Two Sisters Simple Supper

If 6/7 of your solids-eating family likes dinner, that's a success. (Especially if the reluctant 1/7 hates just about everything else, too. But we won't dwell on the negative today.)

I decided to call our dinner Two Sisters Simple Supper.

Sister #1. I have been wanting to make cucumber salsa since Kelly blogged about it. The recipe originated with me but she turned it into a real recipe (I never make it the same way twice) and reminded me how much I like it. Today's version was:

• 3 cucumbers from the neighbor's yard, peeled, seeded & diced
  
• 1/2 a medium red onion
  
• one large clove of garlic, minced
  
• one cute little hot red pepper from Poppie's garden, minced
  
• a large splash of lemon juice
  
• ground cumin
  
• a sprinkle of dried cilantro for the pretty green color
  
• a sprinkle of salt
  

mixed together and set aside to chill

Sister #2. The cucumber salsa was served over a modified version of Lunar's sister Linda's rice and bean dish, which she introduced us to at her home in Connecticut. Today's version of this ... (ok I admit, I never make ANY recipe the same twice):

• 2 c. white rice
  
• 4 c. water
  
• 1 T. chicken bullion
  
• a small handful of dried onion flakes
  -- simmered together until the rice is done
  
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
  
• a small package of goat cheese (that Linda also introduced us to)
  
• ~1/3 c. parmesan cheese, shredded
  
• ~1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
  

The beans are mixed with the rice in a dish, and the cheeses sprinkled on top. Then it is warmed until the cheese is melted and served with fresh salsa. Linda makes a yummy one with fresh local tomatoes and red onion and cilantro and I believe lime juice. But, like I said, I was wanting cucumber salsa. It was really pretty together and tasty. I should've taken a picture of a prepared plate, but it was too good to wait. :)

The nice thing is that it's so versatile. You can make your favorite salsa or use a fresh salsa from the store. You can make it spicy or mild. You could make it ahead or throw it together with cooked rice and canned beans. You can use brown rice or white. I think it will become and AndFam staple meal.

Thanks, Linda and Kelly, for being the inspiration for a great meal.

Posted by Kim at August 22, 2005 8:00 PM