During this social isolation period, you and your family may have stocked up on a few ingredients like canned beans. Now you may be thinking, “What in the world could you do with a simple can of beans?” There are so many creative things you can do with beans that involve more than cracking them open, plopping them in the microwave, putting them in a tortilla, and calling it a taco. While that may be good, this is the perfect time to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Any kind of bean is totally transformable: black, pinto, kidney, navy, garbanzo. Beans are delicious but also very nutritious because they are full of fiber. About 95% of Americans do not eat the recommended amounts of fiber. Kill two birds with one stone by creating new dishes and eating more fiber with these recipes. Beans are not everyone’s favorite, so hopefully these recipes inspire you to change your perspective on them.

  Hummus is easy to make, can be cheaper than store bought, and you will feel proud that you made it yourself. Serve with cut veggies, pita, chips, or spread on sandwiches, rice cakes or toast. 

Ingredients:

*one can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas)  

*two garlic cloves

*juice of one lemon

*one quarter cup of water

*tsp of salt

*two tbsp of tahini

*one tbsp of olive oil 

*quarter tsp of paprika (optional)

Steps:

1. Drain and rinse the can of garbanzo beans. 
2. Place the beans and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor or high speed blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy. (Add more salt if too bland, add lemon for zing, add water if too thick, add tahini or oil if not creamy enough, add paprika for a kick.)

  When I found this cookie recipe, I instantly fell in love. These chickpea chocolate chip cookies were made from social media influencer Earthyandy, who posts loads of healthy recipes on her Instagram @Earthyandy. These are so delicious I had to share them here! Try them; you will not regret it!

Ingredients:

*one can of garbanzo beans

*one half cup of peanut butter (or any nut butter)

*two tsp of vanilla

*one half tsp baking soda

*one half cup chocolate chips

*one third cup of maple syrup

*salt

Steps: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Place all ingredients, except the chocolate chips in a food processor or high speed blender.
3. Blend the ingredients until smooth, and add in the chocolate chips by blending some in or fold them in with a spoon. 
4. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Enjoy!

  Now if you want some tacos, take your beans to the next level by making a simple refried version.

Ingredients:

*one can of pinto beans (or black beans)

*one quarter of an onion, diced

*one garlic clove

*spices: cumin, paprika, chili powder

*one tbsp of oil

*salt and pepper

*lime juice (optional, but adds flavor)

Steps:

1. Heat a pot to medium and saute the onion in the oil until the onion is translucent.
2. Add garlic and saute onion and garlic for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add beans, salt, pepper, lime juice, and spices to the pot and stir around frequently for 3-5 minutes. (Add the amount of spices you want depending on your spice tolerance).
4. Take a potato masher, fork, or hand blender and mash the beans until they are thick and well combined with all the ingredients. Taste the beans to see if they need any more seasonings.

  Try these recipes and experience a newfound love of beans with The Brook’s Cook!