Cheap Eats: Poor Girl's Chili

In my efforts to cut cost everywhere possible I have discovered some classic meals that are cheap, tasty, and if not healthy definitely not unhealthy. Since my cheap breakfast recipe was such a hit I thought I'd share my chili recipe.

Ingredients:

12oz dry black beans
12oz dry red kidney beans
24-36oz canned tomatoes, not drained
(I used one of Grandma's mason jars filled)

Optional:

shredded cheddar
toasted bread

Flavoring options:

1. A couple packs of chili flavoring
2. I used some chili powder, cumin, crushed red peper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic, salt, pepper, and about a spoon full of white flour. Have no idea how much of the rest, unfortunately, just flavored to taste.

Directions:

1. Soak beans in a large pot. Either a) leave them in a pot of water over night or b) bring the pot of water to a boil then remove from heat and let them sit for an hour.
2. Drain and rinse beans.
3. Cook beans. Add some water and let them simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Drain and rinse beans.
5. Mix beans, tomatoes, and flavoring into the large pot. Stir for a while over low-med heat until it starts to look like chili. Add flavoring to taste.
6. Serve hot.
7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese optional.
   
8. Toast some bread for dipping optional.
   

This was a lot of servings for me, at least 15. Freeze some for later depending on how many people will eat it :) This cheap meal is low in fat, high in fiber and protein. Plus tomatoes add nutrients such as vitamin C and the photochemical lycopene. I try to take multi vitamins in combination with my cheap meals because they will not provide you with the right balance even if they do keep you full and satisfied.

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My Total Cost: $6.17
(Includes beans, cheese, bread. Not tomatoes or flavoring.)
Estimated Servings: 15+
Cost per Serving: $0.41

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