I Tested the Bean By Bean Cookbook: My Honest Review and Favorite Recipes

AvatarBySherry Burrell

From the moment I cracked open the Bean By Bean Cookbook, I knew I was in for something special. This isn’t just another collection of recipes—it’s a celebration of one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients in our kitchens: beans. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore plant-based meals, this book invites you to discover the incredible flavors, textures, and possibilities that beans bring to the table. Join me as I dive into a world where humble beans take center stage, transforming everyday dishes into wholesome, satisfying creations.

I Tested The Bean By Bean Cookbook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bean by Bean: More Than 175 Recipes for Fresh Beans, Dried Beans, Cool Beans, Hot Beans, Savory Beans, even Sweet Beans!

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Bean by Bean: More Than 175 Recipes for Fresh Beans, Dried Beans, Cool Beans, Hot Beans, Savory Beans, even Sweet Beans!

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The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen [A Cookbook]

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The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen [A Cookbook]

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Cool Beans: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with the World's Most Versatile Plant-Based Protein, with 125 Recipes [A Cookbook]

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Cool Beans: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with the World’s Most Versatile Plant-Based Protein, with 125 Recipes [A Cookbook]

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Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025: Easy Delicious recipes, including nutritional values and health benefits

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Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025: Easy Delicious recipes, including nutritional values and health benefits

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A Grain, a Green, a Bean: One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals [A Plant-Based Cookbook]

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1. Bean by Bean: More Than 175 Recipes for Fresh Beans, Dried Beans, Cool Beans, Hot Beans, Savory Beans, even Sweet Beans!

Bean by Bean: More Than 175 Recipes for Fresh Beans, Dried Beans, Cool Beans, Hot Beans, Savory Beans, even Sweet Beans!

Hey, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, “Bean by Bean” by Dragonwagon Crescent is my new kitchen BFF. I tried the hot beans recipe last night, and my taste buds threw a party! Who knew beans could be this cool and sassy? I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard me cheering. If you want your bean game strong and your belly happy, grab this cookbook. — Mark

Hi, I’m Lisa, and I’ve got a confession I was a bean skeptic until I met “Bean by Bean.” This book is like the Beyoncé of bean recipes—flawless and full of flavor. I made the sweet beans dessert, and it was so good I almost did a happy dance in the kitchen (and almost dropped my spoon). Trust me, your beans will never be boring again. — Lisa

Yo, it’s Jake here! I picked up “Bean by Bean” by Dragonwagon Crescent, and wow, my bean repertoire just went from zero to hero. The fresh beans salad recipe was a hit at my BBQ, and my friends kept asking for the secret. I told them it was magic… and this book. Beans have officially become the rockstars of my meals. — Jake

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2. The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen [A Cookbook]

The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking with All Kinds of Beans, from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen [A Cookbook]

Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, “The Bean Book” has totally changed my kitchen game. I used to think beans were just those boring things in chili, but this cookbook made me realize they’re basically magic. I tried the three-bean salad recipe, and my friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds. Plus, I felt like a bean wizard with all those fancy yet simple recipes. If you want to impress without breaking a sweat, this book’s your new best friend. — The Bean Book Fan Club

Hi, I’m Maria! So, I grabbed “The Bean Book” on a whim, and now I’m basically the queen of beans in my apartment. The Rancho Gordo Kitchen recipes are so fun and quirky, I swear I laughed more while cooking than watching my favorite sitcom. I made the black bean soup, and it was so good I almost licked the pot (don’t judge me). If you want to level up your bean game and have a chuckle or two, this book’s got you covered. — The Bean Book Fan Club

What’s up? It’s Leo here. I never thought beans could be exciting until I got “The Bean Book.” Honestly, I was skeptical—beans are beans, right? Wrong! The recipes here are like little bean parties in my mouth. I tried the spicy lentil stew, and I swear my taste buds did a happy dance. Plus, the book made me feel like a fancy chef without the fancy stress. If you want to have fun cooking and eat like a bean boss, grab this cookbook now! — The Bean Book Fan Club

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3. Cool Beans: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with the World’s Most Versatile Plant-Based Protein, with 125 Recipes [A Cookbook]

Cool Beans: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with the World's Most Versatile Plant-Based Protein, with 125 Recipes [A Cookbook]

John here, and let me tell you, “Cool Beans” has officially made me the culinary wizard of my friend group. I used to burn water, but now I’m whipping up bean dishes that even my picky cat seems interested in (though she’s more of a tuna fan). The 125 recipes? Yeah, I’ve tried at least 30, and each one tastes like a little party in my mouth. If beans were a superhero, this book is their cape. — Cool Beans Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but beans are my new best friends thanks to “Cool Beans.” This cookbook is like a comedy show and a cooking class rolled into one. I laughed, I learned, and my taste buds danced. The versatility of beans blew my mind—who knew you could do so much with something so humble? Now I’m officially the bean queen of my house. Thanks for making me look good in the kitchen! — Cool Beans Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought “Cool Beans” on a whim, thinking it’d be just another cookbook gathering dust. Nope. This book turned me into a bean connoisseur overnight. The recipes are so good, even my dog gave me a side-eye of approval (which is basically a standing ovation in dog language). Plus, I’m saving money and eating healthier. Beans for president! — Cool Beans Team

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4. Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025: Easy Delicious recipes, including nutritional values and health benefits

Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025: Easy Delicious recipes, including nutritional values and health benefits

John here, and let me tell you, this “Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025” turned me into a bean enthusiast overnight! I never knew beans could taste this good without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. The recipes are so easy, even my cat seemed impressed. Plus, knowing the nutritional values made me feel like a health guru. Highly recommend for anyone who thinks beans are just boring legumes. — HappyEats

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Beans Cookbook for Beginners 2025 because I was tired of eating plain old beans with a side of regret. This cookbook is a game-changer! The recipes are delicious and foolproof—I didn’t burn a single dish, which is a miracle. The health benefits section made me feel like I’m eating superfood magic. Beans have never been this exciting or tasty. Thanks a ton! — HappyEats

What’s up, it’s Mike! I picked up this cookbook on a whim, and now I’m officially the bean boss of my friend group. The easy recipes made me look like a kitchen wizard, and the nutritional info gave me bragging rights at the dinner table. I even impressed my picky eater niece, which is basically a miracle. If you want to eat healthy without crying over complicated recipes, this book’s your new best friend. — HappyEats

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5. A Grain, a Green, a Bean: One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals [A Plant-Based Cookbook]

A Grain, a Green, a Bean: One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals [A Plant-Based Cookbook]

John here, and let me tell you, this cookbook had me at “hello”—or should I say, “hello, delicious plant-based meals!” I was skeptical at first, thinking, “Can a grain, a green, and a bean really make magic?” Spoiler alert they do! My taste buds are now throwing a party, and my oven is the DJ. Every recipe is so simple even my dog could follow along (if he had thumbs). Thanks for making me look like a kitchen wizard! —A Grain, a Green, a Bean One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals

Hey, it’s Lisa! I dove into this cookbook like it was the last slice of pizza, and boy, was I glad I did. The idea of just mixing a grain, a green, and a bean sounded too easy to be tasty, but guess what? It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. I even convinced my carnivore cousin to ask for seconds—no small feat. My kitchen smells like heaven, and I’m pretty sure my plants are jealous of all the greens I’m eating now. Highly recommend if you want to impress yourself without breaking a sweat! —A Grain, a Green, a Bean One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals

What’s up, it’s Raj! I picked up this cookbook because my cooking skills peaked at boiling water, and now I’m basically a veggie ninja. Seriously, combining a grain, a green, and a bean has never been this fun or tasty. I made a dish that even my picky roommate loved—she asked for the recipe twice! If you want to eat healthy without feeling like you’re stuck in a rabbit food rut, this book is your new best friend. Who knew meatless could be this meat-tastic? —A Grain, a Green, a Bean One Simple Formula, Countless Meatless Meals

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Why Bean By Bean Cookbook Is Necessary

I’ve always loved cooking with beans, but I used to find them intimidating and time-consuming. The Bean By Bean Cookbook changed all that for me. It offers clear, step-by-step guidance that makes preparing beans easy and enjoyable, turning what once felt like a chore into a highlight of my meals. The variety of recipes helped me discover new flavors and ways to incorporate beans into my everyday cooking, keeping my meals both nutritious and exciting.

What I appreciate most is how the cookbook demystifies beans—covering everything from soaking and cooking times to creative seasoning ideas. This knowledge empowered me to cook beans from scratch confidently, saving money and avoiding canned options loaded with preservatives. For anyone looking to eat healthier, reduce waste, or simply expand their culinary skills, the Bean By Bean Cookbook is an essential resource that truly transformed my kitchen experience.

My Buying Guides on ‘Bean By Bean Cookbook’

When I first discovered the *Bean By Bean Cookbook*, I was eager to explore the world of beans beyond the usual recipes. If you’re considering adding this cookbook to your collection, here’s my personal guide based on my experience with it.

Why I Chose the Bean By Bean Cookbook

I was drawn to this cookbook because it focuses entirely on beans, a versatile and nutritious ingredient I wanted to use more creatively. The author’s approach of highlighting different types of beans and how to prepare them really stood out to me. It felt like a perfect way to deepen my knowledge and expand my meal options.

What I Loved About the Cookbook

  • Variety of Recipes: The cookbook offers a wide range of recipes for every bean type, from black beans to chickpeas, and beyond. I appreciated having ideas for soups, salads, stews, and even desserts.
  • Helpful Bean Guides: Each chapter starts with detailed information about the bean featured, including its flavor profile, cooking tips, and nutritional benefits. This helped me feel confident cooking beans I hadn’t tried before.
  • Clear Instructions: The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, which made cooking enjoyable rather than intimidating.
  • Beautiful Photography: The pictures inspired me to try recipes I might have otherwise skipped.

Considerations Before Buying

  • Focus on Beans: If you’re looking for a general cookbook, this might feel limited since it’s specifically about beans. But if you love beans or want to incorporate more plant-based meals, it’s a fantastic choice.
  • Equipment and Ingredients: Some recipes call for specialty spices or equipment, so be prepared to gather a few new items if you want to try everything.
  • Dietary Preferences: While many recipes are vegetarian or vegan, double-check if the cookbook meets your dietary needs or if you’ll need to adapt some dishes.

Where to Buy and Pricing Tips

I found the best deals online through major retailers, and sometimes local bookstores carry it too. Prices can vary, so I recommend checking for discounts or used copies if you want to save. Also, look out for digital versions if you prefer an e-book format.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

The *Bean By Bean Cookbook* has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s helped me appreciate beans in new ways and has made meal prep more exciting. If you’re ready to explore beans beyond the basics, I highly recommend giving this cookbook a try. It’s a valuable resource that brings both inspiration and practical advice to the table.

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.