An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
Chickpeas, red beans, black beans, butter beans, white beans, edamame: they're one of the healthiest non-perishable food items that almost everyone has in stock, and they're incredibly cheap too. But most people–though they've heard about the boost of protein and essential nutrients and minerals in beans–haven't quite discovered the versatility of beans.
There are countless ways to prepare them, including both sweet and savory, and sometimes you won't even know they're in a dish! Click through to see some delicious recipes.
Combine beans, eggs, bread crumbs, and seasoning, then form into patties and cook them on a skillet!
The magic combination of blended black beans, cocoa powder, eggs, vanilla, and coconut sugar will convince even the sweetest of teeth.
Shredded chicken with a smoky, spicy tomato salsa, a slathering of refried beans, and the unfailing additions of cilantro and cheese.
Pile toasted sourdough high with softened leeks, microgreens, and fava beans, with flavors of lemon and garlic. You might even forget about avocado toast.
Black beans, pork shoulder, pork rib, and chorizo make the base for this hearty Brazilian casserole with a tantalizing aroma.
This vegan sauce is simply made of beans and pasta water. Cook white beans with garlic, onion, and rosemary, then add water from cooking pasta and mash into a creamy sauce. Finish cooking the pasta in the bean mixture, and add lemon juice.
Creamy and rich, refried beans (which aren't actually fried) mix in beautifully with various dishes. Cook up some onion in olive oil or pork fat, add spices and pinto beans, mash as they cook, and in under 25 minutes they’re ready to eat.
These go well in dishes like tacos, salads, pastas, and they're great on their own as well!
Spread refried black beans and a mixture of onion, cilantro, and lime along one side of a preheated corn tortilla (so it won’t break), then roll it up, secure with a toothpick, and fry starting seam side down, rotating until they’re crispy all over. Serve with cilantro, cheese, hot sauce, and lime wedges.
Did you know chickpeas can be used as the star of this briny, lemony dish? They're a healthy alternative and work as an adhesive for the patties.
A cheesy, Texas-style dip with smoky beans, bell peppers, and bacon is sure to hit the spot.
This Indian chickpea dish is traditionally made with green chilies, onion, garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, a blend of spices, and fresh cilantro.
Pile on the beans, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and pickled jalapeños.
Cook beans in garlic and onion, adding whatever other spices you like, then mash them and add a creamy boost of protein to any sandwich.
Calorie- and cost-efficient, these beans along with jalapeño, garlic, oregano, lime juice, and cilantro are a great source of fiber and protein.
You can make this beautiful dip from canned cannellini (white) beans and reduced-fat cottage cheese, for a healthier snack.
This Italian soup is super easy to make in a slow cooker, with stock, tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, sage, bay leaves, and salt and black pepper. Add some zucchini and spinach near the end!
The cheesy, spicy flavor of this Mexican classic benefits from the easy addition of canned black beans and diced sweet potatoes.
You're going to eat the cookie dough raw anyway, so make it healthier with a chickpea or white bean puree, a nut butter of your choice, a sweetener of your choice (maple syrup works well), and vanilla. Add chocolate chips, of course.
Combine a mixture of herbs (mint, parsley, cilantro, chives, and/or dill) in oil, then add beans, as well as a mixture of shallot and vinegar. In less than 10 minutes you have a vibrant, hearty dish.
This soup will warm your belly and your taste buds. Try to steep the beans in broth with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for added flavor.
Whether you like them a little sweeter with brown sugar and the tang of Worcestershire sauce, or more smoky, in a tomato-based sauce, they make a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Basic, fresh aromatics like onion, carrots, and celery start as your base, then the cumin, garlic, and red pepper flakes, as well as fire-roasted poblano chiles and tomatoes, push it to the next level. Serve with lime and avocado or sour cream.
Make your salads of microgreens and fruits more hearty with the addition of really any bean you'd like.
Caramelized tomatoes and beans soaked in water with onion and garlic give this dish an added flavor boost.
Edamame is an unsung hero of the beans in many parts of the world, but they form a delicious side dish or a protein boost to your meal.
The creaminess of the beans is piqued with chili flakes toasted in olive oil, and you can use whatever greens you have, from kale to spinach. Pro tip: add Parmesan rind for a restaurant worthy appetizer.
Whether it’s a hand pie or a round dish, you can mix mashed red beans with sugar, butter, and spices for a thoroughly warming and unexpected dessert.
Kidney and black beans shine in this cozy recipe, with the flavor punch of garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
See also: Top sources of protein for vegetarians
Beans: have you tried these tasty recipes?
From sweet to savory, discover delicious ways to enjoy beans
FOOD Meals
Chickpeas, red beans, black beans, butter beans, white beans, edamame: they're one of the healthiest non-perishable food items that almost everyone has in stock, and they're incredibly cheap too. But most people–though they've heard about the boost of protein and essential nutrients and minerals in beans–haven't quite discovered the versatility of beans.
There are countless ways to prepare them, including both sweet and savory, and sometimes you won't even know they're in a dish! Click through to see some delicious recipes.