Question re beef-taco rice w/ refried beans

[rinsav]

Hello there,

I think I'm going to make this tonight after reading a bunch of great reviews. A few changes I'm thinking about making....

Substitute some kind of mexican flavor of rice for the white and cut out the refried beans. What do you think? Should I just stick to the basic white rice? I hope this dish will stay taste yummy without the beans (BF doesn't like them). Thanks for your thought!:)

[lnodes]

What a coincidence-I'm making this dish tonight also. I am using instant brown rice, which was recommended in one of the reviews. However, a mexican flavored rice would prob work as well. Good luck...let me know how your version turns out.

[Little Bit]

No Beans at all?? or just no refried beans? How about some lentils or black beans pureed?
(Just think of all that wonderful, tasty protein! :) :) )

Seriously, though, if the beans are the issue, and you need to omit them, I can't help thinking the whole thing might wind up too dry without the beans.

How about a can of tomatoes or tomatos and chiles instead of just the tomato sauce? Maybe you could puree some of the tomatoes?

[rinsav]

Little bit,

Thanks for the advice. Unfotunately, when I say no beans, I mean no beans at all. BF is just not a fan of beans (except baked beans which we had a few nights ago). In terms of not having it be too dry, I can't add tomatoes (he doesn't like those either -- he's a very picky eater!) but I was thinking about adding some chilies and maybe more tomato sauce. What do you recommend? Thanks!

[Little Bit]

If you have to leave out the tomato sauce in the recipe too, definitely add some chiles. Mild green chiles would be good, and some of those "New Mexico" type (ancho? They're dried poblano peppers, whatever you call them. Soak'em in some hot water, puree it all and there you go.)

When I wing it on a recipe, I tend to wind up with something that's vaguely Creole in derivation. (Onions, celery, bell pepper, fresh parsley, tomatoes, chopped up, sauteed with olive oil and seasoned with a blend of red, white and black peppers, garlic, chile powder, paprika and salt)

I'd say if you have to leave out the beans and the tomato sauce, to substitute some other things that'll increase the nutrition and fiber in the remaining ingredients, plus something with a bit of zip to boost the flavors.

hope this helps!

[rinsav]

no, no, I'm sorry if I didn't explain myself well. I'm going to put in tomato sauce, just no tomatoes. See, my BF is funny....he likes tomato sauce but doesn't like actual tomatoes. Should I add more tomato sauce than what is called for since I'm eliminating the beans? Thanks!

[Little Bit]

I'd definitely add something with extra moisture, extra tomato sauce would be fine, but try some extra chiles too. Mmmm ... .

Good luck!

[rinsav]

Thanks for all your help, Little bit! I'll let you know how it goes.