Let me see, let me see. Where did I put that other post at??….

Ah! Here it is: Fresh Bean Salsa

See, I told you we need more beans in our diet. Listen, we all know that beans are high in fiber, which we could all use more of, but they’ve also been shown to increase arguments between boyfriends and girlfriends about the aroma in the surrounding area. Wait, that has nothing to do with this. I’m an idiot…

Ummmm, so yeah. Beans are high in fiber. They make you toot. They have a good amount of protein. They’ve been shown to lower cholesterol and promote heart health. They’ve even been shown to prevent cancer**. So why WOULDN’T you want more beans in your diet?

In an attempt to switch up my routine meals week in and week out, I got a little creative in the kitchen this week. I’m sneaking beans into 3 out of my 5 meals of the day. Let’s hope my digestive system can handle it.

** = I’m not so sure there’s a test out there that you can take that tells if you you’re going to get cancer, but somehow someone WAY smrtr than me decided that “the compound found in beans-isoflavins lagnins phytic acid sapopin and protease inhibitors- have been shown to keep normal cells from turning cancerous and inhibit their growth.”***

*** = I’m sorry. I try to keep all that sciency linguity out of my blog, but I just couldn’t turn it into something funny. Cancer isn’t a joke, kids. Unless, of course, the tumor looks like Jesus. That might be entertaining.

Spicy Hummus:

Fresh Parsley
Couple Slices of Onion
2 Cloves of Garlic
1 Can of Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
2T. Tahini
2T. Cider Vinegar
2t. Soy Sauce
1t. Spicy Brown Mustard
1t. Honey
Juice of 1 Small Lime
Cumin (mind out of the gutter please)
Ginger
Coriander
Cayenne Pepper

Step 1) Put all that ish in a food processor until it’s a creamy dip (kinda like you – Ha! IN YOUR FACE!!)
Step 2) Put it in a container (or just rub it on your nipples if you’re into that)
Step 3) Serve with fresh veg, on pita bread, or use as a sandwich spread.

Moroccan Stew:

3 Medium Carrots cut in 2″ julienne
2C.’ish Cauliflower
1 Medium Onion Sliced
2 Cloves of Garlic
2 Small Zucchini
1/2C. Water
1 Can of Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (UNdrained)
Coriander
Cumin (it’s a seasoning you prevert)
Cinnamon
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Pepper

A) Saute the first 4 ingredients in a large pan over medium heat for about 10 min.
B) Add the water and zucchini, turn the heat up to medium-high, cover, simmer for 5 min.
C) Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir that ish up. Simmer UNcovered for another 5 min.
D) Serve over rice if you’d like. I’m not your mom; you can do what you like.

Rosemary Chicken with White Beans:

6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 Cans of Northern White Beans (rinsed and drained)
3-4 Medium Carrots, Sliced
3 Celery Stalks, Sliced
1/2C. Italian Dressing
Dried, Crushed Rosemary
More Pepper than Salt

I. Throw the beans, carrots, and celery into a crockpot.
II. Brown the chicken and put them in the pot too.
III. Mix the rest of the stuff together in a seperate bowl, and then pour over the chicken, beans, and veggies.
IV. Cover the pot, watch your fancy moving picture stories, and come back in about 3 hours.

So how ’bout that? Am I good, or am I good? What do you think? I’d be glad to hear it down in the comments.