Puerto Rican Black Bean Soup

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I had an absolutely amazing black bean soup. The flavors went so well together and were so delicious, I was on a quest ever since to try to achieve a similar result. My twist is the turkey. Enjoy!

Puerto Rican Black Bean Soup

4 15 oz. cans black beans
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 cups vegetable stock
1/2 pound cooked turkey, white meat, cooked and shredded
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
salt

In a large pot, add stock and allow to come to a boil. Then, add turkey, cloves, salt, chili lime seasoning, turmeric, and oregano. Cook for 20 minutes, then add garlic and black beans (with the liquid). Additional salt may be added if necessary. Simmer for 30 minutes, then serve.

Serves approximately 8.

Edamame Orzo Risotto

Traditional risotto is typically made with arborio rice. My twist is substituting orzo, a rice-shaped pasta. This dish is creamy, delicious, and fulfilling. Finally, edamame adds a nutty and fresh flavor, as well as a colorful twist.

Edamame Orzo Risotto

1 pound orzo
10 oz. edamame
1/2 cup flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
salt

Boil edamame in salted water for approximately 3-5 minutes. When finished, drain, but be sure to save 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Allow to cool, and remove beans from the pods.

Meanwhile, boil orzo before al dente (about 8 minutes).

Then, in a pan, saute garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 of the parsley in 2 tablespoons olive oil for about 1 minute over medium heat. Then, add the water saved from the edamame, as well as the edamame. Simmer for 3 minutes over low heat. Next, add mixture to the orzo, along with salt. Continue to cook and add remaining olive oil. Then, add cheese in small amounts while stirring. The dish is finished when the water has cooked away and the orzo has finished cooking to al dente consistency. Finally, add remaining parsley, and stir.

Serves approximately 5.