One of my goals is to make a basic pot of beans every week to use as a base for meals. During the week. I haven’t done it every week, but it is a good way to help me eat 4-5 servings a week.
I didn’t really grow up eating them, so I keep trying different ways to make them, and season them.
One recommendation I heard was to cook your beans in the oven, and to use a Dutch oven. So I usually do this and it is a great way to make them. I am also playing around with seasoning. I do love beans cooked with some sort of pork, but I try to minimize it – though sometimes I do throw a spoon or reserved bacon fat for flavor.
This week’s beans turned out great. And med friendly. I used onion, smashed garlic, Mexican oregano, and a bay leaf from a friend. With some olive oil to sautée those aromatics. This is my typical base. But I also added Sirārakhong Hāthei Chillies from Diaspora Co [https://www.diasporaco.com/products/sirarakhong-hathei-chillies]. This added smoke and heat and was really reminiscent of adding 🥓.
But I am looking for more ways to make them. How do you season your pot of beans?
by PlantedinCA
3 Comments
I have an Instapot, it cooks beans without having to soak. As far as flavors start with salt and pepper and experiment with a different spice each time. Simple is best to start with.
How much time do you have…? Beans are so widely eaten around the world you have so many options.
Generally: Mexican: black and pinto beans. Indian: red lentils, yellow split peas, chickpeas. Italian/American: Cannellini beans, chickpeas, brown lentils. Puerto Rican: Pink beans (not the same as kidney beans).
I typically go on Pinterest and search “[Cuisine] [food]” or “Mediterranean diet [food]”. I follow a couple med diet IG accounts too. Some vegan and vegetarian ones are good too. Some recipes you might find need a bit of modifications to make them Med friendly, but you still end up with a ton of flavor.
Some of my favorites. [Lemony lentil salad](https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252087/lemony-lentil-salad-with-feta/).
[Lentil soup](https://cookieandkate.com/best-lentil-soup-recipe/)
[Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea & Avocado Pita Sandwiches](https://cookieandkate.com/broccoli-chickpea-pita-sandwiches/)
[Moroccan Chickpea stew](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/slow-cooker-moroccan-chickpea-stew/)
[One pot Moroccan Inspired Chickpea Quinoa Salad](https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/moroccan-chickpea-quinoa-salad/)
[Chickpea Quinoa Salad](https://cookingforpeanuts.com/high-protein-chickpea-quinoa-salad-jars/)
Bean chili is really good too.
Cook them low and slow. For a cups of beans add 3 cups water, a couple cloves of garlic, 1/8 of an onion and a bay leaf. Add salt when soft to taste.