Five Dollar Dinners: Southern Beans and Rice

When most of us think of southern food we think of fatty, fried, and delicious.  However, there's a whole other side to Southern cooking that rarely gets a showing.  Soul food, as it's often called, has its basis in simple, fresh, home-cooked items.  In expensive is the name of the game becuase historically these were farm cooks trying to make the most of what they had.  This recipe for beans and rice is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Vegetarian Southern Beans and Rice

Dried beans ($1 for a pound)
Onion, celery, carrot ($1 for one piece of each)
Green Pepper ($.50 for half)
Veggie stock ($.50 for roughly two cups)
Brown rice ($.50 for half pound)
Diced tomatoes ($1 for a can)
Sour cream or cheese ($.50 for a little topping)

Soak beans for at least a few hours, or better, overnight.  Chop and saute veggies for a few minutes to get a little color on them before adding the beans.  Add just enough water to cover the beans.  Keep adding just enough water to keep them covered.  Cook until beans are nearly done, but not yet soft.  Add stock, tomatoes, and rice.  Cook until rice and beans are finished.  Add salt if needed, and top with cheese or sour cream.  Yummy and healthy!