Black Bean Sandwich Torte

* Exported from MasterCook Buster *

BLACK BEAN SANDWICH TORTE

Recipe By : Elaine Kosrova, "Healthy Living"
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :
Categories : Vegetarian Dips

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
*** BLACK BEAN SPREAD ***
15 ounces canned black beans -- drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic -- chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
*** BREAD & FILLINGS ***
2 large fresh lavash -- 10-12 inch pieces,
-- or pita
2 cups fresh argula leaves -- rinsed
4 ounces feta cheese -- crumbled
1/2 small red onion -- thinly sliced
3 medium ripe tomatoes -- about 12 ounces,
-- sliced 1/2-inch
-- thick

1) To make the Black Bean Spread, place the black beans in the bowl of a food
processor fitted with a chopping blade. In a small skillet, heat the oil over
medium heat; add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic mixture, including all the oil in pan, to the beans. Add the
vinegar and salt; process until mixture is almost a smooth puree. Set aside.
(Spread can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days.)

2) To assemble torte, fit a 22-inch-long piece of aluminum foil into a 9-inch
square baking pan, so that foil covers the bottom and evenly overhangs
opposite sides of pan. Cut out a 9-inch square from one piece of lavash,
reserving trimmings. Fit the lavash into foil-lined pan, then top with the
trimmings, arranging them as evenly as possible.

3) Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Spoon Black Bean Spread evenly over lavash
in pan. Top with layers of arugula, feta, red onion, and tomato. Cut out
another 9-inch square from remaining lavash and place over tomato layer.

4) Fold in the overhanging sides of the foil to cover the torte. Bake for 15
minutes to warm. To serve, remove the torte from pan by lifting foil ends.
With a spatula, slide torte off foil onto cutting surface. With serrated
knife, cut into quarters; cut each quarter diagonally in half and serve.

Notes: Fresh lavash, also known as "shepherd's bread," tastes similar to pita
bread but is thinner and larger in size and can be found in specialty-food
stores. If unavailable, substitute Afghan bread, large flour tortillas, or
packaged thin-crust pizza dough (such as Boboli). Black beans are rich in
phytoestrogens, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer, cool down the
symptoms of menopause, slow osteoporosis, and inhibit heart disease. Black
beans are a great source of high-quality protein, especially for vegetarians.
Black beans supply a lot minerals, including copper, iron, magnesium,
phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. A good source of folic acid, black beans can
help protect against birth defects. From October, 1998 issue of Country
Living's "Healthy Living", article called "Superheroes on the supper table",
page 112.

Typos by K. Hudson Lipin, 09/05/98
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