Pinto Beans, Cooked Southern Style

Written by Greg

I’ve been traveling more than normal for work lately, and the change in my regular routine as well as the food has, at times, been hard on my health goals.  It’s almost impossible to eat in a healthy manner while traveling.  However, the other day, I hit upon a solution.  A bowl of southern beans.

You may be wondering:  “What the heck?”  I’ll explain — I grew up on the Southern U.S., and a staple of our diet was pinto beans.  Today, I’d liken it to how most meals in Asia seem to be accompanied by rice.  It was served at most meals, and there was generally a pot sitting in the refrigerator.  If we wanted a snack, we could go get a bowl and have that for a snack.  Filling and (to me at least), tastes great.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but legumes in general are among the healthiest foods on the planet.  Loaded with protein and fiber.

Northern vs. Southern Style Beans

When I lived in Pittsburgh, most of the folks I met were shocked to hear that I liked beans.  When we talked about it, they complained that beans were crunchy and didn’t like them on their salads.  That was foreign to me.  I had never had beans on salad.  What I discovered was a huge difference between how beans are prepared in the northeast U.S. vs. the recipe for southern beans.  In the South, beans are cooked to a softer consistency and served as a soup.  One day, I cooked up a pot and served them up to some friends, with corn bread and baked ham.  Much to their surprise, they like them!

Back to the subject at hand.  The last few times I’ve been traveling for work I’ve stopped at a Cracker Barrel and gotten a bowl of beans as my meal.  It has worked as a way to limit my food intake, while giving me something that I enjoy eating while provides a wealth of fiber and protein.

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Tags: beans, eating habits, health goals

2 Responses to “Pinto Beans, Cooked Southern Style”

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  1. Ben Lawson
    September 18, 2009 at 8:35 pm

    I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and my family was the first to settle here (1730). I have eaten brown beans with fat back all my life. My favorite meal growing up was brown beans, cole slaw, and either rolls or corn bread! Until recently “LUCKS” sold October beans in fat back which was a fair approximation of the taste. They have stopped selling this, a true loss as their Pinto beans are not close. I grew up eating creecy greens, rice, and a true vegetarian regimen when the garden was ripe. I may be country but legumes are still a favorite and who would have guessed are good for you!