Belly-Fillin' Beans

We keep cooked beans in the freezer.

It's cheaper to buy the dried beans and cook them yourself.

And it really couldn't be easier.

Whenever I'm gonna be home for a few hours,

I make sure to have the beans pre-soaked,

then just place them on the stove to cook 

while I get other things done.

Having them in the freezer 

allows them to be added to soups, stews, sauces, 

and even an occasional dessert (shhhhh-don't tell a soul!).

Brown rice is another staple that's easy to freeze for dishes.

Today we combine them to make a quick and easy meal.

Brown rice is cooked and frozen in cup-sized portions.

We eat pretty healthy, but we still enjoy our white Basmati rice.

So, we compromise by adding in a container or two of the brown rice.

A handful of diced onions and carrots are added to a saute pan
and cooked until the aroma is intoxicating (8-10 minutes)
and then the beans are thrown in.
We add either a little homemade gravy (tomato sauce)
or a cup of diced tomatoes, whatever we have on hand.
A few spices and you're on your way to a belly-fillin',
heart-warmin', lip-smackin' good meal.

Pinto Beans and Rice

2 C cooked pinto beans

1 C cooked basmati/brown rice or combination

1/2 yellow onion, diced

2 large carrots, grated

1 C tomatoes, diced or 1/2 C homemade gravy

 1-2 t spice mix*

Cheddar cheese, grated for topping (optional)

On medium heat, saute onions and carrots in olive oil 

until the onions turn slightly golden.

Add cooked beans, gravy and spices.

Cook on medium-low heat until heated through.

(If using tomatoes, cook until they break down

and the sauce is the preferred consistency.)

Serve with rice, over potatoes, on homemade rolls

or use to stuff tacos or enchiladas. 

Enjoy!  

 

*spice mix

1 T chili powder

1/4 t garlic powder

1/4 t onion powder

1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 t dried oregano ( I use Italian seasoning)

1/2 t paprika

1 1/2 t ground cumin

1 t sea salt

1 t black pepper (optional)

The original recipe for this mix is here.

How 'bout a giveaway to celebrate all this good food?

 If you like this easy recipe, you'll love this book.

Just leave a comment and come back on Sunday night to see 

who's gonna be cookin' up some new recipes.

Have a tasty weekend, y'all!

allergy-friendly lunchbox love