl with salt, lemon juice and mint; toss gently to combine. 

drain and rinse kidney beans; remove pomegranate jewels from the main fruit; add both to bowl. add all the other ingredients except greens; toss gently. add greens and toss before serving.

this can be made 6 hours or so ahead of time and refrigerated if greens are added right before serving.

killer baked beans

these are THE BEST beans in THE UNIVERSE. super delicious served with toast and a tangy green salad.

soak 2c navy beans in 1.5L water overnight.

the next day, drain, and refill with fresh water. boil for 10 minutes, then drain and place in slow cooker set to low.

2 stalks celery

2 carrots

5 spring onions or 1 brown onion

5 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

2tbs butter

2tbs olive oil

750ml tomato passata or tinned tomatoes

salt (smoked salish alder salt if you can- ps gewurzhaus is AMAZING)

natural smoke flavour if not using smoked salt

1tbs pepper

5tbs smoked paprika 

2tbs brown sugar

1tsp vinegar

chop celery, carrot and onion into small cubes. in a frying pan, gently fry the veg in butter and a little oil. after 3-5 minutes, add the garlic and fry for another 3 minutes. add to beans in slow cooker, stir to combine.

add the tomato and all seasonings (less rather than more, as you can always add some later), and half a cup of water. set to cook on high for 5 hours; don't let the beans dry out- gently stir in a little water if everything's getting sticky.