Recipes

Bean Pie Delight: A Delectable Dessert with a Unique Twist

If you’re a fan of classic pies like pumpkin or sweet potato, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love with Bean Pie too. This unique dessert is closely associated with African American Muslims and has been a staple in their fundraising efforts. It’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make, and we’re here to guide you through it.

Contents

What is Bean Pie?

Bean Pie Recipe

Bean Pie is a delectable dessert that boasts a custard-like filling, which is the result of blending drained canned navy beans until smooth. This unique concoction includes sweetened condensed milk for a creamy texture and brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor, balancing out the warm spices. What makes this pie even more appealing is that it’s a clever way to incorporate a little extra protein into your desserts, thanks to the navy beans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’re tempted to give Bean Pie a try, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 disk of Our Favorite Pie Crust, or one 9"-diameter store-bought pie crust (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
  • 1 can (15.5 oz.) of navy beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup (50g) of light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

Now, let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful dessert:

Making Bean Pie

  1. Begin by placing your oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheating it to 425°F (218°C). If you’re using Our Favorite Pie Crust, roll it out on a floured surface to form a 14" round. Transfer it to a 9"-diameter pie dish, ensuring that the dough drapes over the edges. Trim the excess dough, leaving approximately 1" overhang. Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges. If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, simply place it on a rimmed baking sheet.

  2. In a food processor, combine the large egg, large egg yolk, rinsed navy beans, sweetened condensed milk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and kosher salt. Blend this mixture until it’s smooth, which should take around 1 minute.

  3. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

  4. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Continue baking, making sure to cover the crust with foil if it’s getting too dark. The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown, the filling is set and slightly puffed, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take approximately 27-32 minutes.

  5. After baking, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool slightly before serving.

Make-Ahead Option

If you want to plan ahead, you can bake the Bean Pie up to 3 days in advance. Once baked, let it cool completely, then cover and chill. This makes it a convenient and time-saving dessert for special occasions or gatherings.

Bean Pie is a delightful addition to any dessert table, and it’s an excellent way to use up canned beans while enjoying a unique and delicious treat. Whether you’re participating in a bake sale, a potluck, or simply celebrating with loved ones, this easy-to-make pie is sure to delight everyone who tastes it.

So why not give Bean Pie a try and discover the rich flavors and history behind this classic dessert.

The Cultural Significance of Bean Pie

What are the key ingredients for Bean Pie?

Bean pie, a delectable sweet custard pie, boasts a unique filling that includes a blend of mashed beans, typically navy beans, combined with a harmonious mix of essential ingredients. The core components of a bean pie are:

  • Mashed Beans: Navy beans serve as the heart of the filling, lending a creamy texture and distinct flavor.

  • Sugar: Sweetness is achieved through the addition of sugar, creating a delightful balance with the other ingredients.

  • Eggs: Eggs contribute to the custard-like consistency, helping set the pie’s filling during baking.

  • Milk: Creaminess is enhanced by the use of milk, and for that velvety texture, sweetened condensed milk is a popular choice.

  • Butter: A touch of melted butter enriches the flavor and texture of the pie, ensuring it’s not only sweet but also indulgently rich.

  • Spices: The signature taste of bean pie is achieved through a blend of spices. Vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg are commonly used to infuse warmth and depth into the pie. Variations might introduce other spices such as cloves, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, and even a hint of lemon extract.

These ingredients, combined in harmony, create the distinctive and delightful flavor profile that defines the beloved bean pie.

What is the history of Bean Pie?

The history of Bean Pie traces its origins back to the 1930s, with a significant connection to the Nation of Islam and its leader, Elijah Muhammad. During this era, Elijah Muhammad encouraged his followers to make dietary choices that eschewed pork and unhealthy starches, such as cornbread. Instead, he advocated for a healthful diet that emphasized the consumption of navy beans. In response to this dietary shift, followers of the Nation of Islam crafted the bean pie, partially as a wholesome alternative to the traditional sweet potato pie. This historical context reflects the development of Bean Pie as a flavorful and healthier dessert choice.

Are there any variations of Bean Pie?

Certainly, Bean Pie offers room for creative variations, allowing for a delightful array of flavors to suit different preferences. Some common variations include:

  • Spices: Beyond the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg, variations may incorporate spices like cloves, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice, infusing the pie with unique aromatic notes.

  • Flavorings: While Bean Pies are a cherished part of African American Muslim cuisine, variations exist to accommodate dietary preferences. Some recipes opt for alternative flavorings, excluding vanilla extract and imitation vanilla extract due to their alcohol content.

These variations showcase the versatility of Bean Pie, making it an adaptable and inclusive dessert while preserving its cultural and culinary significance.

Is Bean Pie a healthy dessert option?

Bean Pie, often compared to the beloved pumpkin pie and frequently enjoyed during the holiday season, offers a distinctive and healthier choice for dessert enthusiasts. What makes it a nutritious option is its remarkable blend of attributes:

  • Protein: Bean Pie stands out as a dessert rich in protein, courtesy of the navy beans in its filling. This protein content provides a fulfilling and balanced element to your dessert.

  • Fiber: The inclusion of beans also adds a healthy dose of fiber to the pie, contributing to digestive wellness and helping to keep you satisfied.

  • Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: While offering these health benefits, Bean Pie doesn’t compromise on taste. It provides a unique and delicious dessert experience, making it an excellent option for those with a sweet tooth.

So, if you’re seeking a dessert that marries both health and flavor, Bean Pie is definitely worth a try.

How do you make a bean pie crust?

Creating the perfect crust for a Bean Pie is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Reduce Oven Temperature: First, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the following ingredients:

  • Navy beans
  • Evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • Sugar
  • Butter
  • Cinnamon
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  1. Blend until Smooth: Blend the mixture in the blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.

  2. Strain the Bean Mixture: To ensure the filling is perfectly smooth, strain the bean mixture through a sieve into a glass measuring cup.

  3. Pour the Filling: After straining, pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.

  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the pie with the filling into the oven and bake it until the filling turns golden and is just set. This usually takes about 50 to 60 minutes.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delightful, smooth, and perfectly baked Bean Pie crust ready to be enjoyed.

How to make pecan pie from scratch?

Creating a delicious pecan pie from scratch is a rewarding culinary endeavor. Here’s a simplified guide to crafting this classic dessert:

  1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following key ingredients until well combined:
  • 1/2 stick of melted butter
  • 3/4 cup of cream of coconut
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  1. Add the Nutty Goodness: To infuse rich flavor and texture, stir in the following components:
  • 2 cups of chopped macadamia nuts
  • 1/2 cup of unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  1. Fill the Crust: Pour this delectable mixture into your pie crust, ensuring an even distribution.

  2. Bake to Perfection: Bake your pecan pie following the standard baking instructions for Pecan Pie, until it’s beautifully golden and set.

With these steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering pecan pie ready to be enjoyed by all.

How to make pie crust from scratch?

Crafting a homemade pie crust is a straightforward process that requires only a few ingredients. Here’s a simplified guide to creating your own pie crust:

  1. Gather Your Ingredients: To start, you’ll need just three essential components:
  • 1 part sugar
  • 2 parts butter
  • 3 parts flour
  1. Mix and Knead: Combine these ingredients, mixing them until a cohesive dough forms. Knead the dough gently until it’s smooth and ready to roll out for your pie.

  2. Use Leftovers Creatively: If you happen to have any pie crust leftover, don’t let it go to waste! Repurpose it into delightful cookies for an extra treat.

With these simple steps, you can prepare a homemade pie crust that forms the perfect base for your pies or gets a new life as delicious cookies.

What beans are used in Bean pies?

The key ingredient in Bean Pies is typically Navy beans, known for their creamy texture and mild flavor. While navy beans are the classic choice, other bean varieties can also be used to craft this delightful dessert. The selected beans are cooked until they reach a soft and velvety consistency, and then they are blended harmoniously with milk, eggs, sugar, and an array of spices to create the signature Bean Pie filling.

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