Posted: 5/26/2009 5:10:39 AM EDT
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I have been going back pages here reading over the information posted.
I have one huge lingering question...Beans..... The one thing that is always mentioned, but few details. What kind of beans? I am not a big fan of beans, but can handle them and adding them ot other food wouldn't be too bad, but not knowing were to even start on this one has me rather perplexed. Before you bring it up, I am not just worried about beans, I am working on water, medical and other areas as well. |
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When I go to wm I buy them out of all of their 15 or 16 bean ham soup mixes. I know its not the cheapest way to buy beans, but it is real handy and I cant find all of the different kinds of beans in bulk.
We just cook up one of those with a DAK ham. We dont let the Dak cook as long, |
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I used to pick up the 1lb bags of pintos or great northern at the dollar store for $1. Just grab a few every time I stopped in there. I think they are up to $1.50/lb now...either way, picking up a few bags from a dollar store or walmart is a great way to slowly add to the stockpile w/o spending much cash at once.
Speed ETA: on the topic of beans, I have to admit I cheat  I eat a fair amount of beans, but I don't usually eat my dried beans. I just keep 'em on hand because, well, they almost never go bad.
Some favorites include: Ranch Style beans; They are what all canned beans should be; like beans made for chili but w/ more grease and flavor  I have a really hard time finding these up here in PA, but when I can, I typically buy a dozen or so cans, only to go back to that same store later and find the no longer stock them
The New Orleans style Red Beans and Rice (little box dinners, just simmer for 25 mins) Aldis brand is my personal favorite; WAY better than Zatterans or lipton or any of that stuff and, it's only $1!!! I eat it once a week or so, sometimes i add bacon and make burritos out of it. And a personal cheap single guy favorite: a can of black beans, can of sweet corn, some medium salsa and lemon juice...great black bean and corn salad in a pinch when I don't feel like spending the money on fresh cilantro. Fwiw |
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I had to post this too:
Lentils are great little beans and cook quicker and easier than a lot of dried beans. I made a tomato based lentil soup a while ago for the hell of it and added macaroni to bulk it up. I swear it was almost like eating chili mac. IMHO they make a really good meat substitute as far as flavor goes compared to other beans. Speed |
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I usually pick up 5, 1-lb bags everytime I'm at ChinaMart. 5-lbs of beans will fit nicely into the small mylar bags. This goes for lentils to garbanzos.
My wife doesn't like me buying beans, but it is cheap insurance. My kids like to eat them though, so she can't complain too loudly. The 15-bean soup mix is awesome... I scored some Orzo (rice-shaped pasta) at the commisary this weekend! Hooray!!!!! |
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Accordind to my bag of pintos there are 1170 calories/# and 81 grams of protein/#.
peas and lentils are cheaper and have better protein amounts. last time I bought peas were 7.80/25# lentils 9.80 and beans 11.20/25#. you need 70 grams protien/day legumes+grain 33/66% are the cheapest way to get it. |
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Quoted:
Pintos, Navy, Black, brown Lentils, some Black Eyed Peas...those are the ones I normally buy and eat. +1 Have spices to flavor up your rice and beans and beans and rice! 
Also, Speed said that "beans don't go bad". Well, they will discolor and get hard. If too old they will be almost impossible to soften except by pressure cooking them. Beans two years old (unless stored correctly, sealed with oxygen absorbers.etc. ) will be pretty hard. Also, store what you eat and rotate it on to your table to ensure you have a reasonably fresh stash. My 5.56 cents. GM15 |
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Buy any dried bean. Get a variety of different types. Winn Dixie has them for $1.00/lb bag. Last night, I bought 10 bags.
I store them in mylar / O2 absorbers / buckets with a bottle of dried chicken or beef bouillon seasoning. I also make combo buckets with beans and rice, flavorings and spices. Also, you can plant these dried beans! All beans are open pollinated so they will grow true to seed. You'll never run out of beans if you save seed from year to year. You can also buy dried barley pearls at the grocery store. Great to make soup with, or in a SHTF situation, you can plant the barley and eat the young plants for additional vitamins. Just give them a haircut and chew on the leaves. Ever heard of Barley Green? Here's some info: Barley Green |
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Quoted:
Dont forget time needs when choosing beans..... Split Peas, Lentils and Butterbeans do not require soaking before cooking. Beans don't "require" soaking before cooking. The primary reason people soak beans is to cut down on cooking time. Soaking beans allows the dried beans to absorb water, which begins to dissolve the starches that cause intestinal discomfort (farts). |