via verywellfit: White beans and rice-they just warm the soul. Kids are overjoyed when they find out this dish is for dinner. A super healthy meal that your kids love and request the recipe for is an amazing parent moment. And they truly are easy to make, you just need a bit of time and a pinch of patience for them to become tender and delicious.

Beans are a great source of protein and a good source of fiber, and even though they are inexpensive, through cooking, you transform them into an amazing meal for your family.

Start them in the morning on a weekend and let them cook away as you go about your day. We find it helpful to cook the brown rice while we are chopping and sautéing the vegetables, since we are standing at the stove anyway. This way, we can watch the water for the rice boil while already actively working at the stove, rather than having to do it later while the beans are on cruise control.

Another time saver is to chop your vegetables the day before cooking the white beans. Serve your beans with a salad and some fresh fruit, and you’ll have a fantastic meal that is sure to please the family. And since the cooked beans freeze well, you can freeze portions to use at a later date.

On the night prior to cooking your dried beans, you’ll want to sort, rinse, and soak them. Sort through the dried beans for rocks or other debris, then rinse the beans in cold water to remove any dirt. Put the beans into a bowl big enough to hold the beans once they have doubled in size, then add enough cold water to cover the beans by two inches. Allow the beans to soak overnight the night before cooking to start hydrating them.