Many frugal gurus  recommend replacing meat with beans at dinnertime at least once a week.  Beans are an excellent source of protein when paired with rice and there are so many delicious recipes starring beans.

I admit, we don’t eat beans every week because Chad doesn’t like them much.  But I do try to include them in some casseroles where they can camouflage a little.  I also love to have garbanzo beans on salads and as hummus.

Even canned beans aren’t that expensive, but dried beans are definitely cheaper!  Especially for us, since we get several pounds free from WIC every month.  I’m a little embarrassed to admit that we’ve been getting dried beans for over a year and I had just been storing them because I was scared of the whole soaking and cooking process.  I’d only tried it once before and I must not have soaked them long enough because they turned out crunchy and yucky.

But this week, all of that changed.  I decided it was time to buck up and use some of my free beans.  I decided to start with garbanzo beans.  And they turned out perfectly!!

Here’s how:

• Put a pound of beans in a large pot with 8 cups of cold water.  Leave it soaking overnight.
• In the morning, drain and rinse the beans.
• Put them back in the pot with 6 cups of water.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer with the lid tipped to vent.
• Cook 1.5-2 hours, or until done.
• Drain and add to your favorite bean dish!!

And here’s a recipe for my favorite bean dish….

Hummus

• 1 can garbanzo beans/chickpeas
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 clove of garlic

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.  You can eat this with veggies, pitas, or chips.

For more frugal ideas, visit this week’s edition of  Frugal Friday!

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