Typical pies are usually filled with fruits, nuts, custard, and pastry cream. But have you ever heard of pinto bean pie?
Yup, you read that right, we really said pinto bean pie. This radical pie dates back to the Great Depression when people had to make do with whatever food and supplies they had. Resourceful moms and grandmas from the South did whatever they can to stretch out every dollar they have.
The experimental “bean pie” came out better than they’ve expected it to be.
Just because times are tough doesn’t mean that people deprived themselves of a tasty meal. Instead of the more expensive pecan pies, people started adding pinto beans instead which resulted in a delightful creamy filling.
They have invented something delicious without spending a lot of money.
Some dishes that we know enjoy were originally made during a time of great decline, where women were left with rations to work with to prepare a meal for their families. Having only the basic commodities such as sugar, eggs, and flour, they were still able to make delicious desserts.
Not only are the common people loving this sweet alternative, but Muslims have also adapted to this recipe during their annual fasting period. Elijah Muhammad, a religious black nationalist outlined in his book, “How To Eat To Live,” a set of guidelines when it comes to healthy eating.
“This bean He (God) valued to be very high in protein, fats and starches, and it is a safe food for prolonging life. As you will find, most of the Muslims like their bean soup. These beans are dry beans. He said that He could take one of our babies and start him off eating the dry small navy bean soup, and make that child live 240 years.”
“He described no other bean. This dry bean, or pulse, is of ancient origin. It was this bean, according to certain historians, that Daniel preferred for himself and his followers in the prison of Nebuchadnezzar. Do not add rice and meats to these beans because they contain proteins, fats and starches.”
So how is it made?
The crowd-pleasing pinto bean pie is ridiculously easy to make. It’s the perfect recipe when you’re craving something, on a budget, or just want to make something traditional.
The ingredients are:
- 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 1 teaspoon cornmeal
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pinto beans drained and slightly mashed
- 1/2 cup halved pecans
Step-by-step easy instructions:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350-degrees.
- Then, sprinkle your pie crust with the cornmeal and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs, both sugars, butter, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and pinto beans. Stir together until all ingredients form a filling.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and sprinkle the top with halved pecans.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until you see the filling has started to set.
Serve it warm! It’s also served best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Hungry yet? Watch the video below and make your own pinto bean pie at home!
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