Black Beans and RIce

Cheap and hearty.  I make a variation of this about once a week for my boyfriend.  I often substitute bacon or smoked sausage for the Italian sausage and also sometimes add frozen peas or corn.  I also vary the spices from time to time depending on what's handy.

What you need:

1 cup uncooked rice (I think jasmine is best, but use any type you like)

Salt

1/2 pound spicy Italian sausage

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

4-6 garlic cloves, chopped

A couple hot peppers, chopped (use less or substitute bell peppers if you don't like the heat)

Soy Sauce

White Wine Vinegar

Black Pepper, Cumin, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder

2 cups Black Beans (I use dried ones that I have reconstituted.  You could also use a can, just rinse and drain)

Fresh Cilantro

Shredded Cheese, Cheddar or a "Mexican Blend" (optional)

Cook the rice according to package instructions.  While it cooks, you can start the rest:  Brown the sausage in a large saucepan, breaking into small chunks as it cooks.  When it is nearly cooked through, add the onion, celery, garlic, and peppers.  If there is not enough grease from the sausage to keep these from sticking to the pan, add a little cooking spray or oil.  Cook until vegetables have softened and browned a bit.  Add a couple of splashes of both the soy sauce and the vinegar.  Season with black pepper, cumin, dried oregano, and garlic powder.  Stir in the cooked rice and the black beans.  Allow to heat through.  Sprinkle the cilantro on top and it's done!  Sometimes I also add a little shredded cheese on top.

Black Bean Hummus, Eggplant, and Feta Pizza

Use up some black bean hummus by making a pizza!

What you need:

1 12" Pizza Crust (I either make my own dough or use a soft Naan bread.  You could also use a store bought crust or dough.  Lightly pre-bake the dough if you are using it)
Black Bean Hummus- about a cup and a half (see my recipe.  Or try using regular hummus).
Two small Eggplant, cut into 1/4 thick medallions
1 cup sliced Mushrooms
1/2 cup Onion, thinly sliced
1/2 Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
Salt, pepper, Garlic Powder
3/4 cup crumbled Feta
Olive Oil
Arugula, Basil, Chives- thinly sliced
Red Pepper Flakes

Start by roasting the vegetables: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  Lay eggplant, mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper out on a greased baking sheet.  Spray with cooking spray and then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Put in the oven and let cook until veggies are slightly browned and soft.  This should take 15-20 minutes.

Place pizza crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet.  Spread with hummus and then top with the roasted vegetables.  Sprinkle with the feta cheese and lightly drizzle olive oil over the top.  Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts and crust is browned.  Sprinkle with the basil, chives, red pepper, and arugula.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil.  Cut into slices and enjoy!

Note: If you are watching your carbs and don't really eat pizza, try the toppings of this pizza on a bed of lettuce.  Still tasty!

Black Bean Hummus

Maybe not the prettiest food, but it's a tasty variation on regular hummus.  I use dried beans because they are cheaper and have more texture and flavor.  Canned ones would work as well if you don't feel like the prep work required for dried.

What you need:
1/2 pound of dried black beans, soaked and boiled OR two 15 ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained.
1/2 head of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped (or more if you REALLY like garlic)
1/2 cup of onion, chopped
1 cup of mixed fresh herbs (I use cilantro, parsley, mint, and sometimes chives)
1 small hot pepper, roughly chopped (optional)
3-4 T tahini (sesame seed paste)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 T apple cider vinegar (you could also try using a different vinegar here)
1 T cumin
1-2 t black pepper
1/2 t red pepper flakes
Water or Olive Oil ( I use water to cut back on fat, but it would be tastier with the oil.  You could also use half of each)

Place ingredients in blender or food processor.  Add 1/4 cup of water or olive oil.  Slowly add remaining water or olive oil until you create a smooth and thick paste.  Enjoy with pita chips, raw veggies, or as a "sauce" for pizza (See my eggplant, feta, and hummus pizza later when I add it).