Member Reviews
Really a great cookbook but so much more! The recipes really encompassed something for everyone. I really enjoyed the historical information as well as learning about varieties of beans I wasn’t familiar with. Beautiful photos accompanied this well written book.
I'm going to grab this book in hardcover, which is about as good a compliment as I can give for any cookbook considering my diminishing bookcase space. Lots of great variety of recipes, using beans in a ton of ways. Obviously, the book is calling for Rancho Gordo beans specifically since the author is the creator of the company, but you can certainly substitute other brands of beans as needed, as long as you keep the type called for fairly similar. Also, Rancho Gordo beans are great and not too pricey, so worth the splurge if you're so inclined. I'm excited to use up my back stock of beans and keep some cooked beans in the freezer for the times that the bean salads call to me.
A great resource if you’re looking to learn more about beans, generally, or if you’re looking for more recipes that use beans. The recipes are varied enough to be of interest to multiple diets/cuisines, and most seem easily modified if needed.
I am already a proud Rancho Gordo Bean Club member. This book is made for anyone interested in including more beans in their life. It is a beautiful book with tons of different recipe varieties (sides, soups, mains, etc.) depending on how you want to incorporate more beans in your life. I noticed some of my favorites that I have cooked including Pizza Beans and Christmas Limas in Gorgonzola Sauce, but some new-to-me recipes that I will definitely be trying in the future. It feels good to support such a great business too -- Steve Sando is a class act and is genuinely just excited to have people eat more beams. This authentic love for beans comes across in every recipe, as well as the Rancho Gordo beans. I highly suggest the baked beans as a regular in your rotation and following the most basic instructions to cook beans simply.
The Bean Book has given me a newfound appreciation and excitement about beans. Each recipe stays true to the legume and emphasizes the bean’s flavour with harmonious pairings. There are many winning recipes in this cookbook that I can’t wait to try out!
This book is a gem for both bean aficionados and those looking to expand their culinary horizons. As a vegan, beans are essential to my diet, and this book offers a delightful array of recipes that are not only easy to follow but also adaptable for non-vegans. With its visually engaging presentation, straightforward instructions, and diverse range of bean varieties, it's a must-have addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, there's something in this book for everyone to enjoy. I'm already looking forward to trying out more of these delicious recipes!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a gorgeous book that, like my favorite cookbooks, doubles as a cooking encyclopedia. In addition to recipes, it covers types of beans, vinigars and oils, spices, equipment, cooking techniques, and more and has a casual but informative style. The book is organized into sections that make sense and index is really useful if you have a particular kind of bean or recipe in mind but aren't sure what to do. Sando suggests accompaniments for many of the dishes, too.
I am biased as a Rancho Gordo bean club member, to be fair, but I've already made three of the recipes and all were excellent (and my freezer is full of soup). I tried: Roasted Garlic, Squash, and Buckeye Bean Dip; Basque-style Kale and Bean Stew; and Persian Lamb, Bean, and Herb Stew. I've pre-ordered copies of the book for myself and for a birthday gift for a friend who is starting to get into heirloom beans.
I received an ARC of this cookbook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great cookbook. It provides all the information needed to buy, store and cook beans. The recipes are varied but still easy to make.
Beans are having a moment as the economy forces more and more people to find ways to stretch grocery budgets and this cookbook is the perfect introduction to the complicated legume. With explanations of bean types and textures, the cookbook demystifies some lesser known beans and instructs in how to cook them properly. The tips about how much room to leave in the pot, how much time to soak or not soak beans, and how to cook them make the home cook's bean era a bit less intimidating. The recipes span the globe, offering exotic recipes, but also many substitutions as needed.
The Bean Book : 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen. This is definitely a recipe book for all bean lovers out there. It is bursting with all kinds of recipes, even desserts made of beans. And includes beans most people will never have heard about. There are plenty of beautiful pictures and the recipes are easy to follow. A great gift for all bean connoisseurs out there.
I am *all* about beans! They really are the magical fruit. There are a lot of great recipes in here, from many different cultures. There’s Italian, Spanish, Latin-American, Indian, even British beans on toast! The end also has a couple of bean desserts, and I’m excited to try them out.
Try this out in September!
I received a complimentary eARC through NetGalley and Ten Speed Press (thank you!), which did not affect my review in any way.
5 stars
Look, I'm vegan, so beans are an especially vital part of my life. I love cooking with them, eating them, and, it turns out, learning more about them. I discovered that last part while tearing through this fantastic, aptly titled book about, well, beans.
Non-vegans, don't be scared. Most of this book is targeted to your diet. Fellow vegans and nearby vegetarians, rejoice. You'll be able to adapt nearly all of these recipes with minimal effort. I bookmarked over a dozen of them, and most fall into that aforementioned group.
This is an incredibly visually appealing read. Most folks who engage with this book will see and hear about certain varieties of beans for the first time. The ideal scenario is obviously to access these specific beans directly, but even home cooks with less excellent access will be able to find workarounds.
From the appealing photos to the clear recipes to the adaptable content, there's a little something for everyone here. I can't wait to try out quite a few of these recipes!