The elderly lady at the farmer's market who taught me about dry beans

I was at the farmer's market in Eugene about two years ago, and an older woman was buying a huge bag of pinto beans. I asked her what she did with so many, and she laughed and said they were her secret to feeding a family of four on under $40 a week. She told me to soak them overnight, then cook a big batch on Sunday and freeze the extras in small bags. I tried it myself, and one bag of dry beans makes about the same as three cans, but costs a dollar instead of two. She also mentioned adding a bay leaf and a splash of vinegar to cut the gas, which really works. I now use dry beans in chili, soups, and even as a taco filling. Has anyone else found a good tip from a stranger at a market that saved you money?

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avery6292mo ago

Oh man, I really need to stop eating my beans straight from the can like a heathen.

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willow2442mo ago

No but wait. Cold beans straight from the can actually have a texture thing going on. They're firmer. Hold their shape better. If you heat them they get all mushy and fall apart. I put them on saltines with hot sauce sometimes. It's not a meal but it's a snack. Way better than chips.

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