My Legume Love Affair - #56 - February 2013 Edition

I would like to thank each of the contributors to this month's MLLA roundup. You have all helped make this transition to legume mistress a great success. Of course, a special thanks to Susan for passing along the reigns and crowning me 'Our Lady of the Legumes'. I hope this long running and popular event will continue to be a favored spot for your legume creations and inspiration for those of us who love to cook with legumes.

Let's get started with some starters and sides.

Dalia and Green Moong Daal Mixed Paratha

courtesy of Sharmistha of Cook-A-Doodle-Do. The mighty mung bean shines here, combined with broken wheat, for a lovely starter or accompaniment to your meal.

Green Peas Pulao

from Nupur of One Hot Stove. A classic side all dressed up for dinner. Essential for any Indian meal.

Banana Flower Vada

entered by Shri of TiffinCarrier Antic/que's. These golden cutlets are inspired by a visit to India and will set your table abloom.

Black-Eyed Pea and Stewed Tomato Salad

passed along from Siri of Cooking with Siri. A refreshing side that could just as easily serve as a main.

Lentil Prívarok

from Cinzia of Cindystar. A complete and balanced leguminous brunch or lunch with lots of satisfying flavors.

Creamy Avocado Chickpea Hummus

offered up from Lisa's Kitchen. Smooth, light, creamy and fluffy fresh-tasting appetizer dip or a lovely lunch or dinner accompaniment.

Chickpea Cutlets

from Avika of A Day Through my Life. A substantial side, appetizer or satisfying meal just crying out to be served with homemade green chutney.

Guar Beans with Coconut and Spices

entered by Swathi of Zesty South Indian Kitchen. These not so humble beans shine in this curry that goes oh so well with rice and gravy.

Quick Skillet Garlic Green Beans

from Rose of Magpie's Recipes. An elegant side or complete meal when served with rice and a soft boiled egg.

Three Bean Couscous Salad

from Elizabeth of Elizabeth's Kitchen. This vibrant salad could easily be a healthy meal just by itself and it's a snap to put together.

Lentil Fritters/Urad Dal Vada
from Princy of Spicy Foood. A tea time snack with a healthy dose of legumes. Serve as a starter with your meal or as a tempting side.





Red Lentil and Shallot Velluteè with Curry and Cumin
courtesy of Brii of briggishome. A nourishing lunch not to be missed and a welcome addition to the dinner table.





Edamame and Garlic Spread
courtesy of Soma of eCurry. If you need a satisfying snack, then pair this mouthwatering lemony and nutty hummus spread with some rustic bread.

Smoky One Pot Beans and Bulgur with Kale

from Janet of The Taste Space. This nourishing dish is so easy and a delightful addition to the table.

Lemon Quinoa with Black Garbanzo Beans

offered up by Denny of Oh Taste n See. A beautifully balanced and elegant meal with some zest.

Varan-bhat (yellow lentils with rice)

from Anita of The Mad Tea Party. Perfect comfort food especially when served with coconut chutney, lime and ghee. Vegetables, pickles and pakoras really make this a special meal.

Chow Chow Curry / Kootu

from Meena of Encourage Spice. This nourishing kootu would pair well with a tamarind rasam and some Indian flatbreads.

Pasta with Peas And Walnuts Pesto

from Shruti of Part Time Chef. Serious legume comfort food with grace.

Ragada Patties

from Lata of Flavours and Tastes. These could be served as a starter, but they are worth occupying the centerpiece of your meal.

Pumpkin Kale and Chickpea Curry

served from Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe. This glorious stew is all the more comforting when paired with homemade rustic brown bread.

Chickpea (Channa) Curry

from tigerfish of An Escape to Food. An Indian classic that never fails to please.

How about some snacks and desserts?

Gur wali Patti

from Saravjit of SohNi's Kitchen. A comforting and nourishing nutty winter treat to combat the winter blues.

Moong Dal Ladoo

from Anusha of Tomato Blues. Simple, "sinfully delicious", yet healthy too. A comforting indulgence for any occasion.

Peanut Praline with Sea Salt

from lovely Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook, the founder of this popular event. This "butterscotch-rich" vegan sweet will surely provide a needed boost throughout the day.

And now for our winner - congratulations to Rose of Magpie's Recipes. She will receive both the book and Hurst bean prize.

Our guest host for March is PJ of Seduce your Tastebuds ... Please forward your legume recipe to her and see her announcement. For all things MLLA, visit the ongoing archive.