15 Bean-Powered Recipes

Beans are a cost-effective ingredient that deserve to take centre-stage on your table.

Beans are tiny powerhouses of nutrition and are a great way to add low saturated fat, high fibre plant protein to any dish; with a host of other health benefits including a bounty of vitamins, minerals and iron. A staple in many world cuisines for thousands of years, from Mexico to India, they’re a great, cost-effective ingredient that deserves to take centre-stage on your table. Here are five bean benefits, and fifteen recipes for you to try.

5 bean benefits:

Black Beans

Rich in fibre and protein, black beans are excellent for maintaining digestive health and stabilising blood sugar levels. Black beans are also packed with antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Great in Mexican dishes, such as burritos, or paired with sweet potatoes in traybakes. Black beans are also great in brownies - try these and thank us later!

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein that are also high in iron and folate, for supporting blood health. Not just for houmous and falafels, chickpeas are great roasted for a crunchy addition to salads, and perfect in a curry, too.

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, including molybdenum, folate, and manganese. They help detoxify sulfites from the body and provide substantial amounts of fibre and protein. Great in warming chillis and stews come autumn.

Lentils

Lentils are small but mighty legumes that come in various colours, including green, brown, and red. An excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre, they boast high levels of iron and folate, which are essential for cardiovascular health. They are incredibly versatile and cook quickly, making them perfect for quick soups, salads, and curries.

Haricot Beans

These small, white beans are often used in baked beans and soups. Haricot beans are nutrient dense, offering high amounts of fibre, which supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. They are also rich in magnesium and potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall heart function.