20 Sampler

Ingredient Guide
11 black beans pinto, red
beans
Making up a pot of dry beans wins at taste tests and economy. You can
freeze them in 1½ cup quantities to measure out evenly for can-like
convenience. But if canned is what keeps you cooking at home instead
of take out, buy some cans and make your life easy.
12 pepitas walnuts Hulled pumpkin seeds are a delightful shade of green and sold raw and
toasted. Either work, but I tend to toast at home if they aren’t already.
Be warned, that like all nuts and seeds you should work through them
quickly or store in the fridge or freezer to keep them from turning
rancid. Use them like a nut. Unsalted are preferred to help control salt
levels; if using salted, adjust salt to taste.
13 brown rice white rice Long grain brown rice varieties are best for this batch of recipes, but
don’t let short grain rice stop you. Cook what you have and what you
like best. Rice can even be cooked in larger quantities and wrapped
tight and frozen to simplify busy days.
14 chicken chickpeas,
tofu
Buying whole chicken means a better price point and flavor. Boneless,
skinless bulk chicken offers convenience at a cost. Choose the best
option for you, but know that the better the chicken, the better the
flavor in everything you cook with it. Also, don’t discard the gizzards
and parts included in the cavity; dump them in a freezer bag to use for
making stock.
15 coconut milk cream or omit
it
Coconut milk adds body and flavor to soups, curries, and other dishes.
Pick your what pleases you, regular or light, but read the labels to make
sure you are getting a good product without loads of additives. Trader
Joe's offers both at a good price. Do not buy cream of coconut, coconut
beverages, or waters instead. Look for the cans.
8