Coronavirus. It’s all that we are seeing these days. Here in Atlanta, there have been a few cases, and events are just now beginning to be canceled. Our schools are still open, but I’m curious as to when and how they will close and what that will mean for the communities. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling the pull between the desire of making wise choices and the desire to stay calm in the face of the surrounding anxieties. I mean, look at this line my husband was in at Costco this morning. It’s INSANE.
I’ve been sort of stocking up, but not hoarding. Mostly I’ve been just buying foods that we would normally eat, a few more nonperishable items, and making a little extra to stick in the freezer. And I’m constantly looking for sanitizer, hand soup, and disinfectant for the kids’ schools. I can’t image how much of that stuff they are going through right now, trying to keep their staff and our babies safe. I really encourage you that while you are shopping for yourselves to also grab a few things to donate to schools or local shelters as well. We all need to work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.
If you are looking for a very filling meal, with simple (and long lasting) ingredients, my Beans + Greens Soup is great. It is packed with protein and nutrients from all the beans and veggies. It’s something my kids actually ask for too, which is a HUGE win around here. Usually they just want pizza or cheeseburgers, but if they are asking for a vegetable soup I pull out the dried beans ASAP! So go ahead and make a double batch and stick some in the freezer. You will be glad it’s there in the coming weeks, when it may be harder to get out of the house or if, God forbid, someone in your household becomes ill. If you are reading this, know that I’m specifically praying for you, and you’re health and peace of mind! Leave you’re name in the comments and I can even pray for you and your families by name!
Beans+Greens Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dry beans. I like using a 15 bean soup mix, but you can use what you like or have!
- 10 cups broth of choice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1, 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- Small bunch of collard greens, chopped (about 2-3 cups)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Optional: smoked ham hock or diced smoked sausage
Soup:
- Soak the beans. Just follow the direction on the bag of beans, for either a quick soak or soaking overnight. Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a large soup pot add beans, broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, collards, carrots, tomatoes, bay leaves, and ham hock/sausage if you are using it. Add a big pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an hour, or until the beans are tender.
- Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
- Enjoy!
