Chef Michael Kiss gives free cooking classes on Tuesday evenings at the cafe (upstairs) at the Arlington Wholefoods Market.

I recently attended two of Michael’s classes – beans, and greens.  The greens class was interesting because the great Snowgasm was coming and Wholefoods was out of most greens, including the dandelion greens featured in one of the recipes.  Michel substited frisee for dandelion greens, and even asked a trivia question about frisee, which apparently is from the same plant as chicory.

The next few cooking classes at the Arlington Wholefoods are:

• Tuesday, March 16th, Irish Eyes Are Smiling, 7pm

  We love good Irish food, especially now!  The truth is, though, it can be a bit heavy. Join us for a look at amazing Irish favorites with emerald colored nutrition glasses. Even a leprechaun doesn’t need luck to eat healthy everyday!

• Tuesday, March 23rd: Hello, Spring, 7pm

  We made it folks, now it is time to celebrate! Let’s shed the heavy recipes and brighten our palettes with light and fresh ingredients. Spring forward and take your seasonal eating to a new level.

• Tuesday, March 30: Cook Like A Chef, 7pm

  Let us help you look at food and the act of cooking like a chef! Learn how to “read” a recipe and interpret what it means. This week, we’ll investigate the 5 ingredients you need to make all of your dishes taste like they’re from the best restaurant in town.

Here is one of his recipes from the class on beans:

Ragout of Cannelini beans and tomatoes:

• 1 can or 2 cups cooked Cannelini beans
• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1/2 medium red onion
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 2 Tbs. capers
• 2 oz. white whine
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste.

In a large sauté pan over medium heat add the olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and slowly cook the whole mixture until the tomatoes start to burst and the onions are translucent.  Add the wine and let mixture reduce by half.  Add the capers, beans, oregano and heat through.  Taste and adjust seasoning.  Great as a hearty stew or served over pasta.

-JAY