I have just been out to the garden and came back with a variety of amazing vegetables. I love Summer. We have long winters in Queenstown, even though I can still grow some vegetables in the green house in Winter, you can't compare what comes out of the garden in Summer.
This is a meal for a ''Meatless night'
The white beans (cannellini) are loaded with protein, vitamins, omega fatty acid 3 and 6, and minerals.
They are so cheap to buy. Especially if you buy them dried. All you have to do is, soak them over night, then drain them, then cover with cold water and simmer for 50 mins.
I then freeze them.
White Beans and Vegetables Flavoured with Pesto Recipe
Makes a large pot for a large family. I make enough for lunches the next day.
1 kg cannellini or white beans
110 gr basil pesto - recipe for this below - this is a guess amount you can add less or more.
4 tomatoes or more if small - cut into cubes
1 large onion - cut into small cubes
bunch fresh herbs - I used parsley and chives - chopped
Coconut oil for frying
Mixture of vegetables that you have -
I used -
Broccoli - cut into florets - cooked
Fresh beans - cut and cooked - when these are nearly cooked I add the broccoli on top.
small potatoes - cooked
Courgettes - cubed - don't cook yet
Method
1 - Prepare all your vegetables.
2 - In a large heavy pot, heat oil and on low fry onion to soften, not brown.
3 - Turn up and add your courgettes and brown them. When they are nearly cooked add the tomatoes, pesto and 1/4 cup of water to stop it all sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 1 minute.
4 - Add the cooked beans, potatoes, beans and broccoli, mix through, gently, heat through on low for 1 minute and turn off.
Season with Himalayan salt / pepper and herbs.
Prepare all your vegetables, including cooking and cutting those that need it.
Cooking potatoes with skin on because that is the healthy part.
Cook your beans.
When beans are nearly cooked add the broccoli, place lid on. Dont over cook them.
Cook onion in oil.
Turn up heat and cook courgettes.
Add pesto, water and tomatoes.
Stir and cook for a minute.
Now add all the other vegetables and beans, season and add herbs.
Pesto Recipe
If this recipe is more that you need just freeze it or use in wraps, potatoes, crackers etc.
1 cup basil
2 cloves garlic
1/3 grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Almonds or cashew nuts
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Method
1 - In a food processor blend all ingredients except the oil.
2 - Pour in the oil slowly while the motor is running.
3 - Store in the fridge up to one week
Store any extra’s in the freezer.