Credit : My dear friend Nancy, via her Nepali friend/colleague. For a visual, check out this youtube video (totally unrelated to how we collected this banger). Back story: During the COVID-19 lockdown, Nancy made this based on a recipe her Nepali friend/colleague once made for her. It was love at first bite. When I need hearty with a bang of flavor, this is my go-to. Tidbit: lentils and rice combined make a complete protein (all 9 essential amino acids) It seems like many s

Credit : Peace Corps Malawi Volunteers (Monica) Back story : When I lived in Malawi, I traveled throughout the country working with Peace Corps Volunteers to integrate malaria prevention efforts into their communities. It offered a unique window into both Peace Corps life and everyday life for many Malawians. During my time there in 2016, the country faced a severe food crisis and foreign aid provided life-saving staples, like rice and beans. Though mujadara  isn’t a Malawian

Credit : My mama Back story : as a kid, stuffed peppers was a favorite dish of mine. Originally stuffed with ground beef, my mom - amazing woman that she is – created a vegetarian version for me. These are a go-to comfort food when I need a reminder of home and/or a hug from my mom. Tidbit: The rice and beans combined make this a complete protein - great for my fellow veg-heads! Vegetarian  (can easily be made vegan) Gluten Free   Equipment: Cutting board Knife 5qt pot/sauce

Credit : My mama Back story : As a kid, pasta was a weekly meal (sometimes multiple times a week) and eaten at every holiday. My mom’s meat sauce is legendary, but I don’t miss it (too much, at least!) when her marinara is waiting for me. My mouth is watering just thinking about this sauce! Tidbit: Tomatoes are chock full of goodness. They are rich in vitamin C , potassium , fiber and most notably, the antioxidant (disease fighting agent) called lycopene . When tomatoes ar