Have you ever visited a restaurant and ate a meal that would never leave your dreams?  I have been spending a couple months trying to recreate my all time favorite dining meal to date.  I visited the Brown Barn Cafe a couple months ago and order this recipe just so my son who is wheat/gluten free could join me.  At that time, I never knew it would become an obsession but I figured it out (or at least it tastes like I figured it out) and here it is just for you!!!

 

Toor Dal Palak (Pigeon Peas and Spinach) with Coconut and Mango Rice
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Serves: 4
 

www.healthybabybeans.com
Ingredients
  • 1 cup split pigeon peas
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 5 oz chopped fresh baby spinach
  • 2 inches of ginger grated or minced
  • 1 tbsp pastured butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 jalapeno pepper diced (optional)
  • 1.5 tsp garam masala (Indian spice found in specialty store- Wegmans locally)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp of salt or to taste

Instructions
  1. Soak peas for 2 hours.
  2. Bring peas, water and turmeric to a boil. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach and cook until liquid is mostly gone.
  4. Heat oil and butter in cast iron pan.
  5. Saute pepper and ginger in pan for about 5 minutes. Add garam masala and stir.
  6. Stir mixture into peas/spinach.
  7. Add lemon juice and salt.

Notes
I have little children. I did not cook the jalapeno pepper in the recipe but diced them up and served them on the side. To make coconut rice simply cook jasmine rice according to directions but use coconut milk instead of water. Add diced mango (1.5 cups to 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice). I used frozen mango for convenience.

 

 

5.0 from 2 reviews

Pan Seared Scallops with Spicy Poblano and Cilantro Sauce
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Serves: 2 adults and 2 small children
 

www.healthybabybeans.com
Ingredients
  • 8 scallops
  • 1 poblano pepper diced
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • ½ jalapeno pepper diced
  • 4 gloves of garlic
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • olive oil

Instructions
  1. Prepare all veggies and set aside.
  2. Wash scallops and pat dry with paper towel.
  3. Heat cast iron skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Pan sear scallops on each side for 3 minutes or until done.
  5. Place on plate with paper towel and set aside.
  6. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet.
  7. Saute peppers and garlic for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add cilantro and lime juice. Cook for 30 seconds.
  9. Plate scallops and top with sauce.
  10. Enjoy!

 

 

Do not forget to include your little one in this meal!  Read my opinion regarding  Kid Friendly Food.  Kid friendly food does not have to equal inferior food.  It can be the same great tasting food you enjoy too.  I also have  a wonderful post on how I introduce food to my children called “Infant Meet Veggie; Veggie Meet Infant.”

 

Looking for the perfect summer fresh salad?  Try this delicate blend of sweet (strawberries), salty (cheese) and peppery (arugula) on a hot summer day topped with an easy homemade strawberry balsamic dressing.  Yum!

 

5.0 from 5 reviews

Fresh Strawberry and Arugula Salad
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Recipe type: Summer Salad
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Serves: 4 side salad
 

Ingredients
  • 3 cups garden fresh arugula
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • ½ cup of diced goat or Ricotta Salata cheese
  • ¼ cup crushed strawberries
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • salt dressing to tast

Instructions
  1. Crush up to ¼ cup of strawberries.
  2. Add brown sugar and vinegar to the strawberries and rest for 15-20 minutes while periodically mixing.
  3. Slice ½ cup strawberries and set aside.
  4. Wash arugula and place in mixing bowl.
  5. Add sliced strawberries and cheese.
  6. Add olive oil to dressing and mix.
  7. Salt dressing to taste.
  8. Toss salad in dressing and enjoy!