This has been a strange week for recipes. I tried a few that either weren’t exciting or had their challenges, and I would not lead you astray by recommending them without caveat. For instance, this month’s Bon Appetit includes a recipe for Lentil Soup with Spicy Italian Sausage (I used chicken chorizo sausage). While it is healthy, simple, and pretty good, it does not make my go-to list for soups.
I also tried this Pork Tenderloin with Pears and Shallots. It was actually quite tasty, and would be great for a dinner party, but the recipe needs some work. The cooking temperature was incorrect (should be 475 degrees) and the cooking time for the pork was way off. The pears need to either be very ripe, cut smaller, or roasted along with the pork (which I did). That said, if you have the time (and inclination) to read the reviews and make some adjustments, I think you’ll enjoy it.
So, my friends, what to make if you are looking for healthy, simple, and truly tasty? How about another old favorite, Polenta and Black Bean Casserole. This yummy one-dish meal satisfies my craving for Mexican food with cilantro, diced green chilies, salsa verde, polenta, black beans, hominy, and cumin. I often make my own polenta and spread it as a layer instead of using the store-bought polenta called for by the recipe. Also, if you have any of the adobo sauce leftover from the Sweet Potato Potpie, I suggest adding a little bit to the chili mixture for an extra kick.
