17 June 2010

Black Bean Salad with Avocado and Wilted Arugula

1 can (540 ml) black beans, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic or wine vinegar
A crushed clove of garlic
1 quarter cup chopped fresh Spanish onion
A handful of fresh chopped green coriander
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large clove garlic, chopped finely
2 large handfuls fresh arugula or spinach leaves, rinsed
Salt
A pinch or two crushed dried hot red pepper flakes
6 to 8 cherry tomatoes, in halves or quarters
1 ripe avocado
Lime juice

1. Put the rinsed, drained beans into a serving bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the tree tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar, and the crushed garlic. Beat together and pour dressing into the black beans. Toss gently. Mix in the chopped onion and the coriander.
2. Heat a frying pan on medium heat and put in the one tablespoon of olive oil with the chopped garlic. Saute gently until garlic is golden - this will happen quickly so watch carefully. Burnt, bitter garlic means you have to start over.
3. When garlic is gold, put the arugula/spinach in the pan, with a sprinkling of salt and only the water that clings to the leaves. Cover the pan and let the greens steam for a few minutes. Take off the lid of the pan when the greens are less than half their original volume and look 'wilted'. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir gently. Turn off the heat when greens are tender and shining with oil.
4. Add the wilted greens to the black beans. Gently mix in the halved tomatoes and the avocado. Sprinkle the salad with lime juice. Add salt to taste Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Makes 2 meal-sized servings.

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