Black Bean, Brown Rice & Kale Salsa Bowl

I'm trying out the "no sugar, no flour" lifestyle after two friends have had great weight loss success following this plan.  As you are relying on grains and starchy vegetables for carbs on this plan and there's lots of fresh vegetables and proteins to prepare, you have to commit to a fair amount of food prep (no grabbing a quick bagel!).  This Black Bean, Brown Rice & Kale Salsa Bowl was actually a quick and easy dinner recipe that fit the bill.

I "cheated" by using Trader Joe's frozen organic brown rice, canned black beans, and Casa Sanchez Medium Salsa Roja.  With fresh dinosaur kale, cilantro and some sliced black olives, it was a hearty vegan bowl of goodness that kept me satiated till breakfast.  Using fresh salsa as a base also allows you to add a lot of flavor without having to saute onions and garlic in oil, thus making this a very low fat dish to boot.

Here's the easy recipe...

Black Bean, Brown Rice & Kale Salsa Bowl:

1 bunch kale, stems removed, torn into strips
1/3 cup vegetable stock or water
1 can black beans, rinsed
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
Fresh Salsa ( your favorite), as desired
Sliced black olives
Chopped cilantro

Put the kale strips into a wide saucepan or high-edged skillet and add the vegetable stock or water. Cover and cook, tossing occasionally, until the kale is almost tender.

Combine the remaining ingredients with the kale and heat, stirring thoroughly. Add the fresh cilantro and enjoy!

(4 servings)