Simple Anasazi Beans

I decided to share with you these Simple Anasazi Beans that I have been enjoying lately. The world is full of culinary adventures. There are so many different and unique ingredients that you can’t even think of. Every land has its specialty. And as you dig deep into the world of ingredients, you will be surprised to know there are still so many ingredients that you don’t even know about.

One such ingredient is the Anasazi beans. To tell you the truth, I didn’t know about these until I randomly saw them at a grocery store. I’ve never heard of them nor ever tasted. Check out Jamaican Pigeon Peas Stew and Gungo Peas Soups.

So, as I saw them, curiosity struck me like a lightning bolt. All I could think of was the beautiful and mysterious ingredient. I was so awed by it that I bought it, went home, and hit google. I searched for every single piece of information that I found relevant. And when I was done, I decided to try it. The rest is history! Here is everything you need to know about the Anasazi beans.

What Are Anasazi Beans?

Anasazi beans are nothing like the beans you have been seeing and eating since childhood. These have the shape and size of a small pinto bean, but it’s the color that catches the eye instantly and makes it stand out from the bean crowd. Organic Anasazi beans have a burgundy color with cream-colored speckles. It is like a marble effect. These beans look so beautiful, and they are like a true work of nature’s art.

What makes these beans unique is their color. Although they have a unique color before they are cooked, they also have different colors after you cook them. Don’t expect your dish to be burgundy and cream-colored. In fact, as you cook Anasazi beans, they turn dull pink. They have a nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet taste. Their texture resembles meat; that’s why they are quite perfect for baking.

Anasazi beans are known with different names in different areas. For instance, some call these Jacob’s Cattle, New Mexican Cave bean, and New Mexican Appaloosa.

Where Do Anasazi Beans Come From?

The word “Anasazi” comes from the Navajo language, which means “the ancient ones.” These beans were quite popular at the time of cliff-dwelling Native Americans. They lived in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah way back in 130 A.D. However, we didn’t come to know about these beans until the 1900s.

Legend has it that a team of archeologists found a jar filled with these beans in the ruins of these cliff-dwellers. However, according to the botanists, these beans were always available to us. They were not just a popular ingredient. Whatever the case be, and whatever the Anasazi beans history tells us, we are just glad to have these beans.

Health Benefits Of Anasazi Beans

These beans are pretty nutritional. They are loaded with micronutrients, dietary fiber, and protein. So, when you plan on cooking Anasazi beans, keep in mind that they are very healthy. Here are a few benefits of these beans you should know about:

• Firstly, Anasazi beans are high in lectin content. It is a type of plant-based protein known for its antibacterial, anti-tumor, antifungal, and immunomodulatory abilities.
• These beans are high in minerals like manganese, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.
• Because they are high in dietary fiber, they are known to improve your digestive health. These beans increase the number of “good” bacteria in the gut.
• Furthermore, these beans also help in weight management.
• It helps in controlling blood sugar levels, thus prevents and regulates diabetes.
• Lastly, these beans contain fewer Antinutrients as compared to other beans. Thus, allowing your body to absorb more nutrients.
• Lectins present in these beans reduce inflammation and, because of their anti-tumor properties, also reduce cancer risks.

Do You Need To Soak Anasazi Beans?

Soaking organic Anasazi beans is a personal choice. If you are in a hurry, you can skip soaking and use them just after rinsing. However, I prefer you soak it. soaking these beans can make them cook faster and more evenly.  Furthermore, soaking also makes it easy to digest. Here are two ways through which you can soak these beans:

• Long or Cold soak: place the means in a large bowl and pour cold water. Let them soak in water for 8 hours or overnight. You could add on more cold water if the water level is reduced.
• Short or Hot soak: place these beans in a pot and pour cold water so that they are covered entirely in water. Place the pot on medium heat and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 2 hours.

How To Make Simple Anasazi Beans?

Cooking Anasazi beans is pretty straightforward. Here is a simple yet delicious Anasazi beans recipe that will win your heart right away:

• Soak the Anasazi beans overnight. Drain the water and rinse them. Place these beans in a pot and pour water until they are covered completely in it.
• Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 45 minutes.
• Add onion, garlic, carrots, oregano, nutritional yeast flakes, salt, and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Serve this delicious Anasazi bean soup instantly.

If you are in a bit of a hurry, you can turn this soup dish into instant pot Anasazi beans as well. Use an instant pot and reduce the cooking time to half.

What To Serve With The Anasazi Beans Recipe?

There are several ways you can cook Anasazi beans. You can make chili with these beans, burgers and even use them in a salad. However, when talking about Anasazi bean soup, here are a few ideas to serve it with:

• You can serve it with a piece of Gluten-Free Vegan Flatbread or if you want to get fancy, serve it in a vegan bread bowl.
• You can thicken it up and serve it with Brown Rice as well.
• You can also serve it with mashed or baked potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables also seem like a perfect option.

Whatever you plan to pair it with, I’m sure it will taste perfectly delicious.

Tips And Tricks For Making Simple Anasazi Beans

Here are a few tips and tricks you need to keep in mind when cooking Anasazi beans:

• Always rinse the beans before starting to cook them. You may need to change the water twice or thrice to get rid of any dust.
• Never continue to boil these beans. Bring the water to boil initially, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer. This way, the beans will hold their shape and will stay creamy.
• Once the beans are halfway through and have started to soften up, that the time to add salt. This way, the salt will easily penetrate the beans through the skin and will enhance their flavor.
• If you are planning on adding vinegar or tomatoes, i.e., anything acidic, wait until the beans are soft. If you add these too early, the beans will take more time to cook.
• If you see foam as you are simmering the beans, you don’t have to skim it off. It is just a plant-based protein.

How To Store Anasazi Beans?

Whether you want to store uncooked or cooked beans, the process is elementary. You can store dried and uncooked Anasazi beans by placing them in an airtight jar. Place it in a cool, dry place. Although the beans can be cooked after an indefinite time, it is better for you to cook them within six months. This is because the longer you keep the beans, the harder they get. Also, when cooked, they will fall apart, and you won’t get the right texture.

You can boil the beans and store them in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator for about five days, and they will stay fresh. Furthermore, you can also freeze them for up to 6 months. Thaw them and use them whenever you want.

Other Bean Recipes

• Lentil Stew
• Chickpea Stew
• Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew
• Black Bean Burrito

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