Breakfast of Champions or Should I Say “Beans”?

Not So Sweet Bean & Apple Fruit Tart with Protein Shake

 How about starting your morning with a savory/sweet fruit pie with a healthy protein shake?

Since, I had decided to make two savory and one sweet dish (ode to breakfast pastries); I chose Mayacoba beans for this dish. I personally found them to be the sweetest.

• For the Filling
• 1 Cup Mayacoba Beans
• 1/2 Cup Golden Raisins, diced
• 1/2 Cup Almonds, chopped
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder
• 1/2 tsp Pink Peppercorn, ground
• 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Orange Extract
• 2 -4 Apples, peeled and sliced thin (soak in lemon water)
• 1 recipe Pate Brisee (I use fresh thyme or rosemary in the dough)

1. Soak the beans overnight. Boil them in a pressure cooker with 2 whistles*. Cool and drain the liquid.
2. Coarsely mash the cooked beans and add all ingredients for the filling. Mix Well. Adjust seasonings based on preference.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
4. Roll the dough into mini tartlet or any pans with removable bottoms. Fill the pans with beans, top with sliced apples, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
5. Serve as is or with a dollop of apple or habenero-fruit jelly.

-This recipe makes 4-6 based on the size of your pan.

The best part of this drink is that one can create endless permutations of flavors based on the fresh ingredients at hand.

• 1 Cup of Non Fat Milk
• 2 Tbs Bean Pie Filling
• 1/2 Avocado
• 1 Scoop Whey, Protein Powder of choice
• 1 Banana
• 1/2 Cup Cranberries
• 1/2 Cup Grapes
• 1/4 Cup Almonds
• 1 tsp Agave Syrup (feel free to substitute with choice sweetener)
• Ice

1. Blend all ingredients in mixer till smooth.

Panko Crusted Bean & Chorizo Patty, Poached Eggs, Drizzled with Poblano Hollandaise Sauce

If I had to choose one breakfast dish which pleased all my senses, it would be the Eggs Benedict. It was Love at first bite!! I had to sneak it in this challenge some how!

In case you are wondering what is unique about these Eggs Benedict? It’s a medley of all the flavors/textures I relish the most literally in one bite. Luscious sauce, super crunchy and spicy hash patty, light biscuit, and last but not least, my obsession – a perfectly poached egg running through the patty. Sublime!!

Since Marrow beans have characteristics similar to bacon,  it was the natural choice for this dish.

Ingredients:

• For Bean Patties:
• 1 Cup Marrow Beans
• 2 Eggs, whisked
• 3 Fresh Sausage Links (I used Chorizo. You can substitute with beef, lamb, turkey, pork)
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 Red or Yellow Pepper, diced
• 1 Cup Panko + more to coat
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Cilantro or Parsley, chopped

For Sauce:

• 1 Stick Butter
• 2 Egg Yolks
• 1 Poblano Pepper, roasted and skinned
• 2 tsp Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Biscuits or English Muffins to serve with.
• Poached Eggs

Directions:

1. Soak the beans overnight and cook in pressure cooker with two whistles*. Drain liquid, cool, and puree.
2. Saute onions and peppers till softened.
3. Remove the sausages from skin and saute till brown.
4. Gently mix beans, onions/pepper mixture, sausages, eggs, parsley, s & p, paprika, and 1 cup of panko. Ensure the beans are dry otherwise they will break while frying.
5. Make small sized patties and coat with additional panko for crunch.
6. Shallow fry in olive oil till brown on both sides.

1.  Make the poached eggs.
2. Slice the biscuit or English muffin. Top with bean patty, poached egg, and drizzle with sauce.

Last but not least, Huevos Rancheros a dish which very few restaurants have mastered the art to perfect. Hence, I had to resort to making my own. My Indian spirit is having a field day here.

Huevos Rancheros – The Primlani Way

Not having the pleasure of tasting Adzuki Beans before this challenge; research on the web indicated that it is typically used in South Eastern confectionery. Initially, this was my first choice for the bean/apple pie. To me the taste, surprisingly resonated Rajma (see my intro). I swiftly improvised and used these for my Indian inspired Huevos Rancheros.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Adzuki Beans
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Onion, pureed
• 3 Tomatoes
• 1 Indian Green Chili or Jalapeno
• Indian Spices: Red Chili Powder, Turmeric, Coriander Powder
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Star Anise Pods
• Salt to Taste

To Serve:

• Flour Tortillas
• Avocado
• Cilantro-Jalapeno Oil
• Smoked Paprika Aioli
• Fried Eggs

 Directions:

1. Soak the beans overnight. Cook in a pressure cooker with 1 whistle*.
2. Saute onion, cinnamon stick, and star anise in clarified butter till dark brown.
3. Puree tomatoes, garlic, and chili. Add to the onions.
4. Add Indian Spices and saute the mixture till oil separates the tomatoes, approximately 5 minutes on medium heat.
5. Gently mix beans to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to marry.

To Serve: