Beans: Pantry Staples, Nutrition Stars

It’s time to hop aboard the bean bandwagon because beans are high in protein and soluble fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals. They also are an essential source of protein, iron and zinc for vegetarians. Diets rich in soluble fiber are associated with improved blood glucose control and blood cholesterol levels, and may help fight heart disease.

Since they’re often priced at less than 25 cents per cup, dried beans are affordable options for virtually any family. Brush up on your bean savvy:

  • Beans are available bagged, canned, frozen and sometimes fresh. Choose beans with less sodium. Rinse and drain canned beans to remove up to 40 percent of the sodium.
  • Embrace bean versatility. Beans come in many shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Serve beans for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks. Use bean flour in desserts or freeze pureed beans in ice trays to thicken soups. The options are endless.
  • Cook more than you need. Cooked beans can be refrigerated for at least four days and frozen for up to a year without loss of quality.
  • Add acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar only when beans are almost tender. Adding acid too early slows the cooking process.
  • Don’t fear side effects. Although flatulence can occur as the body tackles beans’ indigestible carbohydrates, research shows eating beans more often and discarding the soaking water can reduce this unpleasant side effect.

Bean Varieties

Black
A staple of South and Central American and Caribbean cuisines, black beans are an excellent source of fiber, folate, iron and magnesium. High concentrations of anthocyanins — pigments responsible for the hues of many plants and vegetables — deliver deep, dark color and a heart-healthy boost. Enjoy the earthy flavor of black beans in salads, mashed into burgers or pureed into a hearty soup or dip.

Black-Eyed Peas
Another Southern staple and symbol of good luck in the New Year, black-eyed peas are a good source of fiber, magnesium and zinc. Their creamy, mild flavor pairs well with tomatoes and leafy greens. Commonly eaten with rice, black-eyed peas can be creatively served in fritters, stews and salads.

Navy
Also known as Boston or Yankee beans, navy beans earned the name for their role as a staple in the diet of the U.S. Navy. High in folate and fiber, this small, protein-packed bean is commonly mixed with molasses to create baked beans. Navy beans are perfect in chili, soup or stew.

Soybeans (Edamame)
With nine essential amino acids, soybeans may be the quintessential plant protein. Soybeans are an excellent source of calcium, iron and potassium. Research suggests whole soy protein may reduce the risk of breast cancer and bone loss in some populations and decrease total and LDL cholesterol levels. Enjoy soybeans steamed, roasted or stir-fried.

Lima
Cultivated in Central America to supplement a protein-deficient diet, lima beans played a nutritious role in Aztec and Incan history and the creation of succotash. Available fresh, dry or frozen, lima beans are an excellent source of fiber and a potassium powerhouse. Simply stew lima beans or combine with sweet corn for succotash.

Pinto
Cultivated more than 5,000 years ago in ancient Peru, pinto beans are now a Southern staple and the most widely consumed bean in the U.S. Pintos are high in folate and fiber and a good source of potassium. Use pinto beans in stew, chili, vegetarian burgers or bean burritos.

Chickpea or Garbanzo
Middle Eastern in origin, chickpeas are one of the most common legumes in the world. Chickpeas are high in fiber and folate, and provide potassium and magnesium. Enjoy the versatility of chickpeas in a creamy hummus, warm falafel, vegetable-rich salad or roasted into a crunchy, high-protein snack.

Red
Commonly substituted for kidney beans, red beans are smaller, softer and have a milder flavor. Red beans are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of iron. Red beans star in Creole red beans and rice and taste great in soups and salads.

Great Northern
Popular throughout North America, great northerns are an excellent source of fiber and folate. Common to the French stew cassoulet, the mild, delicate flavor of great northerns make them perfect for white chili, soups and dips.

Fava
Fava beans are part of ancient history with roots in the Middle East. Fava beans are an excellent source of fiber and folate and provide iron, magnesium and potassium. Unlike most of their (dry) bean brethren, fava beans are a spring vegetable commonly used fresh and eaten both raw and cooked.

Kidney (Red and White)
These kidney-shaped beans are high in fiber and folate and deliver robust flavor. Armed with a thicker skin, kidney beans hold their shape in dishes with longer cook times, such as chili con carne, but are also a popular salad bar ingredient. A bit milder, white kidney beans (also called cannellini) are often used in Italian salads and sauces.


Beans: Pantry Staples, Nutrition Stars -

Three Bean Minestrone

Developed by The Culinary Institute of America for the Northarvest Bean Growers Association

Serves 6

Ingredients
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large white onion, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup cooked (or canned, drained and rinsed) pinto beans
1 cup cooked (or canned, drained and rinsed) white kidney, cannellini or Great Northern beans
1 cup cooked (or canned, drained and rinsed) light or dark red kidney beans
8 cups water
rind from a small piece of Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)
1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
2 zucchini, diced
2 medium red tomatoes, diced
4 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
6 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot over low heat, combine the olive oil and onions. Sweat the onions until wilted and soft, about 10 minutes. Add carrots and cook 3 minutes. Add celery, beans, water and Parmigiano-Reggiano rind and cook for about 20 minutes.
  2. Add diced potatoes and zucchini and cook for another 20 minutes. Add tomatoes and their juices, cover and cook at a low simmer for at least 30 more minutes.
  3. Add spinach, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.
  4. Serve with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Nutritional Info
1 1⁄3 cup

Calories: 317
Total fat: 16g; Sat. fat: 3g
Chol.: 4mg; Sodium: 480mg
Carb.: 35g; Fiber: 10g; Sugars: 5g
Protein: 12g; Potassium: 737mg; Phosphorus: 191mg


Beans: Pantry Staples, Nutrition Stars -

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies

Developed by Meal Makeover Moms for the Bean Institute

Serves 16

Ingredients
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat an 8×8-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Place the black beans in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract if desired, baking powder and salt. Process until smooth.
  3. Add 1/4 cup of the chips and pulse a few times until the chips are incorporated.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a rubber spatula and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips.
  5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing into 2-inch squares.

Nutritional Info
2-inch square

Calories: 135
Total fat: 6g; Sat. fat: 2g
Chol.: 35mg; Sodium: 121mg
Carb.: 19g; Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 14g
Protein: 3g; Potassium: 137mg; Phosphorus: 71mg



Beans: Pantry Staples, Nutrition Stars -

Black-eyed Pea, Tomato and Egg Salad

Developed by Shara Aaron and Monica Bearden

In the South, black-eyed peas, also called cow peas, are traditionally eaten as the first food of the New Year to bring luck and prosperity.

Serves 1

Ingredients
1/2 cup no-salt-added black-eyed peas, cooked
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon reduced-fat feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients and enjoy.

Nutritional Info
1 1/4 cup

Calories: 219
Total fat: 7g; Sat. fat: 2g
Chol.: 189mg; Sodium: 195mg
Carb.: 27g; Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 10g
Protein: 12g; Potassium: 694mg; Phosphorus: 187mg

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Marisa Moore
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.