{"id":52,"date":"2024-01-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/?p=52"},"modified":"2024-01-03T12:03:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T17:03:34","slug":"why-choose-beans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/?p=52","title":{"rendered":"Why Choose Beans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beans are a staple in our house.\u00a0 We are not vegetarian, but very close to it.\u00a0 In the summer, that means a variety of cold bean salads.\u00a0 In the wintertime it means hearty bean soups.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beans, the unsung heroes of the culinary world, are the ultimate comfort food that tickles your taste buds and warms your heart during the chilly months of fall and winter. These little powerhouses of nutrition are not just healthy; they&#8217;re downright delicious, versatile, budget-friendly, and colorful. If you think beans are just bland, boring legumes, you&#8217;re in for a treat. In this whimsical journey through the world of beans, we&#8217;ll explore the magical qualities of these little legumes and discover some recipe examples that will have you craving beans all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103\" style=\"width:673px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide6-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide6.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beans: The Healthy Fruit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before we dive into the delightful realm of bean recipes, let&#8217;s talk about the health benefits that beans bring to the table, quite literally. Beans are not just packed with nutrients; they also have a sneaky ability to make you healthier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beans are loaded with fiber, which is the unsung hero of digestive health. It&#8217;s like your gut&#8217;s own personal cleaning crew, keeping things moving smoothly. The fiber in beans can also help regulate blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling balanced and in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But that&#8217;s not all; beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. It&#8217;s like they&#8217;re trying to compete with meat but without all the drama. This protein helps build strong muscles, repair tissues, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Beans, the original plant protein, will never leave you hungry or disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And how can we forget the rich assortment of vitamins and minerals beans offer? They&#8217;re packed with iron, potassium, and folate. Iron gives you energy, potassium maintains your blood pressure, and folate is great for overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Slide9-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54\" style=\"width:672px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Slide9-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Slide9-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Slide9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Slide9.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Delightful Universe of Bean Dishes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, let&#8217;s wade into the heartwarming world of bean soup, where the magic of beans truly shines. Bean soup is like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening \u2013 it wraps you in warmth, fills your belly, and leaves you with a big smile on your face. Here are some delightful bean soup recipes to tantalize your taste buds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old Fashioned Ham and Bean Soup<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide3-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide3-1.png 768w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide3-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide3-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide3-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 cup dried navy beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 ham hock or 2 cups diced ham<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 onion, chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 carrots, diced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 celery stalks, chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 cups chicken or vegetable broth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 cups water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 bay leaf<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salt and pepper, to taste<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soak the dried beans overnight in a bowl of water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In a large pot, combine all the ingredients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove the ham hock (if used) and shred the meat, then return it to the soup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Season with salt and pepper to taste.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serve with a side of crusty bread, and you and your family can weather any winter storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want an easy alternative, try using a dried bean soup mix.  I have used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hursts-HamBeens-Bean-Seasoning-Packet\/dp\/B012KNHTVC\/ref=sr_1_20?crid=10CJQRPJR1V9&amp;keywords=dried%252Bsoup%252Bbeans&amp;qid=1703606162&amp;sprefix=dried%252Bsoup%252Bbeans%252Caps%252C89&amp;sr=8-20&amp;th=1&amp;_encoding=UTF8&amp;tag=happilycozily-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;linkId=0440c8841920e9aed204a8611a1722a7&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hurst&#8217;s 15 bean soup mix<\/a> with great success.  My family loves it!  And one of the beauties of dried beans is that they last forever.  If I don&#8217;t make it until the next snow day, it will still be just as yummy and fresh.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">White Bean and Kale Soup<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102\" style=\"width:459px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4.png 576w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-225x300.png 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2 cups white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), cooked or canned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 onion, chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 cloves garlic, minced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 cups chicken or vegetable broth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 cups chopped kale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 teaspoon dried thyme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 teaspoon rosemary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salt and pepper, to taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A dash of lemon juice for extra zing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instructions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a large pot, saut\u00e9 the chopped onion and garlic until they&#8217;re translucent and aromatic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the cooked or canned white beans, chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stir in the chopped kale and continue simmering until it&#8217;s wilted and tender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Season with salt and pepper, then add a dash of lemon juice for an unexpected twist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and enjoy the warm flavors of this heartwarming soup.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Versatility of Beans: So Many Dishes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most amazing aspects of beans is their versatility. They&#8217;re like the chameleons of the food world, adapting to any role you assign them. From soups to salads and everything in between, beans can make an appearance and steal the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bean and Bacon Salad<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a side dish that&#8217;s equal parts crunchy and creamy, whip up a bean and bacon salad. Just combine cooked and cooled green beans, kidney beans, and black beans with crispy bacon bits, chopped red onion, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. It&#8217;s a performance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide5-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide5-1.png 768w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide5-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide5-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide5-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mexican Bean Burritos<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give your taste buds a zing with Mexican bean burritos. Mix mashed pinto beans with a pinch of cumin and chili powder, then spread it on a warm tortilla. Top with your favorite ingredients like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Roll it up, take a bite, and enjoy the burst of flavors in this culinary fiesta!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bean and Sausage Stew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make a hearty bean and sausage stew that&#8217;ll keep your wallet happy. Combine cooked navy beans, sliced sausage, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion in a pot. Season with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer until it&#8217;s rich and flavorful, and you&#8217;ll have a budget-friendly meal that&#8217;s as satisfying as it is delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-1.png 768w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Slide4-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beans are healthy and versatile.  Put beans on your table today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beans are a staple in our house.\u00a0 We are not vegetarian, but very close to it.\u00a0 In the summer, that means a variety of cold<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":55,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,28,36],"tags":[7,10,8],"class_list":["post-52","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autum","category-food","category-winter","tag-cozy","tag-food","tag-winter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":305,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52\/revisions\/305"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/55"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happilycozily.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}