8 hearty bean recipes for winter

last updated 10 January 2015

After a month of holiday spending and overindulgence (re: Hangover Helpers and Sticky Buns), it's time to cut back. Enter the bean: Your most hardworking and economical kitchen accomplice for the New Year. Chock-full of flavor, not to mention protein and fiber, these small, inexpensive energy boosters are an adaptable and hearty base for a variety of delicious winter meals and snacks. Here are 8 creative canned and dried bean dishes that do the body — and your bank account — good.