Adora's Box: SPICED POPPED BEANS

We all love food that pop: popcorn, pop rocks, soda pop to name a few. They are fun food that taste good but unfortunately do not have much in nutritional value. If you want something different that pops, tastes good and has so much benefits for your body, pop some kidney beans. We all know that beans are rich in protein, calcium and fiber among other good things. It is good to know that we're not noshing on empty calories when we choose beans.

I first had a taste of these beans in a Chinese restaurant. Although red beans figure a lot in Chinese cooking it is the different sort of red beans, the azuki beans, that are commonly used. The whole dish shouts Mexican to me. Unfortunately, they were deep fried, then stir fried with spices. Nevertheless, I found them irresistible.

I have baked mine so that it is less oily. It turned out well and and became a bit different than the original because they popped. The skin of the beans firmed up but the beans remained creamy. The sprinkle of spices at the ends perks up the subtle taste of the beans. You can vary the spices mixed in with the corn flour. Cajun, barbecue or cumin would be great with it, too. Perfect with drinks.

Ingredients:

2-400 gm. tins of red kidney beans
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsps. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground black pepper
3 tbsps. corn flour
3 tbsps. cooking oil
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsps. chopped onions
1 tbsp. chopped red and green chilli
1 tsp. chopped coriander leaves
1 tsp. sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 350° F/ 180° C.

Drain the beans and wash several times until the water goes clear. Shake off the excess water from the beans. Mix the salt, garlic powder, pepper and corn flour in a mixing bowl. Add the drained beans and toss to coat.

Add the 3 tbsps. of cooking oil and toss again. Transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or just until the beans pop. Don't bake for too long or the skins will become tough.

Transfer the beans to a pan. Add the chopped chillies, onions and olive oil. Toss for 2 minutes on high heat until fragrant. Take off the heat, transfer to a serving bowl. Add the sugar and coriander and toss. Serve with your favourite drinks.

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