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mar 24, 2020

Got Beans? (Part II: Canned Beans)

While we swoon at the extra-creamy texture and rainbow of varieties of dried beans, we’re just as fond of canned beans. They are a wonderful pantry staple to have on hand as a quick source of protein and a great building block for all kinds of easy meals.
In Part II of our Beans 101 guide, Chef Frances Wilson shares 5 Things to Do with a Can of Beans - any of these ideas will also work for those dried beans you’ve just learned to soak and cook in Part I. Whether you’re experimenting with dried beans or fresh, these 2 guides will provide inspiration to keep you busy for weeks!
Email us if you have any questions. We’re here to help.

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Mar 24, 2020

Got Beans? (Part I: Dried Beans)

Handout

1 Can of Beans, 5 Recipe Ideas

Author Frances Wilson

Here are 5 quick & easy ways to conjure a nourishing meal from a 15 oz. can of beans. Always drain & rinse beans before starting. Pay attention to whether the canning liquid was salted or not; either way, season them until they taste great to you! Any bean dish will benefit from being topped with a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a fried egg, or some Greek yogurt. 


Whip up a warm salad:  Place 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey in a medium saucepan. Whisk in 6 tablespoons of olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Warm gently on the stove. Add the beans and, when hot, toss in a handful (or several) of greens, such as arugula or spinach. Top with chopped roasted nuts. Other things you could add: shaved fennel, cherry tomatoes, or minced anchovies.


Simmer a soup:  Chop a small onion, a carrot, and a stick of celery. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chopped vegetables and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and cook over a gentle heat until softened. Add 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add some chopped kale or chard and the beans. Simmer for a further 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Make a mash:  Warm ¼ cup of olive oil in a pan. Add 1 peeled and smashed clove of garlic, a strip of lemon zest, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Turn off the heat, and allow to sit for 10 minutes to infuse. Remove and reserve the rosemary or thyme and the lemon zest. Add the drained beans to the oil and mash with a fork until slightly creamy. Season to taste (remember: some canned beans have added salt). Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with the sprig of thyme or rosemary, and serve. To make them extra delicious, add grated Parmesan or other cheese of your choice. Makes an excellent dip!


Go for a gratin:  Heat your oven to 375ºF. Meanwhile, sauté ½ cup of finely chopped onion or leek and a large pinch of salt in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened. Add ½ teaspoon of paprika and cook for a minute or two. Add the beans and just enough chicken stock or water to cover them. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (or a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as Herbes de Provence). If you have sun-dried tomatoes in your pantry, mince a couple of tablespoons and toss them in. Dried mushrooms, reconstituted in hot water and then chopped, would be a great addition, too. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with some Panko breadcrumbs, mixed with a little grated Parmesan cheese and drizzled with olive oil. Bake in the hot oven until golden and bubbling.

Cook up a curry:  Sauté ½ cup of finely chopped onion or leek in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft and translucent. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh ginger and cook just until the garlic is fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder and cook, stirring, for a minute. Add 1 can of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, and a little water if necessary, along with ¼ cup of finely chopped cilantro if you have it. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with basmati rice.