Ep 10. Bean Stalker

In the season 11 episode 10 of Good Eats, titled "Bean Stalker," host Alton Brown takes on the challenge of exploring the world of beans. He explains how beans can be used in a variety of dishes and are not just there to create a vegetarian option. During the episode, Brown discusses the science of beans as well as how to prepare them perfectly so that they taste great.

Brown starts by explaining the different types of beans and how they can be grouped into categories. This helps viewers to understand which beans work best for specific dishes. He then dives into the different methods of cooking beans, including the use of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and stove-top cooking.

During the episode, Brown also prepares some delicious bean-based dishes, including a vegetarian chili recipe, a black-eyed pea salad, and a bean dip with crispy tortilla chips. He even demonstrates how to make your own baked beans from scratch, and explains the different types of bean-based soups that can be prepared using leftover beans.

Along with providing valuable information about the world of beans, Brown also discusses some of the more popular myths surrounding their preparation and cooking. For instance, he explains why soaking beans overnight before cooking may not be necessary and could even be harmful to the texture of the finished dish.

Throughout the episode, Brown dispenses helpful tips and tricks for preparing beans, such as how to know when your beans are fully cooked and how to store cooked beans for later use. He also discusses how to spice up bean dishes with a variety of seasonings and flavorings, including smoked paprika, cumin, and nutritional yeast.

Overall, "Bean Stalker" is a fun and informative episode of Good Eats that provides viewers with a wealth of knowledge about the world of beans. Whether you're a vegetable enthusiast, or just someone looking to explore new culinary horizons, this episode is sure to entertain and educate. So grab a can of beans, or some dried beans from your pantry, and get ready to learn all about the many wonderful ways that beans can be used in your cooking repertoire.