Cooking with the greatest 90's one hit wonder

I’ve been wearing shorts for the past week.

Not the same shorts of course. 

Even if I did you wouldn’t judge, would you? 

It’s just nuts to go from this:

to this:

in three weeks time.

Last week's post mentioned red beans and rice, and never ever being one to disappoint (heh heh), here we go. Side note: every time I say “red beans and rice” in my head, I can’t not follow it up with “ Didn’t miss her!” 

Sir Mix a lot pops up in my brain more than he does in normal people I suspect.

Red Beans and Rice

1 lb bag dry kidney beans

6 cups water + 3 vegetable bouillon cubes or 2 tbsp better than bouillon (but plain water would work too)

1.5 cups brown rice

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 large yellow onion, diced

4 bell peppers, diced

1 14-16 oz turkey kielbasa, cut into thin coins (could omit as traditional red beans and rice is just that)

The directions on the beans will tell you that you need to soak overnight. Nah, ya don’t. Simmer (covered) in the bouillon water for about 90 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile make rice according to package directions. When those beans are done, scoop out about 2 cups of the liquid and drain the rest. Add cooked rice, onion, pepper, kielbasa, and Cajun seasoning. Cover and cook on medium low, stirring every few minutes, until veggies are tender- about 10 minutes. Serve up!

Nutritionally this works because the beans + rice together yield a complete protein. Proteins are made from amino acids. There are 9 amino acids our body cannot make itself (termed “essential amino acids”), so while both the rice and the beans as solo foods are incomplete proteins, together they deliver the 9 essentials. Make sense? This is why vegetarians aren’t up a creek with protein deficiencies.

Makes six servings. Per serving: 315 calories, 50 g carbs, 5 g fat, 22 g protein, 8 g fiber

And now if you're walking away singing something about workout tapes by Fonda, you can blame me.