Makes 8 (1-cup) servings.

4 cups water

1-1/2 cups cornmeal, or polenta uncooked

1 (11-oz.) can whole-kernel corn mixed with green and red peppers, drained

1 (7-oz.) can green chiles

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tbl. margarine or butter

6 ozs. reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (15-oz.) can rinsed black or pinto beans


Cilantro sprigs

1 red bell pepper, cut into rings


2. Continue stirring, add the corn, chiles and the salt. Cook 6-8 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.

3. Gently stir in the margarine, cheese and beans.


5. Garnish with red bell pepper rings and cilantro.

Cost: $4.38 per recipe, 55 cents per serving.