Refried Beans

Here is my recipe for homemade refried beans. These taste a lot better than store bought plus you know what you are getting/eating. I love to eat refried beans especially now I'm trying to stay vegan. Refried beans for soft taco's or just some dip for some nacho chips is always good to have around. So here is the recipe

Ingredients:

1 Can of Pinto Beans Drained and Rinsed
1 Can of Borlotti Beans Drained and Rinsed
2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
1 Small Onion, Chopped
2 Tsp of Cumin
1 Tsp of Smoked Paprika
1//2 Tsp of Salt
Pepper.
Some Organic Sunflower oil (or oil of your choice)

You can use more of less of the Cumin or Paprika if you choose..The measurements that I put is just the way I like it.

Directions:

Chop the onion and garlic, put some oil in pan and bring it to warm then add onion and garlic and saute for about 3 mins on medium heat. Then add the beans, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper and saute for a further 5-8 mins. Once done add to a food processor and blend till smooth (add about a tbsp of oil or butter to make it more creamy).

Enjoy.

Guacamole

Here is a pretty easy and yummy guacamole recipe for you. You will enjoy it and so will your friends. It also makes a great spread for sandwiches.

Ingredients: 
4 medium tomatoes
4 avocados
juice of 1 lime
1/2 small onion
2 garlic cloves
small bunch of coriander (cilantro)
1 red (fresno) chilli, do more if you wish
Salt

Directions:
Cut a cross in the base of each tomato. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and pour over boiling water to cover. Leave the tomatoes in the water for about 3 minutes. Drain, then instantly pour cold water over them. Drain. The skins will have begun to peel back on their own. Remove the skins, cut the tomatoes in half, remove the seeds using a teaspoon, then chop roughly and put aside. 

Cut the avocados in half then remove the stones. Scoop out the flesh and place it in a food processor. Process till smooth. You might have to do this for awhile till its smooth and scrape down the sides to get it all processed. Then scrape into a bowl and add the lime juice.

Chop the onion finely and crush the garlic. Add both to the avocado and mix well.

Remove the stalks from the chilli(es) slit them and scrape out the seeds. Chop the chillies finely and add them to the mixture with the chopped tomatoes and mix. Check that its good, add some salt for flavor. Cover and chill for about 1 hour.

Hint: Bought guacamole usually has mayo, which helps to preserve the avocado. This doesn't so will last about 2-3 days. 

Mango Salsa

Pretty easy Mango Salsa to make for a topping on fish or chicken or perhaps just for a snack.

Ingredients:

2 fresh red (fresno) chillies
2 ripe mangoes
1/2 white onion
bunch of coriander (cilantro)
Juice of 1 lime

Directions:Dry fry the chillies in a frying pan till the skin is scorched. Once scorched place the chillies in a zip lock bag and seal for about 20 mins. Meanwhile cut off a thick slice the mango close to the flat side of the stone. Then turn it around and do the same on the other side. Slice the flesh on each think slice with criss-cross lines at about 1/2 inch intervals, do not cut through the skin. Repeat with the second mango. 

Fold the the mango halves inside out so the mango flesh stands out. Slice each piece off the skin and into a bowl. Cut the pieces to the size desired.

Remove the chillies from the bag and carefully peel off the skin. Cut off the stalk, slice in half and de-seed.

Chop the onion and the coriander finely and add them to the diced mango. Chop the chillies finely and add it the mixture. Add the lime juice and mix. Cover and chill for about 1 hour.

Enjoy :)

English Muffin Pizza's

This is a simple snack for the kids, kids and their friends, friends or yourself. Can also be great for a quick lunch if your on the go. Simple to make and great tasting.

English Muffin Pizzas

Ingredients:

English Muffin
Tomato Paste
Basil
Oregano
Red Onion
Slice Tomato
Pepperoni
Fresh Mozzarella

Just have fun with the toppings. Easy. Enjoy.