Toasted Pita Bread with Red Bean Filling

Today's post is a simple recipe that can be used for any meal that you might think of. It's filling, nutritious and easy to whip up as long as you have cooked beans and a few simple spices. In a pinch, a can of beans will definitely work, but cooking your own beans from scratch and having some in the refrigerator or freezer will be the cheapest and best option. It does require a little bit of pre-preparation, but beans are the most versatile ingredients that you can have in your kitchen, especially if you are plant based.

One of the easiest ways is to soak your beans of choice (there are so many!) overnight. The next day, drain the beans and cook them in fresh water until they are tender and still hold their shape. You can use a pressure cooker or cook the beans on the stovetop. Once the beans are cooked, you can either use them right away or store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. There are a lot of ways you can use beans - salads, rice dishes, curries, burgers...the uses are many.   

The recipe below came about because I had made the curry but didn't have any flatbread to serve it with. Pita bread to the rescue! 

So without further ado, lets take a look at the recipe.

Ingredients:

2 Cups cooked red beans (or 1 can red beans)

1 tsp oil of choice (I used avocado oil)

1/2 chopped red onion

2 medium tomatoes

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin seed powder

1 tsp cayenne powder

1/2 tsp fennel seed powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

juice of half a lemon

1/2 C cooked rice or any other cooked grain (quinoa, barley, etc.) (optional)

1 C chopped lettuce

2 whole pita breads

Method:

1. In a heavy bottomed pan, heat the oil. Once the oil is heated through, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. 

2. Add the chopped tomatoes and then add all the spice powders including salt.

3. Once the tomatoes are softened to your liking, add the beans and mix thoroughly.

4. Add the cooked grain if you are using it.

5. The curry should be on the dry side. 

6. Taste for salt and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

7. Switch off the flame and stir in the lemon juice.

8. Tear the pita bread in half and toast the sides.

9. Fill in the bottom part of the pita half with lettuce and then top off with the red bean mixture.

10. Serve hot with some hot sauce or ketchup.

Notes:

1. My kids really enjoy these pita burritos for snacks as well as for the main meals.

2. Having the beans prepared and available will make this a very quick recipe to put together.