How have you BEAN?

My most recent project is a perfect example of being cheap AND healthy.  I am no longer buying canned beans.  EVER (that's the goal anyway).

Canned beans are full of salt and most cans leach BPA into the food.  And now for the GOOD news, dried beans are WAY cheaper than canned, sodium free and chemical free, less gas inducing if you soak them AND they last longer on your pantry shelf.  Why in the world would I ever buy a canned bean again?!  Sure soaking and cooking takes a bit of time buy just make a big batch and freeze some of them in ziplock bags.  No more excuses.

 

Here are the ones I have

 

Kidney beans: Used pretty much only for chili.

Pinto beans: Mash them for refried beans.

Lentils: Add these to sloppy joe meat, soup, chili, spaghetti sauce and even brownies to boost protein and fiber. 

Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans): Hummus baby!  Oh and roast the cooked beans for a crunchy treat. 

White beans: Baked beans and pureed to add creaminess to dips. 

Black beans: Add a little garlic, cumin and hot sauce for a great Mexican side dish.

Mixed soup beans: Do I need to explain this?

 

 

 

 

 

The Bad Apple (and what to do with it)

Juice or blend it!
I absolutely hate wasting food, especially fresh produce.  Instead of throwing it away I juice or blend it into a energy boosting drink!  In this one I put a shriveled grapefruit, past it's prime apple, an old lime, a carrot, piece of celery, and a handful each of kale, spinach and parsley.  I swear it gives me as much energy as a cup of coffee!

Blending in a fairly high powered blender is ideal since you get all of the pulps fiber but sometimes I just feel like juicing.  I have a Oster blender and a Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice extractor and they work great and have held up well for how inexpensive they are.