Warming One-Pot Winter Dishes

This February came in with an Arctic blast, so what better for “Meatless Monday” than hearty, warming one-pot dishes that are easy and satisfying. Here are two of our favorites.

KAMUT® BERRY RIBOLITA

Whole grains turn any “one-dish” into a super-nourishing meal. This veggie packed twist is a take on an Italian favorite, packed with flavor and easy to make – no fuss!

Kamut® wheat berries replace chunks of bread traditionally used in this Tuscan dish that begins with left over minestrone. They add a chewy, satisfying texture as well as multiple health benefits!

Makes 6 servings. (8 cups) 

1 (28oz.) can  whole, peeled plum tomatoes, drained

3 Tbs                Extra Virgin Olive oil

1½ cups           finely chopped yellow onion
2 Tbs                minced garlic

½ tsp               crushed red pepper

1 cup               chopped carrot

1 cup               chopped celery

2 cups             chopped cremini mushrooms

6 cups             water

1 cup               Kaumut® wheat berries (soaked overnight)

1¾ tsp             kosher salt
¾ tsp               black pepper

1 (15oz.) can cannellini beans(no salt added) drained and rinsed
2oz.                 Parmesan cheese rind

5 cups             baby arugula (about 5oz.)

2Tbs                 sherry vinegar

2oz.                 shaved Parmesan cheese

Take three tomatoes from the can and finely chop (about ½ cup). Heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic and red pepper. Cook stirring often for about seven minutes until the tomatoes are deep red and caramelized. Add carrot, celery and mushrooms, cook stirring occasionally until browned, about eight minutes. Add the 6 cups of water, Kamut® berries, salt, black pepper, beans, rind and remaining tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, partially cover and simmer for 40 minutes until wheat berries are tender. Stir occasionally.

Add arugula and vinegar, cook for one minute. Discard Parmesan rind. Divide soup into six bowls and top with the Parmesan cheese.

FOUR BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI

If you weren’t told you would never guess that this robust chili was meatless! So hearty and delicious you won’t miss the meat.

Serves 6:

1               yellow pepper – seeded and cut into ½” squares

1               red pepper – seeded and cut into ½” squares

1               orange pepper – seeded and cut into ½” squares

2              fennel bulbs, remove the tops, core and finely chopped

2 c           cooked red kidney beans

2 c           cooked black beans

2 c           cooked white beans

1-1/2 c    green beans, trimmed and cut into ½” pieces

1 c            sweet corn

16 oz       whole canned tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve juice)

2              large tomatoes peeled and chopped

1 tbsp      extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tbsp  cayenne pepper

1 tbsp      coriander

1 tbsp      cumin

2 tbsp     chili powder

1 tsp        oregano

Water or tomato juice as needed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, yogurt and diced scallions for serving

Warm the olive oil and spices (cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, chili powder and oregano) in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat for two minutes. Add the chopped peppers and fennel, stir and cook for 5 minutes stirring continuously. Stir in all the tomatoes, beans and corn, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes adding water or tomato juice as needed. Season with salt and pepper. This is best left for 24 hours in the fridge after cooling to bring out all the flavors. I like to double up on the ingredients and freeze in small batches.

Serve garnished with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, yogurt and diced scallions—just make sure you have enough, everyone always comes back for seconds!!