Happy Friday! I finally got over my sickness and I am feeling better. So looking forward to the weekend! I was thinking about the foods I grew to love and wanted to highlight some of the ways I love eating them. First up, black beans!

This week, I had a craving for black bean soup. Usually I just combine black beans, broth and spices, but I wanted to kick it up a notch this time around and add some more veggies. So I combined:
*2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
*2 cups veggie broth
*Garlic
*1 can of diced tomatoes
*1 green pepper, chopped
*1 onion, chopped
*Sprinkling of oregano and chili powder

I sauteed the green pepper, onion and garlic, then added the remaining ingredients. I let it simmer on the stove for about 45 minutes before eating. I’ll probably add more broth next time to make it more soupy.

Another favorite use for black beans is something I got from an issue of Women’s Health a long time ago. Its easy to make, but a little messy to eat. This sad, little picture doesn’t do it justice (flat food does not photograph well, no?), but its good for part of a simple lunch-dinner.

You’ll need:
*1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
*1 can of diced tomatoes
*Garlic (I usually use about 2-3 cloves)
*Cumin
*Cooking spray
*Cheese (I usually use whatever shredded kind I have on hand)
*Whole wheat tortillas

On the stove, combine the black beans, tomatoes, garlic and cumin on medium heat. Stirring occasionally, let this sit on the stove for about 5-10 minutes. Next, you’ll want to spray a cooking pan with some cooking spray and place the tortillas on it. Load half of it with some of the mixture for the stove, top with cheese and place it in the oven. I typically use the broil on my toaster oven. Flip over when the tortilla starts to get a little brown and crispy. When the other side is done, its ready to eat.

Do you use canned or dried beans? I’ll admit, I am in the habit of using canned beans – it really is just so much more convenient and I can stock up when its on sale. I also try to use fresh tomatoes when I can, but again, the diced is just so much more convenient and I prefer to save my fresh tomatoes for my salads and sandwiches. Part of the convenience factor stems from living with roommates for the past four years – I lived in apartments with at least four other people and fridge space was scarce. Its a hard habit to break, but I’m going to make an effort to use dried beans.

Hope everyone had a good Friday and an even better weekend!