Friday's Frugal Food

Once again, it's Friday......which means Frugal Food Day!


Rice & Beans.

Probably one of the cheapest meals out there, and healthy, too.  I serve rice and beans to my family at least once a month, usually twice.  There are lots of different ways you can prepare a frugal meal with these two ingredients.  Here are just a few suggestions:

• Make a casserole with lentils and rice
• Make spicy beans and serve them over rice
• Or you could try a bean and rice soup
• Or try a jambalaya-type dish
• You could always make a bean and rice mixture and serve them in tortillas

A favorite in our home is a saucy, spicy bean concoction made in the slow-cooker.  I rinse a few large handfuls of dry beans (pinto, black or red kidney) and throw them in the slow-cooker with some chicken stock, tomato sauce and chopped tomatoes.  Sometimes I add a cup or two of extra water if they look like they'll need it.  I also add some onion, garlic, pepper, cumin and cilantro.  Cook it on high for about 8 hours.  The beans are nice and tender if they are cooked all day - no need to pre-soak them.  Serve them over brown rice with cheese, salsa and sour cream.  Add a salad or some veggies for a side dish and you have a frugal but delicious and healthy meal.  Yummy!  

This dish is so easy because I just throw everything together in the morning and don't need to worry about it all day (well, I may have to stir it once in awhile).  Ahhh, I wuv my crock pot!