Beans, Bacon, and Sprouts

Colorful vegetables high in protein and dietary fiber can be a welcome change from meat and fish. If only I could say they were a money-saver! Unfortunately, I can’t. 

With pecans pricey, I bought only what I needed for this recipe: $5. Brussels sprouts: $1.30. Kidney beans (on sale): $2.50. Canned niblet corn (on sale): $2.30. I buy carrots in bulk: The two I used cost approximately 25 cents. The bacon? Oy, the bacon! It’s difficult to guess. I buy it in bulk, freezing it in small amounts. I’ll estimate the four strips I used cost 50 cents (all estimates in Cdn $).

Making this low-cal, tasty dish for two adults cost less than $12 - wit leftovers for another meal. Buying two burgers and a side of fries would cost more than that. 

Whether you sizzle a steak or prepare a dish such as this, what matters is the price per-serving. Dividing the cost of this high-protein, delicious Beans, Bacon, and Sprouts dish by four comes to $3 per adult. 

As you know, money’s tight everywhere: These are dark times for many. Please, please, please donate to your local food bank or soup kitchen - or ask how you can help in other ways.

Beans and nuts are great meat substitutes in this quick, easy recipe. Whether a served as a main course or as a salad, this nutritious dish is delicious.

Beans, Bacon, and Sprouts

One 19-oz. (540 mL) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

One 12 fl. oz. (341 mL) can niblet corn, drained

Three large Brussels sprouts, trimmed, slivered, raw

2 small carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced 1/2-in. (1.25 cm) thick

4 slices bacon, chopped, sautéed, and blotted dry to remove fat

1/4 c. (60 mL; 100 g) shelled pecans, toasted, coarsely chopped, divided 

While bacon is pricey, I used only what I needed, freezing the rest in small amounts. Pecans are definitely expensive: Try buying just enough for this recipe at a bulk food bin. If the price remains daunting, omit the nuts altogether.

Combine vegetables gently but thoroughly, taking care not to squash kidney beans. Add cooked  bacon and half pecans, again combining gently. Top with remaining nuts. Serves 4 adults as a main dish; serves 6 as a salad. Toss with Three-Ingredient Salad Dressing - though no dressing needed.

For more recipes using Brussels Sprouts, see One Click: Brussels Sprouts. For a different version of this yummy dish, see Spicy Black Bean Salad.