Tag: Beans

Counting on 2026 …. Day 57

11th June

Ours is a largely vegan household so we eat a lot of beans. We buy a wide variety of dried beans, largely grown in the UK,  from Hodmedod’s – this supports an independent business and local UK farmers, has an uncomplicated supply chain, and supports a the plant-based food system that we need to address the climate and biodiversity crises.

Cooking with the beans is easy. About once a week I weigh out 80g or so of each of 8 different Benin’s (enlighten for one three person meal) putting each into a jam jar. I add water and leave the beans to soak for six hours/ overnight. 

Then the jars go into a pan of water (effectively a Bain Marie) and the beans are cooked – once boiling point is reached they have a good boil for about 15 minutes and then a simmer for about 25 minutes. 

Once cooked and removed from the pan, the jars cool and a vacuum is formed between the beans and the lid. 

These go in the fridge and the beans are ready to be made into a variety of different dishes.

Below shows before, during and after cooking.

Counting on … 181

6th November 2025

Bang on cue! Yesterday saw the launch of a new campaign – Bang on Some Beans – to encourage us to eat more beans and pulses in the best interests of our own health and for the health of the planet. 

https://foodfoundation.org.uk/initiatives/bang-some-beans

The Guardian offers a selection of appetising recipes (although the quantities look as if they would feed many more than the recipes suggests). 

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2025/nov/05/magic-beans-the-protein-rich-superfood-in-a-potful-of-top-chefs-recipes?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Another go to site for recipes is Hodmedod’s who are a British grown beans, pulses, grains etc. Their recipes include ones using bean flour – dried beans milled into flour are a great way to increase protein and fibre and reduce carbon hydrates and can be used in making cakes, biscuits, bread, pasta etc.

https://hodmedods.co.uk/blogs/recipes