Stretch Your Budget: Discover Affordable Bean-Based Recipes

With the post-holiday season prompting many to tighten their budgets, beans have emerged as a versatile and economical ingredient. Canned or dried, legumes provide a substantial source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for those looking to stretch their dollar without sacrificing nutrition.

In a recent feature, local readers shared their favorite vegetarian recipes that highlight beans as a central ingredient. The recipes include Charulata Gupta’s tangy chana masala, Cathy Collins’s hearty black bean chili, and Enid Barnes’s slow-cooker chickpea veggie stew. These meals not only offer flavor but also align with New Year’s resolutions to reduce meat consumption.

Hearty Vegetarian Recipes to Try

Gupta’s chana masala is a simple yet flavorful dish, featuring chickpeas seasoned with a blend of spices, onions, and herbs. A key ingredient is amchur, or dried mango powder, which can be found at major supermarkets or South Asian grocery stores. To enhance the flavor of the dish, homemade bhuna jeera, or roasted cumin powder, can be made by cooking whole cumin seeds until crispy and dark brown, then grinding them into a powder.

For those interested in trying the black bean chili, Collins suggests starting by heating oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. After adding cumin seeds and sautéing until aromatic, diced onion and bell pepper are added until soft. Garlic and chilies follow, contributing to the dish’s depth of flavor. The mixture is then combined with chili powder, black beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth, left to simmer for approximately 30 minutes.

Get Involved with Recipe Submissions

The publication is actively seeking Lunar New Year recipes for an upcoming edition of their Homemade column. Readers can participate by submitting their favorite dishes, allowing for a rich sharing of culinary traditions.

Both Gupta’s and Collins’s recipes serve not only as a testament to the versatility of beans but also as an invitation to readers to explore plant-based cooking. As the cost of living continues to rise, incorporating legumes into meals provides a practical solution for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while being mindful of their expenses.

The trend of embracing affordable, plant-based meals is likely to continue as more individuals seek to make healthier choices while being aware of their budgets. Beans, with their affordability and adaptability, stand out as a key player in this transition.