Beans with Arugula Greens in VitaClay Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

This recipe is inspired by Rancho Gordo, the "heirloom bean guy," who has truly revolutionized the way we view beans. I’ve finally had the chance to try one of his incredible heirloom beans in my VitaClay slow cooker, and let me tell you—it was earthy, filling, and energized with the rich flavors of kidney beans. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits, especially for your kidneys!

Did you know that kidney beans are good for your kidney health? It’s not just because they resemble kidneys in shape, but rather due to their benefits in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, kidney beans are known to boost your kidney "chi" or energy. When you feel low on energy, kidney beans—or even black beans—are believed to help replenish your kidney’s vitality, which in turn supports overall energy levels and vitality. Pretty amazing, right?

Serves 2 as an entree, 4 as a side dish

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Italian sausage, broken into small bits
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 cup canned roasted tomatoes
• 2 cups cooked (or 1 cup dry kidney beans) Mayocoba, Rebosero
• 3 cups of the bean cooking liquid or chicken stock
• 4 leaves sage, minced
• 1/2 bunch dandelion greens or arugula, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans: If you’re starting with dried beans, soak them overnight and change the water halfway through. Once drained, place them in your VitaClay clay pot slow cooker. Add 4 cups of fresh water and set the cooker to "Stew" mode. Cook for 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Drain the beans, reserving about 2 cups of the cooking liquid, and discard any excess liquid.

2. Cook the Sausage: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the sausage is cooked through and crumbled into small pieces.

3. Combine in VitaClay: Once the sausage mixture is ready, transfer it to your VitaClay slow cooker (Crockpot). Add the cooked beans, roasted tomatoes, chicken stock (or bean cooking liquid), sage, and season with salt and pepper. Set the VitaClay on "Stew" mode for 30 minuntes or an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together.

4. Add Greens: About 10 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the chopped arugula or dandelion greens. Let them wilt into the dish.

5. Serve: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dish before serving, and enjoy this hearty, kidney-boosting meal!

This dish is perfect for a nourishing, fulfilling meal that helps support energy and vitality. The kidney beans in this recipe, with their deep earthy flavor, provide more than just taste—they offer health benefits that help boost your vitality from the inside out. Perfectly cooked in your VitaClay clay pot, it’s a wholesome, delicious meal!

 

Made with love in this VitaClay Smart Organic Multi-cooker

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