Recipes

• 1 apple, diced
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats or steel-cut oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1¾ cups water
• Pinch of salt

• Add the apple, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, water, and salt to the rice cooker.
• Close the lid and cook according to your rice cooker’s oatmeal or porridge setting, if available.
• When cooking is complete, stir well.
• If the oatmeal is too thick, add a small amount of water and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve warm.

Nutrition Highlight:

• Oats provide whole grains, fiber, and carbohydrates for energy. Apples add additional fiber and beneficial plant compounds, while cinnamon adds flavor without needing much added sugar.

Make It Your Own:

• Use fresh or frozen fruit you have available, such as berries, peaches, or pears. Add nuts, seeds, peanut butter, or another nut or seed butter for additional protein and healthy fats. Adjust the cinnamon and brown sugar to taste.

Storage:

• Refrigerate in a covered container for 3–4 days. Add a little water or milk when reheating to loosen the oatmeal.

• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
• 2½ cups water
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Seasonings of your choice, to taste

• Rinse and drain the lentils.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, water, and bay leaf, if using.
• Bring to a boil, uncovered.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until the lentils reach your desired tenderness.
• Remove the bay leaf, if used, and season as desired.
• Use the cooked lentils as a protein source in another dish or combine them with ground meat to make it go further.

Nutrition Highlight:

• Lentils provide plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and other important nutrients. Adding lentils to a meal can boost fiber and plant-based protein while helping stretch more expensive ingredients, like ground meat.

Make It Your Own:

• Season the lentils with whatever herbs and spices you have available. Add cooked lentils to tacos, chili, soups, pasta sauce, or casseroles. Use them in place of some or all of the ground meat in recipes, or combine them with ground beef, turkey, or chicken.

Storage:

• Refrigerate cooked lentils in a covered container for 3–4 days. You can also freeze cooked lentils for longer storage.

• 2 cups old-fashioned or quick oats
• 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup mix-ins of your choice, such as raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix the oats, applesauce, peanut butter, and desired mix-ins until well combined.
• Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming about 12 cookies.
• Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Highlight:

• Oats provide whole grains and fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and heart-healthy fats. Applesauce and dried fruit can add natural sweetness and additional nutrients.

Make It Your Own:

• Use whatever mix-ins you have available, such as raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or another favorite seasoning for extra flavor. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and can be customized based on what you have on hand.

Storage:

• Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• 2 cups uncooked rice, preferably brown
• 1 can (30 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 4 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Hot sauce, to taste

• Rice Cooker Method
  
  • Add the rice, kidney beans, garlic, Cajun seasoning, celery, onions, bell peppers, water, salt, and black pepper to the rice cooker.
  • Cook for one cycle. Cooking time may vary depending on the rice cooker.
  • When cooking is complete, fluff the rice with a fork and season with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
• Slow Cooker Method
  
  • Add the kidney beans, garlic, Cajun seasoning, celery, onions, bell peppers, water, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Do not add the rice yet.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
  • Stir, then add the rice.
  • Cover and cook for an additional 2½ hours, or until the rice is tender.
  • Fluff with a fork and season with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste.

Nutrition Highlight:

• Kidney beans provide plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. Brown rice adds whole grains and additional fiber, while the vegetables contribute vitamin C and other nutrients.

Make It Your Own:

• Use whatever beans, rice, or vegetables you have available. Pinto or black beans can replace kidney beans, and white or brown rice can be used depending on the cooking method. Add leftover cooked vegetables or another protein, and adjust the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to taste.

Storage:

• Refrigerate in a covered container for 3–4 days. Freeze for longer storage.