As vegetarians, protein sources inevitably involve beans.
And with rice, the bean protein is completed. What does is mean to be
'complete'? It means that the amino acids in rice added to the different amino
acids in beans equals that found in a serving of meat. What's even better is
that it comes without the cholesterol found in meat and the animas of cruelty.
Since we need the variety of amino acids for healthy replacement of necessary
nutrient requirements, it makes a good bit of sense to make your beans and
rice meals with a combination of beans (little red, kidney, white, navy).
About the only bean that is just too powerful for a good beans and rice meal
is the black bean. Save the black beans for soup!
Here's a Beans 'n Rice recipe that will give you a tasty dinner, especially if
you serve it with a side salad and freshly made cornbread!
1 can each of kidney, pinto and navy beans
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs of celery, diced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 cloves of garlic -- put through a press
Saute the onion, celery, and bell pepper in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin
olive oil until onion is translucent. Add the beans, bay leaves and garlic
and cover with enough water to cover the beans.and simmer for 2 hours.
Then add:
1/8 # margarine
Ground black pepper
A shot of Worcestershire Sauce
3 shakes of Louisiana Hot Sauce or tabasco
Cook another hour and serve over (preferably brown or brown and wild mixture)
rice.