Beans, beans. The more you eat the more you toot. While this may be the case (for some), beans are also a magical addition to any meal. Of course, they are hearty and delicious, but they are also incredibly satisfying thanks to their being packed with protein and fiber. For vegans and vegetarians, the bean is a powerhouse, for non-vegans, the same can be said as well. However, if you are unsure as to how to add this legume into your next meal, we’ve done the work for you with these nom-a-licious recipes from around the blogosphere. With the cold weather, you will want to cozy up to one of these dishes ASAP.
1. White Bean & Kale Soup via Family Gone Healthy
There is this really delicious white bean soup from Hale & Hearty that we’re really obsessed with and this is the perfect homemade recipe to satisfy us. As a matter of fact, this version may even be better. You can make it as hearty and veggie-filled as you please to fill you up for hours to come. Perfect for a quite winter night? We think yes.
2. Lebanese Lemon-Parsley Bean Salad via Cookie and Kate
Bean salads on’t have to be blah. A combination of kidney beans, chickpea, parsley and lemon kicks things up a notch. For a “mezze” experience” pair with the recommended hummus and pita. This would make for a great offering at any dinner party.
3. Black Bean & Quinoa Veggie Burgers via Prevention RD
Beans are an integral part of any veggie burger patty because they contain just as much (if not, more) protein than traditional patties. Plus, it adds plenty of substance and flavor you might not otherwise have with soy protein options. Top with yogurt sauce, avocado, mushrooms – anything that pleases you. Gluten-free? Ditch the buns and toss in a salad.
4. Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato via Kara Lydon
This is a “hole-in-one” if you will as it can be a total meal. Carbs, protein, and healthy overt fats will cover all your bases while making you feel like you’re indulging in something slightly more sinful.
5. Mediterranean-Style Baked Lima Beans via Beard and Bonnet
If you can’t tell, the mediterranean diet packs in a whole lot o’ beans and we are certainly not complaining. This is the perfect side dish that will transport you to a different time zone.
6. Black Bean Brownies via Hip2Save
Did you know that beans make for the perfect sweet treats, too? From brownies to blondies, black beans and even chickpeas have been making desserts everywhere a whole lot healthier.
7. 5-Ingredient Easy Chili via Gimme Some Oven via Gimme Some Oven
When you talk about beans you have to talk about chili, of course. This bean 5-ingredient chili recipe will be easy to whip up anytime.
8. Crock Pot Indian Spiced Lentils via The Diva Dish
Lentils are something we are obsessed with, but not many might know how to prepare. Try getting exotic with this Indian spiced lentil stew. Pair with rice and greens to perfectly balance your meal. Think of it as a lightened up Indian food takeout.
9. Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich via Yummy Healthy Easy
When is a sandwich not just what the doctor ordered? Instead of opting for the less nutritionally dense ham and cheese, try this option instead.
10. Moong Palak via Spice in the City
Moong Palak is a spinach and moong bean curry – also spelled “mung bean”. It’s a less common bean but it is very nutritious and typically included in many “detox” dishes. According to sources, the mung bean is great for skin, combating heart-disease, and may even have anti-cancer properties
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Ooh, I still need to try the trick with black beans in brownies. Meanwhile my favorite bean recipe is this pumpkin black bean soup: https://scrumptiousgruel.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/third-annual-pumpkin-week-in-spring-day-three-pumpkin-black-bean-soup/