Beans have been popular for years and come in variety of shapes sizes and colors; something for everyone! Their versatility and convenience makes them a great staple because they can be stored dried or purchased in cans; giving them a longer shelf life and less risk for wasting! Soaking dried beans is easy and in a couple of hours they are ready to add to chilis, soups and salads.
Nutritionally beans offer proteins, minerals, and vitamins at a fraction of the cost of other foods. The fact is that beans are low in fat, containing only 2-3% fat, high in fiber, which help lower cholesterol, and a great source of protien, containing 20% or more which sustains long-term energy. Additionally, beans are high in essential B vitamins and iron. So…save money while you eat smarter this week.
Let's face it beans are inexpensive, a good source of nutrition, and offer many options for the dinner table. My family enjoys anything Mexican so I will consider Bean Burritos. Many of us live in areas where soup is a great choice in January, so I may also try Black Bean and Corn Soup (pictured below).
or another bean soup. MealEssence has many recipes that feature beans that you may want to try as an inexpensive alternative to traditional meat dishes!