Vegetarian Mexican Macaroni

[IcyMist]

I am not a vegetarian although I have cut back a lot on red meats, but when I saw this recipe I thought it looked promising. Haven't tried it yet, but am planning on testing it out.

VEGETARIAN MEXICAN MACARONI

2 c. uncooked macaroni
2 cans kidney beans, drained
2 c. corn
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green peppers
1/2 c. chopped red peppers or pimento
1 c. chopped green olives
1 can (15 oz.) and 1 can (8 oz.) Hunts tomato sauce
1 t. chili powder or paprika
1 t. cumin powder
salt to taste

Cook macaroni per package directions. Mix all ingredients together in a (3 quart) casserole. Bake uncovered at 350° for 1 hour. Garnish with tomatoes, green onions and chopped lettuce.
Note: depending on the type of vegetarian you're cooking for, you may want to add some shredded cheese to this dish as well.

[In the Kitchen]

Sounds real good! Thanks for sharing. Looking for ways to eliminate continued use of meat.

[Brianschef]

I serve this cold as a pasta salad, with home made nachos on the side and lots of fresh guacamole to dip. Lime sherbet Marguaritas as a cool drink. And sweet skewered watermelon with a squeeze of fresh lime for dessert, icy cold. YUM

[kyles]

That sounds delicious. Can you describe Hunt's tomato sauce, the texture and taste? I need to find a substitute for this side of the pond!!!

[In the Kitchen]

Originally Posted by Brianschef

I serve this cold as a pasta salad, with home made nachos on the side and lots of fresh guacamole to dip. Lime sherbet Marguaritas as a cool drink. And sweet skewered watermelon with a squeeze of fresh lime for dessert, icy cold. YUM

Wow! Now that sounds like something I want to fix. Something that doesn't require to turn the oven on. Do you know how to prepare the Marguaritas or do you buy ready mix? I have seen Marguaritas all over but have never tasted. You have listed all the summer ingredients including guacamole. Do you prepare that too? Sorry if I sound personal but this really piqued my curiousity and my pallet. You really have a winner here. Thank you for such good ideas. It is only 98 today. Supposed to go up past 100 on Saturday. If it rains it makes it steamy.

[Brianschef]

I make the pasta salad using the ingredients mentioned above only everything comes fresh from the fridge including the tomato sauce. I chill that the night before, but don't hesitate to use chilled bloody mary mix, gives it a nice kick. I boil my pasta at night also, drain and cool, the place in a large ziplock and add enough cold water to cover. Drain well for 15 minutes before assembling salad. I like everything to be very cold.

For the Marguaritas, I use lime sherbet instead of ice cubes and only add Tequila, I don't add the Triple Sec because it tends to water the drink down. I place the sherbet in the blender, add fresh squeezed lime juice from half a lime, and one or two shots of Tequila. Blend till smooth and poor into Margarita glasses that have been rimmed with sugar. Tip side of glass with a fresh orange wedge.

I make a standard recipe for guacamole, except I add lime juice instead of lemon juice for this meal.

For my chips, I take boughten corn tortillas, and cut in wide wedges(usually just four pieces out of one tortilla). Then I slip them through a pan of cold water that is laced with lime juice and salt(stir to mix until the salt is dissolved). Then place on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees F until nice and crispy. You can sprinkle with salt wihle still warm, but it is not necessary.

Hope this helps!

[jkath]

Originally Posted by kyles

That sounds delicious. Can you describe Hunt's tomato sauce, the texture and taste? I need to find a substitute for this side of the pond!!!

Hunt's is just the brand name. It's plain tomato sauce, usually made with a mixing of tomatoes, salt, dried onion, dried garlic, and some mild spices. Same consistency or a bit thicker, than marinara.