Friday, July 9, 2010

Yummy, Healthy, Easy & Cheap

Like I promised, here is one of my budget friendly recipes using some of the bulk items I bought this week.  I'm trying to find creative ways to use the same ingredients - to simplify my cooking and to extend our weekly groceries. 

This meal is very easy to make, healthy, high in protein, inexpensive and so delicious!  (This is my version of a meal I like to eat at Chipolte's.)

Black Beans & Rice 
1 T olive oil
1 cup organic brown rice  (makes 4 servings)
2 cans low sodium black beans
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 onion
1/2 lime
1-2 T fresh cilantro 
salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Guacamole
2 avocados
1/2 lime
1 T fresh cilantro 
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the guacamole ingredients together, adding more lime, cilantro and salt/pepper until you are happy with the taste.  Set aside.

Cook the rice according to your directions.  This rice called for 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice, adding 1 T of butter (optional).  

Bring to a boil, stir once, cover and simmer for 50 minutes.

While rice is cooking, heat the oil over medium in a large skillet.  Once warm, add minced garlic cloves and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes.  You could add a little hot sauce or jalapeno if you like a little kick.  Drain and rinse your black beans (rinsing gets the excess salt off the beans) and pour into skillet.

Once your rice is almost cooked, add your cilantro, lime, salt and pepper to taste.  Fluff rice with a fork and let sit for 5 minutes, then mix it with your beans.

Top your rice and beans with the fresh guacamole and chopped tomatoes.  

This kid is a good eater but I was shocked at how he shoveled this meal into his mouth.  He asked for seconds - which is always a sign that the meal is good!  Enjoy.

Your Personal Reflection:  Are you feeling the need to simplify and save money, like I am?  What are some ways you can save money while eating healthy, fresh foods and simplify your time in the kitchen?

15 comments:

  1. i'm adding you to the weekword list! you hit the creative prompt "flavor" right on the dot, whether you knew it or not. hugs and have a great weekend!

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  2. First of all, you posted this at 5:00AM?! ;-)
    This looks super delicious. I have always been a little afraid of making my own black beans. I am definitely going to try this. Plus there's guacamole, and we love ourselves some guacamole. Thanks for this series; it's much needed! Have a great weekend!

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  3. Love that you posted this. I have a rotating recipe I call "the chipotle bowl" (clever..huh?)

    I look forward to the meals you will post. I like to eat well on a tight budget, and think you will have good offerings!

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  4. Yum!! What great photos, especially the "shoveling" photo at the end!

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  5. Oh my goodness! This looks soooo good. Maybe dinner tomorrow at my house!

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  6. yum!

    economizing the kitchen, i try to cut down on random grocery shelf grabs. not easy, but i try. and i garden.

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  7. hey all-
    thanks for sharing. i'm planning to make this meal again this week (i have rice that looks like it'll last us to eternity!) and i'm excited for the guac again. have a yummy weekend.

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  8. I LOVE guac...sooo much...and I think my family would dig this meal...thanks for sharing this...I'm going to try it :)

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  9. i am going to make this this week it looks so yummy! and i loved chipotle when we were still living in california. mmm... thank you for your comment on my blog. the boy is mine, the baby, a friend's. we've been spending a lot of time together lately, and my son has voiced that he wants a little sister! i'm so happy to hear that from him, because i am ready! it's exciting for me to see that you are pregnant (congratulations!) and will pave the way for me to the second child in the most positive light! i'm just a bit scared of all that laundry and the sleepless nights!

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  10. This is very creative! I'm all for padding out recipes with pulses and beans - nourishing and cheap!

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  11. This post brings me out of lurkerage! It looks yummy and something that I could manage to do :) Healthy and simple is the way forward methinks!

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  12. Shannon
    Excited about this recipe...trying it today. Sorry I have been such a silent follower, but I visit free spirit everyday to be inspired. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts and ideas. I am so blessed to have you as my sista!

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  13. Great to hear from you all! I'm actually making this meal again tonight! It's so easy and I've been craving guacamole.

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  14. Shannon, this will be my new favourite recipe. Hence, I need to pass on my old favourite - it has similar ingredients even which is proof that your recipe will really hit my palette.
    http://www.lifeologia.com/chickpea-burgers-yum/
    These are sooooo good and crazy cheap! I just keep making them all the time - I think I need to move on and make some guacamole instead ;)
    It's hard to find great vegetarian recipes that I love!

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  15. Love this recipe!! I love black beans and guacamole. I will cook this for tonight!

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Thanks for sharing!