Beans and Grain Recipes

Boasting 3 kinds of beans and rich, authentic south-of-the- border flavor, this meatless chili makes a satisfying light main dish year 'round and a super side dish for favorite grill-top fare, as well.

Frijoles a la charra (Mexican ranch-style beans) with bacon, jalapenos, tomato, and cilantro simmered in their own broth. A smoky, spicy pinto bean side dish ready in 35 minutes.

Great northern bean minestrone with carrots, zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a basil-oregano broth. Hearty, thick, and full of vegetables.

Hazelnut cappuccino torte folds toasted hazelnuts into a Kahlua-spiked dark and milk chocolate batter, bakes flourless-style with a soft center, and finishes with mocha whipped cream. Restaurant-grade dessert.

Quick herbed white bean dip with cannellini beans, garlic, lemon, olive oil, cumin, and oregano. The 10-minute Mediterranean appetizer that's lighter than hummus and just as versatile.

Hijiki nimono simmers nutrient-rich hijiki seaweed with carrots, tofu, age, and green beans in dashi, soy, sake, and mirin. Traditional Japanese home-cooking side dish in 30 minutes.

Hopping John simmers long-grain rice with smoky bacon, sweet onions, beans, and Ro-Tel tomatoes for the classic Southern New Year's good-luck dish. One pot, simple ingredients, big flavor.

Frijoles borrachos, drunken pinto beans simmered low and slow in beer and water with bacon drippings, onion, garlic, fresh and pickled jalapenos, and chili powder. Mexican border country comfort food.

This delicious Texas chili is a delicious one-pot meal. Chunks of succulent beef and beans are simmered in a well seasoned tomato sauce. Serve it with a few slices of crusty bread or steamed rice. It warms you up within a minute.

Italian bulgur soup with summer squash, lima beans, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Parmesan. A hearty, low-fat vegetable soup with whole grain texture, ready in 45 minutes.

Traditional Italian minestrone with white beans, vegetables, broken spaghetti, and a Parmesan rind simmered into the broth for umami depth. The classic peasant-soup approach.

Competition-style beef chili with ground sirloin, mole sauce, red bell peppers, and kidney beans. The mole adds chocolate-chili depth that sets this showdown recipe apart.

One-skillet chili with ground beef, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos for extra kick. Topped with sour cream, cheddar, and red onion.

Southern-style layers of golden cornbread stuffing, tender green beans, savory chicken, and creamy soup topped with earthy mushrooms. Like Thanksgiving dinner in casserole form.

Crockpot lima bean casserole with cream of celery soup, mushrooms, pimentos, and dill, finished with cream and grated Parmesan. Hearty, hands-off vintage comfort food.

Classic French-style lobster tart with a buttery lard-and-butter pastry, sweet lobster medallions, and a silky egg-and-cream custard. An old-school dinner-party showstopper.