Recently at the farmer’s market, I found these wonderful Italian Butter Beans from Iacopi Farms. I spoke to the lady selling them who said they were her absolute favorites!

I want to start incorporating more legumes into my diet for a multitude of reasons. Sadly, beans are often over looked in our society as “peasant” food. They shouldn’t be because they are quite amazing little creatures:

• they have more protein than any other plant food
• they are very high in fiber
• they help reduce cholesteral
• they are inexpensive
• they are available in a wide range of types, colors, sizes, and flavors

Nifty little guys, no? Along with the suggestions from the farmer’s market and my trusty Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison, I prepared them in manner described below. Brad and I had these butter beans with fresh organic brown rice for a light dinner last night after he got off the plane. We both gave them a big thumbs up! The lemon juice gives them a fantastic freshness. Read the rest of this entry →