There are many ways to enjoy beans. They’re inexpensive and nutritious, add nice textures to soups and salads, and are high in protein, fiber, folate, and antioxidants. Plus, they’re easy on the budget! Here are delicious bean recipes to get you started. These versatile legumes also make great snacks or side dishes! Beans are always a good choice whether you’re on a budget or want a new recipe.
Bean Nutrition Facts
What Are Beans, Exactly?
Like peas, peanuts, and lentils, beans are classed as legumes, and they are the seeds of Fabaceae (Fabaceae) flowering plants. Beans are usually grown in pods with many beans within. They’re high in fiber and B vitamins, which can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
They are also a good source of protein and can be used in place of meat. Not to mention that they’re inexpensive! All of this is to imply that including beans in your diet is a wise decision. Beans are available in both canned and dried varieties.
Canned beans are convenient because they are already cooked and only need reheated. On the other hand, beans can lose flavor during the canning process, so some prefer buying them dry and soaking them overnight. But where do you begin with so many different types of beans? We’ve got your back. Please continue reading to learn about the various types of beans and prepare them.
Types of Beans
Black Beans
Many Mexican and Brazilian cuisines include black beans. Their texture is velvety-smooth, and their flavor is modest. They also have a lower glycemic index than many other high-carb foods, which helps to lessen the blood sugar surge that happens after a meal. Toss them into salads, soups, casseroles, or tacos for additional protein. They can also be used as a meat or wheat substitute.
Black-Eyed Peas
The moniker “black-eyed peas” comes from the whitish color of this Southern delicacy with a prominent black patch—their earthy flavor pairs well with salty meals like ham and bacon. On New Year’s Day, Southerners vow that eating black-eyed peas will bring them good fortune in the next year.
They’re high in folate, a mineral that’s especially crucial for pregnant women. Simmer them in chicken broth for soft and plump beans (with a ham bone thrown in if you have one). Add your favorite seasoning and even some greens for the perfect side dish!
Cannellini Beans
These cream-colored beans, also known as white Italian kidney beans, are one of the most prevalent forms of beans. They’re a common ingredient in soups, salads, and various Italian meals. They keep their shape well and are lightly fried or mashed into tasty fritters.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are available in two sizes: the bigger Kabuli is widely farmed around the Mediterranean, while the more petite desi is primarily grown in India. They’re undoubtedly recognizable to you because hummus is made from them, and they’re a terrific salad garnish because of their round shape and solid texture.
They’re also great for nibbling because of their nutty flavor. Before putting dry chickpeas in the oven, toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and spices. They’re not just one of the most adaptable beans, but they’re also high in fiber and protein.
Great Northern Beans
This white bean is frequently confused with cannellini or navy beans. Great Northern beans are less dense than their bean cousins and have a nutty flavor. Because of their light texture and propensity to absorb seasonings readily, they’re great for use in soups, stews, and purees. Not to mention that they’re high in calcium!
Best Bean Recipes
Fresh Black Bean Salad
This black bean salad recipe has a long history of inspiration. It dates back to my very first recipe post, which was almost seven years ago. After I graduated from college and began cooking for myself, I began regularly making that black bean salsa.
Ridiculously Easy Bean Salad
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans would have to be my top favorite vegetable if I had to pick one. They’re referred to as vegetables, known as legumes, and it doesn’t matter to me; they’re delicious. Green beans are not only tasty and crisp, but they’re also low in calories, fat, and cholesterol.
They also include a lot of fiber and protein. Green beans, in other words, are fantastic. They’re so good that you don’t have to do much to make them delicious. I prefer a bowl of raw green beans. But give me some fresh green beans with sauteed garlic, sea salt, and parmesan, and I’m set to go. It’s fantastic.
Simple Skillet Green Beans
Green beans cooked in a skillet are a healthful side dish. All you’ll need is a bunch of fresh string beans, a single pot, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of cayenne pepper! That concludes our discussion. If you’ve never made sautéed green beans before, you’ll be amazed at how simple they are to prepare!
The Best Easy Pinto Beans
The most fabulous easy pinto beans from scratch, with instructions for the stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot. They’re a simple, tasty, and healthful side dish to serve with any Tex-Mex, Mexican, or BBQ meal or a filling vegetarian entrée. (vegetarian choice, gluten-free, dairy-free)
Basic White Beans
This basic white bean recipe is a great place to start if you’re new to cooking. Remember that if you cook dried beans in salted water, they will not soften. Salt and commercial stock ingredients should not be added until the beans are tender. Thanks to the garlic, oil, and herbs, they’ll have plenty of flavors.
Green Bean Casserole
His simple Green Bean Casserole recipe uses lightened-up ingredients, including a delectable creamy green bean mixture and crunchy onion topping. It’s also simple to prepare ahead of time and always a crowd-pleaser.
Step aside: creamy canned soup, frozen green beans, and pre-packaged fried onions. This modern homemade green bean casserole recipe is created from scratch and tastes a million times better than the traditional canned green bean casserole.
Baked Beans From Scratch
The tastes of homemade Boston baked beans are sweet and salty, and the whole family will love them. The brown sugar and molasses richness keep you wanting more.
The savory bacon adds lovely flavor and crunch to the creamy sauce and delicate baked beans. This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a delicious made-from-scratch favorite!
Spicy red bean stew
Bean Soup
This healthy bean soup dish is thick, smokey, and filling, making it the ideal supper for a chilly day! For a handy choice that fits your schedule, prepare the easy dinner on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or an Instant Pot. 15 bean soup is also a terrific way to use up any Christmas or Easter leftover ham!
Conclusion
There are many ways to prepare beans. You can use canned black beans for soups or add them to tomato-based recipes. There are many ways to cook beans, and you can even use canned white beans in your soups and stews. You can even add smoked turkey, canned tomatoes, and canned pinto beans to create a delicious stew. Once you’ve tried one of these recipes, you’ll be hooked! Your family and friends will love this delicious meal!
