Mix And Match Brothy Beans Recipes

SLOW-COOKER BROTHY BEANS

Steps:

• Combine the beans, fennel, tomato, 6 cloves garlic and the lemon zest in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Tie the thyme, parsley stems and 1/2 leek together with kitchen twine; add to the pot. Add 4 1/2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and cook on low until the beans are tender, 7 to 9 hours.
• Preheat the broiler. Discard the leek bundle from the beans and stir well. Gently smash the garlic against the side of the slow cooker; season with salt and pepper. Let stand uncovered.
• Thinly slice the remaining 1/2 leek into matchsticks. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and crisp, 6 to 9 minutes. Transfer the crispy leek to paper towels with a slotted spoon; season with salt. Reserve the leek oil.
• Arrange the bread on a baking sheet and brush both sides with the leek oil. Pour any excess leek oil into the beans. Broil the bread, turning once, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Rub with the remaining garlic clove and season with salt.
• Stir the lemon juice into the beans. Divide among bowls with a slotted spoon; pour some bean broth into each bowl. Drizzle evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Top with the crispy leek, chives and chopped parsley. Serve with the bread.

MIX AND MATCH FAJITAS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, green onions, cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add in whatever protein you are using and toss to coat. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour no matter the protein. If using steak, chicken or tofu, you can marinate for up to overnight. If using shrimp, stick to 1 hour.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the protein from the marinade and cook to your liking. If you'd like, you can also cook the protein on a barbecue. Allow the protein to rest while you cook the vegetables.
• For the veggies, add the peppers and onions into the hot skillet, season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly charred and tender, adding a little olive oil if needed.
• Thinly slice the chicken or beef, if using, and nestle everything into the hot skillet to serve alongside the flour tortillas and your favorite toppings.
• Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and stir in the water and canola oil. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Set the dough aside to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal balls and roll out into a very thin round on a lightly floured surface.
• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook the tortillas until a few golden marks form, about 1 minute per side.
• Keep the tortillas warm in a clean kitchen towel before serving.