My Dad, despite being a self-confessed carnivore, is one of the biggest supporters of my new vegan lifestyle. He's seen me go through hell and back so I know it truly makes him happy to see how healthy my diet has made me.
Last week he emailed me and asked me to share a recipe with you that he specifically adapted for us "Veg Heads."
Edward Abbey, Milo, Ken Sleight
To give you a little background on Milo (my dad), he's an animal lover, an environmentalist, a real estate developer and rare book collector. Though some of these things may sound contradictory, he worked hard to make his real estate projects environmentally friendly and when I was a child I remember him going to Washington D.C. on a mission to protect the endangered desert tortoises in the Southern Utah area.
He may best be known for his ability to clear a room with a belch.
Growing up we were always vacationing, going river running or camping. Since there were 9 of us kids, we had to travel in a big vehicle, a giant Chevy Suburban that was aptly named "The Tackle Box."
Dad's Man Cave
Our home was always open to strangers and friends, at any given time there was at least 1 or 2 strays staying with us. We always had plenty of good food. My dad really knows his way around the kitchen and he gave me my unrequited love for mashed potatoes.
The real men of Lydia's Canyon, Dad is second to the right
When it comes to food, I have a 4 day leftover rule. After 4 days it gets chucked out. My dad has closer to a 2 week rule. Because everyone in the family knows his food rule, one holiday family gathering while we were all at my parents house, we were all afraid to eat Dad's Cowboy Beans because we didn't know how long they'd been incubating the fridge. So while dad made a trip to the store, someone secretly dumped the Cowboy Beans and buried them in the woods. When dad came back in, we pretended we had eaten them. It was at that point he told us he had just made them the day before in anticipation of us all coming to stay. Sorry dad….
Dad's Cowboy Beans
Ingredients:
- 1 can Kidney beans
- 1 can white beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can garbanzo beans
- 1 can stewed spiced tomatoes
- 2 white or yellow onions diced
- 1 small can green chopped chilies
- 3 shots (vegan) Worcestershire sauce
- 3 shots Soy sauce
- 1 big squirt table mustard and another of Dijon
- 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
- ½ C. to 1 full C. brown sugar
- Salt and pepper as desired
Method: Cook chilies and chopped onions till well done, throw the rest of it in after draining off about ½ of the bean juice and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat anywhere from ½ hour to 2 days until the flavor and consistency are superb. Eat with big bowl and large spoon. Leave the house and walk 4 miles or one hour after consuming to protect the family and neighbors. 10 servings
Thanks dad for taking these photographs.
Vedged Out 
Ohhhh, why won’t the bean photos open on my computer, whyyyy??? I wanna see cowboy beans! 🙂
Dad took the photos. I think I fixed the glitch. Thanks ***Sparkles**** 🙂
Nawww, beans in the sunshine! He is adorable!
Isn’t he! 🙂
I can’t see the photos either, but I love beans and this sounds delicious! 🙂
Sorry, error should be fixed, view away!
Looking good 🙂
Thanks!
Hmm, not sure 4 miles would be enough if my husband got his hands on these. Though they sound seriously good. I think these might be on the menu next weekend to help us get over Thanksgiving turkey fatigue. I’ll let you know how everybody likes them. I hope it’s a warm weekend, cause I anticipate many open windows.
My dad wrote that bit. Seriously funny, though as a family fart jokes are probably a little too common. Hey, would you consider joining the Virtual Vegan Potluck? http://virtualveganpotluck.com/ it’s on November 1st, bloggers don’t need to be vegan, just have to post a vegan friendly recipe 🙂
Cool idea – I had a look at the link. I’ll think about joining. Most of my vegan friendly cooking is accidentally vegan, not purposely.
You make some of the best vegan stuff, even if it is accidental! I love it 🙂 Thanks Heidi.
I am definitely trying this recipe. It’s sounds yummy! I love the background story about your Dad. Thanks for sharing.–Melanie
Melanie, I hope you like it, we all love the Cowboy Beans!
I hope I get to meet your dad, Somer. He looks so shaggy and sweet. And oh, you know that I worship Cactus Ed above almost all others. To have known and spent time with him…wow. I’m not worthy!!
I had a pretty awesome childhood. I remember a guy we only knew as “dirtbag” playing guitar and singing for us around a bonfire in our backyard. Every kid should have those kind of experiences.
I love it! Pretty cool, girl.
🙂
If you need a beach holiday after all your stuff is done here in Utah, I know a pretty great place (my parent’s casita) in the gulf of Mexico where Ike would be more than welcome, did I mention you can kayak with the dolphins?
Oh my…you are speaking my language. I was just asking Kel how we should treat ourselves :-)!
This is the main house, http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g153981-d3184852-Luxury_Vacation_Home_1_Hr_South_Of_Puerto_Penasco-Puerto_Penasco_Northern_Mexico.html
I’ll try to find the link for the Casita, which is on the same property but separate and the perfect size for you guys.
Dood, I am “shaggy and sweet”. Please don’t worship Ed. He was just a damned good writer with his heart in the right place, and………. maybe you are worthy.
Milo
🙂 You just made me cry a little, Shaggy.
Stop it you two, you’re making me get teary too.
GROUP HUG!!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Dudette,
Please don’t cry, just eat good food, read good literature and walk with your eyes wide open. See and feel all around you. That is healing at its pinnacle.
Shagster
Shagster, I’ve got my library card, a shelf filled with cookbooks, good friends, loyal family (including the dog…) and beautiful mountains in my backyard – life is good and your advice is spot on.
Mmmmm, yum yum! Hey, if they were good enough for cowboys, they’re good enough for everyone! I love beans of all kinds, but especially pintos. Have been known to eat a bunch in one sitting. Glad you’re doing so much better healthywise with the changes you’ve made. You’re an inspiration to me & many others. Thanks for your blogspiration! (hey, I coined a new internet term!)
Thanks Jubie! This was a super fun post to write, and as you can see, we love beans (and bean humor) too!
I adore this post. We’ll introduce this recipe when the stress level gets high in our home, guaranteed giggles to ensue.
Bean humor is always giggle inducing in our house too 😉 xoxo
Love the ‘go for a walk’ comment at the end!!!
I have talked with many who’ve asked me “how did you lose so much weight?” Well, it really was an unintended consequence (albeit, a welcome one!) of going gluten-free. So far I’ve lost 36 pounds and aim to lose another 20 to get to my goal weight of 140.
Many people tell me they just could not make the changes to their diets that I have. In which case I tell them, “OKay, then just go for a walk!” I walk at least 5 times a day with my dogs. If getting a dog or two helps a person become motivated for themselves (this is key) then great. Don’t care what sort of “carrot” one has to dangle for motivation, just do it. Walking is free, and great exercise. I start before the sun comes up, and end my days after the sun goes down. You don’t have to walk as often as I do, that’s MY choice. Some may say they don’t have the time, or have to watch the kids, etc, to which I say, grab your kids & take them with you!
Proud of you for sure! My parents are in their 70’s and still walk (hike, really) four miles every day. They support me at my races and are so much of the reason why I love fitness and good food.
Only because it’s so true! 😉
Damn Somer, now I am famous………. by the way the fellow on the right is Ken Sleight, alias “Seldom Seen Smith” in Ed Abbey’s “The Monkey Wrench Gang” and not Lyman Hafen. Small correction. YOU BURIED MY BEANS? RAT BAG……………. Milo McCowan Dos Pollos, LLC 1739 S Hwy 89-A Kanab, Ut 84741 435-648-2688 Fax: 435-644-3077 milomccowan@gmail.com
Error fixed! Sorry 🙂 p.s. It wasn’t me who buried the beans, it was someone by the name of S. M.c.C.a.l.l…..
Love your guts.
This sounds great~ Please thank your dad.
Will do, I know he’s reading, Thanks dad!!!
This is so awesome:) so sweet of your dad to make a veg cowboy beans for you! my dad’s rule is 1 day. anything older than a day in the refrigerator and he wont eat. my father in law’s is 2 hours. he wont eat anything reheated.:) now i know why my mom and mom in law are always busy int he kitchen
Thanks Richa! We love leftovers, in fact, I think as a family we almost always make extra on purpose. Some things are even better the next day 😉 I can’t imagine having a no re-heat rule, your poor mother in law!
I loved this post almost as much as the banter that followed! I come from a family of ranchers/bull riders! I can relate!
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Pretty much have the best family. I’m a lucky girl!
I love this post! I love your dad and his pitbull (pats from Tasmania) and his man cave and his determination to be true to himself from way back. My dad was always on my case about me being a vegan. Whenever we would visit he would pull out some steak and when I sighed and for the thousandth time told him “I don’t eat steak dad!” he would say “What’s wrong with you?” and would pull out some fish/chicken/eggs etc. and it would progress from there to the point where I would get salad and blank stares. I was always a bit of a letdown for my (now dead) carnivore father but your dad is a glowing vision of health and he supports you! You are a very VERY lucky woman. Please hug your dad when you next see him for the anonymous people of the world (we are in Tasmania Australia) who appreciate him 🙂
The pitbull is Penny. She is an angel, I had the privilege of having her stay with us for 3 weeks once while my parents were visiting Switzerland. We’ve had a special bond ever since. Sorry about your late father, I think the world is changing and people are becoming more tolerant of vegans and vegetarians – some even see the purpose behind our diets (like my family) even if they don’t follow the same lifestyle. I am a very lucky daughter however, and I don’t take that for granted. Hugs passed on to my dad from you. p.s. my father-in-law is switching to a plant based diet, guess where he lives? Tasmania. I’ve been there to visit before and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Small world, eh? 🙂
Whoa! Small world! I live in teeny tiny little Sidmouth right on the river on a ramshackled 4 acre inherited property from the dreaded vegan hating dad (at least he thought enough of me to allow me to inherit!). I am amazed and gobsmacked that your father in law lives in Tassie. My dad was intolerant full stop so I guess me being vegan wasn’t really all that different for anything in my life. We have 2 Amstaffs (pitbulls) both boys. Bezial is the oldest, wisest and sadest because we bought Earl who is our Karma and who is the most loving rambunctious crazy mix of slobbering eating tomfoolery around. I bet Earl would LOVE penny! 😉 Cheers for replying and say “Howdy” to your dad AND your step dad. Now I am curious as to where he is in Tassie? No street adresses, just areas lol 😉
When we last visited he lived in Hobart, but has moved to the outskirts and lives on some farm property. I went to visit your blog, your pitbulls are beautiful! I’m sure Penny would love both of them!
We live at the other end of Tasmania 50km from Launceston. We love it here and our boys would most CERTAINLY love Penny 😉
Always read your comments BEFORE you post them…”Dad”…NOT “Day” (sigh)
Didn’t even notice, I can go in and edit it if you like 😉
Nah…imperfection, thy name is Fran! 😉
Fran, imperfections are what makes people endearing! Hugs!
Typical Somer… Awesome food and fart jokes! Thanks for the recipe, Somer’s dad. The beans look great.
Somer, what course shoul I make for the virtual vegan potluck? I can’t decide, and don’t want to sign up until I have myself together.
Nice! Thanks!
Um, here’s a hint, appetizers, breads and beverages are the 1st courses and will get more hits to your blog. Desserts, while possibly the awesomest section of the potluck, may get the least views (people don’t always want to look at 100 blog posts, so it’s best to be one of the firsts on the list) I know you’ve got some good bread recipes up your sleeve 😉
Your dad is officially my hero, to have a photo with Edward Abbey is nuts! I also noticed he signed off from Kanab, one of my fav small towns in Utah… 🙂
He’s my hero too 😉 Copies of the Monkey Wrench Gang and so on were always everywhere in the house (Dad has quite the collection in his rare book stash) Kanab is gorgeous, he lives near there, but not in the city boundaries. Regards!
Loving everything about this post Somer, and I admire your dad’s toughness when it comes to leftovers! These beans sound yummy!
Thanks Shira, it was one of my favorite posts to write to date. And yes, I really love his Cowboy Beans! xoxo!
Your Dad sounds pretty rad… I like that he calls us “Veg Heads”! : )
He is totally rad. There’s a few of us vegans and vegetarians in the family, I think it’s starting to rub off on him 😉
Great post, great blog and a great recipe! I look forward to trying it! Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂
Thanks! Cowboy Beans are delicious!
My parents keep leftovers forever too. And we also rolled in a huge Chevy Suburban back in the late 80’s, but there were definitely not 9 kids. Just 2.
These beans look pretty hard-core! And totally perfect for when the weather cools down. Your dad pretty much rocks- I can see where you get it from. xo
He does rock! The leftover deal must be something to do with that generation! Love that you guys had a “tackle box” too! So funny Kristy! Heading over to visit you now, so behind on reading with MOFO! xoxo
this food looks like what the cowboys would eat years ago and also reminds me some Mexican food too. A great protein rich vegan food 🙂 Nice photo of your Dad too….
Doesn’t it though? 🙂 I love these photos of my dad!
Any man who can clear a room with a belch is alright in my book.
Ha! It takes one to know one perhaps? 😉
Hahahahahaha: such a lovely post & your dad’s bean recipe is a really tasty one too! 🙂 Great pictures & know we know what your dad looks like! 😉 xxx
Thanks Sophie! It was so much fun writing this post. As you can see, I adore my dad to bits. And yes, his cowboy beans are really, really great! xx
These look so amazing! Your Dad sounds so awesome Somer, I love all the pictures you posted of him and his man cave – thanks for sharing a little more about you and your family 🙂
Thanks Heather! Isn’t he juicy? 🙂 This post was probably my favorite post to date, it means so much to me to have his support!
What a sweet post Somer! We are big fans of beans… can’t wait to try them!
Thanks so much! Do try the beans, you can’t go wrong! They are delicious, Dad has been making them for years, this vedged out edition warmed my heart! 🙂
Wow real cowboy beans!! They must be delicious!
I love the story – thanks for sharing 🙂
Anytime Anne! We really love them!
Like everyone else, I also LOVE the story about your Dad!!! Thanks so much for sharing, and we love beans, too! Yahhhhoooo!
Aw, thanks Rissa! sp? He is pretty adorable! Yay for more bean recipes!!!
Just wanted to tell you that I made these for my boys and they LOVED them and my son also loved the story about your Dad’s beans getting thrown out. He thought you’d be in trouble for posting the story but we suggested that the offense of throwing out his beans was ameliorated by the honor of sharing his recipe. Very yummy! They qualify for the school lunch box mixed with rice 🙂
Sweet comments, and yeah, I still chow down on them………….
Dad, do you think I could veganize the costco dog?
I’m so glad that you made them! I’m feeling homesick at the moment, Cowboy Beans would certainly be on the Halloween menu at my parents house!
These sound yum w some cornbread. It seems like lot sugar though. (For us at least.) Recommendations on reducing? Or you just make as is?
I would just reduce it by half or according to your tastes. The beans are good sweet like my dad makes them, but could certainly be equally delicious if they were more savory.
Thank you ❤ now on hunt for cornbread recipe ;)-
Good Luck! I just veganize a standard recipe, but I don’t have it handy at the moment.