Monday's Recipes

My Meatless Monday started with...

Crock Pot Refried Beans

3 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 small onion (chopped as small as possible if you have a picky eater) OR 2 Tbsp dried minced onion

4 cups water

3 cups chicken broth, beef broth, or veggie broth (This time, I used leftover turkey broth.)

1 1/2 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp minced garlic

1/4 tsp ground cumin

*Next 2 ingredients added to final steps... NOT the crock pot.

*1/2 cup Daisy Sour Cream

*1/2 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (Whatever you have in the fridge will work. We used Colby Jack this time.)

-Put first 7 ingredients in a crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours (the longer you cook the mushier they will get... you will need to add more water if you let it go longer).

-After they are done, empty all the contents of your crock pot into your food processor. Mash the beaners up to a smooth consistency. NOW add the sour cream and cheese. Mix until they are combined into the beans.

-Store in whatever containers you have available, and put in the fridge. It will last about 3-4 days.

Taco Seasoning

2 1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp dried Italian Seasoning

1/2 tsp paprika

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

-Mix all of the above in a baby food jar, small plastic container, ziploc baggie, empty spice bottle, or whatever small container you may have sitting around. Store with the rest of your spices. (we usually double this recipe because we use it quickly)

Meatless Meat

3 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cup red lentils, rinse them and drain

1/2 an onion chopped OR 2 Tbsp dried, minced onion

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 Tbsp fresh snipped cilantro OR 1 tsp dried cilantro (I never have fresh cilantro. This ingredient is optional.)

2 tsp taco seasoning (add more if you like spicier foods... some of our kids do not)

-In a medium saucepan stir all together. Bring to boil. Then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes. Use a fork to mash the lentils if you'd like (I usually forget this step... doesn't matter though, it still tastes the same.)

Tortillas

I am not sharing my tortilla recipe yet. It's not right yet... Rather, Joe and the kids loved it, but I did not. I LOVE flavor and these had none. They were good, but if you are going from store bought tortillas to this then your taste buds will get a shock! It is not hard to find a recipe online. Google tortilla recipes and pick one to try.

Now, for the final product!

Take your homemade tortilla and top it with delicious refried beans, spicy lentils, shredded cheese, salsa or pico (My pico recipe is missing... will get on that one soon!), and a dollop of Daisy. Now, enjoy all that yummy hard work! If you are going to try this, and have any questions, feel free to ask!