Beans, the magical fruit...

So, after having a momentary lapse into feeling like I wasn't up to snuff to compete in the state fair after the fiasco of the strawberry-rhubarb crisp, last night's dinner was a winner. And a cheap one at that!

Here's the recipe- another winner from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian

Baked Lima Beans Parmigiana From how to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman

You can also use fava, edamame, cooked cannnelini, gigante beans or chickpeas
1/4 c olive oil
1 recipe Fast Tomato Sauce
4 cups fresh, frozen or cooked dry lima beans
salt and fresh ground pepper
1 cup cubed mozzarella(preferably fresh)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 400

Use a tbs or so of the oil to grease a 2 qt souffle or gratin dish or a 9x13 baking dish

Spread tomato sauce in the dish and spoon the beans on top. Spread the mozz cubes around evenly pressing them into the sauce and beans a bit. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and parm and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake until cheese is melted, sauce is bubbling and crumbs are brown, about 20-30 minutes.Remove and sprinkle with parsley and additional black pepper if desired. Can be served over rice or pasta.

I halved this recipe to try it. I used two cups of thawed lima beans, about a bottle of marinara sauce, cubed mozzarella and fresh breadcrumbs, and sprinkled liberally with some Penzeys Italian herb mix.

Here's the cost breakdown.

0.30 bag of lima beans at Supertarget- they were on sale and I had a 50 cent coupon
1.99 bottle of Barilla sauce
2.00 hunk of cheese (which I have a lot left)
0.33 roll I used for breadcrumbs
and I had some parm in the fridge

I love being thrifty, especially when it tastes good.

Of course, this recipe is so versatile, you can use just about anything in your fridge or pantry. And quick- oh yeah. Great to have another easy dish to throw together- even after a long day at work. And of course, with food prices rising, it's great to find new veggie loaded recipes and are not only good for you, but light on the pocketbook.

Sides- I made some peas, steamed some broccoli, whole grain rolls and Angel had a salad.

Another great find at the store- Kashi has launched frozen pocket breads! I love Kashi products, and really can not recommend them enough for anyone who's looking for great healthy food. I had the southwest turkey- nicely seasoned, soft bread- yum! Check them out!

Short post today- I am itching to get out of here today and back into the new James Rollins book, The Last Oracle. I got an update from one of my favorite authors, Harlan Coben, today about the movie they made about his book Tell No One. If he's happy about it- I gotta see it.

http://www.tellnoonemovie.com/

It just got released in this country- another reason to love the French.

take care and enjoy your Fourth of July!