Food Pantry and Budget Recipes

  How to cook beans   1 cup dried beans (e.g., black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans)   Water   Salt (optional)   Directions : 1.       Sort and Rinse the Beans:  Spread the dried beans on a clean surface (such as a baking sheet) and remove any debris, damaged beans, or small stones.   Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water in a colander or strainer.   2.       Soak the Beans (Optional):   Soaking the beans can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. While soaking is optional, it is required for some beans like kidney beans, which may contain toxins when raw.   To soak the beans, place them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight.   After soaking, drain and rinse the beans before cooking.   3.       Cook the Beans:  In a large pot, add the soaked or unsoaked beans.   Cover...

  Black bean fudge brownies 1- 15-oz can black beans 3 large eggs 3 Tbsp flavorless oil, like canola or sunflower 1 tsp vanilla ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ⅔ cup sugar ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp finely ground or instant coffee optional ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Wets : Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Puree black beans in food processor into a rough paste. In a large bowl, mix together the bean puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Dries : In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and coffee (if using). Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips. Bake : Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan, then line with parchment paper. Pour in batter and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are visibly cooked and the center doesn’t jiggle much when you shake the pan (a toothpick may still come out a little gooey, that’s fine!) * Allow brownies to cool before cutting. Serve and enjoy!

  Bean and Vegetable Soup 2 cans mixed beans (e.g., black beans, kidney beans)   2 cans mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, green beans)   (Canned potatoes are really good in this.) 2 cans diced tomatoes 2-4 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)   Salt and pepper to taste         Directions :   1.       Combine the mixed beans, mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes in a large pot with the water or broth.   2.       Heat over medium heat until the soup is heated through.   3.       Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Optional- Add extra spices you have on hand.

  Bean and Barley Soup 2 cups of water 1 can of tomatoes 1 cup of barley 1 can of beans (any kind) 1 can of mixed vegetables Place tomatoes, water and barley in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender (one hour or less.) Add beans and mixed vegetables. Heat and serve. If available, you can add one beef or chicken bouillon cube, and/or onion or garlic powder or flakes, and/or pepper - when cooking the tomatoes, water and barley.

  Mixed Bean Salad 2 cans mixed beans, drained (such as black beans, kidney beans) 1 can of corn, drained 1 can diced tomatoes Lime juice or vinegar to taste Garlic powder to taste Directions: 1.      Drain and rinse the beans and corn. 2.      Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Season to taste.  3.      Serve with chips or as a side dish. 

  Easy pasta and beans 3 cups uncooked pasta 1 tsp olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can garbanzo beans 1 tsp salt 1.      Cook pasta according to directions. 2.      Heat large skillet over medium heat, add oil and garlic, Sauté until golden.  Add salt and red pepper.  Cook for one minute. 3.      Add half of the beans and smash until a paste forms. 4.      Add 1/4 -1/2 cup pasta water to soften garbanzo paste.  5.      Add remaining beans and canned tomatoes to form the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.  Combine with cooked pasta and mix well. Serve and enjoy!  

  Rice and Beans 2 cups of rice 2 large cans of red kidney beans 1 small can of 'little white beans' 1 48 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce Directions : Cook rice. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until it's hot or until you're ready to eat. Season to taste with chili and garlic powder. Stir and add a little water as needed.

  Chili Con Carne 1 can of chili beans and sauce 1 can of stewed or diced tomatoes 1 can of red kidney beans or baked beans   Directions : Mix all ingredients together and heat well. Try serving this dish with toast and carrot sticks. If available - add precooked chopped meat or precooked hamburger and 1 fried onion.

  Bean and Rice Casserole   2-4 cups cooked rice   2 cans of mixed beans (e.g., black beans, kidney beans)   1 can diced tomatoes   1 can corn   1 cup shredded cheese (optional)   Salt and pepper to taste   Optional- Add taco seasoning to mixture before baking        Directions :   1.        Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).   2.       In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, mixed beans, diced tomatoes, and corn.   3.       Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.   4.       If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.   5.       Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.   Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.