Easy Beans

October 1, 2020
Beans have been experiencing a surge in popularity (even before the pandemic resulted in stores being emptied of long-lasting staple foods) due to their versatility and use in a variety of food cultures. Chef and culinary renaissance person Freeman divides this collection into dishes for various purposes, including breakfast, noshing, keeping you warm, starting your meal, and the main table. An introductory chapter praises beans as the unsung heroes of the pantry, as the variety of types is extensive, they work in many contexts, they tend to be inexpensive, and they are nutritionally superior to many other alternatives. Another chapter outlines the proper ways to sort, soak, salt, and cook beans. The recipes range widely, and Freeman's years of experience in various food-related roles can be clearly seen in the variety of influences and creative applications offered. A guide to types of beans completes the book, providing a quick reference to soaking instructions, cook times, beans it can be swapped for, and more. (Index not available at time of review.)(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

Starred review from January 1, 2021

Freeman, a culinary instructor, recipe developer, and food stylist, provides 40 bean-centric recipes for dishes ranging from breakfast to dinner, with snacks, sides, and salads included. If smoothies are your breakfast of choice, her recipes fortify the typical fruit-forward sips with the nutrition of beans. The requisite bean-based huevos rancheros become a breakfast sandwich, and an additional international flair is provided by Vietnamese black bean sticky rice. The recipes are not all vegetarian (e.g., turkey and white bean chili), although beans always play a significant role. Some of the best are vegetarian, however, and they draw from the world's cuisines; coconut-curry split pea dal, black-eyed pea jambalaya, and pinto bean enchiladas are just a few examples. Most recipes use a standard can's worth of beans, but there are detailed instructions for using dried beans as well. Recipes are easy-to-follow, and the author's chatty tone feels as if one is conversing with an old friend. A "Bean-Cyclopedia" rounds out the book, explaining each type of bean, how to cook, and what beans to substitute. VERDICT Full of creative approaches to common ingredients, this book is a standout.--Sharon Mensing, Phoenix, AZ

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.