30 January 2009
beans, beans
there are two types of people in this world: the beans, beans they’re good for your heart people and the beans, beans the magical fruit people. i am one of the former.
Thanks, ragbag, for reminding us: they might make some people a little bit gassy, but beans ARE good for your heart. According to this, just a third of a cup of cooked beans has 80 calories, no cholesterol, complex carbs (“good” carbs), and not much fat. Beans are also a good source of B vitamins, potassium, and fiber (!), which promotes digestive health, relieves constipation, and may prevent colon cancer and reduce cholesterol.
Oh, and beans are cheap. Recession-proof, especially if you buy them dry and soak them rather than getting canned. You can use them in place of more expensive meat. Although they don’t contain complete protein like meat does, if you also eat grain products and dairy, you’ll still get adequate nutrition.
How can you use beans in your cooking?
- Use them as a side dish. Season them with your favorite flavors (Sriracha, anyone?), heat, and eat. They don’t need a lot of fuss.
- Use them in soup. Almost every soup I make contains some type of bean. You can use whatever kind you like in my turkey chili recipe. Black, cannellini, great northern, kidney, go NUTS.
- Variations on beans and rice. My favorite: black beans, salsa, chicken sausage or tofu, and rice.
- Burritos, obviously. Make it vegetarian! On a whole wheat tortilla, add black beans seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, rice, avocado, salsa, and a touch of cheese. Uh, did someone say dinner?
- Add them to salads (I like chick peas or kidney beans on mine).
- BAKED BEANS
Consult the Bean Bible for other ways to use beans. These people are clearly obsessed with legumes.
