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Savory Experiments

Beans

We often think of beans as vegetables, but the truth of the matter is they are actually a seed of a group of flowering plants that are part of a family called, Fabaceae. I have no clue how to pronounce it, but now you know.

These are technically a legume and their name refers to one of five categories of legume. They are broken down into beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and peanuts. (I am as baffled as you probably are right now.)

Most often they are kidney-shaped and grow in long pods on certain legume plants, and much like vegetables, they are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, as well as phytonutrients. Unlike many vegetables, they are a great source of plant-based protein.

They are sold in all sorts of ways. The fresh variety is often accessible at the farmers market. Think green, cranberry, and kidney beans (along with others,) and more and believe it or not some are edible raw while others need to be cooked before you eat them.

Dried beans are super popular as a pantry staple. You can find these in the bulk section of your grocery store or in bags near the canned foods aisle. These are typically soaked before they are cooked.

Canned beans are probably the type we are most familiar with. These are great for when you are in a hurry and need beans fast. I like to doctor mine up and to do that, I heat them in a broth with some aromatics to give them a bit of character.

Fun Facts About Beans:

  • There are over 40,000 varieties. A fraction of this is produced on a commercial scale.
  • These varieties vary greatly by size, shape, color, and texture.
  • January 6th is the national day to celebrate them.
  • They have been grown and cultivated by us for about 6,000 years.
  • The tallest bean plant on record was 46 feet tall.
  • North Dakota grows 1/3 of the beans in the U.S.
  • Legumes are a dietary staple in areas known for longevity.

Here are some delicious recipes using beans:

  • Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup
  • Refried Black Beans
  • Cowboy Homemade Baked Beans
  • Easy Homemade Franks and Beans
  • Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Which beans are the healthiest?

They are generally great for you, but if you are ranking them in terms of healthful qualities, the top contenders are kidney, black, and soybeans.

Is it okay to eat them every day?

Indeed! Their nutrient-rich makeup is proven to be more filling than animal-based meals which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Keep in mind, digestive upset can happen if you aren’t used to consuming them regularly and starting slow is a good idea.

Do you have to soak beans before cooking?

Not a requirement at all, but it does help shorten the overall cook time of them and contribute to a better texture when they are cooked.

How do you make flavorful beans?

This is my trick for canned kind. Drain them and give them a good rinse before simmering them in some low sodium chicken broth or stock to warm them. Add a glug or two of olive oil, a clove of garlic, and a sprig of thyme or rosemary, and a pinch of salt to bolster flavor.

            A pile of raw beans

How to Cook the Perfect Pinto Beans

Side Dishes
            Stack of Flourless Black Bean Brownies with a glass of milk

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Brownies + Bars
            These homemade refried black beans are simple and easy to make and so versatile! Serve as a dip, on tacos, burritos or nachos or as a side to any dish! #homemaderefriedbeans #howtomakerefriedbeans #refriedblackbeans www.savoryexperiments.com

Refried Black Beans

Side Dishes
            Easy meals to cook while camping are essential-that's where hobo meals come in. These hobo dinner ideas and other camping recipes are the best camping meals! #hobodinnerrecipe #howtomakehobodinners #whatisahobodinner www.savoryexperiments.com

19+ Best Hobo Meals and Camping Recipes

Recipe Collections
            Close up of Franks and Beans

Easy Homemade Franks and Beans + VIDEO

Dinners + Entrees
            Cowboy Homemade Baked Beans in a skillet with a spoon

Cowboy Homemade Baked Beans

Side Dishes
            Mexican Refried Beans are an easy homemade refried bean recipe using pinto beans, green chilies, cheese and Mexican spices. Ready in just 15 minutes! #refriedbeans #mexicansidedish www.savoryexperiments.com

Mexican Refried Beans

Side Dishes
            bowl of short rib soup

Short Rib Soup

Soups
            Slow Cooker Baked Beans is made with 4 types of beans simmered with brown sugar, bacon, and more! An Easy Baked Bean recipe the whole family will love. #bakedbeansrecipe #homemadebakedbeans #crockpotbakedbeans www.savoryexperiments.com

Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Side Dishes
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