Beans are cool! Did you know the United Nations has declared 2016 the Year of the Pulses [which includes dry beans, lentils and dry peas] to recognize them as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients, worldwide.
Beans are an excellent source of fiber, potassium and folate. They also provide iron and zinc.
Best of all, they taste great in a variety of recipes, are convenient to prepare and a good value for the money.
We in Nebraska are pretty proud of the beans we raise. According to the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission, we're 1st in the nation in Great Northern bean production, 2nd in pinto and light red kidney bean production and 3rd in overall bean production.
I've tucked in a few bean tips and recipes along with the other recipes and food resources this month to help you get on the bean bandwagon!
Cook It Quick's Goal
Our goal is to make you "hungry for healthy food" by offering tips and delicious, quick-to-prepare, inexpensive recipes.
Preparing these recipes and using the tips will help you increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. At the same time, you will reduce sodium, solid fats, and calories. Food safety tips are included.
Feel free to use/adapt Cook It Quick material when an article is written entirely by me for your own articles, blogs, handouts, etc. An example credit line is: Authored by or Adapted from Alice Henneman, MS, RDN, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Cook It Quick web materials.
Recipe
Easy Salsa Bean Dip- just 2 ingredients! (Source: North Dakota State University Extension Service )
Recipe
Mexicali Pork Chops with Black Beans
(Featured on The Bean Institute Website)
Recipe
Skinny French Fries (Source: Montana State University Extension Service)
Recipe
Strawberry (or Peach) / Banana Smoothie (Source: Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Program)
FYI - the amount of popcorn and dried fruit you use in this recipe need not be exact. ~Alice
Recipe
Food Tip
To Rinse or Not to Rinse Beans (Source: The Bean Institute)
Food Tip
Solving Odor Problems in Your Refrigerator or Freezer
Food Safety
Will Reheating Food Make It Safe if You Forget to Refrigerate it? 