Monday, March 28, 2011

Kale, Black Bean and Millet Bowl with Vegan Chipotle Crema

I was going to title this blog entry "Crema: Get On Top" but then I realized that I have been listening to too much damn Prince lately and kale just isn't that sexy to most people. What I should have called it is "Using My Goddamned Leftovers" but that just doesn't sound sexy OR healthy. Since I completed the Kris Carr CSD Adventure Cleanse, I have been experimenting with Rip Esselstyn's Engine 2 Diet. Honestly, I like all of the Tex-Mex Austin-style recipes and guy food. I still am getting my green juice and salad on, though.

Whatcha' need for one serving with possible leftovers depending on your appetite:
1 can organic black beans
1 1/2 cups millet
1 bunch kale, de-stemmed
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Vegan Chipotle Crema
2 tbs hemp seeds
2 tbs hemp milk (or any plain, non-dairy milk)
2 tsp smoky chipotle sauce (I used Dan's Prime Smoky Chipotle Seasoning Sauce, in honor of Austin)
1 tsp agave nectar
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp arrowroot or cornstarch (you can double this if you want a really thick crema)
1 twist freshly ground sea salt sea salt (or omit if you would like)



Do Work:

Put all of the wet ingredients for the Crema in a blender and blend. Add dry ingredients and blend until thoroughly mixed. Let sit for 2-5 minutes to thicken. You can easily double, triple or quadruple this if you want to make more for later in the week or if you just love sauciness. And who doesn't love a little extra sauciness in their bowl?

In a wok or deep skillet, sautee the garlic in water (or oil if you swing that way) for 2-3 minutes on medium high heat. Keep adding water as necessary to keep the garlic from sticking or burning or both if you're really unlucky. Add the kale and sautee until dark green and tender.

Heat up the millet and beans on the stove top or microwave them if you are like me and don't give a shit about radiation because you live in Nevada. Tip: if you are using leftover millet, either add some water to it in the pan or sprinkle some water on it and cover with a damp paper towel if you are microwaving. This is like CPR for leftover grains. Top with your vegan chiptole crema and dig in!

More blog entries to come....lots of stuff to report this month!