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Reader Recipe: Black Bean Tortilla Soup

Yum Community — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:50:10 -0800

This story was written by member SweetPeasMom and comes from the Kitchen Goddess group in the YumSugar Community. The soup looks like it would make a wonderful cold-weather dinner. It's quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights. Check out her recipe when you read more

Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey Chili

partysugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:01 -0700

On a cool Fall evenings, I often crave chili. While a pot that's simmered on the stove all day is intensely flavorful and satisfying, a quick week night rendition filled with aromatic spices, black beans, and chunks of turkey, is equally gratifying.

This recipe employs cooked turkey, but, if you prefer, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken or ground turkey.

Don't forget the condiments - sour cream, fresh lime wedges, and grated cheddar cheese enhance the comforting richness of the dish. To serve this rapid chili to your family, get the recipe and read more.

Turkey Chili
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 large white onion, coarsely chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
2 teaspoon packed brown sugar
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice
1 (19-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup water
2 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1-inch pieces
Accompaniments: sour cream; sliced avocado; chopped white onion; lime wedges

Directions

Cook onion and peppers in oil in a heavy medium pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes.
Add spices and brown sugar and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice, breaking them up with back of a spoon, then add beans, water, and 1 teaspoon salt and simmer, covered, 15 minutes.
Stir in turkey and let stand, covered, until heated through, 5 minutes.

Serves 6-8.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken, Rice, and Black-Bean Salad

partysugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:50:49 -0700

Who says chicken salad has to involve globs of mayonnaise and chopped celery? This recipe gives the classic salad a Southwestern-style twist.

Cooked shredded chicken is tossed with rice, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions. A quick ground cumin vinaigrette flavors the mixture. For a hearty variation, serve the salad in warmed tortillas sprinkled with cheese.

This salad is also delicious the next day, making it perfect for back-to-school lunches or late Summer picnics. Get the recipe and read more.

Chicken, Rice, and Black-Bean Salad
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

1 cup brown (or white) rice
1 cooked chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds), shredded (about 4 cups)
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
6 plum tomatoes, quartered lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 jalapeno chile (seeds and ribs removed for less heat, if desired), minced
1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Coarse salt and ground pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions

Cook rice according to package instructions. Spread on a baking sheet; refrigerate until cool.
Meanwhile place cooled rice in a large bowl; add chicken, beans, tomatoes, scallions, jalapeno, vinegar, oil, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate, covered, up to 1 day.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey and Black Bean Tostadas

partysugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:50:48 -0700

Tonight, serve your family a meal that comes together in minutes. This tostada recipe is great because it's full of flavor and texture. There's a satisfying crunch thanks to the tostada base, a crispness from the filling black bean and corn salad, and richness provided by the cheddar cheese and sour cream. Although the ingredients are classic Tex-Mex, the extra veggies make it healthier than nachos. The recipe calls for turkey, but feel free to substitute shredded chicken or ground meat. For the wildly simple method, read more.

Turkey and Black Bean Tostadas
From Every Day With Rachael Ray

Ingredients

3-1/2 ounces roast turkey, from the deli counter, finely diced (3/4 cup)
¼ cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons fresh corn kernels or thawed frozen corn
1 small ripe tomato, finely diced
Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon chipotle sauce or hot sauce, to taste
¼ cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain reduced-fat sour cream
2 flat corn tostada shells, such as Bearitos brand
1/2 cup shredded lettuce
1 tablespoon snipped chives (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, combine the turkey, black beans, corn, tomato, lime juice, chipotle sauce and cheese.
Pack the turkey mixture, sour cream, tostadas, lettuce and chives separately until ready to use. To serve, spread some sour cream on each tostada. Top each tostada with some of the turkey mixture, lettuce and chives.

Serves 2.

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Go Meat-Free With Black Bean Burgers

partysugar — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:30:27 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I catered a dinner for a group of hungry hikers. The crew spent a Saturday trekking the 14-mile round-trip up and down Mount Diablo and the meal was the shining light at the end of the walk. My sister, the leader, requested that I prepare a hearty yet meat-free vegetarian meal that included black beans. Always up to the challenge, I decided to make black bean burgers. After scouring the web for an exciting recipe, I chose this Mexican-inspired one from Gourmet.

Although I tweaked it a little, the final burger is meaty, satisfying, and incredibly scrumptious. I took the time to make fresh salsa and guacamole, but feel free to use store-bought substitutes. Whatever you do, don't leave out the condiments, they add to the burger's overall flavor. This makes a stellar vegetarian-friendly backyard dinner, so get the recipe, and read more.

Black-Bean Burgers
Modified from Gourmet

I paired these burgers with a refreshingly floral white wine sangria.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 (14-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 soft hamburger buns
sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, for serving

Directions

Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook taking care not to brown, until soft, fragrant, and translucent, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and saute for 2 more minutes.
Pour the beans, bread crumbs, spices, and cilantro into a larger bowl. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeño mixture. Using your hands, mash and crush the beans until paste-like. Form mixture into 4 patties.
Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Cook burgers until outsides are crisp and lightly browned, turning once, about 5 minutes total. Serve on buns with toppings.

Makes 4 burgers.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Cumin Chicken With Black Beans

partysugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:50:47 -0700

Take a flavorful trip south of the border with this cumin and cayenne scented chicken dish. Pounded chicken breast halves and canned black beans make this meal come together in a flash.

First the chicken is seared, then the black beans are sautéed with vegetables in the pan drippings. Sound delish? Wait till you taste this healthy and provocative dish! To get the recipe, read more.

Cumin Chicken With Black Beans
From Real Simple

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
3 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 1/4 cups cherry tomato halves
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Directions

Place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap; pound with a mallet to 1/2-inch thickness. Combine cumin with cayenne pepper and rub over chicken.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken for 4 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board.
Return the skillet with pan drippings to medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, and 3 tablespoons water and cook, stirring, 1 or 2 minutes, until ingredients are just heated through.
Remove from heat and toss with the scallions, cilantro, and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Slice chicken and arrange on top of beans.

Serves 4.

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Come Party With Me: Cinco de Mayo - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:00:01 -0700

Just because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year doesn't mean you can't entertain! I've got a delicious menu that consists of fast, yet flavorful Mexican dishes. Invite friends over for an early celebration this weekend, or wait until Tuesday evening to party on the actual date.

Start by taking some help from the store and purchase your favorite brand of guacamole and fresh tomato salsa. Supplement these dips with a quick homemade black bean salsa seasoned with garlic and jalapenos. For the main course, serve chicken enchiladas with creamy green sauce. If you're really pressed for time, make the enchiladas with a rotisserie chicken.

While the enchiladas bake, throw together a scrumptious side dish in the form of a festive watermelon and papaya salad with tequila vinaigrette. Sound delicious? Wait until you read the recipes - your mouth will be watering! Check them out now: read more.

Black Bean Salsa
From Everyday with Rachael Ray

Ingredients

Two 15-ounce cans black beans, 1 drained
1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
3/4 cup finely chopped plum tomatoes
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

Directions

Place the 2 cans of black beans in a large bowl. Using a potato masher or your hands, partially mash the beans until coarse and slightly pasty.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Season to taste with salt and Tabasco sauce, if necessary.

Makes 4 cups.

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Watermelon and Papaya Salad with Tequila Vinaigrette
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons tequila
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small papaya (3/4 pound)-peeled, seeded and cut into 1-by-1/2-inch batons (2 cups)
3/4 pound seedless, rindless watermelon, cut into 1-by-1/2-inch batons (2 cups)
1/2 pound jicama, peeled and cut into 1-by-1/2-inch batons (2 cups)
5 ounces mesclun greens
1 Hass avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk the lime juice with the tequila. Whisk in the olive oil and season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Add the papaya, watermelon, jicama and greens and toss well. Add the avocado and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper and serve right away.

Serves 4.

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Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves
Coarse salt and ground pepper
5 garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jars (16 ounces each) medium green salsa
3/4 cup heavy cream
12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely shredded (3 cups)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper; place with garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast (avoiding bone) registers 165 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine salsa and cream.
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Once chicken is cool enough to handle, shred meat, discarding skin and bones. Peel and chop garlic. In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, and 1/2 cup salsa mixture.
Stack tortillas flat, and wrap in damp paper towels; microwave on high for 1 minute to soften.
Working with one tortilla at a time, dip in salsa mixture, lay flat, and fill with 1/3 cup chicken mixture. Roll up and arrange, seam side down, 8 enchiladas lengthwise and 4 crosswise in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining salsa mixture, then cheese.
Bake until cheese is browned and salsa is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes; let rest 10 minutes. Serve, sprinkled with cilantro, if desired.

Serves 6.

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Monday's Leftovers: Black Bean Croquettes With Salsa

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:45:07 -0800

So you've got leftover legumes in the pantry. Don't pigeonhole canned beans by turning to the same staples, like chili, tacos, or beans and rice; instead, venture out of your realm to try another low-maintenance dish, like these black bean croquettes, topped with zesty salsa fresca.

Not only are they a nice break from the monotony of Winter stews, but they're also healthful and inexpensive to prepare. To make this recipe in under an hour, read more.

Black Bean Croquettes With Fresh Salsa
From Eating Well

Ingredients

2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup plain dry breadcrumbs, divided
2 cups finely chopped tomatoes
2 scallions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon chili powder, hot if desired, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 avocado, diced

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Mash black beans and cumin with a fork in a large bowl until no whole beans remain. Stir in corn and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Combine tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and salt in a medium bowl. Stir 1 cup of the tomato mixture into the black bean mixture.
Mix the remaining 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, oil and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder in a small bowl until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. Divide the bean mixture into 8 scant 1/2-cup balls. Lightly press each bean ball into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the croquettes until heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Stir avocado into the remaining tomato mixture. Serve the salsa with the croquettes.

Serves 4.

Nutritional information per serving: 405 calories, 12g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 61g carbohydrate, 16g protein, 16g fiber, 438mg sodium, 621mg potassium

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Sunday Slow Cooker: Chipotle Black Bean Soup

YumSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:00:55 -0800

This weekend, I'm hosting a book club in my home, and a few of the attendees are vegetarians. I was torn about what to make for them, but I think I've been sold by this luscious black bean soup. It's tinged with the smoky aromas of chipotle peppers and cumin, and I'm excited that I won't have to worry about frantically making it before the event, since my slow cooker's got it covered! To make this your next meal, read more.

Chipotle Black Bean Soup
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium-size red onions, chopped
1 medium-size red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 16-ounce package dried black beans
1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chiles (adobo in Latin markets)
7 cups hot water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup chopped seeded plum tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and both bell peppers and sauté until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; stir 1 minute.
Transfer mixture to 6-quart slow cooker. Add beans and chipotles, then 7 cups hot water. Cover and cook on high until beans are very tender, about 6 hours.
Transfer 2 cups bean mixture to blender; puree until smooth. Return puree to remaining soup in slow cooker.
Stir in lime juice, salt, and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Spoon dollop of yogurt into each bowl. Sprinkle with tomatoes and cilantro and serve.

Serves 6 as a main course.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Turkey and Black-Bean Soup

partysugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:45:31 -0800

A delicious, filling soup need not simmer on the stove all day, this recipe comes together in less than a half an hour. Smoky bacon, juicy turkey, and fresh spinach combine to make a dish that is balanced and flavorful.

Cocoa and chili powders provide Mexican-style aromas. Leftover chicken is a great substitute for the turkey.

To look at the recipe - this soup would be a great meal the day after Thanksgiving - read more.

Turkey and Black-Bean Soup
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

1/4 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (one 15-ounce can)
1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1 2/3 cups drained and rinsed canned black beans (one 15-ounce can)
1 1-pound piece cooked deli turkey, cut into 1/2-by-1/2-by-1/4-inch slices
10 ounces spinach, stems removed, leaves washed and cut crosswise into 1-inch strips

Directions

In a large stainless-steel pot, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot.
Reduce the heat to moderately low. Add the onion to the pot and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cocoa, Tabasco sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the black beans and turkey to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and the bacon. Cook until the spinach just wilts, about 1 minute.

Serves 4.

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