Saturday, March 2, 2013

Black Bean and Rice Bake

My mom and I made this for dinner from one of her cookbooks. We changed the recipe a bit with the spices and made it vegetarian. However, you can easily use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth like the original recipe called for. Enjoy!

Also- sorry for the crappy picture! I forgot my camera at home and had to use my phone :(

Black Bean and Rice Bake
Adapted from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Comfort Food Cookbook
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Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Makes: 5 servings

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups vegetable broth
1 package (5.6 ounce) Spanish rice mix
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cups thinly sliced yellow squash and zucchini 
1 can (10 ounce) diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp paparika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp cayene red pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 salt
1 can (16 ounce) black beans, drained
1 1/2 cups shredded 4-cheese Mexican cheese blend

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine broth, rice mix, and oil oil. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and summer for 6 to 8 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together squash, diced tomatoes, seasonings. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.
4. Spread beans in bottom of prepared casserole dish and top with 3/4 cup of the cheese. Spoon half of the squash mixture over cheese. Top with cooked rice. Spoon remaining squash mixture over top and sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.
Black Bean and Rice Bake

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Introduction

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to start about by explaining a little bit more about myself and the blog I plan on creating.

Right now, I am just starting off the spring semester of my second year in college. Unfortunately, this means very limited time, money, and transportation to a grocery store. Not to mention, I have no way of preparing or cooking any food. I have no bowls, knives, spatulas, oven, or stove to use. I have only one barely functioning microwave in my dorm hall's lounge that seriously reeks of popcorn and easy mac. Understandably, these are not the most favorable conditions to start experimenting with some recipes I've been wanting to try. As soon as I have a functional kitchen, I will start posting my favorite recipes for you to enjoy as well! I hope to post my first recipe(s) over spring break (Feburary 27-March 3). From then, I will post over my Easter break (March 27-31) and continue posting throughout my busy summer when I find time. If all goes well, my roommates and I are excited to possibly receive a house in the student neighborhood for the next academic year. And yes, the house comes with a beautiful brand new kitchen! I plan on posting "college student friendly" recipes (including ratings from my wonderful roommates) regularly starting in the fall this year. Being a student myself, I believe "college student friendly" recipes are affordable, simple, healthy, and really really yummy! I'm looking forward to adding to my blog soon so keep checking back!

Thanks so much for visiting!
-Meredith