bean and barley salad

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 large sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
• DRESSING:
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• Prepare barley according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the beans, corn, red pepper, onions and cilantro. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving. Yield: 12 servings (3/4 cup each).

Taste of Home April,May 2010 p. 28

Bean and Ham Pasta

Prep Time: 25 Min | Ready In: 25 Min

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 dash ground cumin
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Add the pasta; cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until tender. Do not drain. Stir in the beans, corn, ham and seasonings; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.

Black Bean Burrito

Ingredients

• 2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
2. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour beans into skillet, cook 3 minutes stirring.
3. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to skillet with salt. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir cilantro into mixture.
4. Spoon mixture evenly down center of warmed tortilla and roll tortillas up. Serve immediately.