some favorite dinners :)

roasted asparagus pasta with white beans and thyme
i have been trying out recipes from the cancer fighting kitchen cookbook by rebecca katz, with a few adaptations. so far everything i've made has been amazing. this pasta dish last night was delicious!

1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
sea salt
pepper
12 oz brown rice or whole grain pasta
1/2 cup onion
1 1/2 tbsp garlic ( i'll add more next time)
pinch red pepper flakes
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
parmesan cheese (optional)
2 cups chopped spinach (optional)

heat oven to 400. roast asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt on baking sheet for 8 min.
boil and prepare pasta, reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.
heat 1 tbsp olive oil over med heat in large saute pan. add onion, then garlic and red pepper flakes. add 1/4 cup reserved water.
stir in pasta, remaining water, asparagus, beans, lemon juice, thyme, salt and pepper and optional ingredients. bon apetit!



stewed vegetable gratin
We love this dinner. I think I got it out of Vegetarian Times about 4 years ago, but it could have been another magazine. This is something we make all the time and it is always delicious. You can make it as is or add other kinds of beans or veggies. I like to double it and freeze some for another night!

3 tbsp olive oil
1 med yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup broth
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bunch swiss chard, stems removed and cut into 1 inch strips (any green will work)
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup parmesan cheese (i leave this out because we avoid dairy but it is super good with it!)
1 whole grain baguette
2 tbsp fresh thyme

Heat oven to 400.
Saute onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil for a few minutes . Add can of tomatoes and juices, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add swiss chard or other green and cook, stirring until wilted. Stir in beans and parmesan. transfer to an 8x11 baking dish. cut baguette into strips lengthwise about 1/4 inch thick. brush with olive oil and thyme and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Bake about 20 min. Enjoy!!!!!