03/03/2025
I love beans! I think they are one of those staples that are cheap, healthy, and easy to keep in bulk. When it comes to dried beans, the process of cooking them can be a little more tricky, and I will be honest, until I got an instant pot I was never much good at making them, but with a pressure cooker it's a snap, and you can make a bunch and freeze them for perfect portions. Tip- adding bay leaves to the pot, soaking, or sprouting will help to make the beans easier to digest. You can also consider what type of beans you tend to do better with. Some like lentils and chickpeas for this reason.
The health benefits of beans are myriad, aside from providing healthy vegan protein, they are rich in fiber which can be really helpful for keeping cholesterol and cortisol levels down, and providing a little balance for hormones and blood sugar. The fiber and minerals they contain can help to optimize nutrient absorption so that your food actually feeds you. Whether it's garbanzo, pinto, navy, or adzuki, I try to add these into my meals each week.