March 4, 2008

PEAR-BLACK BEANS SALSA AND A BALANCED BREAKFAST

Pear-Black beans Salsa is my contribution to "A Fruit A Month", which is started by Maheswari of "Beyond the Usual" blog. Raaga from "The singing Chef" is guest hosting this month for AFAM and her fruit of choice is "Pears". Thanks for hosting Raaga!:)


Pears:

The English word pear is probably from Common West Germanic pera, it belongs to Apple family. Pears have been cultivated in China for approximately 3000 years.Pears can be consumed fresh, canned, as juice and dried, juice made into jams and jellies and fermented Pears are called Perry, a type of Cider.
Pears are the least allergenic of all fruits.Pear wood is one of the preferred materials in the manufacture of high-quality woodwind instruments and furniture.It is also used for wood carving, and as a firewood to produce aromatic smoke for smoking meat or tobacco.

Pear and Black Beans salsa:
Here is an easy and spicy Salas mad with Pears, Black Beans, corn etc. It can be served as a side dish for any main meal or on it's own on a bed of Lettuce.

How to make Salsa:
1. Chop one red and one green firm Pears into 1/2" cubes, add to a big glass bowl.
2. Add in 1 cup/can yellow and white corn, drained, 1/2 can of Black Beans drained and rinsed, 1 cup finely chopped Tomato, 1 JalapeƱo finely chopped, 1 tbsp Lemon juice, 1/2 tsp Cumin powder, 1/4 tsp Garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup Celery, 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, 3 tbsp Cilantro, 1/8 tsp Chilli flakes, mix everything.
3. Adjust the spices and salt, chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Makes excellent lunch wrapped in Lettuce.

Enjoy the spicy, tangy and sweet Salsa!

*************************************************************************************************************

A balanced breakfast of Omelet with spicy Pear-Black Beans salsa and toast is my contribution to Mansi from "Fun and food", who is hosting WBB this month with "Balanced Breakfasts" theme. "Weekend Breakfast blogging" event is the brain child of Nandita from "Saffron Trail". Thank you for hosting Mansi, I kept my promise!:)

A balanced breakfast:
A low calorie,low fat, nutritious and balanced breakfast should supply us with a good combination of protein, healthy carbohydrates, fiber. One should always start the day with a nutritious breakfast which helps us with better concentration and problem-solving skills throughout the day, controlling hunger pangs and binge eating around noon. People who eat breakfast are more successful at losing weight and also maintaining that weight loss. Breakfast is specially important for growing kids who go to school which helps them to concentrate better. So, here is a balanced breakfast from me. Little spice in the morning kicks you in gear faster too!:D

Omelet/Omelette and Toast with Black Beans, Pear and Corn Salsa:
Any leftover fruity, spicy Salsa from above recipe also makes a well balanced and satisfying breakfast served with toast and fluffy Omelet! This serves one.

To make this breakfast:
1. Heat 1/2 tsp butter in a non-stick pan. Add 1 tsp milk and one extra large egg, beat with pinch of salt, add to the pan.
2. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon gently and then let it settle and cook on medium heat. 3. Flip gently and cook the other side. Place it on plate, add 3 tbsp of Salsa in the middle and fold the Omelet over. Grind a little pepper on top.
4. Garnish with Cilantro sprig, and serve with toast and Orange juice.

That's it! You are good to go until noon!! :)

73 comments:

Vanamala Hebbar said...

Healthy bfast coool :). I want it now for bfast asha :))

FH said...

Hope you make that Salsa Mala, really yummy, specially for breakfast!:)

Lavanya Raj said...

Nice entry for the events.. i liked the salsa most..

Lakshmi said...

Salad looks colorfull Ashakka.

Finla said...

I just found out about the healthy breakfast yesterday and here you are posting, u are indeed fast....
I have never done salsa with pears; looks delicious

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha
salsa looks colourful and delicious.

shalini

TBC said...

Colorful salsa.

FH said...

Thanks Lavanya, lg, hope you try!:)

F, I am taking a break in 2 weeks, thought I would catch up with few events before I go, two in one!;D

FH said...

Shalini and tbc, thank you. Make it spicy, really delicious!:)

Kalai said...

Salsa looks delicious, Ashakka! You're right that it could be used with a variety of dishes. Love salsa and eggs! :)

Seema said...

Thats a great idea Asha!Loved the salsa...got some spicy sauces from Mexico - can add it to this & enjoy a spicy salsa with nice eggs & bread...

KayKat said...

Asha, you rock! It always amazes me how prompt you are with events.

And I love the idea of using pears in a black bean salsa - I often use apples, never thought of trying pears.

FH said...

Kalai, salsa is yummy just to eat without anything. Make it sweet and spicy, delicious!:)

Seema, bottled sauces are great too, makes this dish even quicker. Sauce from Mexico sounds wonderful, enjoy!:)

FH said...

Kay, I made this salsa for dinner Y'day with Chicken cutlets and rolls.It was great. Thought I might as well add Pears to it and make two dishes with the same. Used leftover Salsa with Omelette for breakfast and sent it 2 events! Clever, huh? ;D

Sig said...

That is a great balanced breakfast Asha, I am having a cereal bar as I type this, and craving for that omelette and the salsa... Love pear in salsa, I have been using pear in place of apples in my salsas recently too...

Laavanya said...

With a yummy breakfast like that I think I could go even longer... (than just noon)

Mansi said...

Asha, you are such a sweetheart! nailing down all events before your break! thank you so much for your extra effort in keeping blog events alive girl! the spread looks awesome!:)

Cham said...

Love the combination of salsa and fruit! Spicy & fruity :) Great entries!

Namratha said...

Yummy looking salsa Asha, must have tasted gr8 with the pears...yummy!

FH said...

Sig, if a Omelette is of the same calories as a bar, why not have an egg instead.It keeps the hunger at bay for a longer time and spicy salsa is low cal and makes you happy too. Try it, make a large batch of salsa and have a bowl in the morning!:)

Laavanya, you are right, keep you filled for a longer time, no need to binge on lunchtime either!:))

FH said...

Mansi, glad you liked it. I made Omelette and then thought "OMG! she is vegetarian!":D
Ran to your blog, checked again, I was relieved to see Eggs are okay with you. One more post here for Bee and Sri and 2 more at FH, then I am done!:)

Friuty salsa is always delicious Cham, I make it very chatpataa too!;D

It does taste great, Nams. You can wrap it in Chapatis or soft Parathas too, make s a great lunch!:)

Srivalli said...

Asha..that plate looks yummy!...this was just announced and you already have an entry...just too great...

Dhivya said...

Wow!wonderful dish using pears asha...and balanced bread looks great too...nice entries..

Richa said...

will take that plate of pear salsa anytime :)
excellent entry!

FH said...

Sri, it was announced Y'day and Salsa takes 15 mins to make!:D
I used cans of beans and corn, makes life lot easier! No soaking and cooking!:)

Thanks Dhivya, hope you make it too!:)

Okay Richa, grab some girl! I would be too happy to give you a plate!:D

ServesYouRight said...

ooh - pears in a salsa - yum!

Super-creative, as always!

Smita

TheCooker said...

Now that was fast...wasn't this event just recently announced?
The salsa looks good very good.

Meeta K. Wolff said...

Simply wonderful! I love the colorful breakfast Asha!

FH said...

Smita, you can practically add any fruit you like, sweet and spicy!:)

TC, event announced Y'day, made Salsa last night, breakfast this morning and posted today! YAY!!:D

It was as tasty as it was colorful Meeta. Hope you try. You can lessen the chilli spice for kids though!:))

sunita said...

Asha, the salsa looks very tempting...

Pravs said...

wow, i will enjoy the salsa and Omelette. Looks yum !

sandhya said...

Salsa looks so colourful... great entries...

DK said...

I have a suspicion! Do everyone tell you abt their event first before telling the rest of us?

I mean I saw these 2 events barely short while ago and U already posted it! I mean - this is "speed"!

There is ad going around for comcast. This guy rubs some comcast high speed gel or something on his shoes and runs like crazy that u hardly see his body- he mentions that he went all the way to peru by feet in matter of few sec. I remember that Ad now seeing ur post! Probably u r on "speed" ;-) he he he

Suganya said...

C'mon Asha. Raaga announced this month's fruit 5 mins back (looks like that to me) and you already have an entry? You make me feel terrible :(

EC said...

You are super quick Asha...u should be the first to post for the events i guess!!

KonkaniBlogger said...

Salsa looks colorful and yummy and the breakfast indeed healthy..You are superfast Asha in planning and cooking and posting :)..

Purnima said...

How fresh those sliced pears look! N loved your idea of having wt omelette!! grt combo!

J said...

I had an omelette for breakfast and will make this salsa for lunch :) I'll make it with apples as I don't have pears right now. I love your blogs for breakfast ideas!! They always turn out great!!:)

FH said...

Thanks Sunita, Pravs and Sandhya. Hope you try girls!:)

FH said...

HeHe!! DK, if I tell you my secret, I will have to.... ya!! ;D
Yes, some really do or I tell them!! But not for this though, Salsa was easy to make! I don't need no stinking gel, I run on my own brain juice, thank you very much!!Hahaha!!!

Haha! Suganya, don't feel bad. Raaga gave me 2 days time but Mansi threatened to make it good on breakfast ASAP!;D

FH said...

EC, I saw a poached Pear in other blog before me, I am the second!:D

Maya, cooking and taking photos is easy for me, not a problem but typing takes time. I type with one finger!!HeHe!!

FH said...

Purnima, I saw Raaga's choice of Pear last weekend and bought few firm red and green Pears on Sunday. Salsa was yummy. Arvind had 2 bowls of those for lunch, he doesn't do that often!:D

J, Salsa tastes fab with Omelette, I loved it and it's very satisfying to eat in the morning too. Make a big batch and keep it in fridge, gets better if fruits soak in spices for a while. Enjoy!:))
You can add Apples and grapes too.

Red Chillies said...

Now I usually love the black bean salad, but this is a wonderful idea of adding a fruit to it. I can imagine the taste. yummy!

Suganya said...

Hi Asha.....That was a perfect breakfast......Pear bean salsa sounds great!.....

FH said...

RC, I have a Caribbean salad here, I love black beans salad as well. Adding fruits makes this salas sweet and hot at the same time. Try it, not for kids though unless you skip spices. Check here for salad.

http://aromahope.blogspot.com/2007/02/
caribbean-salad.html

Sukayna, thanks. Salsa goes very well with Omelette too. Hope you make it!:)

Unknown said...

Perfect Balanced breakfast :) Colorful too:)

Annu said...

Wow salasa looks great asha.I love your way of presentation:-)

FH said...

Thank you Roopa and Annu. Spicy salsa is yummy, do try!!:)

Uma said...

wow, another yummy treat as usual! Simply superb, Asha!

VINI said...

HMG absolutely mouthwatering and what a lovely presentation! How I wish somebody would just serve it for me :)...the very thought is heartwarming.

Raaga said...

I just had semia upma and am nursing my filter coffee... and I am craving this omelette and salsa now.

Great entry Ashakka... thank you.

Jaya M said...

salsa looks so colorful and yummy ..
hugs and smiles
jaya

sra said...

Hi, am back! Your salsa sounds intriguing, we don't seem to get black beans here, tho'.

Priya said...

I have never tried mixing fruits with spicy ones. That looks nutritious.

Sia said...

since last 3 days i was trying to leave comment in ur blog. i guess its the flashy widgets u have on side bar which is slowing the page.
meanwhile i forgot what i wanted to say... oh yes, loved using pears in salsa. what a colourful one. i can easily eat just that for my lunch or dinner.

FH said...

Uma, Vini and Raaga, thank you!:)

Glad you liked it, hope you try.

FH said...

sra, good to see you, missed you!:)
You can use any beans, like Rajma too.

Priya, try adding fruits, sweet and spicy , you will love it!:)

Sia, I keep your posts for last to open always because it takes atleast a minute for me to open that every time!:D
But that's the beauty of blogging, happens sometimes, need to be patient. Most new blogs have activated word verifications too, which slows me down in the morning.Somebody has to tell them you don't need it if you are moderating the comments anyway.
Try the Salsa, no fat at all and good for you too!:)

Deepa Kuber said...

yes, i got it.. thanks!!
i made tumbgaayi (stuffed eggplant)today, will post it tomorrow.

hey this recipe, "Omelet/Omelette and Toast with Black Beans, Pear and Corn Salsa" looks gr8, but i can only keep looking at it.. cos im a vegetarian..hehehe. can i prepare dis recipe without egg?

FH said...

Anjali, can't wait for Tumbgaayi, that's how my ajji calls it too!:)
Yes, instead of eggs, use Besan (Kadalehittu)with or without tomato sauce like Pooda or tomato dose.
Glad you are getting used to all the bloggers stuff so quickly, enjoy!:)

Ramya's Mane Adige said...

oh wow!! Love the salsa, Ashakka!! Looks yummy... Matte, hegidira neevu? Was reading ur note on someone else's blog saying that u were going on vacation... have fun!!! :)

FH said...

Ramya, sadyakke chennagideeni. Makkalige eradu vaara raja ide, beachge hogonaa anta iddevi. Need a break after almost 3 months of non-stop blogging!:)
Have a great weekend. Make Salsa, you can add kidney beans and any fruits too like Apples and bananas.

Daily Meals said...

Salsa looks yummy and healthy Asha!

FH said...

Thanks Vijaya, try it this weekend!:)

Mona said...

wow! I love customized omelette & experiment with them often.

I also make Omelette's with dosa palia mixed with tomatoes & a dab of butter! :)

Thanks for the salsa recipe. Including fruits in breakfast is a good idea! :)

Deepa Kuber said...

hey asha,i read ur comment on my weebly blog's banana halwa.. thanks!!!
hey pls tell me how shoud i tell other blog owners about my blog. i have no other blog frens except u :-(

also tell me wat shud i do to get my blog indexed in google and other search engines? i have heard abt Rss Feed and site feed n all, but i have no idea abt dem :)
i hope im not bothering u :-(

FH said...

Mona, palya in Omelette sounds so good, I would have never thought of that, thank you. Mmm..!! I can just imagine, I will try!:)
Salsa is great breakfast with omlette, try it.

FH said...

Anjali, you can ask me anything, any time, glad to help.Only thing is I try not blog on weekends!:)
1. You have to leave lot of comments on blogs so they can know you.
2. Send your blog or blogs url to Sailu at "Taste of India" blog feeder (on the sidebar, click on it), so every time you post, it shows up there. People will know you have a new post.
Hope it helps. Have a great weekend!:)

musical said...

Great salsa/salad idea, Ashakka! Pears and black beans, you come up with such innovative combinations! Yummy! Love the breakfast platter!

Have a lovely weekend.

hugs,
musical.

FH said...

Thanks Musie, hope you try the Salsa. Have a great weekend!:)

Deeba PAB said...

Coooooooooooooooool salsa Asha! And a real healthy breakfast...Great combo!! Have fun at the beach my dear!!

FH said...

Thanks Deeba. Got to wait until 22nd to go to the beach, can't wait!:)
Enjoy your weekend!

Ti said...

You are very good at taking food pictures, they look so tempting!!

FH said...

Thanks Ti. I have a good small camera without any whistles and bells, works for me!:)