Greens and White Beans

I am always looking for new recipes. I hydrated some white beans and found a few recipes that I decided to combine to make a new dish with some of the ingredients I had on hand. 

 

You can use canned beans for this recipe rather than dry beans that you hydrate and prepare. If you use canned beans, make sure to drain the can and rinse the beans.

 Ingredients:

• 4 cups of white beans
• 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 TBSP fennel seeds
• 1/2 TBSP crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 TBSP thyme
• (optional 1/2 tbsp rosemary too)
• 1/2 onion diced (I used a sweet onion) To add color, add a red onion
  
• 6 garlic cloves crushed and diced
• spinach or chard (I used 1/2 package of fresh baby spinach that I rinsed and patted dry)
  
• olive oil ... just enough so nothing sticks to the pan

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil, garlic, onion, and spices in the pan
• Add greens, beans, and broth
• Stir and allow to simmer (covered) until most liquid is cooked down

 

Serve with a wedge of bread (gluten free for me)

Black Bean Soup

Soup is a comfort food. I enjoy experimenting with soup recipes and finding ways to incorporate soup into the weekly meal routine. This black bean soup is quick to make and will disappear just as quickly. I suggest making a double batch!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 TSP cumin
• 1/2 TSP oregano
• 1/2 TSP paprika
• 1/2 TSP ground pepper
• 1 can tomatoes (I suggest fire roasted or a can with garlic included)
• 3 cups of low sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cups black beans
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 6 garlic cloves (diced)
• Olive Oil ... just enough to sautee aromatics 
  

Instructions:

• Add the onion, garlic, and spices into a pot with olive oil. Satuee until translucent.
• Add tomatoes, beans, and broth and bring to a boil. 
• Reduce heat and cover. 
• Cook for 20 minutes.
• Add an additional cup of broth if the beans soaked up all 3 cups or you prefer a more liquid consistency.