1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1 1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 c. green pepper, chopped
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
3 cloves garlic, optional
1 (8 oz.) can kidney beans
1 (8 oz.) can Golden Hominy or mixed vegetables

Brown beef in large skillet over medium heat. Stir to break up. Add onions and pepper. Saute until just tender. Stir in seasonings and other ingredients. Simmer uncovered, gradually adding 1/4 cup or more liquid. Stir occasionally. Cook 10 minutes or until flavors are blended. Garnish with fresh parsley, grated cheese, or deep fried onion rings, if desired.

DIETITIAN'S NOTE:

This recipe could be high in fat and sodium depending on what you purchase at the grocery store!

Beware of ground turkey that does not state what part of the turkey it was made from. The whole turkey could be in there-skin and all! If ground turkey breast is not available, use extra lean ground beef.

Also, omit the salt and replace it with additional basil, pepper, garlic and oregano. If you cook your own kidney beans, and use frozen mixed vegetables you will save your body from dealing with over 2, 000 mg sodium in this recipe.

SODIUM COMPARISON:

Canned red kidney beans (750 mg/cup sodium) Cooked red kidney beans (7 mg/cup sodium) Golden Hominy (730 mg/cup sodium) Canned mixed vegetables (465 mg/cup sodium) Frozen mixed vegetables (78 mg/cup sodium)