Easy Cheap Recipes

Yum, Yum, Yum.  This makes a lot so you can easily cut it in half, but I usually choose to make the whole batch and have leftovers. I start with dried beans because they are cheaper, but if you have canned or prefer the convenience of course that is fine.  Just skip the 40 minute simmer.

1 lb dried red kidney beans

2 quarts water

1/4 lb diced salt pork or bacon

2 cups chopped onions

4 cloves garlic minced

2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2-4 tsp chili powder (your preference)

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp cumin

6 oz can tomato paste

8 oz can tomato sauce

Soak the beans at least 8 hours or overnight in the water. Put on the stove and simmer until tender about 40-45 minutes.  Fry the bacon or salt pork until crisp, add onions and garlic and saute until just starting to get some color. Add all of the seasonings, tomato paste, tomato sauce and simmer 15 minutes. Drain beans, reserving 2 cups of liquid.  Add beans to tomato sauce along with the 2 cups of liquid. Cover and simmer 45 minutes more.  Serve over rice.

Originally posted 2009-02-15 12:35:47.