S/O meatless meals

[redheadbaker]

Has anyone successfully gotten over an aversion to the texture of beans? For health reasons, my doctor wants me to eat less red meat (I didn't eat a lot of it to begin with), and eat more lean meats, fish and beans. 

Nuts aren't an option for protein -- I'm not allergic, but most whole nuts make me sick to my stomach. I can eat peanut butter, and I can eat macadamia nuts.

[lemoncupcake]

What ways have you tried and disliked beans in the past? Alone or mixed with other stuff (soup, pasta, salad, rice, etc)? Whole beans or mashed? In a tortilla/pita vs just on a plate?

Have you tried lentils? Because they’re small I’m not sure if that would be easier for you.

[redheadbaker]

Jan 11, 2022 10:21:43 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

What ways have you tried and disliked beans in the past? Alone or mixed with other stuff (soup, pasta, salad, rice, etc)? Whole beans or mashed? In a tortilla/pita vs just on a plate?

Have you tried lentils? Because they’re small I’m not sure if that would be easier for you.

I don't mind them refried, but, not healthy. 

I can tolerate them if there's a couple mixed in with a lot of meat (like a handful of beans on a chicken burrito). But something with *just* beans (whole beans), like bean soup, nope, didn't like that. 

[Deleted]

The average woman needs 46 grams of protein a day. I would not force myself to eat a texture for the protein as a 1/4 c of beans has 6-8g and that's it. Cheese has more for less calories. I actually have an aversion to meat textures. Beans are just a lot of fiber. I'd take a fiber tablet over eating beans. I drink a premier protein shake for 30 g of protein and then a string cheese for 8 g of protein then hope for the best on the rest. Normally, I have eggs too which are 5g each. Life is too short to suffer over food.

[steamboat185]

There is such a variety of textures to beans. Roasted chickpeas taste nothing like black beans, which taste nothing like white beans. Is there a type that you really can’t stand? Have you tried blending a soup with a lot of beans to make it creamier? What about hummus?

Lentils are another good option- especially red lentils since they cook down to a smoother texture. If you make lentils into a “meatloaf” or burger the texture might be less obvious.

Edit also if you don’t like beans try quinoa or farro they are grains with a good bit of protein.

[cjcouple]

What about chopping nuts, toasting and adding to foods like salads and oatmeal/overnight oats? (oats have protein too)

As for beans? yes, I usedto hate them. I started by adding a small scoop to other foods so it wasn't just a pile of beans. Lentils also are smaller legume which might be easier to eat at first. I make a vegetable soup and add lentils. Quinoa is also a good protein source.

Lastly it may sound crazy but try a black bean burger. When you mash up the beans. mix in all the other stuff (peppers onions bread crumbs and seasonings) and when you cook it in the skillet it forms a nice crispy outside. So when you add to a toasted roll with lettuce tomato etc, it's wonderful and isn't a "bean" texture.

[VillainV]

Jan 11, 2022 10:32:14 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Jan 11, 2022 10:21:43 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

What ways have you tried and disliked beans in the past? Alone or mixed with other stuff (soup, pasta, salad, rice, etc)? Whole beans or mashed? In a tortilla/pita vs just on a plate?

Have you tried lentils? Because they’re small I’m not sure if that would be easier for you.

I don't mind them refried, but, not healthy. 

I can tolerate them if there's a couple mixed in with a lot of meat (like a handful of beans on a chicken burrito). But something with *just* beans (whole beans), like bean soup, nope, didn't like that. 

There’s nothing unhealthy about refried beans. At least not more so than any other kind of beans. They’re not really fried. They’re really just beans that have been cooked, mashed, then cooked again. Usually the second cooking involves adding more spices and I like to use sautéed onion as well. Very easy to make yourself and much tastier than canned. And since you mash them yourself you can control the consistency (I like them a little more rustic than canned).

[bears]

I'd recommend that you try roasted chickpeas. They are almost more like nuts than beans in texture and really good to have with couscous, on a sald, or just plain:
www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-crispy-roasted-chickpeas-in-the-oven-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-219753#post-recipe-9863

[dcn]

Agree with pp to try a bean burger or even a lentil burger. I really like roasted chickpeas - I eat them with quinoa and then broccoli or whatever frozen veg I have on hand.

Could also try a quesadilla with beans in it?

[lemoncupcake]

Jan 11, 2022 10:41:54 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Jan 11, 2022 10:32:14 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

I don't mind them refried, but, not healthy. 

I can tolerate them if there's a couple mixed in with a lot of meat (like a handful of beans on a chicken burrito). But something with *just* beans (whole beans), like bean soup, nope, didn't like that. 

There’s nothing unhealthy about refried beans. At least not more so than any other kind of beans. They’re not really fried. They’re really just beans that have been cooked, mashed, then cooked again. Usually the second cooking involves adding more spices and I like to use sautéed onion as well. Very easy to make yourself and much tastier than canned. And since you mash them yourself you can control the consistency (I like them a little more rustic than canned).

I love these dried refried beans - they’re super quick and you can customize spice/salt and consistency. The only ingredients are beans and salt.

santafebean.com/images/santa%20fe%20veg%20bag%20033119.jpg?crc=370811244

[mrsukyankee]

I'd choose lentils over beans every day of the week. But I also like beans that have either been mashed or beans that are firmer. Soft beans? Ick. So, lima beans, gross, black beans flash fried or mashed, yum.

[basilosaurus]

I've been eating a lot of this style soup. Red lentils with bulgur wheat. It's delicious. www.thespruceeats.com/turkish-ezogelin-soup-3274341

There's also an Indian style red lentil soup I love. I don't have a particular recipe.

I'm recommending those because red lentils break down with minimal cooking. There's not that bean texture.

Also, purees like hummus and white bean. thenewbaguette.com/garlic-sauteed-mushrooms-white-bean-puree/ looks like a good white bean dish. I love roasted mushrooms.

[jinkies]

I love black bean soup but I completely blend the beans for that, which fixes the texture issue.

Other than that I agree with others that life is too short to force yourself to eat beans if you don't like them. There are plenty of other protein/fiber sources to choose from.

[liverandonions]

My mom doesn’t like beans or peas because they have “fuzzy middles” and she’s started eating some beans by swallowing them whole vs chewing them. So of course this would mean they’re more part of dish but could still help to get that protein

[AJL]

Jan 11, 2022 10:32:14 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Jan 11, 2022 10:21:43 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

What ways have you tried and disliked beans in the past? Alone or mixed with other stuff (soup, pasta, salad, rice, etc)? Whole beans or mashed? In a tortilla/pita vs just on a plate?

Have you tried lentils? Because they’re small I’m not sure if that would be easier for you.

I don't mind them refried, but, not healthy. 

I can tolerate them if there's a couple mixed in with a lot of meat (like a handful of beans on a chicken burrito). But something with *just* beans (whole beans), like bean soup, nope, didn't like that. 

You don't have to refry them. Just mash them with a potato masher and some of their juice to get a smooth consistency. I never actually refry them in more fat. 

[foundmylazybum]

I haven't seen it mentioned but I love Fava beans and edamame.

Fava beans can be a little bit of work (you have to boil and peel them), and are seasonal but we put them in pastas and they are so. So. Good.
They also go well in salads.

The same goes for edamame. You can buy frozen edamame and add it easily to pastas and salads for additional protein and other nutritional and labor benefits.

I think these two beans have a really different flavor and texture profile than some of the others mentioned.

[livinitup]

Jan 11, 2022 10:32:14 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Jan 11, 2022 10:21:43 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

What ways have you tried and disliked beans in the past? Alone or mixed with other stuff (soup, pasta, salad, rice, etc)? Whole beans or mashed? In a tortilla/pita vs just on a plate?

Have you tried lentils? Because they’re small I’m not sure if that would be easier for you.

I don't mind them refried, but, not healthy. 

I can tolerate them if there's a couple mixed in with a lot of meat (like a handful of beans on a chicken burrito). But something with *just* beans (whole beans), like bean soup, nope, didn't like that. 

www.acouplecooks.com/homemade-refried-beans/ I learned to cook a lot of things during lock down. This is so delicious. Traditional refried beans uses lard, this doesn’t. A little olive oil, garlic, spices - very healthy. You can easily add it to a veggie tortilla and enjoy it.

I would recommend adding something simple like canned chick peas to a salad. It’s not a mouthful of beans and they are quite firm. I have no aversion to beans, but I hardly eat them as a dedicated soup or filling for a sandwich. I do add them to my turkey chili with lots of extra peppers and onions. Maybe go easier on yourself.

[lucybrown]

I love beans and nuts, but they don’t love me. Beans are easier to digest if I mush them up first like PP suggested. I also don’t eat dairy or eggs. Here are ways I get more non-meat protein into my diet:

Protein smoothie for breakfast every day
Adding nutritional yeast to veggies.
Adding hemp hearts to soups, veggies, oatmeal, etc.
Sun butter on apples, celery, or whatever for snacks.



ETA: I know that wasn’t your exact question. Maybe it’s helpful? If not, ignore me.

[arehopsveggies]

I can not handle beans. Roasted chickpeas are the only bean type thing I can make myself eat

[AJL]

Beans are good for you but you don't need to eat them if you don't want to. You're getting protein from other animal sources and there are plenty of other options for fiber. Don't force yourself to eat something you don't like.

Contrary to popular music, beans aren't really a magical fruit.

[redheadbaker]

Jan 11, 2022 10:40:01 GMT -5 steamboat185 said:

There is such a variety of textures to beans. Roasted chickpeas taste nothing like black beans, which taste nothing like white beans. Is there a type that you really can’t stand? Have you tried blending a soup with a lot of beans to make it creamier? What about hummus?

Lentils are another good option- especially red lentils since they cook down to a smoother texture. If you make lentils into a “meatloaf” or burger the texture might be less obvious.

Edit also if you don’t like beans try quinoa or farro they are grains with a good bit of protein.

I do like hummus. A lot of store-bought kinds have a lot of sodium, though I might try making it at home. 

[redheadbaker]

Jan 11, 2022 13:05:35 GMT -5 lucybrown said:

I love beans and nuts, but they don’t love me. Beans are easier to digest if I mush them up first like PP suggested. I also don’t eat dairy or eggs. Here are ways I get more non-meat protein into my diet:

Protein smoothie for breakfast every day
Adding nutritional yeast to veggies.
Adding hemp hearts to soups, veggies, oatmeal, etc.
Sun butter on apples, celery, or whatever for snacks.



ETA: I know that wasn’t your exact question. Maybe it’s helpful? If not, ignore me.

Don't apologize -- this was very helpful!

[redheadbaker]

Thanks, everyone, this has been really helpful. I'll try a few of the recipes (I know H will like them, even if it ends up I don't), and if I still don't like them, I won't force the issue.

[VillainV]

Jan 11, 2022 15:29:04 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

Jan 11, 2022 10:40:01 GMT -5 steamboat185 said:

There is such a variety of textures to beans. Roasted chickpeas taste nothing like black beans, which taste nothing like white beans. Is there a type that you really can’t stand? Have you tried blending a soup with a lot of beans to make it creamier? What about hummus?

Lentils are another good option- especially red lentils since they cook down to a smoother texture. If you make lentils into a “meatloaf” or burger the texture might be less obvious.

Edit also if you don’t like beans try quinoa or farro they are grains with a good bit of protein.

I do like hummus. A lot of store-bought kinds have a lot of sodium, though I might try making it at home. 

It’s super-easy to make at home!

[chickadee77]

Interestingly enough, I, too, hate the texture of beans and am working on eating more. So far, my two best tricks are:

1. Add to smoothies. If you're using canned beans, try to get low-sodium. Don't freeze them if you pre-prep your smoothie stuff. I honestly cannot taste/feel them, and slowly upped it from 1/4 cup to a full cup (though the smoothie is then enormous, ha).

2. Add blended white beans to cream sauces - they thicken the sauce nicely (so less cheese needed-another dietary bonus) and while I can *kind of* taste them, the texture is not an issue.