Dried Beans

from Family Circle Magazine

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Prep steps for Dried Beans

1. Pick through: Pour dried beans onto a large baking sheet. Spread out and pick through, discarding any rocks, dirt and debris.

2. Quick soak: Combine 1 pound of beans (2 1/2 cups) in large pot with 12 cups of water and 2 tsp. salt. Boil 2 minutes, then soak in pot for 1 hour.

3. Overnight soak: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of beans (2 1/2 cups) with 8 cups of water and 1 tsp salt. Refrigerate overnight.

Cooking soaked beans: Rinse soaked beans. Place 1 pound of beans in a large pot. Add 6 cups of hot water, 2 tbsp oil, 2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic salt, 3 small chicken bouillon cuges and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat to boiling, then simmer 30 minutes or until tender. (May need longer, check your beans first!!)

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"Pound for pound, they cost 1/3 the price of canned beans. But while you do need to budget time to clean, soak, and cook them, then you can savor the savings!!"

Lentils

I found this info. on the sisters cafe and thought I would share!

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Lentils are a health powerhouse and easy to prepare. You don't have to soak them like other legumes and they have a short cooking time. Lentils have a high level of protein, and they also contain dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1, and minerals. Health magazine has selected lentils as one of the five healthiest foods. Lentils are also one of the best vegetable sources of iron!