Cuisine: Beans

Cannellini Beans With Rosemary

This is a traditional Tuscan side dish to be served with Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Steak Florentine).

By Leslie Blythe

Cowboy Casserole

Here is a recipe that we've been testing for our hot lunch program. This is the kids version. I think I would throw in some chopped green chilis!I hope they like it!

By Leslie Blythe

Sausages with Herbed Beans

This is a great weeknight meal. It's very similar to cassoulet, which is a rich, slow-cooked casserole originating in the south of France, containing sausage and other meats. The beauty of this recipe is that unlike cassoulet, it cooks very quickly. I sent my husband, Eric, the shopping list via text message, he actually bought already cooked Portuguese smoke cured sausage seasoned with garlic and paprika. I thought it wouldn't work, but it was really delicious and I will be making this again.

By Leslie Blythe

Tamale Pie

This Tamale Pie takes less then 5 minutes to throw it in a casserole dish! The Trader Joe's "tasting station" is a place for some culinary inspiration. It's where they hand out samples for you to try. I almost always buy whatever they are demoing. It was this tamale pie. I am not a big fan of polenta (unless it's crispy), but I have to say I really liked this dish. It's something you could have in your pantry. You could even make it vegetarian by using vegetarian chili instead of chicken or turkey. The original recipe calls for a jar of their Cowboy Caviar, but I actually used the corn salsa instead.

By Leslie Blythe

Moroccan Chicken with Apricots, Almonds & Chickpeas

This wonderful Moroccan chicken dish is meant to be cooked in a tagine. A tagine is a unique type of ceramic or clay cookware that's popular in Morocco. The bottom is a wide, circular shallow dish used for both cooking and serving, while the top of the tagine is distinctively shaped into a rounded dome or cone. The word "tagine" also refers to the dish which is slow-cooked inside the cooking vessel. Typically, a tagine is a rich stew of meat, chicken, or fish, and most often includes vegetables or fruit.

However, you can easily make this dish in a Dutch oven or crockpot.

By Leslie Blythe

Red Beans, Andouille Sausage & Rice Stew

This classic Cajun dish is done in a crockpot. You throw the rice and green peppers in at the end. It's great to serve it with a baguette or corn bread to sop up the spicy juices!

By Leslie Blythe

Sweet Mini Pepper Poppers

Sweet Mini Pepper Poppers are an easy appetizer for any party. There are endless ways to fill these mini peppers.

By Leslie Blythe

Rustic White Bean Soup With Spinach & a Ham Hock

I made 5 hams over the holidays for various parties that I catered. Cleverly, I froze all the ham hocks. I pulled one out a made this white bean soup, throwing it all the the crockpot. The ham hock I used was particularly meaty, so I did not add additional ham. Also, I served it with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

By Leslie Blythe

Rosemary White Bean Soup

This Rosemary White Bean Soup is very easy and delicious. A taste of Tuscany in a bowl.

By Leslie Blythe

Havana Black Beans

The perfect accompaniment to Cuban Chicken with Pineapple and Cuban Style Rice and Peas.

By Leslie Blythe