Sunday, February 15, 2009

Gluten-Free Tip: Add BEANS

Beans are a wonderful food – high in nutrition, antioxidants, and fiber, low in fat, and very filling. A member of the Legume family, beans are considered to be a “super food” and should be eaten on a regular basis. Pre-cooked (or bought canned) they can be added to so many meals. The most common beans are black, kidney, lima, and navy varieties.

My favorite are the tiny black turtle beans which I pre-cook and toss into almost any dish like stew, lasagne, meatloaf, rice, and even cold in salads. Most beans are pre-cooked the same way. Soak them in lots of water over night. Drain. Simmer 60 – 90 minutes in approx 3 parts water to 1 part beans (follow directions on bag). You can leave a bowl of cooked beans in the fridge for several days, ready to add to daily meals.

FYI: Lentils, peanuts, soy nuts, chickpeas, and peas –also members of the Legume family – contain similar nutritional benefits!

2 comments:

camille said...

speaking of lentils i like the red chief lentils the best

elizabeth atkinson said...

i love lentils too -- have folic acid and iron and very yummy