My bean salads usually consist of a bunch of different beans. This time, I used what I had on hand at home. I always soak the beans for 24 hours… Why you ask?… Nuts, grains, seeds and legumes have natural defenses that are nutritional inhibitors and toxic substances that can be removed naturally in nature when it rains and before cooking by soaking. These inhibitors and toxic substances are enzyme inhibitors, phytates (phytic acid), polyphenols (tannins), and goitrogens. Basically, they block and prevent proper absorption of many minerals and can put a strain on your digestive system.
Here’s some more reasons to soak!
-To remove or reduce phytic acid.
-To remove or reduce tannins.
-To neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.
-To encourage the production of beneficial enzymes.
-To increase the amounts of vitamins, especially B vitamins.
-To break down gluten and make digestion easier.
– To make the proteins more readily available for absorption.
-To prevent mineral deficiencies and bone loss.
-To help neutralize toxins in the colon and keep the colon clean.
– To prevent many health diseases and conditions.
So, in this recipe, I used Mung beans, Adzuki beans, Garbanzo beans, Black eyed beans. 1 dry cup of each. (I use Shiloh Farms Organic beans)
I soaked the beans for 24 hours
After 24 hours, drain the water and place beans into a large pot filled with water
Bring beans and water to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover only leaving a small opening
Cook for an hour or until tender
Drain beans and place in a big bowl
Add:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped red onion (sometimes I use shallots)
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup red pepper (optional, I didn’t use this time)
1 teaspoon Thyme
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix all the ingredients and refrigerate and use for the week! I add this to my salads or just munch on it as a snack.
Thinking ahead and having food premade makes life a lot easier. It’s also easier to achieve any weight-loss/lifestyle goals you may have when healthy foods are within reach!
Stay healthy, stay happy!
MommyHealthiest 