The Apostles Fast

In the Russian Orthodox Church, the Apostles Fasts lasts from June 15th to July 11th (NS) this year (2009). In the Moscow Patriarchate, it is a mild fasting period with frequent allowances for oil, fish and wine. The fast ends with the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul on July 12.

Stricter fasting days during this fast are on Wednesdays and Fridays, with no fish allowed. Beans are a good source of protein and Georgian cuisine makes use of them in a variety of bean dishes called 'lobbio'. Georgians use either kidney beans or green beans, walnuts and a spicy sauce called adzhika to make lobbio, but a bit of vinegar, onion and BBQ sauce make a suitable substitute. Here is a quick and filling sandwich for 2 people.

Lobbio Sandwich
preparation - 15 minutes

For the filing:
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 can red kidney beans in tomato sauce
1/2 shallot, chopped finely (or 3 Tbsp minced onion)
2 tsp BBQ sauce
1/2 tsp red wine / apple cider vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar

2 pita pockets, cut in half and carefully opened
1 ripe tomato
3/4 cup finely chopped iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, stems removed
juice of 1/4 lemon wedge
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

In a skillet on medium heat, warm the vegetable oil for about 30
seconds and then add the shallots. Saute shallots for about 1 minute
or until they become a little soft and then add the beans along with the
tomato sauce, the BBQ sauce, sugar and vinegar. Stir well and simmer on
medium heat for 5-8 minutes.

In the meantime, wash the tomato, cut in half and then cut halves into very
thin slices. Using a good sharp knife, chop up the lettuce and
cilantro and mix them together in a bowl. Sprinkle the juice of the 1/4 lemon on
it and toss it a bit.

Divide the lettuce and cilantro mixture into 4 parts and fill the pita
halves. Spoon in about 3-4 tablespoons of the warm beans and top with
tomato slices and chopped walnuts. Salt and pepper as desired.

Enjoy.