The Canadian Bean Council, several years ago, produced a pamphlet advising that baked beans are the original comfort food, being “delicious, nutritious and convenient.”
Based on the assumption that every cupboard contains a can or two of pork and beans, the pamphlet provides several recipes for quick and easy meals with beans as the star ingredient.
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Quick Country Chili
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1-14 oz. can pork and beans in tomato sauce
1-7 1/2 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tsps. chili powder
In a large frying pan, sauté meat, garlic, onion and green pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in beans, tomato sauce, water and chilli powder. Bring to a boil then simmer for five minutes. Makes 4 servings.
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Baked Beans With Chops
1 lb. boneless pork chops, trimmed
2 tbsps. flour
2 tbsps. vegetable oil
1-14 oz. can pork and beans with molasses
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 small apple, peeled and cored
2 tbsps. brown sugar
Coat chops with flour. Heat oil in frying pan and brown chops on both sides. Drain on a paper towel.
Combine beans, onion, vinegar and mustard in a shallow baking dish. Dice half the apple and add to beans. Place chops on top of beans. Place an apple slice on each chop. Cover dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
Remove lid and sprinkle with brown sugar. Return to oven for 10 minutes or until chops are tender. Makes 4 servings.
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Vegetable Bean Stew
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 cup kernel corn
1-14 oz. can pork and beans in tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp. salt
Biscuits:
1 1/4 cups biscuit mix
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup milk
In a saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Saute carrots and onions until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in zucchini, corn, beans, basil, oregano and salt and heat through.
Pour into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Combine the biscuit mix and cheese and with a fork, stir in milk to form a stiff dough. Drop by spoonful onto vegetable mixture then bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 4 servings.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
