1. Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with feta cheese if using.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic, cumin, and thyme, cooking for another minute.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
3. Black Bean Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- Toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, lime wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare Beans: In a skillet over medium heat, add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through and flavors meld. Mash slightly with a fork for a thicker consistency if desired.
- Warm Tortillas: In a separate skillet, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the black bean mixture onto each tortilla. Top with avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.