BEANS, BEANS AND MORE BEANS

Being Latina, I have had beans in my diet almost since day one. I have had a variety of beans cooked in every shape and fashion you can imagine. I love them. They enhance rice, they are a great side dish or as the main meal. No one made White Bean Soup like my grandmother. Her pots were enormous. She has since passed and even though my mother and my sister know how to make the dish, it is just not the same.
Beans are full of protein. And they are so versatile.

When our church was going through the Daniel-Fast, my neighbor had some chickpeas and raisins that she had mixed together. Chickpeas go back to Biblical times. 7500 year old remains of chickpeas have been found in the Middle East. Her dish immediately reminded me of some colleagues from the Middle East. At a previous job, we had a workshop where chemical technicians from around the world attended. And several were vegetarian. I had to make sure we always had some good dishes for them. One that the caterer we contracted brought was chickpeas with raisins. So I did some research online and found the dish. It is wonderful. Sweet, savory and spicy.  Here is a recipe to share

Couscous Pilaf with Chick peas, Raisins, Cumin and Cinnamon

Ingredients:
2 cups instant couscous
2 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tbsp
1 large onion, minced
2 garlic cloves minced
2 med. carrots, peeled and diced
2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup of water
1 large can chick peas, drained
1/3 cup dark seedless raisins
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsely or mint
salt to taste
Fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Directions:
Bring water and 1 tbs. olive oil to a rolling boil. Add couscous,cover and turn off heat. Let stand until water is absorbed, about5 min. Add the extra tablespoon of olive oil to moisten. Heat remaining olive oil in a medium skillet and saute onions and carrots for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne and stir in skillet for one minute. Add water and stir for another minute. Add chickpeas to skillet and saute for 2 mins. Combine couscous with remaining ingredients in a large bowl, season with salt and serve. Sprinkle lemon juice on top (optional). Serve either warm or at room temperature. Serves: 4-6Preparation time: 35 min.


The beauty of this dish is that you can add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers as shown in this picture.
I have been trying to eat a lot less meat.  With this dish, a side salad and some Flatout bread you will eat a wonderful meal.  Enjoy!