Cook Flavorful Beans for Life

When I was a kid, I thought beans were boring. Then I grew up and learned that they don’t have to be. Shelf stable and budget friendly, they are the foundation for countless flavorful, simple meals. In fact, in the blue zones, areas where people live the longest, beans are a regular part of a plant based diet. Who wants to start cooking more beans?

I buy a variety in order to keep things interesting. Soak them overnight and cook up a big batch so you have some to freeze for later. Cook once and eat multiple meals. Simple.

Here’s what went into this pot:

• 2 pounds small white beans
• olive oil
• 8 ounces chopped ham
• 1/2 onion, diced
• a cup or so of leeks, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• parsley, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Herbs de Provence
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• small piece of jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 2 parmesan rinds
• a cup or so of white wine
• enough water to cover
• salt to taste near the end of cooking

Do you need all of these ingredients? Of course not. Create as you go, adding flavor with what you have on hand. I started with half an onion because I had one already cut in my refrigerator. Before I pulled out another one, I looked around and found a bag of sliced leeks in the freezer that was starting to get a little frosty, so I decided to use them. Most of what I chose to use came from my treasure chest of freezer gems: ham, leeks, jalapeno, parmesan rinds.

Starting with pork of some kind and an onion, I progressively add various ingredients to a large pot, sautéing in olive oil until I think it looks like a pleasingly flavorful combination. Then add the beans and liquid and simmer for a couple of hours until tender. Taste for seasoning and make any adjustments if necessary.

Nothing boring about these beans! For lunch the next day I sautéed some garlic in olive oil before reheating the beans with some freshly chopped tomato and mixing with pasta.

The beans that went into the freezer could become soup later or they could go into a salad. Or what else? You decide how many simple meals you can create.

Looking for more ideas on cooking flavorful beans? Read Reasons to Eat This Easy Meaty Bean next.