Ah yes, beans and grains, pulses and legumes. Let’s take a moment and celebrate these pantry staples that have been sustaining households. I have multiple tinned versions of these in my pantry, and I’m guessing you do too. They are not only a great source of protein but are inexpensive, have a long shelf-life and are incredibly nutritious. Throw them over pasta, make homemade hummus or whip up an easy salad! These bad boys will keep you busy in the kitchen and keep your wallet (relatively) intact.

Lentils

Try these protein-packed recipes with lentils…

Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lentils

This warming Thai Green Curry is filled with vegetables, lentils and all the flavour you could ask for.

Recipe for Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lentils

Warm Salad of Lentils and Vegetables

Lentils are high in fibre, high in protein, and are a complex carb which means it’s got all the good stuff. The most tantalising vegetarian salad, you’ll want to eat any time of day.

Recipe for Warm Salad of Lentils and Vegetables

Tomato and Coriander Dahl with Basmati Rice & Greek Yoghurt

A lentil dhal is perfect for those cold nights. Indian food is always a favourite and this vegetarian dish is no different. Serve with rice or naan, or both!

Recipe for Tomato and Coriander Curried Dhal with Basmati Rice & Greek Yoghurt

Lentil And Vegetable Bobotie

A great, healthy dish that your whole family will love. This dish is so satisfying that you won’t even miss the meat!

Recipe for Lentil And Vegetable Bobotie

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Chickpeas

From Homemade Hummus to Soup, is there anything chickpeas can’t do?

Parmigiana di Melanzane

A classic with a twist. This melanzane has a crunchy chickpea topping that’s filling and downright delicious!

Recipe for Parmigiana di Melanzane

Indian Spiced Chickpea and Courgette Burgers

This dish is great for when you want a burger, but without the meat! This aromatic chickpea burger with Indian spices is not only easy to make, but incredibly delicious too.

Recipe for Indian Spiced Chickpea and Courgette Burgers

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Why go to the grocery store when you can whip up a delicious batch of hummus at home?

Recipe for Healthy Homemade Hummus

Green Pizza with Guacamole, Veggies & Chickpeas

Who ever said ‘pizza isn’t healthy’ obviously hasn’t tried this Green Pizza. Yum!

Recipe for Green Pizza with Guacamole, Veggies & Chickpeas

Chorizo, Bean & Tomato Soup with Crunchy Chickpeas

A hearty stew loaded with flavour, texture and nutrients.

Recipe for Chorizo, Bean & Tomato Soup with Crunchy Chickpeas

Linguine Kale Pesto Salt-baked Beetroot and Crispy Chickpeas

Nothing, I repeat, nothing is better than pasta. Add some crispy chickpeas to the mix and it only makes pasta that much better. A flavour-filled vegetarian dish, perfect for the colder months of the year.

Recipe for Linguine Kale Pesto Salt-baked Beetroot and Crispy Chickpeas

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Beans

We’ve got black beans, cannellini beans and edamame beans, have your pick…

Creamy Coconut Sweet Potato & Bean Stew

The flavours of cannellini beans and garam masala spices come together beautifully in this comforting stew with a creamy coconut sauce.

Recipe for Creamy Coconut Sweet Potato & Bean Stew

Seared Tuna Burger with Avo & Edamame Smash & Wasabi Mayo

Say hello to your new favourite burger. The edamame smash, seared tuna and wasabi mayo combo is perfection!

Recipe for Seared Tuna Burger with Avo & Edamame Smash & Wasabi Mayo

Refried Black Bean Tacos

Who says tacos have to have meat in them? These refried black bean tacos will leave you full and satisfied.

Recipe for Refried Black Bean Tacos

Vegan Burger With Black Bean Hummus

A yummy, filling dish that takes an ordinary vegetarian meal to tasty heights. An excellent source of plant-based protein.

Recipe for Vegan Burger With Black Bean Hummus

Black Bean & Smoky Pork Soup

This hearty black bean pork soup will surely please the tastebuds.

Recipe for Black Bean & Smoky Pork Soup

Black Bean Chocolate & Walnut Brownies

Bet you didn’t know black beans are so versatile. These brownies are made with black beans and almond flour, so are much healthier than regular brownies and just as tasty.

Recipe for Black Bean Chocolate & Walnut Brownies

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Peas

These yummy recipes prove that this underdog legume isn’t so bad after all.

Asian Tuna Fishcakes with Miso Mayo

Simple yet satisfying! These panko crumbed fishcakes are filled with tasty peas and tuna.

Recipe for Asian Tuna Fishcakes with Miso Mayo

Tartare Crusted Grilled Hake with Mushy Peas & Onion Rings

Mushy peas never tasted so good! The hake and onion ring combo is unmatched.

Recipe for Tartare Crusted Grilled Hake with Mushy Peas & Beer Battered Onion Rings

Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork

Oh so comforting and steeped with flavour! This Split Pea Soup recipe is perfect for when colder weather hits.

Recipe for Split Pea Soup with Smoked Pork

Pappardelle with Cauliflower Purée, Crispy Cauliflower & Peas

Cauliflower and a good serving of peas are all this pasta dish need.

Recipe for Pappardelle with Cauliflower Purée, Crispy Cauliflower & Peas

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Quinoa

Whether you’re making salad or sushi, quinoa is the way to go!

BBQ Steak Skewers With Egg Fried Quinoa & Thai Vegetables

Why have egg fried rice, when you can have egg fried quinoa? Double the nutritional value and equally delicious. This tasty lunch or dinner dish includes good-for-you ingredients and is so quick and easy to make.

Recipe for BBQ Steak Skewers With Egg Fried Quinoa & Thai Vegetables

Warm Quinoa Salad With Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas

Warm. Quinoa. Salad. Is your mouth watering already? The spicy citrus dressing finishes this warm salad off perfectly.

Recipe for Warm Quinoa Salad With Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpeas

Tempura Argentinian Prawn Quinoa Sushi

Quinoa on sushi? Get outta here! Trust us, it’s amazing. Once you get the knack of making sushi, you will be addicted to making your own.

Recipe for Tempura Argentinian Prawn Quinoa Sushi

Quinoa & Prune Balls

Are you shocked to see that you can make a dessert out of quinoa? This is a healthier, more energy-boosting version of the well-loved date ball treats.

Recipe for Quinoa & Prune Balls

Want to learn more? Get to know Lentils — The Protein-rich, Powerhouse Legume.