Comment on YSK tricks for one of the cheapest meals: beans and rice
AnimalsDream@slrpnk.net 23 hours ago
Some notes about gas: It’s primarily caused by a combination of fiber, and in the case of beans, by the oligosaccharides. The fiber can be handled by gradually increasing intake of high fiber foods. The more you get used to eating them, the less bloated you should feel, and it generally goes down to a normal level of gas that most people experience.
For the oligosaccharides, soaking and rinsing the dry beans does help remove a lot of it. Rinsing canned beans also helps. Taking Beano (or an equivalent) can help too. There are also claims of various spices being able to help as well.
It’s also important to note that different types of legumes can cause more bloating, or less. Experiment with different kinds to find what works for you.
If you’re willing/able to make the effort, sprouting and even fermenting will significantly help with bloating as well.
As a last resort or easy reprieve, opting for low fiber plant foods like white rice and tofu won’t hurt in the short term, though whole foods should generally be preferred because natural sources of fiber of hugely beneficial.
On an unrelated note, I have always hated soaking beans, which is why the Instant Pot has been one of the single greatest cooking inventions I have ever used. Supposedly the pressure cooking also breaks down the oligosaccharides and reduces bloating. I just love it because I can toss in a bunch of beans and oat groats, and have enough of that stuff cooked to easily and quickly prepare meals every day for a week with each batch.
bss03@infosec.pub 22 hours ago
Exactly why I bought mine. Any pressure cooker will do. Beans (red, pinto, or black) 1 : 2 with water for 40 minutes, followed by natural release. I use roughly a pint of dried beans (1lb bag, then topped up with out of a mixed-beans bag), to get 9 large servings.
I also do quinoa in the same cooker 1 : 4/3 with water (or sub up to half the water with stock) for 0 minutes (just bring up to high pressure), followed by natural release. I use 3 cups dry to make 9 servings.
Depending on you spice budget, you might feel like you are getting more by applying right before eating. But, if you want the spice flavors to permeate the beans, it’s best to add them to the pot as warm them just a bit with the saute setting before adding the beans (or quinoa/rice/grains) and water.
If you eat meat, miscut ham is also a good addition to the beans before cooking – they will share lipids and flavors.
I use nooch as a topping for mine, to try to keep it vegan, but what I really like is a Mexican shredded cheese blend.