Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is a non-profit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health. Our goal is to help reduce meat consumption 15% in order to improve personal health and the health of our planet.

Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel.

This week's recipe was in my Weeknight Kitchen electronic newsletter from The Splendid Table, Minnesota Public Radio, Lynne Rosetto Stone. I opted not to add the cheese, so this particular recipe is totally vegan. Easy and delicious, I highly recommend it.

Warm Balsamic Bean Salad on Lettuces
Serves 2 to 4 and doubles easily.

Dressing:
1/3 cup good tasting extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium to large onion, thinly sliced
4-inch branch fresh rosemary, or a generous teaspoon dried whole leaf rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
4 large cloves garlic, diced
Pinch hot pepper flakes
1/4 cup wine or cider vinegar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 14-ounce cans of cannellini or pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Salad:
6 large handfuls of washed and dried mixed salad greens
1 stalk celery with leaves, thinly sliced
4 ounces of Asiago, Fontinella, or Manchego cheese, shredded (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, rosemary, salt and a generous amount of pepper. Sauté 2 minutes, or until the onion is soft. Add the water, garlic, and hot pepper. Bring to a very gentle bubble, cover the pan and cook 3 minutes, or until garlic is soft. Don't let it brown and be careful not to get spattered by the water. Stir in the vinegars and the beans, and set aside.

2. When you're ready to eat, spread the salad greens over a large platter. Scatter the celery, and cheese, if using, over them. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the beans, uncovered, in the skillet just until they are warm. Spoon beans and the dressing over the salad. Serve immediately.

Note: To help support the online services for The Splendid Table, a contribution can be made here.

Happy and Healthy Eating!