Dried Beans Types
Beans could be the perfect food. Not only are they low in fat, they are high in fiber and one of the least expensive foods you can buy. Beans can be used to make main dishes such as burritos and chili. They are also popular in side dishes. Beans go with everything from barbecue to salads and can be found in a variety of spreads and dips. Use a wide selection for even more variety in your cooking.
Pinto
Pinto beans are a popular choice and are often the first type of bean to come to mind. They are marked by a splotchy pattern that forms the basis for the name, which means "painted" in Spanish. These beans work well with chili and are used extensively in Tex-Mex cooking.
Black
Black beans are a mild flavored bean that can be used to make refried beans, salads and just about every other bean dish you can imagine. In terms of versatility, they are equal to the pinto. Black beans have been in existence in the Americas for more than 7,000 years. When you eat black beans, you are eating a piece of antiquity. Try the recipe for Cuban Black Bean Soup in the resource section.
Garbanzo
Also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans originated in the Middle East and are still used extensively in dishes there. The popular dip hummus is made with garbanzo beans, tahini and garlic. Garbanzos can also be cooked and then roasted with spices for a delicious snack. See the video on make hummus in the resource section.
Navy
Navy beans are small white beans that are mild in flavor and commonly used for preparing baked beans. Navy beans got their name in the early 20th century after they were used as a staple food in the United States Navy. They are a good addition to minestrone soup and make for an excellent dip when blended with spices and olive oil.
Kidney
Kidney beans have also been used in the Americas for many years. Archeologists have discovered evidence of the use of kidney beans in villages dating back thousands of years.They are an excellent addition to chili and taste good on green salads. They are also a popular ingredient in three bean salad. As with all large beans, dried kidney beans should be soaked overnight before cooking.
Soybean
The Chinese first domesticated soybeans in the 11th century B.C. They are surely the most versatile bean around. Among their many uses are soy milk, soy butter (an alternative to peanut butter), miso soup, tempe and soy nuts. They can also be consumed directly from the pod in a Japanese dish known as "edamame." Soybeans and products made from soybeans are especially popular as a source of protein for vegetarians.
Fava
Before Europeans came to the Americas and found a variety of beans, fava beans (otherwise known as broadbeans) were often the only beans they ate. Favas have a smooth texture, with a bit of a nutty flavor. Some people find them to be a tad bitter. See a variety of recipes for fava beans at SeasonalChef.com in the resource section.
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