Beans

kidney beans, white beans, pork and beans, all served with rice.
Beans were a staple at our house growing up.
I chalked it up to the fact that cooking was not a joyous occasion for the cooker. And beans were an easy meal.

Instead, it was a matter of survival.
Beans supply protein. An ingredient needed by the body to grow strong bones and muscle.
Growing up, if one was stout, it was a sign of prosperity.
I was skin and bones despite the beans.
We were not prosperous, I guess.
Good thing I didn't know it then.
I actually like beans today.
Surprising because of the frequency of the meal.
I don't have it often, though.