Side Dish, Beans and Grain Recipes

Frijoles Puercos from Michoacan, loaded Mexican beans with bacon, chorizo, chicharron, queso anejo, and crispy tortilla squares. A rich, indulgent side dish with serious depth.

The flavor was great. Made a few dishes with these refried black beans, burrito and two different multiple-layer dips. Homemade is always the way to go. If you have never tried refried black beans, certainly should add this one to "to-do" list.

Hummus, perfect for dipping all kinds of veggies or for pita bread or a replacement from mayo.

Summer white bean soup with sauteed celery, swiss chard or kale, a splash of rice vinegar, and a hint of liquid aminos. Light, vegetarian, naturally high in fiber and gentle enough for warm weather.

A hearty grain salad of pinto beans and wild rice tossed with mixed greens in a punchy chive-garlic vinaigrette, garnished with chive blossoms. Vegan, filling, and full of texture.

Easy chickpea salad with scallions, cilantro, lemon juice and a hit of cayenne. Bright, no-cook vegetarian side dish high in fiber and protein.

This is the basic recipe for cooking lentils or beans. Many southern and southwestern regional recipes call for cooked lentils or beans to be stirred gently into a dish near the end of cooking. Therefore, it may be a good idea ot make them a day ahead and have them ready when you begin the actual cooking.

Southern-style pole beans slow-simmered with a smoked ham hock until tender and deeply flavored. Just five ingredients and pure comfort.

Loaded Western frittata with ground turkey, potatoes, mushrooms, and melted cheese seasoned with cumin, sage, and thyme. A one-skillet egg dish that feeds a crowd for brunch or dinner.