Plantains with Black Beans and Rice

 
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Protein is essential for your body; it is needed for the production of hormones (eg glucagon!), neurotransmitters and antibodies; it aids in growth and repair tissue. And without getting all “nutrition-y”, essential amino acids are not produced by our bodies. We MUST consume them. Here is a wonderful, vegan recipe (legumes + grains = complete vegetarian protein!). 

Ingredients:

  • 1 serving of rice of choice (follow instructions on package)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 14-oz. cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • Zest of lime
  • 3-4 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
  • 3-4 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 2 ripe plantains (yellow or black in color), peeled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  • Dice yellow onion and mince garlic.
  • Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, approximately 8 mins (stirring occasionally).
  • Drain and rinse black beans. Add to veggies.
  • Add spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, cayenne. Add zest and juice of lime. Stir.
  • Add vegetable broth or water and chopped cilantro. Allow to simmer while you sauté plantains.
  • Heat olive oil in saute pan. Sauté sliced plantains over medium high heat, 2-3 mins per side until golden.
  • Serve: add rice to a bowl, top with beans and plantains. Top with some fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime. Adjust salt as needed. I top mine with guacamole and fresh mango. Enjoy!!!!
Salads, Veggies and SidesCarol BevilrecipeComment