Dried Beans?

Question

I've been wanting lately to expand my cooking ability to include dry beans. I know how to cook them, and I always use them for chili ... but what else is good to do with them as a meat replacement? Just serving them up plain with veggies beside them is always possible, but I'd really love to hear some more creative ideas. Also, I remember hearing once that there's something you can put in with the beans while they cook that will help eliminate the gas ... anyone know anything about that?

Answer 1

I like a good three bean salad. Dressed with a sweet and sour type of vinaigrette.

So far as the gas thing goes, I've heard everything from a copper penny added while cooking the beans to adding a bit of baking soda.

My experience has been, buy some Beano and pop a couple of them before you enjoy your beans!

http://www.beanogas.com/

Answer 2

Take Beano before and there'll Beano after! I have heard that while cooking beans if you place a wooden spoon in the pot that the wood will absorb the "gas"! For recipes I always put some beans, corn, garlic, mushrooms, and some onions in a fry pan and I cook these a little together and add some butter and I love this! My family loves it too!

Answer 3

Serve dry beans or peas with rice, barley, pita bread, or pasta to mix proteins and the 2 together will make a complete protein.

Soak your beans/peas overnight in the fridge in water. When you go to cook them, pour off that water, and replace it w/ fresh. That will eliminate most, if not all, gassiness.


LENTIL STEW (Slow Cooker)

Makes: about 14 cups Prep time: 15 min

Cooking time: 8- 9 hours on Low
1½ cup dried lentils
3 cups water
1 small acorn squash (about 1¼ lb.), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups store-bought marinara sauce
1 medium green bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium baking potato cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (10-oz) package frozen cut green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup water (if needed at end)

Combine all ingredients in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker; mix well. Cook on low 7 hours; add green beans and oil. If too thick, stir in water. Cook 1 more hour or until lentils and vegetables are done.

Per cup: 140 calories, 8 grams protein, 2 grams fat (11 percent calories from fat), 0.3 gram saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 174 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber.

--7 Day Menu Planner
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Hummus

4 garlic cloves
2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons water or liquid from the chickpeas
8 dashes hot sauce
Turn on the food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop the garlic down the feed tube; process until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is smoothly pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature with warm pita bread or pita chips.

Answer 4

I love mine with cornbread, fried potatoes and if im feeling very "southern" some greens. Now Im hungry lol

Answer 5

I use allrecipes.com they have tons of ways of cooking beans there.