Trying New Recipes

I have a hard time coming up with things to cook in the summertime. I enjoy cooking and trying new things, but usually I experiment more when the kids are in school and I have time to actually think about what I'm going to make. During the summer I feel like I'm constantly trying to think up meals for breakfast/lunch/dinner. Well, I finally branched out a little.

When Jeremy and I went to Dominican Republic last fall, we ate a traditional meal at one of the homes there that was so tasty! They served red beans over rice with fruit and bread on the side (and a few other things). I've been wanting to have that beans over rice again and let the kids taste it, so I went on the hunt for a recipe that looked similar to what we ate. I scoured the internet and WALLA! I found one! I made it this past week and it turned out to taste just like I remembered it - - - and the kids LOVED IT!!! The recipe made so much that we ended up eating it for a few days, but we were able to eat it into some yummy variations. So, in case you are having a hard time coming up with a good summer meal, here is one to try. It was really easy to make.

Red Beans over Rice

3 Tbsp olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp goya seasoning or Accent seasoning
2 tsp seasoned salt or salt & pepper to taste
1/2 sm. bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 c. (1 lb) dried red beans soaked & cooked

1. Heat olive oil in pot large enough for all ingredients.
2. Saute onion & garlic for 5 min
3. Add oregano, bay leaves, tomato sauce, seasonings
4. Bring to simmer & add cilantro and beans. Add enough water to cover (about 3 cups).
5. Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer & cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until beans are tender.

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I didn't have bay leaves, so I omitted them. I also didn't have time to let it simmer for 1 1/2 hours at the end and my beans were already tender, so we just ate it and it was still very good.

We put this bean mixture over white rice and then we had watermelon and yellow tortilla chips on the side. The next day I mixed the rice and beans all together and heated it up. Then we put it in soft tacos with cheese and sour cream. The other variation was to microwave the rice and beans with cheese on top until it melts. Then eat it like a dip with chips. YUM!

So, let me know if you decide to try this recipe. My whole family loved it and the kids even asked for seconds. :)