RECIPE: Mexican Rice and Black Beans

I really wanted to share what I made for supper tonight because it's a great example of how we've been eating. It's also a great meal that is simple to make and super nutritious.

Mexican rice and black beans!

This dish is extremely versatile and easy to make. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, your favorite salsa or substitute the brown rice for quinoa (planning to try that soon!) It's so easy to only think of dishes like rice and beans as sides, but it's so filling and full of protein there is no reason why this couldn't be a great main dish. When trying to eat clean you've gotta think outside of the traditional "meat, starch, veggie" meal and get creative about making veggies more part of the main course.

When I'm meal-planning for the week I try to chose meals that fulfill several requirements. Mainly:

Can I make this with ingredients I already have on hand 

(and therefore save on costs?)

Is it something easy for Alex to pack and take to work?

Is it possible to make vegetarian and with limited dairy?

Can I make this without any processed ingredients? 

It is nutritious and filling? 

This dish definitely meets those demands and is delicious!

Recipe

can serve 2 -4, adjust proportions accordingly

(for us, we buy all the ingredients organic)

2 cups brown rice

2 cups black beans - soaked for 12 hours, rinsed and cooked. You could substitute canned beans but make sure they have no additives

Assorted veggies - I recommend peas, corn, mushrooms, green peppers, just whatever you have on hand! 

1 cup salsa

Cumin, salt and garlic to taste 

Sour cream, cheese, tomatoes and onions for topping

Homemade guacamole (recipe below)

Bring 4 cups water to boil, add brown rice. Reduce heat and let cook covered for 20 minutes. Brown rice can be tricky so if it's not tender enough after 20 minutes just re-cover it and let it cook until desired tenderness is achieved. It's okay if not all the water has evaporated, just strain it.  

Add your black beans and veggies and stir over medium heat until warmed. If you're using frozen veggies it may take a little longer. If you're using something like mushrooms or peppers, you might saute them with a little oil olive before adding them to the rice. Add cumin, salt, garlic and whatever other spices you like!

Top with sour cream and cheese, add chopped tomatoes and onions if you like. Serve with organic tortilla chips and guacamole on the side!

It's a lot like a Mexican casserole, just made on the stove top instead!

Homemade Guacamole

You know those little guacamole mixes usually found near the avocados at the grocery store? Just go right ahead and throw them away because after this recipe you won't need them! It's so simple to make it all the way homemade!

2 ripe avocados
2 tbs olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp lime juice
2 tsp cilantro - fresh or dried
2 tsp garlic (or more, make it to taste!)
1 tsp salt

Peel avocados and remove the pit. Mash them in a medium size bowl then mix in the rest of the ingredients. Keep mixing until well-stirred and taste! You can always fancy this up and add diced purple onions (so pretty!) and tomatoes if you want.