what’s your one recipe to convince me to like beans?

What’s your go-to recipe to help me appreciate beans? I’ve disliked them for most of my life, but I’m making an effort to include them in my diet for health benefits, fiber, and cost savings. So far, I can only manage to tolerate cannellini beans in soups, but that’s about it. Red kidney beans, in particular, really don’t sit well with me.

So, what’s your ultimate, “gold star” bean recipe?

P.S. The only way I enjoy chickpeas is in hummus. Otherwise, I find them a bit too grainy and crumbly for my taste. Lentils have always seemed daunting to prepare, and the few times I’ve tried them, they turned out mushy, which isn’t my favorite texture.


Comments

One response to “what’s your one recipe to convince me to like beans?”

  1. If you’re looking for a recipe that might just convert you to a bean lover, I highly recommend trying Bean Quesadillas! They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and you can customize them to suit your taste.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 can black beans (or your preferred bean—pinto works well too)
    • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
    • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Tortillas (flour or corn, your choice)
    • Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, corn, or avocado
    • Olive oil or cooking spray for the skillet
    • Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Rinse and drain the black beans, then add them to the skillet along with the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mash them slightly with a fork, mixing everything well to combine. If you’d like, add any optional veggies for extra flavor and texture.

    2. Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay a tortilla in another skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle half of it with a layer of cheese, followed by a generous portion of the bean mixture, and then top with a bit more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

    3. Serve: Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

    Why It Works:

    The melting cheese and flavorful spices complement the beans wonderfully, masking any undesirable textures you might associate with them. Plus, you get the added crunch from the tortilla, which creates a great contrast. You might even find yourself enjoying the beans in this form without noticing their usual quirks!

    Give it a try and see if this recipe helps you warm up to beans a bit more! Enjoy!

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