I am in the middle of planning our trip to Disney ( More info soon), and my daughter’s birthday which is Today.  My head goes in a million directions every time I try to stop and think.  This week’s meal deal is based on not having to use my brain.  This is a great Pantry meal!  You can have all of the ingredients ready to go in the pantry, and throw this meal together in no time!  Plus, the ingredients are always super cheap!  My kind of meal.

My friend Meagan over at Frugal Fun and Fortune is a vegetarian.  I put this on my list of meals to make because she got me thinking about the fact that I haven’t posted anything vegetarian yet.   I would love to try to be a vegetarian, just one problem, I think it would kill me.   Don’t get me wrong!  I completely admire anyone who is a vegetarian!  I can only imagine that it can be a very healthy lifestyle! I just don’t think I could do it personally.  However, this meal is completely vegetarian and delicious.  One bowl and you will be stuffed!

Check the meal deal after the recipe.  These are the prices I paid this week at Publix for these items.  As always, there are options.  Other stores, Stockpiling, etc.

Black Beans

Black Beans Printable Version

• 1 16oz package dry black beans
• 1 tsp. dry oregano
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• ½ cup chopped Bell pepper
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 tomato
• Extra diced onion for on top of beans (optional)

Place dry black beans in a large pot of water on the stove.  Allow to soak overnight.

Drain and rinse beans.  Place back in pot.  Add about 4 cups of water, just enough to cover.

In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add Bell pepper, onion, and garlic.  Sauté until onion is translucent.  Add to beans in pot.

Take a whole tomato and cut it into quarters and place it in the pot with the beans.

Add your seasonings; Oregano, Salt, and a dash of pepper.  Place lid on beans and leave on medium heat for 2 hours.

DO NOT stir.  Allow beans to cook.  If needed add water to the pot.  After 2 hours you may stir and taste the beans.  Add more salt if needed, recover and cook and additional 30-45 minutes.

Didn't add onion to the top of mine. Hubby did though! It just depends on what you like!

Serve with rice.

*TRICKS*

After soaking, follow the above directions, but place in a crockpot on low for 8-10 hours.   Just as delicious!

You can also use canned beans, but I get better results with the dry.

Limit the stirring.  You don’t want your beans to get mushy!

Yellow Rice

I cheat!  I purchase the Vigo Yellow Rice mix.  It comes in a yellow bag on the rice isle.  This is the easiest and best way I have found to make yellow rice without going to the expense of purchasing Saffron.  A family size bag costs $1.25! Can’t beat that! Grab a small bag of frozen peas to mix in and you are good to go!

Meal Deal

Here is what you will need for this weeks meal deal

• 1 bag of Black Beans $1.00
• 1 bag of Vigo yellow rice (Family size) $1.25
• 1 Large Onion $1.15
• 1 Bell Pepper $1.25
• 1 Tomato $1.00
• 1 Bag of frozen Peas $1.25

Total for all ingredients $6.90

Divide by 4

$1.73 per person!

If you were to order this at a Cuban Restaurant you are looking at at least $7 a plate!

You could add a loaf of Cuban Bread for an extra $2.39 from the Pubix Bakery.  Seems kind of high, but oohhh….so good!

You could most certainly make this meal cheaper by using items from your stockpile.  This price is just if you had to purchase it all today!

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