1 can a beans, 1 can of tomatoes~3 ways!

So I try to eat my veggies and beans whenever I can. Both are full of fiber which aids in digestion, fullness and overall good health!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

Did you know there are 2 kinds of Fiber?

 

Soluble fiber is found in dried beans, peas, oats and oat bran, flaxseed and psyllium husks. It's also found in fruits such as oranges and apples and vegetables like carrots. Soluble fiber binds with fatty acids in your stomach and prolongs digestion time. This helps to regulate blood sugar.

Studies also show that soluble fiber can help reduce your overall cholesterol count. But what's even more important, soluble fiber lowers your LDL, which is considered to be bad cholesterol.

 

Insoluble fiber is found in whole wheat, wheat bran, vegetables such as cauliflower and green beans and the skins of fruits and root vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps remove toxins from your colon and balance intestine acidity. It also helps move waste through your intestines and bowel.
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So since we're talking recipes this week, I thought I would give you my 3 go-to ways to prepare 3 recipes with just 1 can of white beans and 1 can of tomatoes (full of antioxidants!) Yummy, healthy and budget-savvy, too!!!


Fiery tomato Hummus
1 can of white beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup onion
2 tbs your favorite salsa
1 tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (a dash more if you like spicy, like moi!)
1/4 tsp cumin
salt/pepper to taste

Drain excess water off beans and tomatoes first. Blend all ingredients in a blender or cuisinart until smooth, adding more olive oil, if needed to smoothly blend. Serve with your favorite veggies, baked tortilla crisps, or pita chips for dipping OR add to your favorite sandwich in substitution of mayo or mustard.

Italian basil Beans
1 can of white beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 sprigs of fresh basil, or 1 tsp of dried basil
1 tbs olive oil
salt/pepper to taste

Drain excess water off beans and tomatoes first.In a pan, drizzle olive oil and sautee beans and tomatoes until warmed through. Add basil, salt/pepper to taste and serve over toasted bread or just as is in a bowl.
Delicious!

Mexicali Bean Salad
1 can of white beans
1 can of tomatoes
1 small can of corn
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 a jalapeno seeded and diced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
salt/pepper to taste


Drain excess water off beans and tomatoes first. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix together. Place in fridge for 15 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Enjoy with your favorite baked tortilla crisps or as is in a bowl over romaine lettuce.

And my product of the day is:
Stacy's Baked Pita Crisps
They come in a variety of flavors (my favorite are multigrain and naked!) And are wonderful to add to soups, salads, or use for dipping! ENJOY!