Bean Counting

Beans have always been the staple of any diet. They are nutritious and flavorful; a good stand in for meat when needed. What is also great about them is that there are so many different kinds of them and so many dishes featuring them., You can create hot or cold dishes - all delicious - all healthy.

Beans have been around for 3,000 years. The first came from wild plants found in Afghanistan and the Himalayas and were soon made into dishes. The plants quickly were transplanted to Aegean and Mediterranean areas however dried beans were also found in Peru. These were carbon dated from 2000 BCE and it was obvious that they were used in various recipes. Modern people can enjoy many different kinds of beans, from fava to pigeon. Peas are also part of this family as well as are lentils however these are divided into subcategories such as Pisum for peas and Lens for lentil.

Bean dishes are varied, You can create a tasty cold three bean salad which incorporate cannelini, kidney and chickpeas. Add some onions along with a vinaigrette dressing. A pea salad is different as well as being healthy. Mix fresh or frozen peas again with chopped onions and mayonnaise (sub in oil and vinegar for a lighter version).For a hot dish baked beans are classic. Sub in soy or turkey bacon instead of the pork if you don't want a high sodium dish.Then there's Mexican cuisine where beans figure prominently. Any dish has beans , whether red or black either in them or as a side.

Beans are a healthy and tasty choice for any dish, whether main or side. They are versatile hot or cold ; easy to cook and serve. Try any of the many varieties for a delicious change of pace.