Eating healthy can be a little tough during the colder months. As the temperatures drop below 40, we can tend to crave hearty and comforting foods like braised stews, stick-to-your-ribs mac and cheese and big, delicious bowls of ramen noodles . I dont know about you, but the last thing I want as Im cozying up to the fireplace is a plate of cold salad.

I used to think the word salad only described the green kind with chilled lettuce and accompanying vegetables. But then I realized a salad can be anything I want it to be. And in the winter, I want it to be a warm one. Enter my warm braised bean salad. Its a dish I can make on a Sunday night and enjoy throughout the week either as a main lunch course or as a side for dinner when paired with a lean protein.