My daughter, Heather, suggested I put this compilation together for her, and for you, in order to save time. The following 15 meals are the ones that I make for our family regularly.  Simply add all the ingredients to one pot and cook. This set of recipes is focused on beans because this starchy legume is an easy favorite.  My workload is cut even further by having my pantry well stocked with basic ingredients, such as spices, canned tomatoes and beans, dried beans and grains, onions, garlic, potatoes, yams and vegetable broth. Look over the recipes and develop your shopping list. To your one pot meal choice, add a large green salad with a low-fat dressing and/or a loaf of fresh whole grain bread for a delicious, satisfying, very complete, and almost effortless meal.

Quick Mexican Chili

This is a fast and easy meal, delicious served with corn tortillas, over rice, or scooped on top of baked potatoes.  The variations suggested in the hints can make this recipe seem completely different each time you serve it.

Preparation Time:  5 minutes
Cooking Time:  25 minutes
Servings:  4

1 onion, chopped
¼ cup water
2  14.5 ounce cans chopped tomatoes
1  15 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1  15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup salsa (mild, medium or hot)
2 teaspoons oregano
¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup chopped avocado (optional)
¼ cup chopped onions (optional
½ cup tofu sour cream (optional)

Place the onion and water in a medium pot.  Cook and stir over medium heat until onion has softened, about 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes, beans, salsa, oregano & chipotle powder.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for another 20 minutes.  Serve topped with fresh cilantro and optional avocado, onions, and/or tofu sour cream.

Hints:  Black beans may be substituted for either of the beans suggested, or use black beans along with the other beans.  Use fire-roasted tomatoes or chopped tomatoes with green chilies for a bit more flavor.  Try this with green salsa instead of red salsa.  Add more chipotle powder for a bit more heat.  This recipe is very easy to add to in order to make a larger batch.  Add a few extra cans of beans and a can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, a bit more of the salsa and seasonings and you'll have enough for 6-8 servings or some extra to put in the freezer.

Ventana Lentil Stew

Preparation Time:  10 minutes
Cooking Time:  1 hour 15 minutes
Servings:  6-8

6 ¼ cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cups brown or green lentils
2 cups chunked fingerling potatoes
¼ to ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
2 cups baby spinach leaves

Place ¼ cup of the water in a large pot.  Add the onion, garlic and jalapenos. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.  Add remaining water, the lentils, potatoes and chipotle powder.  Mix well, cover and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour until lentils are soft.  Add spinach, mix in well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until spinach is soft.

Serve in a bowl, or over whole wheat bread or rolls, on top of baked potatoes or as a topping for brown rice.  

Hints:  This is a very thick stew, to change this into a more soup-like consistency, add about ½ cup more water. This can be as spicy as you like it by adjusting the chipotle chili powder.  We also like to top this with some hot sauce before eating it.

Tunisian Yam Stew

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking Time:  40 minutes
Servings:  6-8

1/3 cup water
1 onion, chopped
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½  teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼  teaspoon crushed red pepper
¼  teaspoon ground coriander
5 cups peeled and chopped Garnet Yams
2  14.5 ounce cans chopped tomatoes
2  14.5 ounce cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup green beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
¼ cup natural peanut butter
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Place the water, onion, jalapenos, ginger and garlic in a large pot.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.  Add cumin, cinnamon, red pepper and coriander.  Cook and stir for 1 minute.  Add yams, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, green beans, vegetable broth and peanut butter.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.  Stir in cilantro and let rest for 2 minutes.  Serve over rice or other whole grains.

Hints:  To make this with chard instead of green beans, add the chard about 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.  Use 2 cups of chopped chard instead of the green beans.

White Bean Chili
By Carol Van Elderen

Carol is my sister and this is one of her family's favorite healthy recipes.  This is a fast and easy meal and it makes enough for leftovers for lunch later in the week.  The addition of cinnamon adds something special to this dish.

Preparation Time:  15 minutes
Cooking Time:  25 minutes
Servings:  6

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup water
2  4 ounce cans chopped green chilies
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2-3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
5 cups vegetable broth
6  15 ounce cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups seitan or baked tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional) 

Garnishes: (optional) Salsa, Tofu sour cream, cilantro, shredded soy cheese, crushed baked tortilla chips

Place the onions and garlic in a large pot with the water.  Cook, stirring occasionally until onion softens slightly.  Add the chilies and the seasonings and cook and stir for another minute.  Then add the broth and the beans.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the seitan or tofu, if desired.  Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.  Serve with any of the optional garnishes.

Hints:  We usually serve this over rice for a very satisfying meal. The seitan or tofu are optional. The chili tastes great without those additions!  This freezes well and reheats well.  If you prefer to cook your own beans for this recipe, you will need about 9 cups of cooked beans.

Hearty Dal Soup

This is a variation of the Festive Dal Soup from a previous newsletter.  This creative addition was suggested by Tiffany Hobson, executive assistant to the McDougall's, who thought the soup would be a bit more filling by adding some potatoes and chard.  This is now my favorite version of this soup.  

Preparation Time:  10 minutes
Cooking Time:  60 minutes
Servings:  4

3 ¾ cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup red lentils
1  15 ounce can garbanzos, drained and rinsed
1  14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 cups chunked Yukon Gold potatoes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1-2 teaspoons chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
2 cups fresh chopped chard (or spinach)

Place ¼ cup of the water in a large soup pot.  Add the onion and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes, until softened.  Add the ginger, paprika, cumin and several twists of freshly ground pepper.  Mix in well, then add the remaining water, the lentils, garbanzos, tomatoes and potatoes.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 50 minutes, until lentils are tender. Add lemon juice, chili paste (start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste) and chard.  Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until chard is tender.  Season with a bit of sea salt, if desired. 

Split Pea Vegetable Soup

This is a thick soup filled with chunky vegetables and it is very comforting on a cool, rainy day.  Serve by itself in a bowl, or ladle over brown rice for a satisfying meal.

Preparation Time:  15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings:  6-8

2 cups dried split peas
8 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cups chopped fingerling potatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
freshly ground white pepper
1 large tomato, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Place the peas and water in a large soup pot.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients, except the tomato and fresh cilantro or parsley.  Mix well, bring to a boil again, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.  Add the tomato and fresh cilantro or parsley.  Season with a bit of sea salt, if desired.  Mix well and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Quinoa Chowder

We really enjoy soups during the winter months.  This is a hearty, yet simple soup, filled with delicious healthy ingredients.

Preparation Time:  15 minutes
Cooking Time:  40 minutes
Servings:  6-8

½ cup quinoa, rinsed well
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
2 ½ cups fingerling potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
¼ to ½ teaspoon chili paste (Sambal Oelek)
2 cups frozen corn kernels
3-4 cups sliced fresh spinach
freshly ground pepper to taste 

Place the first 8 ingredients in a large soup pot.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 20 minutes.  Add the corn, mix well and cook an additional 15 minutes.  Stir in the spinach 5 minutes before the soup is done.  Add some pepper to taste, if desired.

Hints:  To spice this up a bit more, let each person add some hot sauce to taste before eating.  If you can't find fingerling potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes and chop them into bite sized chunks.

Minestrone Soup

This is one of our favorite vegetable soups.  It makes a wonderful meal with a loaf of fresh bread. It also reheats well and we like to have it for several lunches during the week.

Preparation Time:  30 minutes
Cooking Time:  3 hours
Servings:  8 

1 ¼ cup red kidney beans
8 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
6-8 fingerling potatoes, chunked
1 ½ cups fresh green beans, cut into 1½ inch pieces
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup parsley flakes
1 ½ teaspoon basil
1 ½ teaspoons oregano
½ teaspoon marjoram
¼ teaspoon celery seed
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1  15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1  15 ounce can chopped tomatoes
1 zucchini, chopped
1 ½ cups shredded cabbage
½ cup uncooked whole wheat elbows 

Place the beans in a large pot with water to cover.  Bring to a boil, cook for 2 minutes, turn off heat and let rest for 1 hour.  (To eliminate this step, soak beans overnight.)  Drain off water.  Add onion, garlic and 8 cups of fresh water.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 1 hour.  Add celery, carrot, potatoes, green beans, tomato sauce and all the seasonings.  Return to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes.  Add the garbanzo beans, canned tomatoes and zucchini.  Cook for another 30 minutes.  Then add the cabbage and pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes. 

Hints:  Use any type of uncooked pasta in place of the whole wheat elbows.  We also like spaghetti broken into 2 inch pieces in this soup.

Sloppy Lentil Joes 

This is a quick and easy meal that also reheats well for lunch the next day or two.  Serve this stuffed into a bun and eat with your hands, or ladle it over the buns open-face style and eat with a fork.

Preparation Time:  15 minutes
Cooking Time:  1 hour
Servings:  8-10

3 1/3 cups water
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 ½ cups dried brown lentils
1  15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
freshly ground black pepper 

Place 1/3 cup of the water in a large pot.  Add the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until onions soften slightly, about 5 minutes.  Add the chili powder and mix in well.  Add the remaining water, the lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the seasonings.  Mix well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook over low heat for 55 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Serve on whole wheat buns with trimmings of your choice.

Baja Vegetable Wraps

This keeps well in the refrigerator and reheats well, so it makes a fast meal for lunch later in the week.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking Time:  20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, cut in half lengthwise, then sliced
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup vegetable broth
1 bunch green onions, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 ½ cups sliced Napa cabbage
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon leaf oregano
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
2 cups chopped fresh spinach (packed)
2  15 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup salsa
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Tabasco or other hot sauce to taste

Place the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic in a large pot with the vegetable broth.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes.  Add green onions, Napa cabbage, soy sauce, chili powder and oregano.  Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 more minutes.  Add the tomatoes, spinach, beans and salsa.  Cook an additional 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in the cilantro and hot sauce to taste.  Roll up in a warm tortilla and eat.

Hints:  This may also be served over baked potatoes or whole grains.

Red Lentil Surprise

This is one of our favorite fast meals.  I like it because it is easy to prepare and I don't have to attend it constantly while it is cooking.  

Preparation Time:  10 minutes
Cooking Time:  40 minutes
Servings:  8

½ cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
½ teaspoon fresh minced garlic (or bottled minced garlic)
1  32-ounce box vegetable broth
1  15-ounce can tomato sauce
2 cups red lentils OR French green lentils
1 carrot, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons parsley flakes
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1  7-ounce package baked tofu, sliced

Place the water in a large saucepan.  Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, until vegetables soften slightly.  Add remaining ingredients, except for the tofu.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add tofu, stir gently and heat for about 2-3 minutes.  Serve over whole grain toast or rolls.

Hints:  This may also be made without the tofu and it is still delicious.  We like this with some fresh chopped spinach added at the end of the cooking time, either with or without the tofu.  This is also delicious served over rice or potatoes.  It reheats well so it is great as a leftover!

Slow Chipotle Black Bean Soup

This wonderful soup is so easy to make in a slow cooker.  Put all the ingredients in the pot in the morning and by the end of the day you have a delicious, spicy soup to serve your family.  This may also be made in a pot on the stove-top.  It will take about 3 hours over medium-low heat.

Preparation Time:  10 minutes
Cooking Time:  8 hours
Servings:  8-10 

2 cups dried black beans
6 cups water
2  16 ounce cans fire-roasted chopped tomatoes
1  4 ounce can chopped green chilies
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 

Combine all the ingredients, except the cilantro, in a slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 8 hours.  Stir in the cilantro just before serving.

Chili with Yams

I have been using a lot of red lentils lately because they cook quickly and thicken soups and stews very nicely.  I am also very fond of yams and they go together very well in this dish. This is delicious served with fresh, warm corn tortillas or pita bread.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking time:  55 minutes
Servings:  6-8

1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 ¾ cups water
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 
4 cups peeled and chopped yams
1 cup red lentils
2  15 ounce cans diced tomatoes
1  15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
2 tablespoons lime juice (optional)

Place ¼ cup of the water in a large soup pot.  Add onion, celery and garlic.  Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and crushed pepper.  Mix well, then add the remaining water, yams, lentils, tomatoes, and beans.  Stir to combine, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the peanut butter, one tablespoon at a time, if using.  Season with lime juice and a bit of sea salt, if desired.

Saffron-Spiked Moroccan Stew
By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, McDougall program cooking instructor

Exotic saffron combines with coriander, cinnamon, and cumin this visually appealing dish.  This delightfully aromatic dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking Time:  40 minutes
Servings:  6-8

3 tablespoons vegetable stock or water for sautéing
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1-2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
2 medium-size sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1  14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups water or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 cups cooked, drained chickpeas or 1 can (about 15-oz.) chickpeas, drained
Salt & pepper to taste

Heat the 3 tablespoons of water or stock in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper and garlic, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 

Stir in the brown sugar, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat. Stir in the tomatoes, stock, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes.

About 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the chickpeas. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve on its own or over couscous, quinoa, or another grain.

Black Bean Chili

I  have been making vegetarian chili for many years.  I usually start with dried beans and cook the chili for several hours to make a hearty, rich sauce.  However, sometimes I look for a delicious meal that doesn't take hours to cook.   This is a chili that has been a winner with everyone that tries it.  The avocado topping and tofu sour cream are optional, as are the chips.   Sometimes I serve this over brown rice, that  cooks  while the chili is simmering.   This makes a hearty meal for four people, with no leftovers.  It also reheats well, so saving some for the next day's lunch is an option.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes
Cooking Time:  30 minutes
Servings:  4

2 ½ cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1   4-ounce can chopped green chilies
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
2  15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1  15-ounce can chopped tomatoes
1/3  cup quick cooking barley
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
dash salt

Options:  baked tortilla chips
Tofu sour cream
Avocado Salsa

Place ½ cup of the vegetable broth in a large pot.  Add onions, bell pepper and garlic.  Cook and stir frequently for 3 minutes.  Add green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Add remaining broth, beans, tomatoes, and barley.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.  Uncover and cook for an additional15 minutes.  Stir in cilantro and salt to taste.   Serve over brown rice, if desired, or ladle into a bowl.   Add optional toppings as desired.

Hints:  If you can't find quick-cooking barley (usually in the cereal section) use ¼ cup rinsed quinoa instead. Use some baked tortilla chips on the side of the chili or crumble over the top.  Use a tablespoon or two of tofu sour cream on the top and/or about ¼ cup of the avocado salsa.

Avocado Salsa

2 medium avocados, peeled and diced
1  large, firm, ripe tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped, seeded, jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
dash salt

Combine all ingredients and toss gently to mix.