Breakfast Scramble

I was craving something more than a Luna bar this morning. I don't have class until 2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and these mornings feel like lazy Sundays, especially when it's sunny outside.

This and a pot of tea will get me through my busy, busy day.

Breakfast Scramble:
2 eggs
1 large Yukon gold potato, diced
1 tomato, diced
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan; add potatoes. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are browned and cooked through. Beat eggs with a tsp of milk or water; add to potatoes, mixing quickly. When eggs are nearly done, remove from the heat. Add salt and pepper, top with parmesan cheese. Mix tomatoes and cilantro in; serve by itself or in a warm tortilla for a breakfast burrito.

Serves 2

*This would be even better with sausage. Get some high-quality sausage and cook that first, then cook the potatoes in the sausage drippings for an extra savory flavor.

-Jirafa

Spicy Black Beans

My camera hates me. Clearly it does not love black beans as much as I do. But I really really love black beans. I'm eating them as I type this up (honestly). I have cans upon cans in my pantry.

If I had to live off black beans and rice for the rest of my life, I could do it.

Spicy Black Beans

1 15oz can black beans, drained but NOT rinsed
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp taco seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup water

Heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell pepper, cooking until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook an additional minute. Add beans, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Cook until beans are heated through.

Serve overtop cilantro lime rice!

Serves 3-4

Cilantro Lime Rice

I love Chipotle. My favorite part about Chipotle, whether I get a burrito or a bowl, is the cilantro rice and black beans. I'm convinced it's just rice, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. The exact combination still eludes me. This rice doesn't really taste like Chipotle rice. But it still tastes delicious.

That's good enough for me. For now.

Cilantro Lime Rice:

2 cups long-grain rice
4 cups water
1 tsp kosher salt
Juice of 2 limes
Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped

Rinse rice at least twice to get some of the starch off. Bring rice and water to a boil; let the water boil off just until little holes start appearing in the surface of the rice (let it go too long, it will burn. It’s a delicate process). Immediately turn burner to low and cover. Let rice cook for 20 minutes on the heat, then remove from heat and allow to sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.

Empty rice into a large bowl and toss with remaining ingredients.

Serves 3-4

--Jirafa

Lemon-Dill Cucumber Slices

Simplest recipe in the world I think and yet still satisfying. I love to have this as a snack.

Keep in mind that all measurements are relative to one's personal taste. Add as much or as little of one thing that you like.

1 cucumber, sliced
4 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Eat. :D

--Jirafa