Anyone who has lived in Hawaii, or even been there on a visit can tell you about Zippies Chili and Rice. It's legendary. Whenever we go back, the first place we stop, after the luggage carousel, is Zippies. And true to Hawaiian style, one serving usually satisfies both of us...depending on the in-flight meal. It's one of those things that if you're in Hawaii you've got to try - like surfing and Motsimotos (try the shaved ice with the beans....you won't regret it). But, If you're not planning a trip to the rainbow state any time soon, this recipe will satisfy for now. Or, if you've been there it might make you more anxious to go back.
Hawaiian Chili and Rice
Lentils
1 can refried beans or homemade
1 lb black beans
1 lb kidney beans
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 onion chopped
1 can corn
salt
garlic powder
brown sugar to taste
First, soak the black beans and the kidney beans over night. This will help cut down on the "end result" that beans can have. If that's not an option then just put them together in a pot with water and cook. Once the beans are cooked add the stewed tomatoes, chopped onion, refried beans, and lentils. (remember those left over beans and lentils from the bean burritos? throw em' in!) Now add the salt and brown sugar till it tastes slightly sweet. At the very last add the can of corn. This way the corn will stay crisp. Serve over rice. (this is a great way to use up the plain rice left over from the fried rice).
Now, grab a bowl, head out to the backyard with your slippas and some island music. You can thank me later for saving you on your grocery bill AND your travel expenses.
Growing up I loved refried beans. I even ate them for breakfast one time, along with a bowl of froot loops (not recommended. The results were not pleasant). They were always my go to when I needed a quick protein. Then, I found out what was in them....no longer my favorite. Pig lard is not exactly my favorite food group if you know what I mean. Then, brilliance struck the 20th century again and vegetarian refried beans were introduced. I was again a happy woman.
I then served as a missionary in Texas for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint.
While I was there I had dinner in a home where the little mexican grandma was actually still in the kitchen making fresh, homemade beans. Do you have any idea how AMAZING homemade refried beans are? Neither did I till I was blessed with this life changing event that...well...changed my life! They were to die for. This recipe was the result of that memorable event......Ladies and Gentlemen....I give you, FRIJOLATION
Refried Beans
1 lb pinto beans
garlic powder
Tony's Seasonings
(yep, that's it)
A lot of people complain of the um...end result shall we say of eating beans. There is a trick to resolve this issue. By letting the beans soak over night they will cook in less time and a lot of the oligosaccharides (ya, I can't say it either) which causes the gas washes out. Rinse the beans a few times before cooking to make sure the oligoosearcadeness is gone and then cook till soft. Once the beans are cooked and slightly cooled add them to the food processor. Save the water from cooking and add a little at a time till the beans blend to the right consistency. Add 1-2 tsp of garlic powder and Tony's till it tastes how you like it. Whala. These freeze REALLY well! No more refried beans that look like the can they came out of!
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