Dry Beans are Best

I had mentioned in a past entry that I found a live worm in can of black beans. It was so grose! I have never made beans from "scratch" before because buying canned beans is just so much easier and more convenient.

I bought a bag of black beans (Bob's Red Mill). The black beans cost around $5.00 for 1 lb 10oz. 1 cup of dry beans makes 2 1/2 cups cooked beans. I can get about 4 cups of dried making that 10 cups of cooked beans. I think that is a good deal...plus no worms. Per serving size of 1/4 cup, it provides 11g of fiber and 10g of protein.

To make the beans: soak over night. Drain and rinse beans. Add 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of black beans. Bring to a boil and then simmer 1 - 1 1/2 hrs.

I soaked the beans last night and cooked them today. It does take some extra effort to make them, but in the end, I think it is worth it and they taste great! For dinner, I made Chicken Rice, Grape Salad and I added some of the beans to the salad. 

Chicken Rice, Grape Salad (I got this recipe from Ben's cousin Kori)

2/3 cup mayo
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp dried taragon
3 cups cooked chicken cubed
3 cups cooked rice (wild, white or brown)
1/2 cup green onion
1 can 8oz water chestnuts
1 cup black beans (optional)
1 cup sliced grapes
1 cup cashew halves

 Dressing: combine mayo, milk, lemon juice, dry taragon

Combine: cubed chicken, rice, green onion, water chestnuts, salt and pepper to taste. Add dressing to mixture. Let chill in refrigerator. When ready to serve, fold in grapes and cashews.