This may seem like a really basic one for most of you frugal masters, for me it is a big step.
We eat a lot of beans as plant-based eaters, and while not consuming animal products can be cost-effective, some conveniences can keep costs up. We buy no sodium added beans on a regular basis, which on sale are still $1.50 a can.
This week I had a lot of beans in the menu plan, coupled with a very tight budget. I bit the bullet and bought only dry beans.
They become convenience foods again when I soak them and store them in plastic bags. I am only doing this for meals planned within a couple of days from soaking. Otherwise, I will also be doing the quick method on days I forgot to give them a long bath.
I can’t wait to see your frugal fabulousness this week!
© 2013, Sam Kelley. All rights reserved.
Sam Kelley
Wife to one and mom to six. I love my Lord, my family, organizing and fitness. I'm a homeschooler who takes pictures obsessively. I love good tea. I don't eat meat.
We actually do a lot of beans as well, but mostly due to the fact that we love soups :-) I love your idea of soaking the beans in bags a few days ahead. I hardly ever get that done. I end up having to do the quick boil thing, hahaha.
Kay latest thoughts..Frugal in 2013
I had to do the quick method just the other day, I ran out of prep time!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Frugal Flop?
I really used to enjoy a nine bean soup my Mom used to make. I think I will add them to my shopping list. Thank you for the reminder :)
Jennifer G latest thoughts..Being Poor With My Mom.
That sounds good!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..How About Some Progress?
I frequently forget to soak my beans, but I have found that if I throw them in the crockpot, cover them with boiling water, and cook them on high, they are done by early afternoon. (I don’t add anything until after they are softened.) Not a healthy as soaking them, but it’s quick and easy in a pinch! I would love to try your recipe for bean burgers!
Thanks!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..The Organized Desk
We love dried beans. Our favorites are Anasazi beans which are only grown in Colorado. They were one of the few crops cultivated by the Anasazi Indians, in southwestern Colorado. I have ordered these tasty and faster-cooking beans from http://www.anaszibeans.com or 800-542-3623 The Adobe Milling Co, Inc. Fortunately, one of our local grocers now carries them, which saves a bunch on shipping. Here’s my tip — add 1-2 peeled and quartered potatoes in your beans. It’s a nice touch and seems to help with the gas-effect of bean. I also throw in a hamhock and chunks of ham for a great flavor. With cornbread — this is hard to beat! By the way, Anaszai is Navjao for “the ancient ones.”
Thank you!!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..The Organized Desk
Sam, that’s the only way I can buy them here in China. There are very few canned foods and most of them are imported, so not cheap. But almost everyone here owns a pressure cooker. In the pressure cooker, you can cook beans from dry in 30 minutes (and then let cool by the natural cool-down method). It is a huge time-saver for me–no more soaking and cooking all day in the slow cooker. The only caveat is the pressure cooker should be a stainless steel one to keep the health benefits.
Carey Jane Clark latest thoughts..Taste of China: The Local Market
I might just try that!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..The Organized Desk
I usually cook my beans overnight in my crock pot on low. Then you can divide them up into freezer bags and freeze for later use. Makes them almost as convenient as canned. . .
I am going to do that! Thanks!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Frugal Beans
I use 4 cups dried beans and add 1 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover with plenty of water, cook on low overnight and they will be soft in the morning! :) Or I will also cook them all day long, especially if I want to make humus and forgot to cook garbanzos overnight. By evening, the garbanzos will be ready and then I can put them in my food processor and whiz up my own humus–throw it in the fridge, and it will be waiting for us in the morning! LOVE humus, but do not want to eat added oils so I always make my own. It is healthier, and cheaper too!
I love Tribe hummus. How does homemade compare flavor-wise?
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..The Organized Desk
Never had Tribe hummus, so I cannot rightly say. But when you make your own, you can tweak things to how you like them. I often prefer my hummus with just garbanzos, water, salt, and a fresh herb like cilantro or parsley. Some people like to add garlic powder or lemon juice. Sometimes I will add in chopped dried tomatoes from our garden. The possibilities are endless!
Yum!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Wednesday in The Word: 1 Corinthians Three
Do you have any great bean recipes? We don’t eat a lot of beans because I haven’t found any recipes that interest my son or I.
Lynda latest thoughts..#16 ~ It’s not always about you
We love rice and beans, we use beans to make vegan “burgers”, beans and lots of veggies make up our vegan “chili”, and there are many recipes where beans aren’t the star, but they are added to a dish for nutrients and protein. We always add garbanzo beans to salads, and we love hummus.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Frugal Beans