Rice Plus Anything Stew

This is a quick and easy yet good-on-the-tummy staple dish for me. When I don't want to deal, but need a solid warm meal, this is it. And I usually always have the ingredients on hand because it's a mishmash of...staples! So, in honor of Karine's request, here is the easiest rice-as-a-main-dish meal. 


INGREDIENTS
rice (1 cup) I am a ridiculous fan of Trader Joe's brown rice medley, it has incredible texture with black barley and daikon radish seeds, makes for a heartier, stewier dish
meat whatever's in your fridge; I usually use either shredded leftover chicken or chopped chicken sausage
chicken broth (2 cups) if you have any juice or bits left over from roasted chicken, throw them in
onion (1/2) diced
carrots (1-2) chopped
tomatoes (2-3 small vine tomatoes) roughly chopped
paprika
cumin
cayenne 
salt


Options
sweet potatoes (1 small) chopped
mushrooms (1/2 small carton) sliced
garlic (2 cloves) minced
raisins (1/4 cup)
cashews (1/4 cup) roast in the pan first
lemon
cilantro
parsley




DIRECTIONS

1. Throw it all into the rice cooker and hit the "on" switch. (I know, I know.  But I am telling you. The rice cooker is an awesome crockpot for rice dishes. And your meal is done in 20-30 minutes.)
2. If you don't have a rice cooker, saute the onions, carrots, and meat. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then add everything else.
3. You may need to add some extra broth, especially if using wild and/or brown rice.

Tip: This is great for leftover roasted chicken because the meat maintains its moisture.  Throw in the chicken parts, gelatinous juice, and veggies and you're good to go.  

Love, J

Beans Beans (they're good for your heart...)

Toot toot!  We all know what beans are really good for, but for those of us who don't mind a little musical chairs, I've recently concocted my own recipe for a yummy, easy bean scene that actually doesn't make you fart (that much). Furthermore, this recipe employs my go to arsenal for deliciousness, and is comprised of hard hitting antioxidant super foods.  So with or without beans you can mix the rest of the ingredients up for a salad dressing with a nice kick, a great marinade, and pretty much anything besides cupcakes.

First of all, I was resisting the consumption of beans for a long time now, for the aforementioned reason, however, I've been reading all these books about nutrition and trying to lean into a more plant based diet and away from meat as my go to protein source.  As such, I've recently commenced a love affair with legumes and this is what I do.

INGREDIENTS
eden beans (1 can) any kind of  Eden beans, but garbanzo is great - this company is recommended for a less gassy experience, available at Whole Foods
onions
garlic
lemon
vinegar
salt
pepper
cumin
paprika
parsley
basically any other spice you like

DIRECTIONS
I rinse the beans and get the water as clean as possible and then soak for a few hours or even overnight.


I then FINELY chop up 1/4 onion, a clove of garlic, and the parsley, squeeze half a lemon, throw in some vinegar, all my spices and mix it up with the beans.  Be conservative with the spices and then add more to taste.


Presto, the beans hang out in my fridge and when I'm hungry and need a little protein, or want to throw in a salad for  a little extra oomph, it's my go to.  Really filling and really tasty.  Of course you'll be a little garlicky/onionish breath wise, but all in the name of one of the most nutritious, filling, low cal food options out there.


xx Karinee Weenie