Tasty Tuesdays #7 - Spicy Black Beans

When I got home from work tonight I found a few ripe roma tomatoes on the vine in my garden and it was time to put them to use! This is a hearty meal idea that I like to prep for my lunch. It is full of protein and veg, the ingredients are easily found (and often in my pantry!) and it's easily paired with brown rice or stuffed into a tortilla wrap for a quick meal.


Ingredients round up: black beans, onions, tomatoes, cumin and chili powder. Olive oil, salt and pepper not shown.


To begin, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium heat.


Chop up the onions and tomatoes.


When the oil is warm, add the onions and your spices. I use about a tablespoon of cumin and half a tablespoon of chili powder. If you like your food spicy, go ahead and dial up the heat with more chili powder or hot sauce. Let this cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft. You may have to add a little water to prevent it from getting dried out. A quarter cup should do it.


Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook this down for a few minutes.


While the tomato/onion mixture is cooking, you can wash your beans...


...and add them into the mix.


Stir it all up! Let this simmer for 5 minutes until it's heated through. That's it! I usually throw this over brown rice and add a tablespoon of plain fat free yogurt on top to keep it interesting.

Enjoy!
Rae xx

PS - In response to some email questions, I thought I would clarify that I am not vegetarian. I just happen to eat a lot of meat-free meals when I'm watching my fat and calorie count! I promise to include some more carnivorous recipes soon. ;)