It’s a good thing canned black beans can last for months because they tend to spend most of their shelf life right there on the shelf.
Many people overlook them because they’re rarely struck with inspiration for how to use them. What do you do with canned beans?
Black beans are a good source of plant-based protein, and they’re high in fiber. Plus, unlike many canned food items, canned beans and home-cooked beans have little difference in nutritional value.
Beyond heating them up as a side dish, black beans can be important assistants in an abundance of dishes.
It’s obvious to use black beans in savory dishes, like a burger, but there are some recipes that dare to put beans in sweets and desserts. You’ve bean warned.
Black bean brownies
Sounds weird, tastes amazing.
Adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie
1 15-ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed well)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup quick oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maple syrup, agave or honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 cup chocolate chips
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Take all of the ingredients, except the chocolate chips, and put them into a food processor. Make sure you mix it well — if you don’t have a food processor, use a blender.
3. When the mixture is well blended, throw in the chocolate chips. Then put it in a baking pan (8×8) and bake for 15-18 minutes.
Black bean patties
They’re not just for vegetarians.
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 egg
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to your taste
1. Toss the black beans and onion into the
food processor.
If you don’t have a food processor, mash the beans with a fork and finely mince the onions, then combine.
2. Whisk the egg before incorporating it into the mixture.
3. Then, add in the breadcrumbs, chili powder, salt and pepper.
4. To cook, put a
skillet on low to medium heat. Pour a little bit of oil onto the pan, then fry up the black bean burger.
5. Eat it between two buns, or dress it up with some side dishes.
All groceries provided by Seward Co-op (2823 E. Franklin Ave. and 317 E. 38th St.)
