Pot o' beans.

                   
                          
In Mark Bittman's book- Food Matters (one of the most influential books in regards to "conscious eating" that Ryan and I have read), he says that he's "on a mission to make sure every fridge or freezer in America is stocked with a container of home-cooked beans... a simple process that requires no advance planning and very little attention, yet provides the backbone for several delicious meals." 
   
I could not agree more.  Incredibly useful, versatile, easy, &- CHEAP!!  From red beans & rice (a future recipe post), to Stephanie's "scrumptious white beans," to the "{best ever} boston baked beans"... there is just something so satisfying these hearty peasant style meals- created from the the most basic ingredients- culinary magic.  Give me a slice of warm crusty bread, some simple greens, & a serving of beans... & I'll be one happy gal.
  
Since we weren't even close to the final bits of ham, I decided to postpone split pea soup for few days, and to use up most of the meat in other dishes throughout the week.  First up- hand's down one of the easiest soup (more like a stew) recipes that you'll ever make.  But not lacking in flavor whatsoever.  But c'mon now.  How could it with all of that glazed ham goodness??

{For the recipe, click HERE. :)}
  

16 comments:

  1. A friend sent me a recipe for retried beans that I can't wait to try. These beans look amazing. I wish RBB loved them as much as I do. Sadly, they only qualify as a side to him, not a meal.

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  2. We really are on the same page! I got that cookbook last year and made so many pots of beans for weeks my husband finally told me to chill out :) But I love his philosophy. I made this last night (and last week!): delicious and so easy: http://markbittman.com/less-meat-mondays-cannelini-with-shredded-bru

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    1. I am so making that when sprouts are back!

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    2. How funny! Oooh… that sounds so good!! Cannelini beans & sausage are a perfect combo in and of themselves… bookmarking (literally :)) now and will definitely this. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. I really should make more beans as my kids freakishly love them. (I'm serious, they will eat black beans like they're candy -even fight over who gets more - while onlookers gape in astonishment). I think it's the prep time that intimidates me.

    Jenn

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  4. Bonus: My kids love beans. Definitely trying this soup recipe!

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  5. i'm with you on the "crusty bread salad beans' meal. why can't the rest of my family get on board?

    time to get out the big pot again.

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  6. I grew up on brown beans and cornbread. Mmmmm...so good.
    www.stylinggame.blogspot.com

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  7. Read this yesterday and started soaking. Guess whats for dinner tonight? Such a great article and post...I may need to have that cookboook

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    1. yaaaaaaaaay!! finally finished ours off today! …had ‘em as leftovers last night with some pasta, and sautéed cabbage… and for lunch today with spring onions and rainbow chard (so many POSSIBILITIES, right??). (split pea soup tonight) :)

      …you *do need that book (equal parts reading/information & recipes… but the next year, he came out with a new cookbook- with a ton of additional recipes, following the same philosophy- called the “food matters cookbook”… so good, and I love his recipe writing style- gives tons of options/substitutions/ideas with each recipe).

      enjoy those beans.

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  8. I think Mr. A has talked about getting that cookbook. He is definitely the chef in my household.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  9. I got that book for my husband for Christmas! Great minds think alike, yet again... ;) I love getting dried beans from our local co-op and soaking them. So much healthier and less expensive than canned!

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    1. Omg… too funny… I got it for ryan for valentine’s day a while back!! (love that we can give our husbands “these” kinda gifts… never difficult to find presents for him :))

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  10. Its amazing how cooking beans and legumes youself (are beans also legumes?) really adds to the flavour. They are just so meaty and different tasting from the ones in cans.

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  11. love this Torrie! Beans are one of those things that I always look for in a recipe, along with a couple of other ingredients....I have a sausage and white bean soup with spinach we love around here but I can't wait to see your take on red beans and rice!
    Best,
    Tina

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  12. OMG I literally could NOT sleep last night cause all I was thinking about was some authentic NOLA red beans and rice.... I've tried so many recipes and can't find one that hits the spot---could yours be the winner???

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