Incredible Edible Beans: 6 Easy Canned Bean Recipes

March 19, 2021

Incredible Edible Beans   
6 Easy Canned Bean Recipes

Dear Friends,

Are they beans, lentils, legumes, or pulses? It can be confusing. But don't worry. Technically, legumes are a family of plants that bear pods. The pulses are edible seeds that grow in a pod. Pulses include all beans, peas, and lentils.

But most people just call them beans, and that's ok.

Beans are an inexpensive source of vegetarian protein. They are packed with nutrients; they are a low-fat source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they are very versatile and delicious. Indians have mastered the art of cooking beans or dals.

What is Dal?

Dal is an Indian name for beans. The word dal is used interchangeably for both dry and cooked beans. Indians call all dried beans, peas, lentils, legumes, or pulses dal. Dals are a staple in Indian cuisine. They are very versatile. They are used as whole beans, split, husked, or ground into flour. I can go on and on, but let's start with easy-to-make dishes.

6 Easy Canned Bean Recipes

Whether you are cooking whole, split, or husked beans/dals, they can be a time-consuming process. For convenience, I always keep a few canned beans on hand. They make great curries in a hurry :).

Check out the recipes below, from good old curries to bean salads, burgers, dips. Also, you will find that all three preparations have a very different seasoning and a unique base. These recipes are just the start of your journey exploring Indian dals. Check the website and the cookbooks for more recipes and videos.

Chickpea Salad (No Salad Dressing) 

Make this low fat, easy and nourishing salad flavored with lemon juice and spices. No salad dressing is required. Crunchy cucumbers add a nice crunch to soft chickpeas. I sometimes make this salad just for myself when I'm busy writing, for it's easy and satisfying…

Black-Eyed Peas and Potato Curry

When I'm in a hurry, I love to prepare this satisfying and hearty dish. I use frozen or canned black-eyed peas; by the time the rice is cooked, so are the peas. Serve these over rice or with flatbread...

Quick Rajma (Kidney Beans) (Video in editing, please check again in a few days.)

https://www.cuisineofindia.com/blog/recipes/2021/01/08/quick-rajma-kidney-beans

Traditional rajma, made with dry kidney beans that are soaked overnight and then cooked, takes a long time to prepare. Canned kidney beans are a good alternative for those rushed meals. They turn this into a quick and easy dish you’ll want to make again and again....

Quick Chickpea Curry (Includes Video)

On those late days at the office, this is my last-minute standby entrée. Everyone in the family loves it, and it's easy to pull together in less than 30 minutes. Serve with plain rice and salad…

Veggie Bean Burgers (Includes Video)

This is a relatively quick bean burger recipe using canned chickpeas. I find that frozen or even restaurant veggie or bean burgers tend to be dry or bland. When testing this recipe, my primary goal was to make sure it was flavorful and moist. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does. And for an extra zing, add a little cilantro chutney to your burger....

Black-Eyed Peas Dip (Includes Video)

This dip was an unplanned creation. One day, at the last minute, I realized I was supposed to bring a dish to the picnic. I wanted to make something and not just purchase it. So, I searched my pantry for inspiration (do you do that?). I made a lobhia chaat (black-eyed peas), which makes a hearty, spicy snack. At the picnic table...

What would you like me to focus on in future blogs?

Happy and Healthy Cooking!

Sincerely,
Madhu Gadia

P.S. I hope you noticed the New Banner on the website, and now there is a RECIPE tab under the blog. The recipes are organized into categories, plus there is a SEARCH option. Enjoy.