Lima Bean, Zucchini and Kale Pilaf

Zucchini, as most gardeners know, is one of the most prolific vegetables.  Knowing this, I usually plant only one zucchini, with the intention of sharing the crop with friends and neighbors. However, I’ve discovered that my friends and neighbors have the same idea, resulting in a vast oversupply of zucchini as well as a plethora of recipe requests for recipes for this wonder, overproducing vegetable.

Yesterday I got my box from the organic farm and I opened it and there it was. Zucchini. Of course. Luckily it also came with some potatoes, onions, kale. So, I thought “Why not make a pilaf that uses most of these vegetables?”  This pilaf provides complete protein because of the beans and grains. It is also high in fiber, nutritious, and a very easy, tasty, vegan dinner.

Lima Bean, Zucchini and Kale Pilaf

Serves 4-6

1/4    cup olive oil

1       medium onion, chopped

4      medium zucchini, diced

1      pound frozen baby lima beans, thawed

3     cups chopped fresh kale

1     cup coarse bulgur wheat or #3

1     clove garlic, mashed

1/2  cup chopped fresh cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

-In a heavy pot, heat the olive oil and saute the onion for couple of minutes.

-Add the zucchini, stir, cover and cook over medium heat for 1o minutes.

-Add the lima beans, the kale, 2 cups of water, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.

-Add the bulgur, stir, cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cilantro, stir, cover and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat, leave the lid on for ten minutes and spoon into shallow serving platter and serve.