ADZUKI -SQUASH MEDLEY

( or Strong bones stew)

Perfect for the colder months when our bones and kidneys feel chilled. Serve over your favorite brown rice.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1-2 onions sliced and chopped

1-2 garlic

Handful of shitake mushrooms (rehydrated) -optional

1 cup of adzuki beans

2 heaping tablespoons miso paste (Cold Mountain brand -delicious)

1 med. butternut squash and 1 lg. sweet potato and 1 lg. carrot peeled and sliced

1 litre of vegetable stock or water

¼-1/2 cup tamari

2 strips of kelp seaweed

For topping

1 tbsp.per portion of ground sesame, pumpkin and flax seeds

Handful of chopped fresh parsley and /or finely grated red cabbage

Drizzle of sesame oil to taste

Sea salt and pepper

Preparation

In a stewing pot saute the onions and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add the mushrooms and kelp strips and 1 litre of vegetable stock. Add 1 cup of adzuki beans. Stir in the miso paste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the butternut squash, the sweet potatoes and carrot. Add more water so as to just cover the vegetables if necessary.

Simmer for 45 minutes or until beans are just tender. Stir in tamari. Spoon out portions over steamed brown rice. Top with ground sesame seeds and /or dollop of sesame oil with a handful chopped parsley and or finely chopped red cabbage. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!