Easy, Shmeasy Cholent (Yiddish Stew)

Hey there old friends, foodies, health- aficiandos and people questioning that good food can be healthy too!

My friend Abby asked for a Cholent recipe that could be healthy, easy to make and delicious, so naturally, she approached me with the challenge. Below find the recipe to this rockin' cholent.

On the Menu:

Easy, Shmeasy Cholent!! 

Serves: 12   Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 20 hours!! 

Ingredients:

1 28oz. can of Bush's Best Vegetarian Baked Beans (Fat Free)

1 20oz. can of Cedar 6-Bean Blend 
Note: I just use the canned stuff because I don't want to waste my time soaking beans, but it's up to you

8oz. Bagged Dried Pearled Barley

1 lb. Chuck Meat (looks lean!)

1/2 cup of Ketchup

1/2 cup of BBQ sauce

2 cups of yellow onions, pealed and cut into 1" pieces

2 cups of sweet potatoes, pealed and cut into 1" pieces

Generous with Spices: Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt, Onion Powder and everything else you want (think hot sauce if you dare)

Splash of beer to help soften the meat (optional)

Directions:

In a crock pot, layer: 1. Dried Barley 2. Onions 3. Sweet Potatoes 4. All Beans 5. Meat 6. All Spices 7. Beer, BBQ Sauce and Ketchup

Then, add water so that it covers up to the top of all the layers.

Turn the crock pot on high for 2 hours, then drop to low for 20+ hours

Stir occasionally and add water as it evaporates 

Nutrition Breakdown:

1 serving (1 cup) = 250 calories, 1.5 g fat, 15.5 g Protein 7g Fiber!

Leftover Tip: use throughout the week:

1. On top of a Tumaros Gourmet Tortilla (Multi Grain, Low In Carbs) with salsa and 2 Tbls. Guacomole , shredded lettuce and diced onions and cilantro 

2. With Brown Rice and steamed zuccini for a well rounded Monday night dinner

3. As a dip for Baked Pita Chips (simply made by cutting up pitas and baking with cooking spray and seasonings)

After picture to come...