Healthy, filling, tasty, and cheap!
Rice with beans is a great economical dish, but most people think it’s too bland — especially as a main course. So I dress it up a little without adding much cost.
I basically add corn, tomato, and my favorite salsa. But the great thing about this dish is versatility; you can add leftover meat or vegetables or sauces to make it your own. And it’s perfect for being in the Jobless Zone – you can eat well and eat healthy while spending less.
The estimated cost for this recipe, without the bonus items: $6.50. That’s three cheap dinners for me – each for under $2.25. Bonus! By the way, I buy my brown rice in bulk, and my favorite salsa is Whole Foods’ 365 Roasted Chipotle Salsa (medium heat), which cost $2.29 last Sunday.
Bonus Rice and Beans
Serves 3 (as a generous main course)
- 1-1/2 cup brown rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 15-oz. can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (8-oz. can or fresh cooked)
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 cup of your favorite salsa
Bonus (optional):
- 1 cup spinach leaves, julienned
- 1 boneless chicken breast, cooked and chopped
1. Put rice and water in a large pot. Cover it and turn heat on medium. When water begins to boil, turn heat to low. Keep pot covered and let rice simmer until the water is no longer visible (roughly 20-25 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the rice. Stir the mixture over low heat until it’s warmed all the way through. Add fresh pepper and more salsa, if desired, and serve in bowls.
NOTE: This is great for leftovers and keeps well in the refrigerator. Before you warm up a bowl of this tasty mixture in the microwave, sprinkle some water on the food to keep it from getting too dry.
