Shelling this number of beans took me some considerable time - and gave me a dose of RSI ! These beans also seemed keen to make a last-ditch bid for freedom, pinging all over the place as I snapped open the pods. I think I have picked them all up off the floor now...
The pods were well filled, with the best ones having 7 or 8 beans inside.
When the task was finished I had 700 grams of lovely glossy black beans:
I consider this to be a very satisfactory crop, since the plants had only occupied half of one of my 1m x 2.4m raised beds. I think a 2-person serving will be somewhere in the region of 100g, so this will be six or seven meals worth. Jane is already looking through her cookbooks for suitable recipes. The ones about Mexican and South-West USA cuisine seem the most promising... Anyone got any recipe suggestions?
That's a great crop. I never cook with shelled beans, I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteLots there, I wonder how many will turn up in the vacuum cleaner? Like Jo I have never dried bean.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea, of course, since we don't use dried beans for anything except red beans and rice and smoked sausage. That is one recipe I will make even if Phil doesn't like the beans! I think your beans look lovely though and I would feel good to have that crop from so little space. I, too, look forward to seeing what you do with them.
ReplyDeleteThose black beans look so gorgeous! Here is a link to my favourite recipe for black beans and rice. It's a winner!
ReplyDeleteI have made it dozens of times and it is truly delicious. I have always made it with brown basmati rice but white basmati or white jasmine rice would probably lighten the dish a bit. I add the full amount of worcestershire sauce. The cilantro and green onions creates a pretty colour contrast and enhances both the flavour and texture of the dish. I really enjoy your website alot, thanks for sharing all your gardening adventures :)
http://www.lowfatlifestyle.com/meatlessentrees/meatlessentreerecipes/blackbeansandrice.htm
Thanks, LJC, that reipe sounds pretty good. I'd have to omit the cilantro though, because I am allergic to it.
DeleteI know Delia has a recipe for black bean soup that I have used before - as you say a good return on your investment.
ReplyDeleteMark, I'd be more excited about those beans than I would about a newborn... they look fabulous... well done. I'd make a feijoada with them - I think they use black beans in it??? Have you had feijoada before??? YUM!
ReplyDeleteHi Ali - long time no see (hear?)! Yes, I have had feijoada - while on holiday in Brazil. It was indeed yummy. That one's on the shortlist... Thanks for reminding me.
DeleteI grew up on black bean soup (yes a southwestern recipe). When I could eat peppers, I used to make it all the time in many variations. Never had a recipe, just tossed things together. I also love them in breakfast burritos. And in the summer in cold tomato salads of all different sorts. Now that I can't have tomatoes or peppers, I tend to pair them wish squash. Oh and of course in black beans and rice (with tons of cilantro).
ReplyDeleteHi Daphne; poor you: it must be so frustrating being unable to eat tomatoes and peppers! I'm like that with cilantro... The combination of black beans with squash and sweet corn is a good one. Is it not called the "Holy Trinity" of the South-West? That one is on my shortlist too.
DeleteThanks everyone for your recipe suggestions. Looks like we're going to have some fun with these beans!
ReplyDeleteVery satisfying crop and podding. First read title as 'Trail of Bears'. Was imagining you on a wild woods trek.
ReplyDeleteGoldilocks and the Three Beans??
DeleteNice harvest. Still have the chipotles in the cupboard? Here's one from my archives... http://bit.ly/QeR6JB
ReplyDeleteDavid; You BET I still have chipotles! They are a staple these days; we're never without them. The reminder of your delicious recipe is welcome. Must make sure I've got some limes in...
DeleteThey look beautiful with their black glossy shells. Look forward to reading about how you decide to prepare them...
ReplyDeleteHi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI took your suggestion and planted these beans and have got a good harvest too. I think some of mine are destined for a nice Autumnal Chestnut Casserole very soon!!
BTW-are you planning to keep some back and try sowing them next year?
Yes, I have kept back a few of the best pods, just in case I decide to grow them again next year. Space is limited, so I may have a go with Borlotti again, and leave the Cherokee ones till 2014.
DeleteI have just planted out some cherokee bean's on my allotment, looking forward to trying them, have you tried them young and still in the pods like french beans?
ReplyDeleteI am growing cherokee bean's for the first time this year, in fact just come back from planting them out at the lottie! have you tried them young and tender and in the pods like french beans?
ReplyDelete