Convenient, Versatile, Delicious Recipes Make the Journey More Enjoyable

In one of my previous blog entries, “Tips and Tricks,” I mentioned that it is good idea to find some “go to” recipes.  Even better, find some easy to make recipes that you can make in large quantities and then use in different ways.  Not too long ago, a friend asked me if I could use one of my blog entries to demonstrate how to use one healthy recipe in many different ways – here it goes.

I recognize that everyone has different tastes.  In some ways I am lucky because there are less than a handful of foods that I don’t like.  This makes cooking and eating much easier.  While today’s entry will focus on using black beans in many different ways, you can use this same logic with lots of different foods/recipes.  All it takes is a little imagination and some initiative.

Citrus Black Beans are one of my favorite foods.  They are easy to make, flavorful, filling, versatile and good for you.  I usually triple or quadruple the recipe.  Not only can I get multiple uses out this recipe during the week, but they also freeze quite well.  Once you have a big pot of beans, here are a few suggestions for what to do with them:

·         Beans and Rice – Pour a scoop of beans over a serving of whole grain rice and you have a nice snack, a super lunch or a wonderful side to a lean protein at dinner. 

·         Burritos – Take a whole grain wrap and fill it with lettuce, tomato, onion and beans for a wonderful lunch; eat two or three and you have a dinner entree.  And don’t forget some nutritious extras like your favorite homemade salsa or guacamole, and/or a little Greek yogurt.   

·         Soup – This recipe creates a wonderful broth (feel free to substitute canned black beans and cook them in chicken broth).  Sometimes I drain the broth, and then thin a little bit of Greek yogurt with some skim milk and add it to the broth; it provides a creamy texture and a nice slightly tart flavor.  Bring the broth to a simmer and add some fresh cilantro for a garnish.   This makes a great bowl of soup! 

·         Chili – Take the beans recipe and add your protein of choice – turkey, chicken or lean beef.  Don’t forget the toppings – some hot sauce, chopped onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt make for a hearty bowl of chili. 

·         Burgers - Yes, I said it. These beans can be used to make fantastic burgers as well.  Eaten alone or on a nice whole grain bun with all the extras (e.g., lettuce, tomato, onion and your favorite condiments) and you have a very satisfying lunch or dinner.

Find a healthy recipe that is versatile.  Use it in lots of creative ways.  This not only makes for easy preparation, but it leads to tasty, nutritious and guilt free meals.  Try this approach with one of your favorite recipes and don’t be shy about sharing your results with the rest of us!