We All Eat:Wonderful Bean and Rice Soup

My mother’s superpower was keeping cooking simple. We called her a ‘One Pot Wonder,’ hence the recipe name.

This simple stew will warm your kitchen and then your belly and bones. Traditionally, it is made using white beans and rice with smoked paprika. This heart-healthy meal is even better warmed the next day.

Always be creative when cooking recipes. It is easy to flip the page because you do not have white beans or smoked paprika but stop and think about your pantry. You can substitute any canned beans. Italian or Mexican seasonings can easily make this soup your own. Add a few items from your fridge, like green beans, chopped spinach, diced carrots, or cauliflower.

1 cup white rice
1 can white beans
1 can tomato sauce
5 cups veggie stock
1 onion chopped
1 pepper chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic
1 bay leaf
oil to sauté

Chop and sauté your onion and pepper in oil.
Add your tomato sauce and spices.
Open and rinse your beans.
Pour your rice into a colander and rinse until clear.
Add your stock, beans, and rice to your pan.
Bring to a boil, then lid and simmer until your rice is tender.
Serve with a small salad and bread.

On these cold winter days, it is easy to be lazy and pop something in the microwave or grab fast food on your way home from work. Save your money, spend a few minutes making a warm meal for tonight, and bring some to work for tomorrow’s lunch.