For years people have considered beans and legumes as food fit for financially leaner times (think recessions and depressions) or as a staple in vegetarian cuisine. Although both of those impressions hold some truth, beans/legumes have also proven themselves to be one of the most versatile foods out there. 

They are the Cinderella of the food chain, underdogs that have risen from humble beginnings to become the Belle of many Michelin Star menus.  They are a nutritionist's dream; loaded with protein and fiber. And they leave you full and sated which is ideal when you're watching your weight and don't want to overeat. 

But let's get back to the frugal factor, a one pound bag of beans will usually run you under two dollars in your local grocery store (slightly more for organic or heirloom varieties), and cooked in the most traditional form (slow cooked with water/stock, and aromatics) can feed a family of four for 2-3 meals.  What other food out there can boast those stats?

Many legumes, much like rice or whole grains, have the ability to take on the flavor profile of just about anything you pair with them. White beans with olives, capers, and feta cheese provide a Meditarrean feel. Red and white lentils (Dal) are key in many Indian dishes.  Legumes are true masters of disguise becoming everything from dips to soups or even meatballs. 

Once again I'm challenging you to try it for yourself, see just how much money you can save and how creative you can be substituting 2-3 meals a week with a main course dish consisting of beans and legumes.  I've listed some great recipes below, but you may also want to check out food writer Jennifer Petrillo's blog "In Jennie's Kitchen " to see how inspired she was in her kitchen cooking with legumes.

Bean Appetit!

Orecchiette With Lentils, Onions, And Spinach (Gourmet, December, 2003) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Braised Lentils, Moroccan Style (How to Cook Everything: Vegetarian by Mark Bittman, 2007) My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 View On: finding recipe... or More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Prosciutto And Goat Cheese Bruschetta With Black Lentils (Tyler’s Ultimate, Episode: Ultimate Grilled Chicken, Season: 3) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Spicy Black Beans And Avocado Canapes (Real Simple, August, 2009) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Creamy White Bean & Herb Dip (Fine Cooking, February/March, 2009) Ingredients: finding recipe... *Some Fine Cooking recipes require an on-line subscription to view recipes finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Bulgur With Roasted Red Peppers, Chickpeas, And Spinach (Everyday Food, December, 2009) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Fettuccine With Lima Beans, Peas, And Leeks (Real Simple, March, 2010) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

Mashed Black-Eyed Peas With Garlic And Chipotle Chiles (Vegetarian Times, February, 2005) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (0) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments:

PermaLink