Forbidden Rice, Smashed Beans, Sweet Roux with Brussels Sprouts

The boyfriend and I took a trip to LA last week where we ate at every vegan/gluten-free restaurant we could. Thanks to LA's no walking policy, I didn't burn a bit of it off. Anywho, this recipe was inspired by a meal from Real Food Daily. There is a lot to juggle here, it wouldn't be a bad idea to make your broth a day or two before.

Serves 4
45 minutes

Sweet Roux
8 cups Water
1lb Crimini mushrooms, chopped
1 Red onion, chopped
5-6 Carrots, chopped
4 Garlic cloves, smashed
4 inches Ginger, chopped
8oz Strawberries, chopped
1 Tbsp Oregeno
1 Tbsp Rosemary
2 Tbsp Thyme
1 Tbsp Brown sugar
1 Tbsp Salt
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Vegan butter
1 Tbsp Gluten-free flour

Smashed Beans
2 15oz cans Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp Vegan butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp Salt

8oz Brussels sprouts, quartered
Olive oil
1 cup Forbidden Rice

1. Roux: In a large pot bring water to boil, add all your ingredients EXCEPT flour and butter, reduce to simmer. When liquid is reduced to about 3 cups, strain out vegetables, save broth in a bowl and hang on to your pot. In the mean time....
2. Rice: In a smaller pot bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil and add forbidden rice, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, strain when rice is cooked. In the mean time....
3. Beans: Throw beans, melted butter and salt in food processor and process till smooth. Transfer to microwave safe bowl.
4. Sprouts: In a saute pan heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil to medium-high heat. Throw in your sprouts to brown edges, reduce heat, salt, pepper and cook through, about 5 minutes.
5. Roux: In the original pot for your roux melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in flour, when mixed whisk in broth. Stir continuously for a few minutes till liquid begins to thicken and remove from heat.
6. Beans: Heat in microwave for 1 minute, stir, heat 1 more minute.
7. Assemble: Beans down first, fling rice on top, a generous amount-o-roux, and a sprinkle of sprouts.

Minted Brussels Sprouts

Growing up my sis and I protested Brussels sprouts through and through. Apparently my dad hated them as well but, my mother told him to act as though he liked them to set a good example. So, just to make this clear; three of the four people eating Brussels sprouts loathed them, yet apparently that was not enough to stop my mother from continuing to cook them for us. My father still complains about all the Brussels sprouts he had to eat but the brainwashing worked on me and now I'm a fan.

Serves 2
25 minutes

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, cut off the stems and halve em'
Olive oil
2 Tbsp Rice vinegar
1 Tbsp Tamari sauce
1 Tbsp Fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp Sugar
1/2 cup Fresh mint, chopped
1 Garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp Red chilli flakes

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat up oil in a saute pan, saute sprouts till edges are golden and a lil' crispy; about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer sprouts to oven safe dish (if your pan is oven safe just keep em' in there), bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the rest of your ingredients in a large bowl.
3. When sprouts are done, add them to your large bowl, toss and serve.