Calico Veggie Beans

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried white beans, picked over and rinsed
• 1 pound dried kidney beans, picked over and rinsed
• 1 pound dried pinto beans, picked over and rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

1 hour

Cooking Time:

4-6 hours

Difficulty Level:

2 (moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the white beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
2. While the beans are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
3. Drain the beans and set aside.
4. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, oregano, thyme, and basil to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Vegetarian
• Filling and hearty
• Colorful and flavorful
• Perfect for a cold winter day

User Comments:

• "These beans are so delicious and flavorful! I love the combination of different beans and vegetables."
• "I'm not a vegetarian, but I still really enjoyed these beans. They're hearty and satisfying."
• "These beans are the perfect dish for a family gathering. They're easy to make and everyone loves them."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have dried beans, you can use canned beans instead. Just be sure to rinse them well before using.
• To add a bit of spice to the dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
• These beans can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve.