Black Bean Brownies

What is that you say? Well, I thought the same thing until I tried it. They are not as rich as regular brownies, but they are still quite good and a "little" more healthy for you.

1 box brownie mix
1 can black beans

Blend black beans in blender until pureed. Place beans back in can and add water till full to top of can.
Add to brownie mix (DO NOT need to add the eggs, water or oil)
Bake in pan according to directions on box.

Easy Black Bean Burritos

1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
salsa
1 cup rice
Tortillas

Cook rice. On stove or in microwave, warm up beans and corn. Mix beans and corn with rice. Stir in salsa. Serve in tortillas with cheese, lettuce... whatever you like.

Creamy White Chili

The best chili I've ever eaten, though not traditional. Some people make a similar soup with no added cream/sour cream. I consider cornbread a must to go along with this.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut to ½” cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder (or use fresh garlic)
1 T. vegetable oil
2 (15.5 oz) cans great northern beans, rinsed & drained
1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth (or use bouillon)
1 or 2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chile
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
½ tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 C. (8 oz) sour cream
½ C. whipping cream

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Sauté chicken, onion, and garlic in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chile, and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and whipping cream. Serve immediately.

Black Bean Soup/Chili/Dip

This is my husband's all-time favorite to eat, and my favorite to make (SO easy). Everything is optional except the beans, broth, and salsa. So skip whatever steps you don't have time/ingredients for. Make it thin and soupy, or thick to eat as a chip dip, or anywhere in between. Make sure you've got tortilla chips on hand.

1-2 cups chunky salsa
2 cans black beans, drained
1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (depending on desired consistency)
½ C onion, chopped (or dried onion)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
Juice from 1/2 lime
1 tsp. cumin
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Sour cream or plain yogurt

Cook the onion and garlic in a small amount of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, for about five minutes. Puree one can of beans and the broth in blender. Add puree and other can of beans to saucepan, along with salsa, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

*Add cooked chicken, hamburger, ham, or anything else you have on hand!