Thursday, April 5, 2012

Main Ingredient: BEANS!

I'm starting to collect bean (including lentils and soup peas) recipes. Sounds exciting, no?

From my friend Virginia A.:
Split Peas with Smokeys
"Well, I don't measure stuff! I use a package of dried split peas, chop a good-sized onion (saute that and as much minced or smashed garlic that you like in a little oil), thinly slice carrots, finely mince as much spinach as you want, and put all that and the Little Smokeys (I use the beef ones) into a pot then cover above the mixture with water (or chicken broth if you want). I bring it to a boil and then put it on simmer until it's pretty mushy (except for the sausages, of course!) and add water as needed during the simmering."

From my mom, Deborah T.:
Soup Beans
"There's nothing simpler than Soup Beans and they're great made with any kind of bean you have around. Just soak the beans overnight, rinse, cover with water, add a stick of good butter, a little oil and an chopped onion. Simmer a couple of hours until tender. Don't add the salt until fully cooked or they get tough. Serve with gluten free corn bread and chopped raw onions and/or chow chow." 

From a neighbor, Kevin H.: 
Refrigerator Chili (or bean salad)
It's a quick and easy thing to have handy for snacking, lunch or a side. I thoroughly rinse all items in a strainer except the tomatoes, and use low/no salt versions when available, or cook and chill your own fresh or dried beans.

3 different cans of firm beans like Black, Garbanzo, Kidney
1 can niblet corn (optional)
2 small cans mushrooms
1 or 2 cans diced tomatoes (to taste)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 bell pepper, finely diced
Mix all the above together and season to taste. You can think chili (cumin, garlic, pepper and chili powder, liquid smoke), Italian (various herbs and garlic), or Indian with your favorite regional spices. just toss with a little oil, maybe some lemon, balsamic, Worcestershire, or whatever floats your boat at the time.


Any of these that I make, I'll post a picture and review.  
This will be a fun project! 
 

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