Tuesday, April 3, 2012

black bean & avocado salad

I'm not a cook and even microwaving a bag of popcorn used to cause me kitchen anxiety but after taking a few vegetarian cooking classes at Credible Edibles (Green Cuisine; Vegan Easter Feast & Cooking with Chocolate), I'm starting to relax and realize that cooking is less about perfection and more about creativity.  Here is a fresh and easy black bean & avocado salad recipe I found in a thrifted cookbook that would be perfect with a pitcher of sangria and a good book on a hot summer's day!

{Adapted from The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook}
Prep time: 15 mins + overnight soaking
Total cooking time: 1.5 hours
Serves: 4

Salad 
250g (8oz) dried black beans
1 red onion, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
375g (12oz) canned corn kernels, drained
90g (3oz) fresh coriander (I used cilantro instead), roughly chopped
2 avocados, peeled and chopped
1 mango, peeled and chopped
150g (4.75oz) rocket leaves

Dressing
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 small red chili, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 
Salt and pepper to taste
(I also added approx 1/2 cup of salsa for more colour and flavour)

1. Soak the beans in cold water overnight.  Rinse; drain.  Place the beans into a large heavy-based pan, cover with water and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until tender.  Drain and cool slightly.
2. Place the beans, onion, tomatoes, pepper, corn, coriander/cilantro, avocado, mango and rocket into a large bowl and toss to combine.
3. To make dressing- place all ingredients in a bowl, whisk, pour over the salad and serve.  (I poured salsa over the salad afterwards for some added zestiness!)

You know what else black beans are delicious in? Black bean brownies! I know what you're thinking but honestly this sugar free, vegan dessert (that I learned how to bake at Credible Edibles) is divine- I will share this recipe with you soon!

Jeans, Jacket, Jeans, Shoes, Ring, Belt & Scarf- Thrifted; Top- Swapped; Nail Polish- Flirt by Revlon

And even though I'm well on my way to becoming a domestic goddess (ha!) I forgo the apron for a coral jacket and flight attendant-esque scarf when I'm cooking up a storm!


11 comments:

  1. nice salad recipe, simple and easy to prepare, good for cooking dummies like me. I don't enjoy cooking so this is just perfect! I like your bright outfit too, fabulous color blocking style, the yellow belt is really cute! And the scarf completes the whole outfit.

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

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  2. that recipe looks healthy & easy. win win. emily, i don't think i've seen a flight attendant look so stylish. i like the coral with the blue & yellow pop of color belt. :)

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  3. I like everything else in this salad but not the beans since I don't eat those at all :P and your cooking outfit is stylish for sure! I still like the blazer very much!

    Maiken/
    Maikeni blogi - part of me

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  4. Your jacket is so cute. Also your salad looks so yummy.

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  5. I love avocado! I normally prepare salads using it!
    Your outfit is so cute! Love your jacket! And the color of your nails! Which nail polish is that? Really cute!

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  6. I always have trouble figuring out how to style little silky scarves like that. Love yours though! And those black bean brownies sound super tasty, want the recipe!

    <3 Cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

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  7. hmmmm who was it who found the thrifted cookbook? lol love the outfit sis and those creations look great! not sure about the bean brownies though I think I'll stick to chocolate!

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  8. Mmm... this is exactly the kind of food I like to cook. And these are some of my favorite ingredients. Healthy and tasty.

    You look great!

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  9. that salad looks delish
    might have to give it a try this easter weekend
    brett

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  10. That salad looks yummy! I love black beans (even in brownies!). Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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  11. Great food and great look! I loathe those flight attendant-esque scarf of yours!
    zimmer hip class action

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One of my daily joys is reading the lovely comments you leave. It may take a day or two (or three, depending on how hectic life gets!) but I will stop by your slice of the blogosphere soon! xo Emily