Thursday, March 15, 2012

It's getting hot!

When Mr. PT and I started dating, I was introduced to the wonderful world of canned beans.  Before we met, I bought canned beans at the store...basically never!  But then I realized how wonderfully inexpensive and amazingly versatile this grocery item is.

Did I mention they are low in fat and full of protein?

Recently, I have really been digging the black beans.  Here are a few recipes you should try if you are lacking legumes in your life.

Black Bean Dip

Thank you Gracious Pantry for this great idea!

You will need:
-1 1/2 cans black beans
-1 jar of your favorite salsa
-2 tbs garlic powder
-2 tbs chili powder
-2 tbs cumin
-2 tbs onion powder, or finely chopped onion
-1/4 cup chopped cilantro
-1 can corn

Blend all ingredients except corn in a food processor until smooth.  Add salt/spice to taste.  Stir in corn.  Serve warm with Mexican style cheese on top, or stir in melted cheese for black bean queso dip!

 Black bean and sweet potato tacos

This dish was actually made from leftover stir fry Mr. PT concocted the night before.  The recipe he followed called for quinoa but he used groats by accident (we are still working on his grain ID skills!).  But I must say, the groats were a nice touch!

You will need:
-1 can black beans
-1-2 sweet potatoes, sliced and baked until soft (oven at 400 for about 40 minutes)
-1 cup cooked groats
-1/2 can corn
-spices!
-goat cheese
-fresh avocado

Cook the groats. Mix them with the sweet potatoes, corn, beans and spices.  Serve on a tortilla.  If you want it crunchy, bake the tortilla with the bean mix on top at 350 for about 25 minutes.  If you want the tortilla soft, bake the mix separately and then fill the tortilla.  Garnish with goat cheese and avocado.

If you haven't before, check out the bean aisle at your local grocery!

Combine with a long strength workout...feel the burn!

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