2013: Eating Better to be Better- Black and Red Bean Soup

I want to say Happy 2013 to everyone. I hope this year is better to you than last year.I am still continuing to eat healthy this year as a continuation from last year. Because the result were so great and the process is easy and fairly painless, not to mention fun for me, I figured why not. I have lost over 35 pounds since I have changed my eating habits, so forward I continue. Don't get me wrong, I am far from a health nut, and splurge on the things that I crave sometimes, but the majority of the time, I am sticking to what works for me, and that is portion control. Yes, I still eat meat and ice cream and such when I desire, but everything in moderation.So the first meal I want to share with you for 2013 is: Red and Black Bean Soup. Here's what you will need:1 16oz bag dried black beans- sort and rinse1 16oz bag dried red beans- sort and rinse1-2 green bell pepper roughly diced1-2 large white or yellow onion diced1-2 leeks washed and sliced4-6 Roma tomatoes diced6-8 cloves of garlic dicedCooked brown rice (does not have to be fresh made, can be leftover)Kosher saltDried red chiliDried basilDried parsleyOlive or grapeseed oilThis takes a few hours but it is simple. Grab a large stock pot and add 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it get hot and then add onions and garlic. Sauté onion and garlic until they become aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.Add in both beans and mix together

Added water to the mixture, fill to 3/4 from the lip of the pot

Season with kosher salt, 2 dried chili, 2 tablespoons of dried basil and dried parsley

Mix and let come to a rolling boil then turn down and let boil for about 1 and half hours or until the beans are soften, but not quite done

When the beans start to soften, but aren't quite done as mentioned before, added in leeks, tomatoes and green bell pepper. Additionally, taste the liquid and add extra seasoning as you desired

Let the beans boil for another hour or until the beans are tender.You can eat this alone or if you are looking for this soup to be more filling, add a little brown rice to the bottom of your serving bowl or eating bowl

then added beans and broth on top

Mix together and eat hot. This lasted my family several days and is great on a cold or rainy day, or any day... So you have your fiber, soup and multiple veggies, and because the beans with the rice is so hardy, you really don't need meat. Until next time, cook, eat and enjoy!