I’m a sucker for puns. I’ll admit it.
I wanted another easy night, plus I had a bunch of leftover cannellini beans from Monday’s supper. I bought dry beans from the bulk dispenser and didn’t realize until I got home how much I’d actually purchased. I make this mistake with all my bulk items – it always looks like less food in the big store! I’m going to try to start measuring my scoops. Does this happen to anyone else?
I remember it always happening when I worked in a store that sold televisions (R.I.P. Circuit City) – people wanted the big set in the store, then it took up their whole living room. Of course, that was so long ago people were buying CRTs and they really were huge pieces of furniture.
I turned to a cookbook that has an usually high percentage of cannellini recipes: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker. Not only did this give me a dozen white bean recipes to choose from, but I knew that the recipe would require minimal work.
I put this chili together during my lunch break, and it was ready to eat at 6 p.m., which is already earlier than I typically eat. This is made from onion, garlic, crushed tomato, white beans, canned hominy, jalapeno, chili powder and other spices, and some water. That’s it. Compared to the chili I usually make, this seemed super-simple, and I almost worried I’d end up in front of a bowl of beans.
The chili was delicious. Winner! I steamed some kale to go along with it and that was really good in some of the tomato sauce. I hesitated to put them in the same bowl, but Alex and I both found this to be a great combination.
Oh, I’ve been snapping photos of the cats for work, they’re doing a show-and-tell kind of thing, so I figured I’d show them off here too. I don’t have a problem with pet photos next to the food – do you?
The pictures above are of two cats, whereas this is four photos of one cat, Athena, who’s been with me for seven years and through a string of roommates. I think Alex is her favorite, though. She’s still being a crabby old lady to the new guys, but things are getting better.
I actually had to google hominy. Do you know if it has any health benefits? Your chili looks wonderful and so pretty with those white beans! I love the cat pics! I love when you can snap a shot when they are yawning or meowing those are the best.
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky you can come home at lunch time. Your cats are gorgeous -- 'Fuzziweena' is a nice name.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of slow-cooked chili waiting for you at the end of the day! Totally zero fuss. The white beans gave it a nice color too, compared to typical red kidney beans.
ReplyDeleteThe chili-kale-blue corn chip combo sounds perfect! I'll have to try adding hominy to chili...it's something I want to try and use more often...thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteNo problems with pets and food together in my book. Your kitties are lovely...and those shots of Athena are great...it would make a great wall poster or similar: "the various phases of a yawn"
Kittie cuteness!!! Love the alleycat rescue kitties (black cats are my fave!) and Athena looks like a regal old lady. :-) Also, I must check out that slow cooker book. I keep meaning to buy it. I can't get enough hominy.
ReplyDeleteSo, I've never had hominy! Your chili looks yummy though. Sounds like a good combination with the kale and chips!
ReplyDeleteAwe..your cats are too cute! No problem with animals being close to food with me. My dog sits right beside most of the time when I eat. Of course I usually sit in the floor... :o)
Hey guys, thanks for the compliments on the cats. I think they're adorable, especially in photos where they're not stealing my hair ties.
ReplyDeleteI've only had hominy once, besides in grits. My mom made it and I don't think any of us enjoyed it. In the chili, though, it was a nice texture contrast to the beans. I don't know whether it has any specific health benefits. On top of that, the only hominy I could find in my grocery store was the store brand can (Kroger). It must not be very popular here.
I am home for lunch every day. I telecommute to an office more than 500 miles away. This gives me plenty of time for cooking (no commute!). When I cooked in the slow cooker, I actually didn't know what to do with myself because supper was taken care of! I need to work on how to relax...