What Religion Sells Bean Pies
If you’ve never tasted a bean pie, you’re missing out on a lot more than just a delicious dessert. It was created in the 1930s by black Muslims in the Nation of Islam from navy beans. The tale of why they made it and what it stands for is one of the most important stories concerning Muslims in America.
It all started in 1936 when Elijah Muhammad became leader of the Nation of Islam. He decided that since many people considered him crazy, he would make a pie and call it “The Moon Pie”. This action caused much controversy within the community, but it also proved to be very successful. After this first attempt, others followed with other dishes created especially for leaders of other religions or cultures. One of these other leaders was Louis Farrakhan who was also known as “the Great Black Hope”. In 1978, his followers made bean pies to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Since then, the dish has become popular among Blacks and whites alike for events such as baby showers, birthday parties, and holidays.
Bean pies are very easy to make and require only five ingredients: black-eyed peas, bacon, ham, salt, and pepper. They are usually baked in a crust but can be cooked without one as well. Before serving, some add tomatoes, while others sprinkle onion powder or garlic powder on top. Some change the color of their pie by adding red food coloring to the batter before baking.
The Radical Pie That Fueled A Nation
I got hooked on the Bean Pie I used to get from the Muslim bakery back home, so had to try and recreate it! This is very good and reminds me of pumpkin pie, except it’s made from beans. .
Bean pie, which is made with navy beans, looks like pumpkin pie and tastes like a light sweet potato pie. Bean pie has been around since at least 1930 with the emergence of the Nation of Islam.
Discover Abu’s Homestyle Bakery in Brooklyn, New York: This family-owned bakery is one of the last places in Brooklyn to sell the Nation of Islaminspired bean pie.
A custard-like, creamy pie. Don’t be discouraged due to the fact it contains beans. It adds a tremendous amount of protein to this delicious southern-style pie. A friend was talking about bean pies tonight, so thought it would be nice to share the recipe.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and sugar. Add to the fruit mixture, stirring until the fruit is evenly coated. Set the fruit aside. To make the topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a food processor, combine the vanilla sugar with the flour, oats, poppy seeds, and salt. Add the butter and pulse until a loose dough forms.
How To Eat To Live
The other part that sets the course of bean pie is the moving away from the slave diet as Elijah Muhammad put it. In this two-book series How to Eat to live published in 1967, he emphasized that soul food was a means for the whites to both control and destroy the black population. The effects where high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypertension and obesity, all brought about by the sugar, salt and fat content is soul food.
Instead, as the leader of the Nation of Islam between 1934and 1975, Elijah advocated for traditional foods indigenous to the blacks.Followers of the Nation had to adhere to a strict new diet that was consideredin line with the movements identity. The emphasis was on vegetarianism andlimiting sugar and processed foods. Traditional soul food ingredients such aspork, collard greens, corn, and sweet potatoes were off the menu. The former byitself was prohibited under Islamic Law. Alcohol and tobacco were equallybanned.
Instead, the transition ushered in the era of tofu, tahini,smoked turkey and brown rice. The navy bean found its place in a culinarysphere where all other beans were divinely not allowed. Elijah Muhammad evenreferenced Allah in his book stating that it would add their lifespan toone hundred and forty years. Should they eat other beans in the Christiantable, their lives would be less than half of what they are expected to live.
Also Check: How To Use A Pie Iron
Process The Filling For The Bean Pie
The bean pie filling is likely looking a bit lumpy at this point, but do not fear! Now is the time to transfer the mixture into a large food processor, or, working in batches, transfer it to a smaller processor, and process until smooth.
When all of the filling has been processed and is nice and silky, press the pie crusts into pie pans, and pour the filling into them. Transfer the pies onto baking sheets, and bake at 450 F for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 350 F and bake for 35 minutes more. The pies should emerge set and golden brown on top.
More About Bean Pie Recipes Nation Islam
NAVY BEAN PIE | AKA MUSLIM BEAN PIE | SISTERDIY.COM
From
- In blender or food processor, blend beans and milk, butter eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and flour until smooth.
SWEET BEAN PIE !! FROM THE NATION OF ISLAM | MARIELA …
FromEstimated Reading Time
BEAN PIE – WIKIPEDIA
FromMain ingredientsPlace of originType
LANAS BEAN PIES – THE WASHINGTON POST
FromServingsIs Accessible For FreeCalories
THE CLASSIC BEAN… – THE BLACK MUSLIM CULTURAL …
From
BEAN PIE RECIPE FROM NATION OF ISLAM | BEAN PIE, RECIPE …
FromEstimated Reading Time
CREAMY BEAN PIE | GRANNY’S DOWN HOME KITCHEN
FromEstimated Reading Time
THE RADICAL PIE THAT FUELED A NATION | TASTE
FromEstimated Reading Time
A CHICAGO BAKER OF THE HUMBLE BEAN PIE | WTTW CHICAGO
FromEstimated Reading Time
L.A. PIE STORY: THE CHAMP’S FAVORITE : LANA’S BEAN PIE
FromEstimated Reading Time
ALKALINE/VEGAN BEAN PIE – RECIPES – HAPPENEDUPONHAPPY
FromReviewsEstimated Reading Time
NATION OF ISLAM MEMBER PEDDLES BEAN PIES A RITUAL GOING …
FromEstimated Reading Time
NAVY BEAN PIE RECIPE – FOOD.COM
FromEstimated Reading Time
NAVY BEAN PIE – SAVEUR: AUTHENTIC RECIPES, FOOD, DRINKS …
From
THE SWEET APPEAL OF THE NATION OF ISLAM’S BEAN PIE CNN …
From
SUPREME BEAN PIE | GIMME THAT RECIPE! – YOUTUBE
From
SHABAZZ BEAN PIE – LOST-FOUND NATION OF ISLAM HOUSTON
From
EAT, PRAY, JUDGE: BEAN PIE WITH THE NATION OF ISLAM – THE
From
BEAN PIE, FOR THAT NATION OF ISLAM FLAVOR – CHOWHOUND
FromFromFrom
You May Like: Recipe For Bean Pies
Background On Bean Pie: Oh What A Tangled Web You Weave
I talked about how I came to know bean pie in my Why Bean Pie? section, but heres a little more background on the pie itself.
Bean pie is a custard-based pie made from cooked beans, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg blended together until smooth and baked in a standard pie crust. Bean pie, a dessert or snacking pie, has a consistency similar to pumpkin or sweet potato pie but with a milder flavor profile.
Bean pies have roots in the American South, but you have to do a little digging to find them well, not anymore you dont since the internet brings everything to your fingertips, but back 20 years ago when I originally started trying to figure out how to recreate the bean pie I had growing up , I searched through many a cookbook and found nary a recipe for a sweet, white bean pie. I would find recipes for savory bean tarts and bean loafs , but nothing on the sweet side. Today if you search for bean pie the world is your oyster but you still have to dig a bit to find the bean pie I am talking about. More on that in a sec.
Perhaps Johnny Cash is more your jam?
In any case, bean pies seem to be related to other humble custard-style pies made from a basic combination of eggs, sugar, and milk, such as Chess Pie or Buttermilk Pie.
So, bean pie, I love you in spite of your checkered past and I, and perhaps some members of the Severna Park/Millersville/Annapolis, MD area will be enjoying you this holiday season by way of Happy Owl Baking.
More About Elijah Muhammad Bean Pie Recipes
GLUTEN FREE/GRAIN FREE BEAN PIE RECIPE | HYBRID RASTA MAMA
FromCuisineTotal TimeCategoryCalories
- In an electric blender, blend beans, butter, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and flour about 2 minutes on medium speed.
NAVY BEAN PIE | AKA MUSLIM BEAN PIE | SISTERDIY.COM
From
- In blender or food processor, blend beans and milk, butter eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and flour until smooth.
PINTO BEAN PIE, THE UNSUNG DESSERT RECIPE OF THE SOUTH
FromCuisineCategoryServingsCalories
THE RADICAL PIE THAT FUELED A NATION | TASTE
FromEstimated Reading Time
SWEET BEAN PIE | BEAN PIE DESSERT RECIPE | SHOCKINGLY …
FromServingsTotal TimeEstimated Reading Time
SWEET BEAN PIE !! FROM THE NATION OF ISLAM | MARIELA …
FromEstimated Reading Time
BEAN PIE – WIKIPEDIA
FromMain ingredientsPlace of originType
BEAN PIE, MY BROTHER? – CHICAGO READER
From
NATION OF ISLAM MEMBER PEDDLES BEAN PIES A RITUAL GOING …
FromEstimated Reading Time
THE CLASSIC BEAN… – THE BLACK MUSLIM CULTURAL …
From
THE BEAN PIE – IT’S MORE THAN JUST A SWEET TREAT – SHABAS …
FromEstimated Reading Time
BEAN PIE, MY BROTHA? THE STORY OF THE MOST AMERICAN …
FromEstimated Reading Time
SUPREME BEAN PIE HOMEMAKING FOR THE ASIATIC BLACK MUSLIM …
FromEstimated Reading Time
READER REQUEST: MUSLIM BEAN PIE FILLING – TEST KITCHEN TUESDAY
FromEstimated Reading Time
PART 1: THE PIE THAT STARTED IT ALL
From
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD BEAN PIE RECIPES
From
TUNURAH’S BEAN PIE THE BLACK AMERICAN MUSLIM
Don’t Miss: Chicken Pot Pie Campbell’s Soup Recipe
Process The Beans In The Food Processor
To make this bean pie, first preheat the oven to 450 F. While it heats up, you can begin making the filling.
To do so, first empty both cans of beans into the food processor, and pulse until somewhat processed. Don’t worry if the mixture isn’t super-smooth yet the beans will be processed once more with the other ingredients before being transferred into the pie crusts and baked. This is just to help them get a little bit creamy so that they will blend more easily into the other filling ingredients.
Where Did The Original Bean Pie Come From
Sale! Where did bean pies come from? Sweet Potato Pie, for example, has long been a mainstay of African American cuisine. The Muslim bean pie was developed in the 1960s, when the Nation of Islam gained prominence in African American neighborhoods. It’s made with sweet potato instead of pumpkin.
Bean pies are easy to make and they keep well, so they’re popular for holiday meals and weekend snacks. This recipe is based on my grandmother’s recipe, which she got from her mother. She in turn got it from her mother. I’ve updated the recipe a bit over the years but the basics remain the same. The key is to use good quality canned beansnot those packed in water that you have to drain before using.
My grandmother used dark red kidney beans but you can use any color you like. Just don’t use old or dried-out beans because then the pie will not be as thick as it should be. You need 1 cup dry beans for each 2-cup pie shell that you bake.
She also used brown sugar instead of white sugar. I prefer using white sugar because it adds another layer of flavor to the pie but you can use whatever type you want.
Finally, there’s no salt in my grandmother’s recipe because their was no need for it.
Read Also: Bisquick Impossible Chicken Pie
What Region Are Baked Beans From
Baked beans have their origins in Native American cuisine and are produced from beans native to the Americas. The dish was adopted and developed by English colonists in New England in the 17th century and expanded to other parts of the United States and into Canada through recipes written in the 19th century. Baked beans remain a popular food in many countries around the world.
Baked beans are a type of bean that has been soaked in water to remove some of its acidity, usually for several hours or overnight. The beans are then boiled with various vegetables, such as onion and potato, meat if desired, and sometimes corn or wheat flour. They are often flavored with herbs and spices such as allspice, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and salt.
Baked beans are commonly served with bread and milk as a meal or used as a side dish. They can also be an ingredient in other dishes. For example, Michigan pork barbecue includes baked beans as one of its main ingredients.
Baked beans have been called “the staff of life” because they are considered essential for survival.
About Article Author
Tags
Most Read Life Stories
Yeah, Muhammad said as he waved him off.
If you sell enough bean pies, you learn a little about life in South Los Angeles like how to size up a man if hes good for a $7 pie.
On this northwest corner, peddlers hawking incense, hot dogs or salvation run the pavement. Few, however, have lasted as long as Brian Muhammad, 42.
Hes been selling bean pies for 11 years here at one of the busiest and most sought-after intersections for those with something to market. Before him there was Louis Muhammad, who had sold bean pies for years before he was run over by a driver who had suffered a heart attack.
Muhammad has had a few close scrapes himself to be expected when his job entails dashing between idling vehicles. Hes learned to always keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, even as he watches for drivers in old vehicles.
Beat-up cars mean good customers. Because they got no car notes, the car is paid off, Muhammad said. The ones in the shiny new cars, theyre sweating because they have the car notes, they got no extra money. Its economics, man.
Muhammad is part of a Nation of Islam tradition that dates back decades. On any given day, on street corners in cities such as Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York, members clean-cut and dressed in suits and bow ties can be found selling bean pies and the groups newspaper, the Final Call.
He rarely eats them himself. Itll swell you up, he said.
Also Check: Supreme Bean Pie Recipe
Cookednation Of Islam Bean Pie Recipe
The pie dates to the 1930s, when the founder of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad, told his followers to eschew pork and unhealthy starches like cornbread and adhere to a healthful diet, with a particular focus on the navy bean.Muslims created the bean pie in part as a healthier substitute for the sweet potato pie.
Step 2. Whisk together eggs, navy beans, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a bowl. Pour mixture into piecrust. Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, and continue baking until pie edges are set and center is slightly jiggly, about 30 minutes.
Creamy Bean Pie Recipe That’s Yummy Both Hot And Cold
What do carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie have in common? They’re all desserts featuring vegetables! And thanks to recipe developer and private practice registered dietician Kristen Carli, another treat is about to join your veggie-filled sweet recipe repertoire and that delight is bean pie.
Based off of the name, you might be a tad skeptical of bean pie and think, “A pie that’s made with beans … to have for dessert?” But, you really shouldn’t be. “The name ‘bean pie’ might make this sound unappetizing,” Carli says, who nevertheless assures, “It’s incredibly delicious! Have you ever tried sweet flavors of hummus? This is very similar to that.”
For a little background info, bean pie was birthed in the 1930s. According to The Seattle Times, Elijah Muhammad, who founded the Nation of Islam movement, inspired this bean pie to come to fruition. The group had food restrictions, which included not eating pork, starches, and other foods. Navy beans were not within the restrictions, however, and that’s how this delicious bean pie recipe began .
With a texture and spice profile similar to that of pumpkin pie, it’s an inexpensive, incredibly easy dessert to whip up that’s just as tasty served hot or cold. “I would top this pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon,” Carli suggests, and we’re already eager to dig in. But before that, let’s get into how you can make this pie at home.
Read Also: Key West Key Lime Pie The Profit