If you have little kids, or a fun sense of humor, you probably know how the rest of that jingle goes 😊. In my opinion, beans deserve more credit than they get. Over the years I started adding more beans to our weekly meal to save money on groceries. It took me a while to realize that not only was I cutting costs, but I was also enjoying many of the health benefits beans have to offer.
Beans are naturally low in saturated fat and packed with dietary fiber, making them a filling addition to many meals. Adding beans to your diet may reduce risk for heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers. Beans can be a great alternative to animal proteins that are often higher in saturated fats.
There are many different varieties of beans to choose from, and I switch between canned and dried beans depending on the time I have available. If you’re interested in cooking dried beans, Spend Smart. Eat Smart. offers great tips on how to prepare dried beans at home. Because of their mild taste, I have experimented adding beans to a variety of our dishes at home. I like to mix in a can of black beans or pinto beans with seasoned taco meat to stretch it a little further and add extra nutrients. I’ve even blended chickpeas into pasta sauce to create a creamy texture (and ‘hide’ the beans!).
Here are a few of my family’s favorite bean dishes:
- White Bean Dip – We love this dip with cut up veggies and crackers for a quick after school snack.
- Black Bean Burgers – These black bean burgers are a great swap for traditional beef burgers.
- Slow Cooker Refried Beans – I make a large batch of refried beans at least once a month. They are a tasty side for tacos or quesadillas and can be used as the main protein for nachos or a Tostada Bar.
Adding beans to your meals several times a month can help keep your family full longer and save money on groceries at the same time. That’s a win-win if you ask me!
