Featured Recipe: Breakfast Bowl w/Grits

This recipe is basically one of assemblage. I've listed below the components to the pictured serving, and individual recipes as appropriate. At the bottom of the recipe, I've also included some options and alternatives - the whole idea behind the bowl is to combine flavors you like into one hearty, soul-satisfying and day-starting meal!




The components:
Grits
Two eggs, over easy
Seasoned black beans
Bacon
Chopped fresh tomato

Grits:
Grits have become an acquired taste for me, but one thing I have learned is that those who do like them, like them the way they cook them. So if you're one of those, prepare the grits the way you like them. If you haven't tried them or just don't cook them much, follow the directions on the package. I sometimes prepare mine with water and season just with salt and maybe a bit of soy margarine at the end. Sometimes I cook them in a broth, sometimes I stir in some goat cheese at the end and season with fresh or dried herbs from the garden. It's the base of the bowl, so make them the way you like or prepare them to compliment what ever you'll put on top.

Seasoned black beans:
I soak dried beans that were a gift from a friend's garden, and if you do that, just grab Laurel's Kitchen or another good source for dealing with soaking beans and follow those instructions. You can also use canned beans, just drain and rinse them so you don't muddy up your other seasonings. Once the beans are tenderized, saute the following in olive oil:

chopped shallots or thinly sliced leek
smashed and chopped garlic
thinly sliced fennel bulb

Soften and add beans. If beans are still on the tough side (from soaking/cooking), add some broth and simmer until tender. If using canned beans, add a splash of broth or liquid if needed to keep from drying out, and simmer briefly, seasoning with salt, pepper, and sage.

Options:
Prepare hearty greens, like kale or collards, in the same manner as the black beans - braising them in a bit of liquid after saute-ing the aromatics.
Avocado
Fresh Salsa
Sausage (pork or veggie!)
Crumbled goat cheese

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