Mac and Beans Medley

Ingredients

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 bell pepper — green, red, yellow, or orange
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
• 1 can (15.5 ounces) low-sodium beans, drained and rinsed — black, kidney, pinto or other
• 2 cups cooked macaroni, without salt or fat added — or other pasta

Method

1. Wash hands with warm water and soap.
2. Peel and finely chop the garlic.
3. Core, seed, and finely chop the bell pepper.
4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add garlic and bell pepper.
6. Cook for one minute.
7. Do not let garlic brown.
8. Add diced tomatoes (do not drain) and red pepper flakes.
9. Cover the skillet and lower heat.
10. Cook for 10 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.
11. Add beans and cooked macaroni to skillet and cook 5 minutes or until heated through.
12. Serve hot.