I Dare You To Eat It

Fresh Ingredients

2 carrots

1 onion

1/2 of an 8 oz. pkg. of low fat cream cheese

Storage Ingredients

2 cups dry pinto beans

1/2 cup mild salsa or taco sauce

salt to taste

Rinse off 2 cups of dry pinto beans and soak in 2 quarts of water overnight. Drain all the water, rinse beans thoroughly, and place in crock-pot. Chop the vegetables and add to crock-pot with beans. Cover with 2 quarts of fresh water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are fully cooked and soft. Remove 1 cup of the broth and set aside. Add the cream cheese, salsa, and salt. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Add some of the reserved broth to achieve the desired consistency. Serve with warm tortillas or corn chips and additional cream cheese and cilantro if desired.

I wanted to share this recipe from Bonnie’s kitchen because it’s a delicious, yet simple way to serve pinto beans. Pinto beans happen to be the least expensive beans in my long-term storage so this meal saves money every time it’s served. Bonnie also told me that this soup is one of her toddler’s favorites. I think it’s important to know how to prepare food storage meals that even little children can enjoy. And when it comes to the health benefits, this creamy bean soup is full of nutritious fiber and protein.

If, for any reason, I was not able to purchase fresh ingredients from the grocery store, this soup recipe would still provide a viable meal for my family. I would simply substitute dehydrated carrots and onions for the fresh vegetables and then add 1/2 cup of dry powdered milk to replace the cream cheese that’s originally called for. Using our food storage NOW means that we’re saving money in our monthly food budget (cha-ching!) and we’re getting comfortable preparing and eating foods that might be the only option, later.

I think our family could enjoy eating this soup once a week! It’s definatley good enough to serve to company. The creamy texture reminds me of a gourmet Southwestern bisque yet it’s so economical and so easy to prepare. Even my daughter, Lizzie, was able to prepare the creamy bean soup as a Personal Progress goal, and she’s only 12.

Are you smarter than a 6th grader?

You get the picture!