For the Love of Beans

Beans are another of my favorite foods.  Unlike my love of bread, beans are good for you and they are also low in calories.  Dried beans take time and preparation unless you prepare them ahead of time.  Canning dried beans can save time and most of all save you money. Black beans and kidney beans are easy to can.

 Chili beans cost over a $1.00 per can for store bought chili beans.  When I make chili I use at least two cans of chili beans.  With 2lbs of dried kidney beans and a few spices I can make my own chili beans for far less than that.  Her are the spices needed to make 9 pints of chili beans.

 

Mix together the following

2 Tablespoons chili powder

2 Tablespoons paprika

1 Tablespoon coriander

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon salt

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tsp red crushed pepper flakes

 

Soak 2 lbs of kidney beans in water for 24 hours

 

After 24 hours drain beans, cover with fresh water , and boil for 30 minutes.

 

Meanwhile gather supplies and sterilize jars in dishwasher

 

A few utensils needed for canning

Sterilize pint jars in the dish washer

 

Fill jars 3/4 full of beans that have been soaked and simmered for 30 minutes

fill with liquid that beans were simmered in but leave 1 inch space, add 3 tsp of seasoning for the chili beans  and 1/2 teaspoon salt to each jar of chili beans or black beans . Place seal and ring on jar and place in pressure cooker canner

Can at 10 lbs pressure for 70 minutes - turn cooker off let cool until pressure is 0

 

 

Take jars out of cooker and let rest on counter for several hours to set seals

 

Chili beans only need to be heated or can be added to chili. Black beans can be used in many dishes or can be used for refried beans.  Takes a little time but this is such a money saver and beans are ready when I need them.