Tempeh is a soy-based product with a nubby texture. Tahini, or sesame paste, is commonly used in the Middle East as a dressing for falafel (fried chickpea patties) and is an ingredient in hummus and other dishes. Tahini separates when stored; be sure to mix it well before using. Both are easily found at natural food stores (look for tempeh in the refrigerated section next to the tofu). I never peel beets for Glorious One-Pot Meals. Instead, I scrub them well with a brush and use a veggie wash to rinse away any residual grime. Then I simply slice them and toss them in the pot. Try golden beets in this recipe for a change from the typical red ones. They’re just as sweet but won’t color your entire meal red.

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　1/2 medium onion, sliced

　　One 8-ounce package tempeh (the 5-grain variety, if possible)

　　1/4 cup tahini

　　Juice of 1/2 lemon

　　3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced

　　2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

　　1/2 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce

　　1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

　　2 to 4 beets, preferably golden, thickly sliced

　　4 to 6 cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced

　　2 or 3 handfuls fresh spinach, chopped (2 or 3 loosely packed cups)

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Scatter the onion in the pot. Lay the tempeh block on top of the onion.

　　

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Tabasco, and vinegar. Spoon half of the mixture over the tempeh.

　　

Step 5

Add a layer of beets and dollop with half of the remaining tahini mixture.

　　

Step 6

Arrange the mushrooms in a layer. Top with as much of the spinach as you can fit in the pot and still close the lid with a tight seal. Dollop the rest of the tahini mixture among the leaves.

　　

Step 7

Cover and bake for 35 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 420

　　

Step 9

Protein: 25g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrates: 34g

　　

Step 11

Fat: 26g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol:0

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 128mg

　　

Step 14

Fiber: 8g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals