Beans have been known to mankind since ancient times. Archaeologists managed to find the remains of its seeds during excavations of monuments of pre-Inca culture in Peru, and the first documented mentions of this plant date back to the 2nd millennium BC. e. Beans were brought to Russia in the 16th century, and they began to be eaten only 200 years later, after which they firmly took root in Russian cuisine due to their excellent taste and valuable nutritional properties.
Types of beans
Currently, there are about 200 different types of beans known. Of these, about 20 are cultural, which, in turn, are divided into two groups. Peeling varieties are grown for dry seeds. The second group is sugar or vegetable varieties, which are consumed along with the pod leaves.
Bean seeds are rich in easily digestible protein, the content of which reaches 24-30%. Therefore, they are recommended for vegetarians and fasting people. Beans also contain vitamins of group B, K, PP, C, carotene. They are also rich in minerals, including iron, iodine, calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium, phosphorus and others. In addition, they contain the amino acids tryptophan, lysine, arginine, tyrosine and methionine.
Beans with eggplant
Stewed beans with eggplant are good both hot as a side dish and as a cold snack. To prepare this dish you will need:
- red beans - 200 g;
- eggplant - 1 pc.;
- onions of medium size - 2 pcs.;
- bell pepper - 1 pc.;
- tomato paste - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- parsley - 1 bunch;
- vegetable oil for frying;
- salt, spices to taste.
Red beans are diuretic, reduce blood sugar levels and prevent the development of malignant tumors. It is also useful for diseases of the digestive system and heart failure.
Before cooking, the beans must be soaked in cold water for 6-8 hours. Then drain the water and cook for 30 minutes. Cut the eggplants into cubes and hold in salted water to get rid of the bitterness, then drain, dry and fry in oil until half cooked.
Finely chop the onion and sauté over low heat until golden brown. Cut the pepper into cubes. Put beans with vegetables in a pan, season with tomato paste and spices, season with salt, sprinkle with chopped parsley and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Green Bean Lobio
Traditional lobio is made with red beans. However, you can change the recipe slightly and use a green pod for this snack. In this case, the dish will turn out to be lighter, but no less tasty.
To prepare this dish, you will need:
- green beans - 500 g;
- tomatoes - 600 g;
- peeled walnuts - 0.5 cups;
- medium-sized onions - 2 pcs.;
- garlic - 1 clove;
- parsley - 2-3 bunches;
- salt, pepper to taste.
Green beans are indicated for respiratory diseases - bronchitis and tuberculosis. It lowers blood sugar and stimulates the production of red blood cells, has a calming effect and helps to get rid of tartar.
Remove the skin from the tomato. To do this, the fruits must be washed and cross-shaped cuts are made on them, and then doused with boiling water. Then they need to be cut into slices, filled with water and boiled. When they boil for a couple of minutes, remove from heat and grind with a blender.
Cut the beans into small pieces, boil in salted water, drain. Peel and finely chop the onion, mix with the beans and boiled tomatoes and bring to a boil. At the end add chopped garlic with nuts and finely chopped parsley and leave to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
