Over the years I’ve developed a couple “foundation” energy foods recipes. They’re called that because 1) I can eat them anytime or season and they will increase my energy and help me feel better – immediately. 2) The recipes are super easy to make and use just about anything from your panty or fridge and 3) They are extremely economical and can be eaten, in a variety of ways, all week long if need be. And sometimes they need to be!

BTW – Energy foods are economical. I’ve cut my food bill in half since I stopped buying pre-packed, sugar and preservative laden, cereals, crackers, breads and other “fast-food” prepared meals and fancy sauces. I’ve also lost ten pounds and my husband dropped forty pounds! Anyway … back to my easy Black Bean Soup recipe!

Black Bean Soup ala FatigueBeGone.com

Pantry Ingredients:
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Pinto Bean
1 Can of Lentils
Baby Portabella Mushrooms (I buy these “dry” – great time saver!)   
Seaweed (ditto above)
Italian Seasoning. (Emeril’s Italian – preservative Free)
Garlic Salt
Sea Salt/Kelp Mix * (I mix Sea Salt & Kelp 50/50 and keep a bowl of it handy by the stove.)
Tumeric
Parsley
1 Can of Spinach
1 Can of Green Beans
1 Can of Lentils
Dry Sherry
Refrigerator or Freezer Ingredients:
Chopped Garlic

Fresh Ingredients:
Potatoes Baked with Skins or Sweet Potatoes Skinned
Red Onion
Celery
Daikon (Specialty Grocer if you can)
Organic Chicken, Sausages, Turkey or Meat

Mestemacher Bread (Sugar and Preservative-free bread)

Black Bean Soup Directions

Step 1:  You will want to use a large sauce pan that has a tight fitting lid. This is a one-pot meal!

Sauté the below together for two to three minutes, or until the onion is clear.

2 Stalks Celery Chopped
4 Cloves Garlic Minced
½ Red Onion
Let dry mushrooms “revive” by soaking in a bowl or glass of water. Just a few minutes will do.
(Of course, you can always use fresh mushrooms.)

Step 2: Add to the pot and sauté until light brown
5 Baby Portabella Mushrooms chopped

Step 3:  Add to the pot, raise to a boil then lower to a simmer for 90 minutes.

2 to 3 carrots chopped into small/medium size pieces
1 Can of Black Beans with the water from the can
1 Can of Pinto Beans with the water from the can
2 Rounded TBSPs of Dry Seaweed
2 TBSP Dry Sherry

Step 4:  Add final spicing and allow to simmer for 30 more minutes

2 TPSP Italian Seasoning. (Emeril’s)
½ tsp Garlic Salt
1 tsp Sea Salt/Kelp Mix * (see below)
1 tsp. Tumeric

Step 5:  Serve it while it’s hot!

There are many serving options which is why I call this is an energy boost “foundation” recipe!

* Pour in bowl and eat “as it” with a slice of toasted Machmeiker bread and a serving of Goat Cheese
* Have a small bowl with a grilled gourmet cheese sandwich. (M bread plus Goat Cheese and basil)
* Pour it over a baked potato and sprinkle the top with parsley
* Pour it on top of a bowl of brown rice
* Add in a couple sausages or chicken on or off the bone
* Have it as a “starter,” just a small bowl, for any meal.
* Add in extra fresh or canned veggies according to your own personal preference. For example, I love spinach and add LOTS of spinach into mine. My husband hates spinach so I leave his alone!

The final ingredient to any delicious meal is a loved one. If you are not living with a companion, please make this an occasion to invite a girlfriend or guy friend to break bread with you!  Or, take it to them. Make it an hour and a half visit – even someone suffering from fatigue would enjoy that. Yum.

For more information about how to boost your energy please read this recent article: How to Boost Energy Naturally  You can feel better faster with these energy foods, drinks and supplements.

To purchase recommended food and condiments supplies referenced in this post, please visit our Energy Foods Store which is safely and securely powered by Amazon.com.

Finally, are you registered to receive our boost energy and feel better – FAST newsletter? Click here to review a past issue on the re-energizing power of friendship. This is published bi-monthly and features get rid of fatigue tips, tools, techniques & recipes!

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