Beans n Greens n Grains

This dish is another family favorite! Yes, even my 13 yo son likes it. It provides good protein and fiber, is inexpensive and easy to make. Also, if you plan ahead by preparing the rice and shredding the lettuce at an earlier time, this is basically fast-food. It makes great left-overs, too.

Estimated protein for dish: 58 grams
Could easily serve 4: about 15 g protein per serving

Ingredients
About 1 1/2 cups dry brown rice (or another whole grain) plus water per cooking intructions
2 Cans of beans (we like black and pinto for this recipe)
Jar of salsa (green chili salsa is good if you don't like tomatoes ;)
1-2 heads of lettuce (variety)

Directions
-Prepare the rice (brown rice usually takes about an hour)
-Wash and chop lettuce
-Drain the beans and put in medium sauce pan
-Add salsa to the beans. Start with half then add more to your desired consistency.
-Heat through
-Layer: lettuce, rice, beans. Or throw it all into a bowl and stir. Whatever. It's all goooood.

Options: add avocado/guacamole for healthy-fat content. If you really, really have to have cheese, there are many non-dairy options usually found in "health" food stores, but they are slowly being found in regular grocery stores. Roll into a tortilla. Scoop onto corn chips. Add green onions, peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos...

(plus a can of pinto beans)

(I was a little creative during
the winter holiday season)

Kitchen Snippets
"Smidgen, Pinch, Dash"
(I don't remember where I got them)

Something else I didn't know: Once our digestive system is free from animal products and adapts to beans, beans won't cause the bloating and flatulence for which they are blamed. Much of the bad rap for beans grew out of short-term studies in the 60s that didn't account for our body's ability to adapt. Dairy products are actually the leading cause of flatulence.
The good news: Our body adapting to beans is the good news because beans are so good for us! They are a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. We can survive and thrive on a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet. More good news: tastebuds CAN change. I never liked beans (except jellybeans). Now I love them!