If a meal I’m making needs a little protein boost, I must admit that the first thing I think of reaching for is tofu. But since we already use plenty of soy foods, I try to remind myself to consider beans instead. Beans of all kinds are inexpensive and delicious nutritional powerhouses—in short, a food category that deserves daily attention.
Ingredients
Preparation
To make this basic flavorful side dish, drain and rinse one or two 15- to 16-ounce cans of black, red, or pinto beans. Heat a little extra virgin olive oil in a skillet; add 2 to 4 cloves minced garlic (depending on whether you use one or two cans, and on how much you like garlic—feel free to use as much as you like). Sauté over low heat until the garlic begins to turn golden, then add the beans and 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (again, depending on the amount of beans). Bring to a simmer. With a potato masher, crush just enough of the beans to thicken the base. Add lemon juice to your liking, season with pepper, and serve. You can also add a small amount of chopped parsley or cilantro to this dish.
