Beans are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein, full of nutrients and fiber to feed beneficial gut flora in the colon. We need a healthy microbiome for a healthy immune system.
The cheapest and healthiest way to eat beans is to buy dried beans, soak them for 12 hours to leach out some of the fermentable starchy molecules that are contained in the covering to reduce the gas-producing potential of beans.
Dried Beans can easily be stored in glass jars on your counter top or pantry and take up a lot less space than canned beans in kitchen cupboards. You can easily cook up large batches of beans at one time and freeze any extra beans that you don’t use right away in reusable containers.
When you purchase dried beans, you are also producing a lot less garbage by not buying small amounts of beans in a can. To be even more environmentally friendly you can take empty glass containers that are clean to health food stores that allow you to fill reusable containers or at least use a biodegradable paper bag.
During this time of “lockdown”, we are being forced to go back to the “essentials” and what really matters. One of the positive outcomes of this lockdown is that pollution is already decreasing. We need to rethink how sustainable our lifestyles are the impact we are having on the environment which in turn impacts our health.
Reducing the amount of garbage that is produced by buying bulk dried beans without the “excess” packaging is one way in which we can do our part in creating a cleaner environment and healthier planet. Plus, dried beans store just as well as canned beans when stored in glass jars.
We can all do our part even in little ways and at the very least recycle any food packaging appropriately.
I was gifted a used pressure cooker by a lovely Indian lady, and it is a kitchen essential in which I love. If you don’t already have a pressure cooker or instant pot it is definitely a worthwhile investment that will save you money in the long run.
How to soak beans
Place the bowl on the countertop for 12 hours and voila, your beans have soaked up all the excess water which reduces the cooking time.
It literally takes less than one minute to prepare soaked beans from scratch. It is best to soak beans for 12 hours or overnight but 6-8 hours is fine as well. If you need beans for dinner start the soaking process in the morning.
Benefits of Soaking Beans
• Reduces cooking time
• Reduces enzyme inhibitors and improves the availability of the nutrients found within beans
• Reduces excess bloating and gas by leaching out the fermentable starchy molecules that are contained in the covering of beans
If you find that beans make you bloated this can be due to an imbalanced gut microbiome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Taking a digestive enzyme will help to breakdown the undigestable and fermentable fibers found in beans.
Ultimately beans are a great prebiotic for the beneficial gut flora. If you find yourself bloated or gassy after eating beans just add them in slowly or eat smaller quantities and be sure to chew your food to prevent bloating
How to cook beans in a pressure cooker
After soaking 2 cups of beans for 6-12 hours rinse the beans through a strainer with fresh water then place in the pressure cooker with 4 cups of water to cover 2 inches above the beans. Secure the top of the pressure cooker then cook on med heat until the pressure cooker’s whistle blows.
Once the whistle blows turn off the stove and remove from the heat while letting the beans cook for another 15 minutes until the pressure cooker cools.
TIP – Do not open the pressure cooker lid right away as it is steaming hot. Wait until it cools down or after 15 mins run cool water over the pot before releasing built-up steam away from your face to release the pressure so you can open the lid
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