Pacific Spice Pumpkin and Coconut Black Beans

Well Hello Fall! I love this time of year, the leaves are changing and the smells of autumn are all around. There is nothing better than to come home to a home smelling of the comforts of Autumn food! I have always used Pacific Spice Vinegar in my Asian and Indian cuisines, so it isn't surprising that this vinegar paired wonderfully with this curry recipe! The pumpkin and coconut added a little sweetness to the black beans which paired wonderfully with the spiciness of the peppers in the Pacific Spice. We served this meal over some brown rice made with Lime EVOO and chopped cilantro. The kids all gobbled it up and wanted seconds and my two older ones actually went up for thirds! So enjoy what fall has to offer us and surprise your family with a meal all ready at the end of the day! This is a very easy yet rewarding meal all prepared, with the exception of the rice, in the crock pot. Enjoy!

Pacific Spice Pumpkin and Coconut Black Beans
adapted from once a month mom

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz canned pumpkin( or 2 cups of your own steamed pumpkin mashed)
4 1/2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon curry
1 pound dry black beans, rinsed
1/2 cup Pacific Spice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf
15 oz light coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups water


Directions:

Place all ingredients into slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours. Remove bay leaf. Serve as soup with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro and Lime EVOO over top or serve over rice ( recipe to follow.) Enjoy!

Lime EVOO and Pacific Spice Brown Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups brown rice
2 1/2 cups water
2 Tablespoons Lime EVOO
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup Pacific Spice


Add Lime EVOO to saute pan. Place on medium heat for about 1 min. Add rice to pan. Cook until rice is slightly brown. Add liquids, place lid on pan and cook for 35-40 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Add cilantro to rice and stir to combine. Enjoy!