Making mixed beans taste good is simpler than you might think, often involving just the right combination of fat and seasonings.
The key is to start with properly prepared beans and then infuse them with flavor. One effective method is to toss drained, rinsed, and dried beans with a bit of olive oil (or avocado oil) and your favorite seasonings. This coating of oil helps the seasonings adhere to the beans and enhances their overall flavor profile.
Choosing Your Seasonings
The possibilities for seasoning are vast, allowing you to customize the flavor to suit your dish or personal preference. According to one reference, excellent choices include:
- Crushed whole seeds: Adds warmth and complexity. Consider seeds like coriander, cumin, fennel, or mustard.
- Woodsy herbs: Provide earthy, aromatic notes. Thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage are great options.
- Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant kick.
- Aromatics: Crushed garlic cloves offer pungent depth.
- Basic Enhancers: Don't forget the foundational flavors of salt and pepper to tie everything together.
By experimenting with different combinations of these ingredients, you can transform plain mixed beans into a flavorful and satisfying component of your meal.
