Lima Beans and Mushrooms in Serrano Chile Tomato Sauce

(recipe from The Vegan Gourmet by Susann Geiskopf-Hadler & Mindy Toomay)
2 fresh Serrano chiles
One 28-oz. can whole pear tomatoes, undrained
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup firmly packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/8 tsp. plus 1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 lb. fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/2 lb. button mushrooms
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cups freshly cooked or canned lima beans, drained
1 cup fresh or frozen shelled green peas
1/4 cup Madeira or dry sherry
Several grinds black pepper

Remove and discard the stems of the chiles.  (Also remove the seeds for a less spicy dish.)  In a blender or food processor, combine the chiles, undrained tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and the 1/8 tsp. salt.  Puree to a smooth consistency and set aside.

Cut the shiitakes into 1/4-inch slices.  Quarter the button mushrooms.

Heat the oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven.  Add all the mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to turn golden.  Add the tomato mixture and the lima beans.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced to a nice, thick consistency.  If you are using fresh shelled peas, add them for the last 5-6 minutes of cooking time.  If you are using frozen peas, rinse briefly to melt the ice crystals, drain, and add them for the last 2 minutes of the cooking time.  Stir in the Madeira and plenty of pepper and heat through for another minute.  Serve very hot.


(Delicious sauce!  Serve with couscous, rice, quinoa to round out the dish.)