This hearty, flavorful stew can be ready to eat in under 30 minutes thanks to the convenience of canned beans. Serve with warm corn muffins.

Baked Bean Stew

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 (15-ounce) cans baked beans or pork and beans
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans or blackeyes*
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes with roasted garlic, undrained
3/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Sauté onion and green pepper in oil in large saucepan until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add chicken and cook over medium heat until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and herbs to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 8 servings (1 cup each).

*Or use 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged garbanzo beans or blackeyes, rinsed, drained.

Tips: Frozen chopped onion and green pepper can be used. Stew can be prepared 1 to 2 days in advance; refrigerate, covered. Stew can also be frozen up to 2 months.

Nutrient Information Per serving: Calories 305; Fat 5g; % Calories from Fat 14; Carbohydrate 48g; Folate 128mcg; Sodium 1212mg; Protein 21g; Dietary Fiber 11g; Cholesterol 26mg

Recipe provided courtesy of The Bean Education & Awareness Network.