How to Cook Beans From Scratch. The Best Thing Ever.

Protein is all the rage and it makes perfect sense. I mean, you don't call something a 'muscle building block' for nothing. For the longest time though, I thought that you could only get that super important nutrient from two sources- meat and protein powder. 

If that is what you think, then buckle up Mama. Because I am here to tell you that protein is in almost everything.

Even broccoli. WHAT.

Of course, everything that has protein in it has different levels and different types of proteins, which you can learn more about HERE. Today though, we are going to discuss one of my favorite proteins. A protein that is used in almost every culture, is seriously delicious (even my pickest kid will eat these bad boys), and it is very cost effective.

That's right Mama- its beans! Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans... you name it! (okay, not jelly beans). 

You can get them prepared in a can, which is great and something that I will do in  pinch BUT if you can get them dry and prepare them how I explain below, they are much easier to digest, taste amazing, and you get a lot more for your money. 

Here's how it goes:

You peruse the aisles of your local grocery store until you find the dried goods. Specifically, the bags of beans and you grab a 1 lb bag of whatever your family prefers (we usually do black or pinto). 

When you get home, pour the bag into a big pot of water and let it soak overnight in the cool water. By the next morning, the water will have turned color, as it has pulled out the thing in the bean that makes you gassy. (You read that right- these beans will eliminate most of not all of your bean induced flatulence). This is good news for us mamas- especially if nursing! 

After you let the beans soak for minimum 6 hours (overnight is best) then strain the water using a strainer with smaller holes and wash the beans off. Add the beans back into the pot and add 6-8 cups of new water (or broth) and bring to a boil. 

Let the beans boil for 15 minutes then turn cover and turn the heat to simmer for the next 3-4 hours. 

Check on the beans periodically and make sure they remain covered in the water. You can always add more since the beans will absorb some of the water as they get softer. 

Once they are soft and delicious, let the beans cool then portion them off in glass tupperware this this one before freezing.    

Be sure to post your delicious creation with me on Instagram and tag me at @HealthyMama.HappyMama and Happy Cooking!

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