Cooking With Beans: Breakfast Ideas

By now, most people have heard about the health benefits of beans. Not only are they a good source of plant protein, but they’re also high in fiber and many other beneficial nutrients like potassium. Although you might know that beans are good for you, many people struggle with how to prepare dried beans. It’s easy to get stuck in the same old routine of making bean soup or chili. The fact is, beans have such a mild flavor and texture, they can really be used in just about any dish. And, in today’s blog from 21st Century Bean, we’re going to give you several easy meal ideas for eating beans at breakfast. Keep reading to get some tasty inspiration!

Black Bean Breakfast Burritos

Let’s start with something that you might already be familiar with — breakfast burritos. These handheld meals are easy to make and a convenient option for people on the go. Oftentimes breakfast burritos contain a mixture of eggs, potatoes, and perhaps meat such as ham or sausage. The beauty of breakfast burritos is that you can really make them with just about anything, and that includes beans!

Consider swapping out meats for black or pinto beans. Eliminate the egg and replace it with rice or quinoa for a healthy vegetarian breakfast. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own ideas for fillings or check out this black bean breakfast burrito recipe.

Protein Power Shake

If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast that can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, a protein shake can offer that — plus endless variety. You can put just about anything you want in them and even better, protein shakes can contain lots of healthy ingredients but taste like you’re eating dessert. Some of the most popular varieties include chocolate, vanilla, and various combinations of fruits and berries.

Instead of using a highly-processed or animal-based protein powder, you can also use beans! Beans are high in protein and have a mild flavor so they practically disappear into your drink. Although you could probably throw ½ cup of beans into your smoothie, a better option is to use a bean or pea power. These powders blend smoothly and still contain all of the nutritional benefits of cooked beans. At 21st Century Bean we have several varieties available. Try them in this protein smoothie recipe or feel free to swap out ingredients to create your own concoction!

Pancakes

Waffles and pancakes are a breakfast favorite, but they are often pretty low on the nutritional scale. Most are just a combination of simple carbohydrates and sugars — leaving your blood sugar to spike and you feeling hungry an hour later. If you’re looking for a healthier, and more satisfying version, check out this recipe for Sweet Pea Pancakes made with split yellow peas. Although it may sound a little strange, cooked split peas mash up easily so they can blend in with your pancake batter. You can also use garbanzo bean flour, if you prefer, to create these delicious Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

Shop 21st Century Bean

Hopefully, these recipes have sparked your curiosity and have given you some ideas on how to prepare dried beans. For more recipes like these, we invite you to take a look at our recipe page. With a little practice and an open mind, it won’t take long to realize that beans can be used to create an unending supply of yummy and good-for-you meals and snacks. 

Before you step into the kitchen, don’t forget to order your dried beans, peas, lentils, and bean flours from 21st Century Bean. From our farms to your family’s table, our producer-owned dry bean company is committed to providing you with the highest quality beans on the market. Shop 21st Century Bean today!