Breakfast Television ~ Summer Recipes Using Canned Beans

Canned beans are one of my favorite-go-to pantry staples! They’re packed with plant-based protein, loaded with fiber, and easy on the wallet, too. Take your summertime eating game to the next level with recipes using canned beans in both sweet and savoury dishes. My black bean brownie cake might just change your life!

Loaded Caesar Pasta Salad With Roasted Chickpea Croutons

I LOVE a good loaded summer salad—fresh local produce (and a few tasty extras: roasted chickpeas are my new obsession!!) all in one bowl. I like my pasta more as a sidekick than the star (in pasta salads). This loaded salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or lazy weekend lunches—this one’s sure to become your gang’s new go-to.

If you’re into veggie-loaded pasta dishes like I am, you’ve got to try my Sheet Pan Pasta Shawarma—it’s a weeknight supper game-changer!! Click here for recipe.

Roasted Garlic Chickpea Croutons

Roasted chickpeas are the ultimate salad topper (or snack—I’ve been known to eat them straight up by the handful!). Just be sure to pat them dry after draining and rinsing—this way you are guaranteed a super crispy chickpea.

• 1 (540 mL/19 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
• ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
• ½ tsp (2 mL) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2 mL) onion powder
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F (200 C).
2. Toss dry chickpeas with oil and spices until well coated.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper – spread chickpeas out as much as possible.
4. Bake in the center of the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, tossing only once (half way through roasting).
5. Remove from the oven and cool completely (on the baking sheet) while making salad.

Dressing

• ⅓ cup (75 mL) prepared mayonnaise (or plain Greek style yogurt for a lower fat version)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 mL) very finely diced anchovies (optional) *you can add more or less depending on your taste.
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced fresh garlic (or ½ tsp (2 mL) garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp (10 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp (2 mL) hot sauce
• Finely grated zest and juice of one lemon

Directions

1. Stir together all ingredients until well combined. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use (up to one week). Stir well before serving. Makes about 1 cup (250 mL) dressing.

Salad

• 1 cup (250 mL) Italpasta Artisan Gemelli (click here for product info)
• 4 cups (1 L) chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 ½ cups (375 mL) chopped cooked bacon, divided
• 1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 cup (250 mL) grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Additional Add-In’s (optional):

~ 1 cup (250 mL) Char’s Pickled Onions, patted slightly dry (click here for recipe)
~ 1 cup (250 mL) charred corn kernels
~ 1 cup (250 mL) chopped fresh tomatoes (or halved grape tomatoes)

Garnish:

• 3 tbsp (45 mL) capers, drain and patted slightly dry (optional)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and run cold water over pasta to cool down. Toss pasta with a small amount of olive oil (about 1 tsp (5 mL)). Shake off any excess water. Set aside while prepping remaining salad ingredients.
2. Measure out 1/4 cup (60 mL) of roasted chickpeas and set aside.
3. Place remaining roasted chickpeas, lettuce, 1 cup (250 mL) bacon, ¾ cup (175 mL) parsley, ½ cup (125 mL) parmesan cheese and cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add prepared dressing and add-ins of choice (if using) and toss until well combined.
4. Place on a serving platter. Garnish with remaining bacon, parsley, cheese and capers if using.
5. Makes about 8 cups (2 L).

Delicious & Doable Tips:

~ Use prepared (store bought) Caesar salad dressing instead of making your own.
~ Use Ranch Dressing instead of Caesar.
~ Add chopped grilled chicken and/or thinly sliced grilled steak to salad for added protein

Black Bean Brownie Cake With Strawberry Mascarpone Cream

If you’ve never made (or tasted) black bean brownies – you’re in for a real treat (literally!). This moist and chocolatey brownie cake is absolutely delicious, uses pantry staple items and is gluten free too! Click here for recipe.

Ginger Lime Lentil Dip with Roasted Turmeric Veggies

~ Click here for recipe.

In need of a show stopping side dish for your summertime gatherings? This stunning dish is loaded with flavour, colour and plant protein. Perfect recipe to prepare if you’re entertaining vegetarian and/or plant based guests.

This dish also makes a fab weeknight meal on its own – thanks to the plant protein from the lentil dip.

Char’s Herb Garden White Bean Dip

~ Click here for recipe.

My mixed herb white bean dip is a great way to use up leftover fresh herbs + a good excuse to eat more veggies. Simply chop up a bunch of carrots, peppers, cucumbers and get dipping!! This dip also makes a fab sandwich spread too!

Where to Find ‘Delicious & Doable’ Across Ontario

Find ‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life’ on Amazon (click here) or at one of the below retailers across Ontario:

Type Books ~ 883 Queen Street West, Toronto
Lemonberry ~ 2 Orchard Heights Blvd #10, Aurora
Fanfare Books ~ 92 Ontario St, Stratford
Casual Gourmet ~ 1027 King Street West, Hamilton
The Post Office – 18 Front St. N, Thorold
Chef’s Paradise ~ 1314 Bank Street, Ottawa
Gift It Grey ~ 19492 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay
Creative Cook ~ 35 Manitoba St, Bracebridge
Muskoka Brewery ~ 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge
Stephen’s Butcher Shop ~ 8 Harris St, Port Carling
Hilltop Interiors ~ 1150 ON-141, Rosseau
Cedar Canoe Books ~ 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Clark’s On Main ~ 1090 Main Street, Dorset
Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen ~ 39 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon
Farmer’s Daughter – 72 Main St E, Huntsville
Kitchen Bits ~ 1390 Kingsway, Greater Sudbury