Shelly Beans Recipe are a fantastic all-purpose bean that can add significant flavor and body to dishes. Frequently forgotten, they are an underappreciated find in the food industry that can serve you well nutritionally and taste-wise. Creamy and earthy in taste, shelly beans shine in soups, stews, or salads, or as an uncomplicated side dish. Shelly beans can have texture for days and are simple to cook, whether you feel confident in your cooking skills or prefer the microwave (no judgment).
If you want to play around with this underappreciated ingredient, a shelly bean recipe is a nice way to begin. They’re easy to cook, and when you get them just right, they have a delicious bite and soak up the flavors of whatever seasonings or spices they are cooked with. Whether you are using a family recipe passed down through generations or making your own culinary concoctions, shelly beans can add a twist to mealtime.
In this guide, we’ll discuss a couple of the go-to shelly bean recipes that will wow your friends or fill up your family. The options are endless, ranging from hearty recipes, such as shelly bean soup, to light options like shelly bean salads. Read on to learn the secret to cooking the perfect pot of shelly beans and how to add this healthy staple to your regular meal rotation.
- What Are Shelly Beans and Why You Should Try Them?
- How to Prepare Shelly Beans for Cooking
- Easy Shelly Beans Recipe Ideas for Every Meal
- The Health Benefits of Shelly Beans: Why You Should Include Them in Your Diet
- How to Cook Shelly Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Delicious Shelly Beans Recipe Ideas for Every Taste
- Share Your Twist!
What Are Shelly Beans and Why You Should Try Them?
Shelly beans are a humble legume that doesn’t get much time in the sun, despite being flavorful and nutritious. They’re picked when the beans inside the pod are ripe yet soft, delivering a smooth texture and deep, earthy flavor. Unlike many other beans, which require hours of soaking, shelly beans cook up quickly, so you don’t need to fret about their preparation before getting dinner on the table. Their mellow taste (and perfect texture!) means that they would be delicious in light salads and spicier stews. If you haven’t yet cooked up shelly beans, it’s time to find out how good they can make your meals.
How to Prepare Shelly Beans for Cooking
To begin with, shelly beans need to be prepared properly before they can be cooked. Start by shelling the beans from their pods. You can make this by gently pinching the pods to extract the beans. After you have shelled them, rinse the beans to get rid of any dirt and debris. Shelly beans are usually stewed or simmered in water or broth to tenderize.
They are quick to cook, requiring only 30-40 minutes of simmering (but the closer to 40 minutes you can come on the total cooking time by using your timer diligently and carefully, then so much finer they will be). The beans soak up the flavors of the cooking liquid, so they’re a great vehicle for any flavorings or spices you like.
Easy Shelly Beans Recipe Ideas for Every Meal
Shelly beans can be used in many dishes. Make a shelly bean soup with garlic, onions, carrots, and mixed herbs for an easy and cozy meal. Or make a new shelly bean salad by tossing cooked beans with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers , and a simple vinaigrette. And of course, the shelly beans are a welcome addition to vegetarian chili or as a side dish with grilled meats. The magic of shelly beans is their flexibility and just how creative you can be with how you employ them in your dishes. Whether you’re looking for something substantial to eat as a meal or you need a cool, refreshing salad, shelly beans are a great ingredient to experiment with.
The Health Benefits of Shelly Beans: Why You Should Include Them in Your Diet
Shelly beans are not only delicious, but they’re also full of health benefits. Packed with protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins, they make great inclusions for a healthy diet. These beans are a great plant-based source of protein – be sure to keep a few cans in your pantry. They also aid digestion because they’re high in fiber, and if you need to lower your cholesterol. If you’re interested in keeping your diet healthy, or just having a good meal, then you should try out shelly beans for sure.
How to Cook Shelly Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
It’s easy and quick to cook shelled beans. Begin by popping the beans from their pods (if they are very fresh, you may be able to do this simply by squeezing them until they open). Just rinse them in cold water, and get cooking: You can simmer shelly beans in water or broth, and only 30 to 40 minutes of cooking is typically needed to get them tender. If you want to add flavor, cook them with garlic, onions, or a drizzle of olive oil. Shelly beans can be added to soups, salads, or even used as a side dish, once they have been cooked.
Delicious Shelly Beans Recipe Ideas for Every Taste
Whether you’re seeking a fast meal or something more elaborate, shelly beans are endlessly versatile. For a cozy winter meal, go for a shelly bean stew with your favorite vegetables or chili recipe. And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, shelled beans are a great foundation for a refreshing salad. You can toss them with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette for an all-in-one dish. Shelly Bean Recipes. There is no end to the possibilities for making delicious meals with shelly beans. Get creative and try various flavors!
Shelly Beans Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander or strainer (for rinsing beans)
Ingredients
- 2 cups shelly beans fresh or dried
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried shelly beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. If using fresh shelly beans, shell them and rinse them under cold water.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the shelly beans to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked.
- Season the Soup: Once the beans are tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Beans: If you’re using dried shelly beans, make sure to soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. If you’re using fresh shelly beans, no soaking is needed.
- Flavor Variations: You can add other herbs like rosemary or basil for different flavor profiles.
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or potatoes to make the soup heartier.
Share Your Twist!
We love to see how you make Shelly Beans Soup your own! If you make it with your favorite spices, select different vegetables or switch up the protein, there are an infinite number of options. Maybe you like a hotter version with chili flakes, or maybe you want to add some coconut milk for a creamy one? Whatever your spin, tell us about it! Tell us about it here in the comments, or tag us on social (we’re @nytcooking on Instagram), and tell us how you made this recipe your own. We look forward to seeing what delicious variations you create!
