I am a self-declared pasta junkie (make that Italian food junkie), but have tendency to forget all about it during the warmer weather months. I often delegate these coveted carbs to fall and winter, when I am craving a hearty lasagna or a rich bolognese. I recently had an Aha! moment when I realized that fresh summer vegetables are just begging to be paired with pastas of all kinds—and not just in the obvious pasta salad. I know I am probably the last person to think of this, but surely better late than never.
Ken Oringer believes chefs need to make a point of eating healthy dishes when they can, so he includes protein-rich quinoa in his diet at least three times a week. Here he mixes the grain with black beans, onions and peppers to make a hearty and very satisfying side dish that's a fun variation on prosaic five-bean salad.
Roasted butternut squash makes a delicious side, satueed spinach is a classic dinner companion, and caramelized onions are perfect on burgers or to give some depth to soups and sauces. Enjoy!
This is the kind of dish that I like to serve at dinner parties simply because it can be prepared well in advance and then popped into the oven before your guests arrive.
