The gospel of pulse

Father Frijole

Welcome to all who wield the wooden spoon in service of the pot.

A humble pantry can feed multitudes.

Beans are protein-packed, nourishing and ancient.

With a faithful pot and a seasoned hand the humble cook can turn scarcity into abundance.

The divine, delivered unto man: simmer gently and share widely.

Tablets from the shelf

These are the rules given unto the faithful, that their beans may be tender and their bellies want not.

Thou shalt honor the dried bean. For the dried bean is patient, economical, and awaits only water, heat, and faith.
Thou shalt soak. For soaking is not weakness, but preparation; and preparation is the beginning of dinner.
Thou shalt buy fresh beans. For old beans harden the heart, lengthen the simmer, and test the patience of the righteous.
Thou shalt salt early. For bland beans are a stumbling block unto the uninitiated.
Thou shalt respect aromatics. Onion, garlic, celery, pepper, carrot, cumin, and bay leaf shall prepare the way of the legume.
Thou shalt not worship the can. Yet in famine, fatigue, or taco-night emergency, the can may be received with mercy.
Thou shalt pair pulse with grain. Rice and beans, lentils and naan, peas and sourdough: these are unions pleasing to the pot.
Thou mayest employ humble meats. But let not belly, hock or sausage steal glory from the bean.
Thou shalt not neglect the humble pea. Though it may be split and dull in color, its texture is creamy and its protein hearty.
Thou shalt go forth and partake of exotic legumes. Steer thyself to Jacob’s cattle, bask in the awesome glory of a gigante, and delight thy family with the regal purple morado.

The sermon from the stovetop

And seeing the multitudes, Father Frijole went up into the kitchen. And when he was seated, his hungry disciples came unto him.

Blessed are the leeks, for they shall instill the umami.
Blessed are the poor in flour, but rich in bean, for theirs is the kingdom of protein.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall reconcile rice and legumes in one pot.
Blessed are the sprouts, for they have seen resurrection in a mason jar.
Blessed are the children who ask for seconds, for they shall inhibit food waste.
Blessed are they who, when their mother-in-law mocketh the humble proteins, envy not the filet of their neighbor, but turn and braise the other cheek.

Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, when people ask why thou ownest seven varieties of bean, for thy reward lieth in the great pantry.

Homilies

For the Sunday sinner seeking Monday mercy: a pot of beans, aromatics, smoked seasoning, rice, and patience.

Soak beans: overnight or quick.
Build flavor with onion, celery, pepper, garlic, cayenne, bay leaf and seasoning salt.
Simmer until creamy, then serve over rice with gratitude and mirth.

The mung asks little. It cooks quickly, digests kindly, and forgives the cook who forgot to plan.

Simmer split mung with turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cumin.
Finish with lime, cilantro, chopped peppers and a righteous drizzle of olive oil.
Serve when the palate seeks adventure and the body seeks peace.