Four Ways To Make Over Your Meals With Dried Beans

Unless you’re a vegetarian or you already eat beans on a daily basis, chances are, you may have a rather narrow focus when it comes to cooking with beans. There are the usual beans and rice, bean soup, pork and beans, and don’t forget chili. If you take a more global perspective, then you might also think of hummus, falafel, and refritos, or refried beans. 

It is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 different bean varieties in the world but only a small fraction of them are mass-produced for regular consumption. Even so, there are dozens of varieties to choose from, each with different colors, shapes, and characteristics. Despite this wondrous variety, beans are one of the most underrated and underutilized foods on the dinner table. 

If you’re looking for new ways to get inspired about beans, we’re here to help. In today’s blog from 21st Century Bean, we’re going to explore four easy ways you can makeover your meals using dried beans. Keep reading, and if you’re interested in buying wholesome, high-quality beans right from the farmers who grow them, shop 21st Century Bean.

Why Would You Want To Eat More Beans?

First, let’s start with an easy question — why go through the trouble of trying to incorporate more beans into your diet? The answers are plenty. First, beans are a nutritious superfood! They’re packed with protein and fiber as well as beneficial vitamins and minerals like potassium and folate. Next, they’re an affordable high-quality protein choice. On a cost-per-pound basis, they’re only a fraction of what you would pay for animal protein, and they’re healthier for you too! Finally, they’re incredibly versatile. Their mild flavor and texture allow them to blend well into many dishes. Not only that but if you buy dried beans, you can store them for a long time so you’ll always have a nutritious source of protein in the house. 

Eat More Beans With These Easy Recipe Hacks

If you want to incorporate more beans into your diet, you could certainly add a handful to your salads, soup, or breakfast burrito, but there are several other more exciting ways to boost the nutritional value of your favorite recipes.

Makeover Your Meat

If you classify yourself as a carnivore, you might be hesitant to swap your delicious, hearty meat for a handful of beans — but hear us out. Swapping half of the meat in your burger for black beans or bean flour can save you a lot. It can save you calories, fat, and cholesterol, as well as money. 

Create Delicious Desserts With Less Guilt

Who doesn’t love homemade cookies, brownies, or banana bread? Now you can have your cake and eat it too when you use bean flours to amp up the protein and fiber of your favorite desserts. Don’t believe us? Try this protein-packed brownie recipe or this simple 4-ingredient chewy protein cookie and see for yourself just how delicious eating healthy can be!

Bake Better Breads

Your average store-bought bread is loaded with empty calories and preservatives — hardly something you want to be eating on a regular basis. If you enjoy toast in the morning or a satisfying sandwich at lunch, try baking a more satisfying bread using bean flour. This 5-ingredient chickpea flour sandwich bread is easy to make and is naturally grain-free and vegan. That’s bread you can feel good about eating!

Thicken Without Cream or Flour

Creamy soups and sauces are laden with fat and cholesterol. Now you can create rich, satisfying, and even gluten-free dishes by harnessing the thickening power of beans! Simply add some chickpea flour to thicken a soup or even add it to your blender along with your favorite fruit to create a “creamy” and satisfying shake. 

Shop 21st Century Bean For Dried Beans and Bean Flours

If you’re ready to try some of these amazing recipe swaps, you can start by ordering your dried beans and bean flours from 21st Century Bean. Our producer-owned dry bean company is committed to providing you with the highest quality beans on the market. Place your order today!