When a friend mentioned that she serves chili over noodles, I was intrigued. We always serve our chili straight up with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side, but I had to try this new way, and the results were what inspired this chili mac from my cookbook "Mostly Veggies." Is it chili? Is it mac and cheese? It's the best of both worlds, and it's surprisingly healthy and packed with veggies!
Today, I was eating bean and cheese taquitos from Trader Joe's (which, I have to say, I really like) and was thinking about just how versatile beans are as a food. And because that's just where my brain goes, I thought, "Let's make a bean trivia quiz." So, I did. There's my inspiration. How much do you know about beans? Well, we're about to find out!
Beans are a hero ingredient for any salad. They're rich with protein and fiber and low in fat, so tossing them into any recipe is an instant health boost. They're also little flavor bombs - among the varying types of beans, you'll find different levels of nuttiness, richness, starchiness, earthiness, and sweetness. This explains why three-bean salad has been a favorite since the '50s, and why a whole new generation has embraced "dense bean salads" on TikTok.
ground beef was averaging $8 a pound. I was aghast. Since when did a pound of 80/20 become a special little treat? We've been opting for ground chicken and turkey instead. As grocery prices continue to go up, what are you turning to to keep your own food bills down? Maybe it's rice or lentils, but don't forget about the humble bean. Canned
Beans are some of the best vegetarian protein sources out there. A ½-cup serving of black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans contains about 8 grams of protein, which, although not equivalent to a chicken breast or sirloin steak, provides a meaningful contribution to your daily protein intake. They are also extremely affordable. If you want to make sure you're getting plenty of protein in your diet but either don't want to eat meat every day or can't afford to, beans are an obvious solution.
Beans and greens are an endlessly customizable duo that isn't just satisfying, but very nutritious. There are nearly as many types of greens as there are types of beans, so combinations are endless. Plus, beans are available year round, whether dried or canned, and are very affordable and shelf-stable staples packed with protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Greens are seasonal produce, but many types are likewise available year round. They provide a wealth of micro-nutrients and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
