Bananas, Broccoli, Beets, Beans

 

They all begin with the letter "B."

Bananas are a rich source of potassium. They tend to be one of the first solid foods babies are fed. Some people have texture issues with them. One of my favorite ways to eat a banana was with peanut butter smeared on it. Thanks to COVID, I can no longer tolerate the flavor of peanut butter! So I use almond butter or cashew butter instead. 

Broccoli tends to be one of those somewhat controversial foods, especially among children. I mean, come on! It's green! Who wants to eat something green? It's also a good source of potassium, as well as a rich source of vitamin C.

Then there are those beets! Talk about a controversial food! They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. They help protect your heart health, and your liver health. 

Beans are an excellent source of protein, and fiber. They are also excellent sources of copper, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium. Most types of beans are rich sources of iron, too. 

Beans are easy to prepare. You do need to plan ahead a bit, if you're going to prepare them from dry beans. They should be soaked overnight. Then the next morning, put them into your crockpot or slow cooker, cover with water, and cook 4-6 hours. They are delicious with just salt, onion and garlic powders, or you can "doctor them up" a bit more, if you want.

Today I made a batch of beans: 

1 cup navy beans

1/2 cup pinto beans

1/2 cup kidney beans

1/2 cup baby lima beans (I used great northern)

1 medium onion, chopped

2-3 tsp. salt

3 Tbs. molasses

1/2 cup oil

Soak beans together overnight. Drain them the next morning, and put them in the slow cooker, with the onion in the bottom. Let them cook for a couple hours, add the salt, molasses and oil, and let them cook longer. You can also put them in a bean pot and bake them in the oven, at 300F for 3-4 hours. You can also add 1 or 2 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce, near the end of cooking.

Enjoy!

Can you think of any other foods beginning with the letter "B"? What is your favorite way to eat beets, or beans, or broccoli? Please share in the comments below.