Battle of the Beans: Cook-Off to Decide Which Legume Rules Supreme

There’s a battle brewing in Encinitas. But it has nothing to do with any ballot initiative or City Hall. This faceoff is all about beans—yes, beans.

The San Dieguito Heritage Museum is gearing up for its 4^th Annual Lima Bean Faire on Sept. 29, but this year organizers are opening the cooking competition to all sorts of beans, which means the lima bean just might be dethroned.

The Battle of the Beans challenge has been laid out there for all local cooks, and we’re willing to bet plenty are busy perfecting their curried lentils, Cuban black beans, kidney bean chili or Moroccan garbanzo bean stew. Indeed, this could be one tasty showdown.

If you’d like to sample some of Encinitas’ best bean recipes, $5 will buy you three tastings and $15 will get you all you can stomach.

Of course, the day is about more than just grubbing down. Lima and other beans have a rich history in Encinitas, which the event celebrates. Early pioneers grew the import crops here, and they flourished in our costal climate.

The event will also include live bluegrass music, raffle prizes, a bake sale and activities for kids. The Lima Bean Faire and Battle of the Beans cook-off will be Sept. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. If you want to participate in the cook-off visit SDHeritage.org/visit.html or call (760) 632-9711.