Monday, May 2, 2011

Taco Chili Beans


Out For a Snow Hike

Last week I woke up to another morning of chill and snow! I've been struggling with my diet recently, craving a lot of breads, I think it might simply be a craving for comfort foods so I thought I would make something nice, warm, and filling.

Bring on the spices.

Spicy!

I used to be terrified of 'over-spicing' my cooking and I would always end up chronically under-spiced. Since my trip to West Africa my appreciation of spice has flourished and I'm slowly cultivating the same in Brian (or at least trying to). I now say go CRAZY with spices, they give richness and pow without a huge load of calories! 

I made these beans as chili initially but I found out pretty quickly that they make an excellent dip for tortilla chips and great filling for veggie tacos.

Taco Chili Beans

1 can black beans
1 can white kidney beans
2 medium onions
2 ribs of celery
2 tomatoes
1 small scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
3 cloves garlic
4 teaspoons chili powder
4 teaspoons paprika
5 teaspoons cumin
3 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/3 cup water

Veggies
Drain and rinse both cans of beans, set aside.

Chop onions and celery and saute until translucent. Add chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and minced scotch bonnet, saute on lower heat to ensure the garlic doesn't burn. 

Toss in all the spices. 

After a minute of sauteing the spices and veggies, add the beans and stir to coat everything in the delicious (and sneeze inducing) mixture. 

Whisk the tomato paste into the water and pour it over the dry beans/spices/veggies. Stir it well to create a sauce.

At this point I like to get out my potato masher and crush about 1/3 of the bean mixture to thicken the dish. I like the texture this gives, otherwise I think of it too much as beans and sauce! 

Simmer it for a few minutes and you have chili! 

Chili


On the workout front:

After just the second week of Survivor Bootcamps I'm starting to notice changes in my body. I know it seems silly, but it has taken me a long time to become aware of my physical self throughout the weightless process.

The other night I asked Brian if my butt was getting bigger and he declined comment! 
I have to say I think it's getting rounder and that's really exciting for me. If I can keep that in mind while we're running up hills, doing squats, or walking lunges I think I'll have an easier time of them.

I missed one Bootcamp last week on Friday in favour of writing my very last final exam (hurray!) so now I'm feeling a little bit of anxiety about tonight. I know once I get to the park and get outside I'll slide right into it but sometimes the initial push is really tough! 

I'll keep motivated by dreaming of warmer weather and a new swimsuit...