Bean Pie Recipe

Navy beans: These small, white beans provide a creamy texture and subtle flavor to the pie.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the beans and spices.

Evaporated milk: Gives the pie a rich and creamy consistency.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the pie filling.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a slightly nutty, sweet flavor.

Pie crust: Serves as the base for the pie, holding the filling together.

When blending the beans and other ingredients, make sure to blend until the mixture is completely smooth. This ensures a creamy texture for your bean pie. If you find the mixture too thick, you can add a tablespoon of evaporated milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

• cooked navy beans - Substitute with cooked cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide the necessary sweetness and adds a slight floral note.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the pie.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a slight coconut flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can mimic the binding properties of eggs.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor profile that can enhance the pie.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a warm, spicy flavor that can replace cinnamon.

• ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Mace has a similar flavor to nutmeg but is slightly more intense.

• unbaked pie crust - Substitute with graham cracker crust: A graham cracker crust provides a different texture and flavor that complements the filling.

• To keep your bean pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help maintain its flavor and texture for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, allow the bean pie to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen bean pie, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the pie's texture and flavor.

• If you need to thaw the bean pie more quickly, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. However, avoid using a microwave to thaw, as this can cause uneven heating and affect the pie's consistency.

• To reheat a thawed bean pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For individual slices, you can use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

• If you prefer a crispier crust after freezing, you can reheat the bean pie in the oven without covering it with foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will help restore some of the original texture.

• Always ensure that the bean pie is stored in an airtight container or wrapped securely to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator or freezer.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover bean pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Slice the bean pie into individual servings. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overheat.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the bean pie slices in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.

• To reheat on the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the bean pie slice in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly warmed.

• For those with a toaster oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the bean pie on a piece of parchment paper or directly on the toaster oven rack. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent over-browning.

• Oven: Used to bake the pie at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Blender: Combines and blends the beans, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

• Pie dish: Holds the unbaked pie crust and the blended mixture for baking.

• Measuring cups: Measures out the ingredients such as the cooked navy beans, sugar, and evaporated milk.

• Measuring spoons: Measures out smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

• Mixing bowl: (Optional) Can be used to hold the ingredients before blending if you prefer to measure everything out first.

• Knife: Used to check if the pie is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: Allows the pie to cool evenly after baking.

• Spatula: (Optional) Helps in transferring the blended mixture into the pie crust without spilling.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and cook the navy beans ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Instead of a blender, use a food processor to quickly achieve a smooth mixture.

Pre-made pie crust: Save time by using a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze one pie for future use.

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier blending.