Money Saver #1

So, I thought I'd start sharing a little of what I've learned over the last few years of being a wife and now a mommy~ money saving tips, natural remedies for illness, healthy recipes, etc.   Today, I'll start with a 2 in 1:  a money saver + healthy recipe idea! :)

The (not so) novel idea:  Dried Black Beans.  Just a little over $2 for a 2 lb. bag at Walmart.

The How-To:  There are a lot of STRANGE ideas of how to cook dried beans out there.  I think a lot of people are just plain intimidated by the thought, hence all those slimy, cooked, canned beans out there.  I was one of the intimidated ones and until I got married and was encouraged by my husband to give it a try.  Then I discovered, it's actually easy.

1) On a plate or clean, dry surface, sift through the beans, searching for rocks or anything that doesn't resemble a bean.  Remove.

2) Rinse beans with cold water in a strainer.

3)  Put rinsed beans in a large stock pot and cover with water  (cover them sufficiently, you don't want to run out of water).   Cover and bring to a boil.

4)  Once boiling, turn down and allow to simmer for an hour or so-- beans should be quite well cooked and even breaking apart a little before they are done.

5) Drain in strainer and rinse with cool water once again.

Voila!  This will make A LOT of beans-- Several meals worth!  Now, what to do with them?!?

Meal Ideas: 

1) Black Beans & Rice~  Not a new idea, but very healthy.  Season black beans with salt and eat with white or brown rice.  You can garnish with salsa, guacamole, greens, etc.  Or add some corn chips and/or a corn or flour tortilla and eat like Chipotle.

2) Chili~ Black beans are great for chili-- Brown up some beef or venison in our case, add beans, diced onion, canned tomato sauce/whole tomatoes and lots of chili powder.  Done!

3) Refried Beans~  Put leftover beans in an oiled skillet and season with fresh lime juice, salt and cayenne pepper.  Cook until well heated through.  Delish!

* They also freeze very well, so freeze half and take them out when you need a meal in a pinch :)

Jackie