Bean Beans and More Beans

We have been eating a lot of beans lately.  I love cooking a pound of dry beans, eating a meal, then having more beans leftover to freeze.  In the next weeks, when I don't have a plan, I can get out a bag of frozen beans, and add them to rice or pasta for a quick meal with protein.

Here are some of my favorite meals with beans:

• Slow Cooker Re-fried Beans with brown rice and green salad.  My slow cooker can fit 32 oz. of dried beans, so I double the recipe, and I add more seasonings.  Remember, if the beans get too thick, just add more water.

• Black Beans with Brown Rice and Salad, Guacamole Sauce Recipe Included

• Mexican Beans with Pasta Goulash (Great Recipe for Leftover Black or White Beans)

Cook Whole-Grain Pasta in water (drain)

While pasta is cooking, in a large skillet,
add 1 Tbsp. olive oil, add 1 minced clove of garlic, 1/2 onion,
1 tsp. cumin, 1/4 tsp. hot red pepper (optional),
1 large can of diced tomatoes.

Add 1 bag of frozen cooked beans or 1 can of cooked beans, 2 handfuls of spinach, simmer.

When pasta is ready, add it to the skillet, and serve.

Many variations of this recipe are delicious.  Another idea is to add salsa, black olives, and avocados on top.

• Lastly, for Christmas, my aunt and uncle gave me a special bag of colorful beans.  I'm soaking them and plan to make Toni's 10 Bean Soup with them tomorrow.  Women's Bean Project bean packets are a great way to support women in need and buy groceries for your family or buy a special gift. They also sell jewelry.