italiamexicasian salad

i decided to infuse my three favorite ethnic flavors to create this savory portobello mushroom steak with pesto salad.

mushroom marinade

(for 2-4 portobello mushrooms)

2 Tbsp shoyu or soy sauce

1 Tbsp olive or sesame oil

1 Tbsp water

1 garlic clove

1 tsp lime

1 Tbsp margarita mix (optional)

place ingredients in one gallon plastic bag with mushrooms. allow mushrooms to marinate at least 20 minutes in fridge.

cilantro/basil pesto

(for two)

1 C. fresh cilantro and basil* combined (i used 1/4 C. cilantro/3/4 C. basil)

1/2 C. nuts (i used 1/4 C. each almonds and walnuts)

1/4 C. olive or sesame oil

1 garlic clove

pinch of salt

optional:

few pinches of cayenne*

few tsp orange juice concentrate

a splash of shoyu or soy sauce

blend ingredients in food processor until smooth. add a few Tbsp water to get a thinner pesto for salad topping.

salad

mixed greens

sliced zucchini

sliced green pepper

sliced avocado

chopped tomato

black beans

cilantro

i feel the best order to create this salad is:

1. marinate the shrooms and get them in the fridge

2. place black beans in a bowl with a few splashes of shoyu/soy sauce and lime juice

3. make pesto

4. cut veggies

5. heat shrooms with marinade over medium heat (about ten minutes).

6. assemble salad while shrooms are cooking.

7. top salad with sliced mushrooms and pesto, and enjoy!

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* i just received an email today with the following information about basil and cayenne.

basil - has been used to treat constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, impotence and allergies. also aids digestion and said to provide fast relief from gas.

cayenne - some herbalists believe its the most useful in existence. high in vitamin A and C, calcium and potassium. aids digestion by helping your body to create hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for good digestion. some say its been known to stop heart attacks in 30 seconds. can help skin conditions and alleviate itching.