Greek Panzanella

I've always been hesitant to try panzanella (an Italian salad, typically made with tomatoes and stale bread). I assumed that if you let pieces of bread, even stale or toasted bread, soak in a vinaigrette, they would get soggy. And that just sounded completely gross to me. However, when I saw the picture of this recipe in Ina Garten's new cookbook I decided it was time to try it.

This recipe combines the typical ingredients of a Greek salad with chunks of toasted bread. And, WOW, is it good!!! Briny olives, salty feta, fresh vegetables. And the bread.... Oh, the bread!  The bread ended up being my favorite part! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and full of so much flavor - not only from the dressing, but also from the vegetables that it marinates with. I already can't wait to make this one again!

Greek Panzanella
Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips, Ina Garten

3/4 cup good olive oil, divided
6 cups (1-inch) diced rustic bread
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 red bell pepper, seeded and large-diced
1 yellow red bell pepper, seeded and large-diced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 pound good feta cheese, 3/4-inch-diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted

Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan until hot. Add the bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes, until nicely browned. Set aside.

Place the cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl and toss together.
For the vinaigrette, place the vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl and whisk together. Whisking constantly, slowly add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil to make an emulsion.

Add the feta, olives, and bread to the vegetables in the bowl, add the vinaigrette, and toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes for the flavors to develop. Season to taste and serve at room temperature.

6 servings

Veggie Slaw

This is a great fresh-flavored alternative to a creamy coleslaw.

Veggie Slaw

The Kosher Palette II

Salad:

1 head red cabbage, shredded, or 2 (12-ounce) bags shredded red cabbage

1 pound carrots, shredded
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 each orange, yellow and red peppers, chopped

1 Hass avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into small pieces

Garlic Herb Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh dill weed, chopped

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon mustard

2 to 3 garlic cloves

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine cabbage, carrots, red onion, and bell peppers in a large bowl.

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a food processor and process until well mixed.
Toss the salad with the dressing and avocado, and mix well.
12-14 servings

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches with Mango Slaw

These were good. While I do have a pulled chicken sandwich recipe that I like better, I would definitely make these again simply because of how quick they are to make. Next time, though, I would probably make some more of the chicken mixture because the portion size was just a bit small for a hungry husband :)

The coleslaw was really good, too. My 6 1/2-year-old daughter, Ella, thanked me for putting mango in it!

Black Pepper and Molasses Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

with Mango Slaw

Cooking Light, November 2009

3 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon prepared mustard

1 tablespoon molasses

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces

4 sandwich rolls, cut in half horizontally

12 dill pickle chips

Combine first 9 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 23 minutes or until chicken is done and tender. Remove from heat; shred with 2 forks to measure 2 cups of meat. Place 1/2 cup chicken on bottom half of each roll. Top each with 3 pickles and top half of roll.

Mango Slaw:

4 cups packaged coleslaw mix

1 cup chopped mango

1/4 cup vertically sliced red onion

1/4 cup canola mayonnaise (I used light mayonnaise)

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well.

4 servings

Potato and Chickpea Salad

This potato salad was really good, but I think next time I would cut down on the garlic - it was just a little bit too strong. We had it with barbecued chicken, but I would even serve it as a main dish with some bread.

Potato and Chickpea Salad

Vegan Italiano, Donna Klein

1 1/2 pounds small red-skin potatoes

1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 medium plum tomatoes, chopped

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1/4 pound fresh spinach or arugula leaves, chopped (optional) (I didn't use)

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan or medium stockpot with salted water to cover; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes, depending on size. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the broth, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes and onions. Let stand a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

As soon as the potatoes are cool enough to handle, yet still quite warm, cut them in half or in quarters, depending on size. Stir the dressing a few times, and add the warm potatoes along with the chickpeas and spinach (if using). Toss gently until the potatoes are thoroughly coated. Serve warm or at room temperature. Alternatively, let cool to room temperature and refrigerate a minimum of 3 hours, or up to 2 days (or overnight if using spinach), and serve chilled or return to room temperature.

6-8 servings

Vine-Ripened Tomato Salad with Parsley Vinaigrette

This salad is AWESOME!!! Make sure to have plenty of good crusty bread to dip into the juices - it's quite addicting!

Vine-Ripened Tomato Salad with Parsley Vinaigrette

Vegan Italiano, Donna Klein

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 large garlic clove, fiely chopped

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 teaspoon sugar

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

6 small vine-ripened tomatoes (about 4 ounces each), cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper; stir in the parsley. Let stand about 5 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve. Add the tomatoes and toss gently yet thoroughly to combine. Let stand at room temperature about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Toss again and serve. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight, and serve chilled or return to room temperature.

4 servings

Black Bean Salad with Mexican Flavors

This is a really nice salad - filling, but not heavy, with a light dressing that complements, but doesn't overpower, the ingredients.

The author suggests serving it with scrambled eggs and tortillas, but if you are not a vegetarian this would be great with some grilled chicken or tacos.

Black Bean Salad with Mexican Flavors

A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen, Jack Bishop

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium ripe tomato, cored and diced

1 medium avocado, halved, pitted, scooped from the skin, and diced

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves

1 small jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced

3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Combine the beans, tomato, avocado, cilantro, and chile together in a large bowl.

Whisk together the orange juice, cumin, and salt to taste in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Pour the dressing over the black bean salad and toss gently. Adjust the seasonings, adding salt to taste, and serve.

4-6 servings

Summer Tomato Salad

This tomato salad is sooo good! Make sure to serve it with some good bread for dipping into the juices - it's fabulous!

Summer Tomato Salad

Allrecipes.com, PEGGYLEBLANC

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 pint yellow pear tomatoes, halved (I used all red grape tomatoes)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
freshly ground black pepper to taste
ground red pepper to taste
salt to taste

In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes, yellow pear tomatoes, green onions, garlic, basil, cilantro, black pepper, red pepper, and salt. Refrigerate 30 minutes and toss again before serving.

6 servings

Confetti Couscous

I made this Israeli couscous salad to have with the chicken. It did take a little bit of work, but it was very easy and really good. The only change I made was to cook it in a grill pan in the house, and I cut the recipe in half.

Confetti Couscous

Cooking Light

2 baby eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 yellow squashes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into quarters
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Prepare grill to medium-high heat.

Brush eggplant, squash, and bell peppers evenly with 4 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place vegetables on grill rack; grill 3 minutes on each side or until slightly charred. Cool and chop. Place vegetables in a large bowl.

Bring 2 cups water and broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in couscous. Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until couscous is tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add couscous, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to vegetable mixture; toss. Combine vinegar and mustard in a medium bowl, stirring well. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup oil to vinegar mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Drizzle vinegar mixture over couscous mixture; toss to coat. Stir in basil.

8 servings

Chickpea-Vegetable Salad with Curried Yogurt Dressing

This was a really great recipe for a warm day - no cooking needed, and really quick, too! I served it with whole wheat pita.

Chickpea-Vegetable Salad with Curried Yogurt Dressing

Cooking Light

Dressing:
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic (I minced 1 fresh clove)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-ounce) carton plain fat-free yogurt (I used low-fat)

Salad:
2 cups finely shredded carrot
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced yellow or red bell pepper
1 1/2 cups chopped plum tomato
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
12 cups chopped romaine lettuce

To prepare the dressing, combine the first 8 ingredients in a small bowl; stir mixture with a whisk.

To prepare the salad, combine carrot and next 5 ingredients (carrot through chickpeas) in a large bowl. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over carrot mixture, tossing gently to coat. Place 2 cups lettuce on each of 6 plates, and drizzle each serving with about 1 tablespoon dressing. Top each serving with 1 1/3 cups carrot mixture.

6 servings

Garlic Burgers

These burgers were great! I love that it uses portobello mushrooms along with the beef to add bulk, allowing you to have a nice big burger without too much fat. The mushrooms also add lots of moisture.

I served these with coleslaw (recipe follows) and roasted sweet potato wedges.

Garlic Burgers

Kosher by Design Lightens Up, Susie Fishbein

For the burgers:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 large shallot

2 cloves fresh garlic

6 ounces portobello mushroom caps

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

2 teaspoons dried parsley

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

nonstick cooking spray

For the garlic spread:

1 teaspoon canola oil

4 cloves fresh garlic, sliced

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

6 whole wheat buns

1 tomato sliced, optional, for garnish

Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl. Place the shallot and garlic into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until finely chopped. Add the portobello mushrooms and pulse until the mixture resembles ground beef; don't over-pulse or it will turn into a paste.

Add the mushroom mixture to the beef, along with the red pepper flakes, black pepper, parsley, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gingerly toss until the meat is all mixed and seasoned.

Spray a grill pan with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the pan over medium heat.

Make 6 patties; they should be about 1-inch thick and 6-inches in diameter. Grill for about 6 minutes on each side.

Over medium-low, heat the canola oil in a small pot. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Remove from heat and stir in the mayonnaise.

serve the burgers, topped with the garlic spread, on whole wheat buns. garnish with sliced tomatoes if desired.

6 servings

Cider-Mustard Slaw

Cooking Light

Combine half of one (16-ounce) package cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw mix, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon coarse ground mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

4 servings

Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash

This is a really good fresh tasting potato salad, and I will definitely make this again! My changes: I used zucchini instead of yellow squash and cooked it in a grill pan; I left out the tarragon and increased the basil; and I substituted 1 tablespoon drained capers for the cornichons.

Potato Salad with Herbs and Grilled Summer Squash

Cooking Light

Salad:

2 pounds small red potatoes
3/4 pound yellow squash, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
Cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dressing:
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. To prepare salad, place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 18 minutes or until tender. Drain; cut potatoes into quarters, and place in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. Lightly coat squash with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place squash on grill rack; grill 2 minutes on each side or until browned and tender. Remove squash from heat, and add to potatoes.

4. To prepare dressing, combine chives and remaining ingredients in a small bowl; stir with a whisk. Pour dressing over potato mixture, tossing gently to combine. Serve salad warm or chilled.

6 servings

Curried Chickpeas and Black Beans

This was a great meal that came together in just minutes (which is always a good thing!).

Curried Chickpeas and Black Beans

Cooking Light

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled gingerroot
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and gingerroot; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in curry powder; cook an additional minute. Add tomatoes; cook 1 minute or until mixture is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Add salt, black beans, and chickpeas; stir well. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Serve warm.

4 servings

Cucumber Raita Sauce

Cooking Light

1 (16-ounce) carton plain fat-free yogurt
1 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1 cup chopped seeded tomato
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

Spoon yogurt onto several layers of paper towels; spread to 1/2-inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 10 minutes. Scrape into a bowl using a spatula; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and chill 2 hours; stir before serving.

Super Bowl Sunday

Last year we had a huge Super Bowl bash, but this year we decided to keep it simple with just a few guests. Here are the chili and coleslaw recipes that I made - both of which are REALLY good!!!

Game-Day Chili

Southern Living

2 pounds ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (12-ounce) bottle dark beer (I use Guinness)
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can beef broth
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 to 2 teaspoons ground red pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Garnish: pickled jalapeño pepper slices

Cook first 3 ingredients in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well.

Combine meat mixture, beans, and next 11 ingredients in Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 hours or until thickened. Garnish, if desired.

13 cups

My Favorite Coleslaw

Cook with Jamie: My Guide to Making You a Better Cook, Jamie Oliver

1/2 white cabbage, core removed, outer leaves discarded, cut into quarters and thinly sliced

1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

3 carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick-sized pieces

2 red apples, washed, cored and cut into matchstick-sized pieces

1 small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and roughly chopped

Juice of 1-2 lemons

A couple dollops of mayonnaise

1 heaping teaspoon English mustard (Coleman's)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine ingredients in a large bowl and toss well.

6 servings

Chicken Shawarma

This recipe is a favorite in our house. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are a lot more moist, and serve it with a store-bought tahina sauce. I also broil it instead if grilling it (I don't bother to skewer them), and, when possible, I marinate it for several hours.

(I'm sorry the picture is not so great. I had a long day and was just trying to get the picture done quickly.)

Chicken Shawarma

Cooking Light

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 16 (3-inch) strips

Cooking Spray

4 pitas

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add chicken to bowl; toss well to coat. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.

Thread 2 chicken strips onto each of 8 (12-inch) skewers. Place kebabs on a grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 4 minutes on each side or until done.

Place pitas on grill rack; grill 1 minute on each side or until lightly toasted. Place 1 pita on each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 4 chicken pieces.

4 servings

I served it with this salad:

Chopped Vegetable Salad

Cooking Light

2 cups chopped cucumber

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 cup chopped tomato

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Greek-Style Chickpea Salad

This was a great meal for the summer-like weather we've been having here in L.A.

Greek-Style Chickpea Salad

Cooks Illustrated: The Best Light Recipe

2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 small red onion, minced

1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1/4 cup minced fresh mint leaves

1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves

3 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon

2 tablespoons minced Kalamata olives

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small garlic clove, minced

Salt and ground black pepper

Toss the chickpeas, onion, cucumber, mint, feta, and parsley together in a large bowl. Whisk the lemon juice, olives, mustard oil, and garlic together in a small bowl, then toss with the chickpeas and vegetables until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6 servings

Kalamata Olive Bread with Oregano

Cooking light

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
9 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Set aside.

Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine buttermilk, butter, and egg whites, stirring with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Fold in onion, olives, and oregano.

Spread batter into an 8 x 4–inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

12 servings

All in one pot

While I had a lot of fun doing the "play-by-play" of dinner last night, it took a lot of time (and patience) that I don't always have. So while I will do it occasionally, I won't be doing it every day.
Tonight's dinner was a Pasta and Chickpea Ragout. It's inexpensive, quick, healthy, and cooks all in one pot. What more can you ask for? Oh, and it tasted good, too. Which is really what it's all about, isn't it?

All-in-One Pasta and Chickpea Ragout

(adapted from Fast & Easy Cooking, Johanna Burkhard)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large green pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 cup vegetable stock
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 (19-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

In a dutch oven or large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, green pepper, oregano, basil, salt and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until vegetables are softened.

Add tomatoes and stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Stir in pasta; cover and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini and chickpeas; simmer for 5-7 minutes more or until pasta and zucchini are tender.

4 servings

I served it with a green salad with this simple dressing:

House Salad Dressing

(adapted from Kosher by Design Lightens Up, Susie Fishbein)

1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup water
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine ingredients in a jar and shake.

A Simple Pasta Dish

I normally cook vegetarian a few nights a week, but in order to save money I've increased it to most nights. Plus, I just like vegetarian food.

Tonight's dinner was a quick pasta dish, perfect for weeknights after a long day. Is it a knock-your-socks-off recipe? No. But it's darn good for so little work and so few ingredients (and most of them being stuff I normally keep in the pantry anyhow).

Penne with Tomatoes, Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar

(adapted from The Complete Italian Vegetarian Cookbook, Jack Bishop)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, minced

1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped

Salt anf freshly ground pepper

1 pound penne or ziti

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1) Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot for cooking the pasta.

2) Heat the oil in a large skillet, Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rosemary and cook for 30 seconds to release it's flavor.

3) Add the tomataoes and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings.

4) When the water comes to a boil, add salt to taste and the penne or ziti. Cook until al dente and then drain.

5) Stir the vinegar into the tomato sauce and toss with the pasta, mixing well. Divide among individual bowls and serve immediately with the grated cheese passed separately at the table.

4 servings

Alongside, I served a green salad with my new favorite salad dressing:

Creamy Garlic Dressing

(adapted from Kosher by Design Lightens Up, Susie Fishbein)

5 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1 tablespoon water

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Whisk ingredients together in a medium bowl.