beans

Red beans and rice is a dish that is native to Louisiana. Traditionally it's enjoyed on Mondays because it's a one-pot meal that makes use of leftovers from Sunday's family dinner. The important thing to remember is that the beans must be soaked overnight, therefore a little planning is involved when making it.

It also requires time because the beans simmer with pork, vegetables, and aromatics for two hours. The resulting dish is hearty soul food that's filling and flavorful. Four different kinds of pork — bacon fat, ham, ham hocks, and smoked sausage — infuse the beans with an amazing richness.

To take a trip to the Bayou in your own kitchen, all you have to do is make these red beans and rice! Here's the recipe.

Today is National Bean Day! Consuming legumes on a regular basis is one of the foundations of a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. Since my culinary resolution is to eat more vegetarian cuisine, I'm cooking lots of beans. My favorites are lentils, garbanzos, and black beans. If I stock my pantry with all three, I can make a wide variety of soups, salads, and sautes.

How about you? What is your preferred bean?

The pumpkins are hardly in the compost and the Christmas decorations are already popping up in storefronts, which means old man Winter is on his way. Before the leaves are all on the ground, I'm bulking up on my warm and hearty soup recipes. One of my all-time favorites is Italian wedding soup, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood for the meatballs. When that's the case, I take comfort in this yummy kale potato bean soup that's a cinch to make and a crowd-pleaser to boot.

Chock full of tasty veggies, protein packed beans, and other fresh ingredients, this vegetarian soup is quite tasty and easily adaptable. I, for instance, like to add more beans and corn to the mix every so often. And on those rare moments where I do want a little meat in the pot, it's simple enough to add bits of grilled chicken or meatballs. So the next time you think about kindling the fire, consider firing up a bowl of the kale potato bean soup to go along with it!

If you want to see the recipe, just read more

When I learned that the concept of white chili is foreign to a number of you, I took it upon myself to make the case for why this stuff is better than a bowl of red. I love tomato-based chili — especially when it's conveniently made in a slow cooker — but I positively crave the white kind. Not just any kind: Paula Deen's white bean chili.

It's green chilies (I prefer the Hatch variety), white beans, chicken, and cilantro, slow-simmered for hours to become a stew that's creamier and more tender than its tomato-based counterpart. Make this white chili, and you'll be the talk of any tailgate. To take a peek at how it's done (like all things Paula, it starts with butter!), read more.

When the temperatures drop, there's nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty stew. But you don't need to have an entire afternoon at your disposal to brew up a batch of flavorful soup — all you need is 15 spare minutes.

This stew utilizes canned cannellini beans and precooked chicken sausage to whip up a meal in minimal time. Diced tomatoes add acidity, and fresh kale adds texture and earthiness. If you've got more time on your hands, use dried beans or uncooked sausage. Whatever you choose, pair it with a crusty baguette and a glass of Pinot for the perfect Fall dinner.
For the no-fuss recipe, keep reading.

After a mammoth grillfest, I'm always stuck with leftovers, and the last thing I want to do is make another run to the grocery store. Today, I plan on making a laid-back meal using items I already have on hand so that none of it goes to any waste. I'll prepare a dish I like to call cheesy beans and franks.

It's a cross between two comfort food faves: mac and cheese and cassoulet. Instead of carbohydrate-rich macaroni, I'm subbing in white beans and using frankfurters to ramp up the meaty flavor and texture. For a creative and fresh way to make the most of yesterday's leftovers, read more.

Happy Fourth of July! Hopefully, you're celebrating your freedom with a day spent outdoors amongst family and friends. Make food a central part of the celebration, but don't get so tied up at the grill that you're away from the conversation. Select a barbecue favorite like beef franks that are a treat yet also quick to prepare — then make the dish explode with flavor by stuffing the dogs with cheddar and then topping them with chipotle-marinated onions. Get the party started when you snag the recipe.