Saving Money and Planning Ahead Tip #1

I love ways to still eat well but save a little money.  This idea does take a little planning ahead but it will save you time in the long run.  It has been years since we have bought canned legumes, beans, peas or whatever you want to call them.  I am not a fan of using cans when I can avoid them, due to the BPA liners, sodium and additional garbage waste.

Letting your dried beans soak for 6-8 hours actually begins bean germination.  This germination causes enzymes to release, breaking down the complex bean sugars. Some suggest that breaking down the complex sugar is a good thing as this is what gives us gas.  Once beans are soaked and cooked they can placed in freezer save containers and ready for your next meal.

Some of our favorite ways to eat beans/peas or legumes are:

• Chana Masala
• Chili (Vegetarian)
• Chocolate Black Bean Fudge
• Honey Roasted Chickpeas
• Maple Baked Beans
• Mung Beans and Cabbage

Soaking and Cooking Beans 
Option 1-Pre-soak with Boiling

1. In a large pot add dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans.  Add enough water to full over the beans plus another 1-2 inches.
2. Let soak for 6-8 hours on counter.
3. Rinse beans and place in a large pot.  Add enough fresh water to cover the beans and simmer them for 30 minutes and then check to see if they are tender but still firm. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini)
4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.

Option 2-Quicker-Doubled Boiled 

1. In a large pot dry beans, rinse with water and remove any poor looking beans. 
2. Add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches.  Bring pot to a boil and turn off and let sit for 1 hour. If cooking kidney beans to let them boil for 10 minutes and then simmer (to reduce the Phytohaemagglutini)
3. Rinse beans again and add enough fresh water to completely cover the beans plus another 1-2 inches to the pot and bring to a boil.  Tilting the lid a little let the beans simmer for 1 -2 hours depending on the bean.  Check frequently to ensure they are tender but still firm.  You don't want to over cook your beans.
4. Once cooked either use right away or rinse with cold water and place in freezer safe containers.

___________________________________________________________________________________ *Beans that don't require soaking, just cook for approximately 30 minutes

• Black beans
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Lentils