BEANS!!

Beans Beans they're good for your heart! In our non-meat-eating diet, beans play an important role.   Beans are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and good fats! Whoa!  AND they are CHEAP!
Canned beans contain high levels of sodium and recently there have been many articles floating around regarding the BPA lining of canned products.   In an effort to have a more wholesome diet, I have started cooking my own beans.  They are cheaper, healthier and they have much better flavor than canned!

In the bulk section of your grocery store there is a variety of dried beans.   Pick a few that you would use often.  I use Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans), Black Beans, and Navy Beans most often.   Give it a try!

EASY STEPS

Place beans in a large stock pot, cover them with water, at least 3 inches over the beans, and place the pot in the refrigerator overnight.  I usually leave them for about 24 hours but you can do as little as 8 hours.  Before cooking, drain the beans and add the same amount of fresh water.  SECRET: This process of changing the water is said to decrease the bean effect on flatulence!  Place pot on stove top over medium heat and vigorously simmer until the beans are the desired doneness, about 30-40 minutes depending on bean type.
Drain water and cool.  Then place in mason jars or plastic freezer bags in 2 cup portions and freeze.  EASY!