Some people might thing being vegan is boring. Well , this vegan party bite might change your mind. Have you ever seen lettuce in a light citron yellow with pink stripes? We chose to incorporate this lettuce as an ingredient in our “wild” party theme based on looks alone. Known as RADICCHIO CASTILLO FRANCO, they work as wraps—so no need for utensils. Their slightly bitter taste contrasts nicely with the cranberry bean and barley filling.
When I spotted the fresh cranberry beans at the market in matching color to the lettuce I thought I struck gold. Though the beans start out as pink and yellow, after cooking the color is lost (darn!). But, the benefit of using fresh beans is that they cook a lot faster than dried, and there’s no soaking involved. If you love surprising guests with new taste sensations, then check out the other recipes in our Wild Party theme’s menu.
MAKES 28 WRAPS
COOK THE BARLEY
1/4 CUP pearled barley
1 CUP water
1 tsp salt
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In a medium pot, combine barley and water, bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, about 25 – 30 min, till soft and chewy, and liquid is absorbed (add water if barley is not soft enough). Let sit covered for 5 min. Fluff with fork.
COOK THE BEANS
1/2 LB fresh cranberry beans in the pod, shucked
1 bay leaf
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add beans, simmer about 35 min, till beans are soft. Drain.
FLAVOR THE BEANS
3 TB EV olive oil
10 fresh sage leaves, cut into strips
cooked beans
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
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juice from 1/2 lemon
salt, to taste
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EV olive oil
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Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sage, fry for 1 min, till starting to crisp. Add beans, saute for 2 min. Add the garlic, saute for 1 min, till golden. Remove from heat, toss with lemon juice. Season with salt. Combine the beans and barley. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
MAKE THE SAUCE
4 TB vegenaise
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp parsley, minced
1/4 tsp ground coriander
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Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl.
CREATE THE WRAPS
radicchio castillo franco, separated into leaves
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beans and barley mixture
sauce
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fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
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Remove 28 medium leaves from the center of the radicchio. Place a teaspoon, or so, of the bean and barley mixture into each leaf. Add a small dollop of the sauce and garnish with parsley leaf.
We've got more recipes featuring foraged and wild ingredients in 14 Exotic & Foraged
