h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Bean salad today for lunch.

Dai had bought a pack of mixed dried beans a few weeks ago - I was dubious and pursed my lips cos I reckon beans cook at different times, and so while a mix may look very pretty indeed, I'm not sure how it will taste.

Did the whole soaking them overnight and then boiling for 2 hours. I adapted a Nigella recipe which involved blitzing half the beans in a blender with onion, garlic and tomato puree, before adding to the whole beans and some cooked pasta. It turned out not too bad, but I'd make some adaptations in future. (Smaller pasta, not so many different beans, maybe add mushrooms)

Very unusual for Dai to be so enthusiastic about a vegetarian dish, though, so I'm pleased we can incorporate variations on this theme into our regular menu planning. But I'm inclined to go for tinned beans rather than dried.

There was a cupful of beans left over, so I tossed them in balsamic and chili oil and called that lunch.

* positions herself carefully upwind