Healthy. Tasty. Food.: Two Bean and Brown Rice Stew

I came up with this last night for dinner. It's healthy, hearty, satisfying and Delicious!!!

NOTE: I always look for low-sodium or organic products when I can, keep that in mind when purchasing ingredients.

1 cup Brown Basmati Rice

3 cups Chicken Broth (Wolfgang Puck Organics is a good choice)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion (vidalia is my favorite)

4 minced garlic cloves

ground turmeric

Chipotle Chili Powder

Dried Basil (or fresh is always a better choice)

2 carrots, chopped

1 cup bell pepper (any color) chopped

1 can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes

1/4 cup sweet red wine

6 oz low-salt V-8 juice

1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can Great Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)

Kosher Salt

Fresh Ground pepper

Toppings:

Shredded cheese (I used Mozzerella)

Crushed Tortilla Chips (Not Fritos)

Chopped Avocado (optional)

Cook the rice according to the directions, however substitute the water for 2 cups chicken broth + 1/2 cup water. While rice is cooking, begin stew.

Saute Onion and Garlic over med-high heat in a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil, until tender. Add wine and simmer until reduced by 1/2. Add carrotts and peppers, saute 3 minutes.

Add seasonings and stir well (I suggest 1/2 tsp of turmeric, 1/8 tsp chipotle powder and 3/4 tsp basil). Add V-8, canned tomatoes and 1/2 -1 cup chicken broth.

Puree 1/2 of each type of beans until smooth; stir puree and whole beans into stew. Add just a pinch of Kosher salt and frsh ground peppercorns.

Simmer covered, until the rice is done. Add 2 cups rice to stew and continue to simmer until carrots are just crisp tender ~ the entire cooking time should be about 1 hour from start to finish.

Serve topped with a little shredded cheese, a couple of crushed tortilla chips and (if desired) chopped avocado). This is hearty and filling, so you won't want to eat TOO much! I served these with Biscuits ~ I made them with Whole Wheat Flour, and added about 1 tsp. caraway seeds. Enjoy!