IN TIMES of famine, war and scarcity, people relied on food that was simple, cheap, nutritious and long-lasting. It’s easy to forget today what life was like without supermarkets and half-hour food deliveries, but once upon a time, some foods were a matter of survival. One of them was dried beans. A simple but extremely valuable food that fed people for generations when nothing else was available.
Beans – the hero of poverty and war
During World War I and World War II, as well as the Homeland War, beans were one of the key survival foods. The reason is simple: they are dry, long-lasting, filling, and rich in nutrients. They don’t need refrigeration, can be stored for months, and when cooked, they feed more people and “keep you full” for a long time.
In the military, it was often served as “soldier’s beans” – a stew that was simple, yet high in calories and filling enough for work or combat. It was a symbol of resourcefulness and a kitchen of necessity, and today, when it is no longer a question of survival, it is increasingly disappearing from everyday diets.
What makes it so valuable?
Beans are rich in plant-based protein – almost as much as meat. They are also rich in fiber, which is important for digestion, iron, potassium and magnesium, and complex carbohydrates that provide a long-lasting source of energy. In times when meat was often unavailable, beans were its closest substitute. Combined with bread, corn or potatoes, they made a complete meal.
It is somewhat forgotten today.
In today’s modern lifestyle, where quick and easy preparation is preferred, beans have become “too heavy”. They need to be soaked, cooked for a long time, and are not easily digestible for everyone. Many associate them with “old-fashioned” or “peasant” food, and they are increasingly found on young people’s menus.
But an interesting turn is happening in the world – the return of the so-called “humble superfood”. In an era of growing interest in sustainable nutrition, plant-based protein sources and home cooking, beans are re-emerging as a powerful and healthy food.
It’s time to return to beans.
Besides being healthy and nutritious, beans are also extremely cost-effective – you can feed the whole family for just a few euros. They are ideal for stews, salads, pâtés, and even roasts and pastas.
If classic beans are “too heavy” for you, try:
- red beans (softer, milder flavor)
- lentils (cooks shorter, but has similar nutritional value)
- green beans or canned beans (quicker options)
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