Oily beans have a reputation as being tricky to cook with, but this does not mean that it is impossible. The trick is to find the balance of flavor and texture that make them a pleasurable ingredient in any dish. Many people are intimidated by beans, particularly legumes like black beans, chickpeas, refried beans and kidney beans. These foods are rich in protein and contain fiber, which is what makes them attractive to many vegetarians. However, when it comes to vegan cooking, these same foods can be used without fear of overdoing it.
Most vegetable oils are considered “vegetable oil”, except for palm oil, safflower oil and olive oil, which are derived from seeds and nuts. Any other type of oil will simply not work as well, since it is harder to pronounce and harder to process into a form that can be used in vegan cooking. If you are looking for a vegan cooking tool that will make short work of cooking beans, consider using vegan cheese. You can make vegan cheese out of soy milk or coconut oil, and it will give your cooking a smoother and creamier texture that is perfect when you are trying to incorporate other flavorful vegetables, spices and herbs into your dishes.
Bean curd is also another great option for vegan cooking. It is made from soy beans, which means it is vegan (although some vegans do not like to eat beans themselves). To make bean curd, all you need is soy milk, which you will need to boil the curds in until it thickens. You can add flavorings to your curds at this point or you can let the curds cool and use them in sauces, salsas and dips. To make a delicious sauce, simply combine the curds with soy milk and water, heat to combine, and enjoy.
Like many legumes, black beans can be very spicy. Because of their spiciness, black beans can often be added whole into the stir fry or other stew type meals without worrying about adding too much spice. In fact, black beans are one of the most versatile beans, allowing you to create delicious sauces, curds, tacos and pasta dishes. Just remember that as the beans are heated, their flavor profile can change, especially if they are left in the pot on the stove for a while. You may find that the spices to your favorite recipes lose their flavor when they are cooked over time.
The garbanzo bean is a smaller bean than the black or red bean, but it is a close relative. This smaller bean tends to be more bitter and chewable, so try substituting it for the other two types. While it does not have nearly the same kick as the other two, it does have its own unique flavor profile. If you really want to up the flavor, try cooking it with tomatoes. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and manganese, and they can help to minimize the bitterness of the garbanzo bean.
Another interesting type of bean that you might try is the pinto bean. These are slightly larger than the oregano bean but have a milder flavor. It has a similar heat level to the garbanzo bean but can hold its own in its own little niche. Many people will pair pinto beans with grilled chicken or pork. If you want a very spicy version of bean salad, consider making it a half-bean recipe. It is still interesting and unique, but holds its own well on its own.
If you have never cooked with black or red beans before, you might want to give them a shot. They are much bolder than the other variety, but they also hold their own with a wide range of foods. You can try adding them to soups, stews, chili and even fish. As long as you use the right spices and enjoy the unique flavor of these beans, you will find many delicious recipes using them.
Overall, try this variety of beans in your next dish. It will open your mind to new possibilities and help expand your palette. Don’t let yourself be intimidated by the size of some of the beans. They are not hard to cook with and the flavors are great. Just add them to your current menu plans and discover a whole new world of flavors and ways to use them.