Healthy bean recipes (2024)

Showing 1 to 24 of 40 results

  • Kidney bean curry

    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.242 ratings

    A rescue recipe for when there's nothing in the fridge or when you fancy something cheap, this curry is delicious and filling. It's healthy and vegan-friendly, too.

    • 35 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • Easy chicken casserole

    A star rating of 4.4 out of 5.186 ratings

    This flavoursome, low-fat chicken casserole is easy to make and freezes really well, so why not make double and freeze for speedy midweek meals?

    • 1 hr 20 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-free
  • A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.67 ratings

    This healthy veggie chilli makes for a quick and satisfying supper, crammed with pulses and colourful fresh vegetables

    • 45 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • Spicy chilli bean soup

    A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.51 ratings

    There's minimal prep time to make this hearty bean soup, which works just as well as an easy dinner or packed in a flask for lunch

    • 50 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • Mexican bean soup with guacamole

    A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.129 ratings

    This warming, spiced vegetarian soup packs in goodness and is filling too. The quick-to-assemble guacamole topping tastes as good as it looks

    • 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.1 out of 5.50 ratings

    Set yourself up for the day with this healthy veggie breakfast with eggs, avocado and black beans. It takes just 10 minutes to throw together and makes a great lunch, too

    • 10 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.9 out of 5.34 ratings

    A vibrant Mexican-style breakfast with fresh avocado and black beans. Give yourself a healthy start with our easy vegan beans on toast with a twist

    • 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • Three bean spring minestrone

    A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.5 ratings

    Enjoy this three bean minestrone soup as a healthy lunch or supper. Full of protein, it will keep you going through the day and contains 3 of your 5-a-day

    • 25 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • Slow cooker breakfast beans

    A star rating of 3.7 out of 5.17 ratings

    Enjoy this slow-cooked alternative to canned baked beans for breakfast or brunch, served on toast or with eggs. They're a good source of protein

    • 5 hrs 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • Smoky beans on toast

    A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.42 ratings

    Forget shop-bought cans of baked beans. This homemade version is tastier and healthier, with an impressive four of your 5-a-day

    • 35 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 3.9 out of 5.18 ratings

    This healthy, low-fat soup is based on the classic leek and potato, but cannellini beans replace the potatoes – as they contribute to your 5-a-day

    • 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • Giant butter bean stew

    A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.35 ratings

    This authentic vegetarian casserole makes a delicious first course, or serve alongside slow-cooked lamb as part of a Greek Easter feast

    • 1 hr 45 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.16 ratings

    This budget-busting sharing platter of slow-cooked chipotle chicken is perfect for feeding a crowd - and won't break a student budget, either

    • 1 hr 40 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-free
  • Loaded potato skins with speedy baked beans

    A star rating of 0 out of 5.0 ratings

    Think cheesy potato skins topped with baked beans doesn’t sound healthy? They can be, and here we show how. You’ll want to cook these beans again and again

    • 1 hr 15 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.4 out of 5.22 ratings

    Low-fat, vegetarian and super-healthy, this filling one-pot lunch or dinner is packed with chickpeas, butter beans and pearl barley

    • 1 hr 5 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.4 out of 5.70 ratings

    This hearty, satisfying one-pot is low fat and easy on the washing up

    • 1 hr 35 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
  • Mixed bean chilli with wedges

    A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.147 ratings

    A warming bowl of vegetarian chilli makes for great comfort food. Serve with potato wedges for a healthy weeknight supper, and be sure to make extra for the freezer

    • 50 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.40 ratings

    This quick and easy vegan French salad combines delicious flavours - perfect summer dish

    • 20 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegan
  • A star rating of 4.7 out of 5.9 ratings

    Substitute potatoes with pulses for a healthy alternative mash with a chunky texture

    • 10 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • Storecupboard tuna bean salad

    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.12 ratings

    Use up some of those storecupboard leftovers in this delicious salad

    • 30 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
  • Italian butter beans

    A star rating of 4.3 out of 5.16 ratings

    This healthy side dish gives Mediterranean flavour to grilled chicken or chops

    • 20 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • Simple mashed black beans

    A star rating of 5 out of 5.1 rating

    Fibre packed refried beans are easy to make yourself and are fantastic fajita fillers

    • 10 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
  • Easy BBQ beans

    A star rating of 3.8 out of 5.5 ratings

    Quick, simple and packed with goodness, make these smoky barbecue beans in less than 30 minutes and serve as part of a pick-and-mix Mexican-style supper.

    • 25 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
    • Vegetarian
  • A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.2 ratings

    Whip up a super healthy alternative to beans on toast in 10 minutes flat. This dish is high in fibre too

    • 10 mins
    • Easy
    • Healthy
Healthy bean recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat beans? ›

First, you should always drain the excess liquid from your cooked beans, as this contains the highest amount of potassium. Soaking dried beans before cooking lowers their potassium level in a big way. Try it with chickpeas and lentils as well!

How to make beans that taste good but are healthy? ›

Toss drained/rinsed/dried beans with a bit of olive oil (or avocado oil) and your favorite seasonings. You can add crushed whole seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, etc.), woodsy herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage), red pepper flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and of course salt and pepper.

Which bean is a superfood? ›

Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are a great source of fiber, B vitamins, and other minerals. One cup (182 grams) of cooked navy beans contains ( 34 ): Calories:255. Protein: 15 grams.

What are the best beans for weight loss? ›

Many do not consider beans healthy when following a low carb diet as it is high in carbohydrates. However, along with carbs, beans also contain fiber (mostly soluble), which can help lower cholesterol level. Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans are the ones considered best for weight loss plan.

Do beans clean your gut? ›

Beans, particularly small white navy beans, are full of gut-supporting fibers, amino acids, and other nutrients, which can help the beneficial bacteria in your colon flourish, supporting immune health and regulating inflammation, Daniel-MacDougall explains.

What beans should I eat every day? ›

Some of the healthiest beans to consume include:
  • Black beans: Often known as turtle beans, black beans are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets. ...
  • Kidney beans: ...
  • Lima beans: ...
  • Soybeans: ...
  • Chickpeas: ...
  • Pinto beans: ...
  • Navy beans:

Are canned or dried beans healthier? ›

Using dried beans lets you control the sodium.

But canned beans can be high in sodium, which is a problem for those with high blood pressure and those who want to avoid it. According to Dr. Gourmet, there are 400-500 mg of sodium in a 1/2 cup of canned beans.

Why do restaurant beans taste better? ›

If you're wondering what is the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality refried beans, the answer is fat. Restaurant-made refried beans honor traditional Mexican culinary practices by adding a hearty helping of lard or bacon fat drippings to their recipe.

Why do I feel good after eating beans? ›

Here are a few reasons to eat beans:

Beans are high in fiber, B vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc and phosphorous. Beans have a very low glycemic index, meaning that the carbohydrates break down very slowly, leaving you feeling fuller for a longer period of time.

Does rinsing canned beans make them healthier? ›

Draining alone will “reduce the sodium by a third,” says Reinagel. Bottom line: If you're watching your sodium intake for your health, it won't hurt to drain and rinse your can of beans before using them. Or better yet, buy low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties.

How many times a week should you eat beans? ›

Even though the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 1½ cups of cooked beans per week, most Americans consume less than 1/3 cup weekly, according to 2021 research in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Which bean has the highest protein? ›

Some legumes with the highest protein content per 100 g serving include :
  • field peas (26 g)
  • cowpeas (24 g)
  • common beans (24 g)
  • mung beans (23 g)
  • pigeon peas (22 g)
  • chickpeas (21 g)
  • soybeans (13 g)

What are the healthiest beans for longevity? ›

One of the common factors among residents in Blue Zones throughout the world is a high intake of beans, says Paine. And according to Blue Zones' founder Dan Buettner, various types of beans including fava beans, black beans, soy beans, and lentils are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets.

What is the most nutritious way to prepare beans? ›

Ways to reduce anti-nutrients

A common method is soaking. Place beans or lentils in a large pot and cover with water. Allow them to soak at least 8 hours or overnight. Boiling is the next step that helps to further break down the anti-nutrients and makes the beans and lentils more digestible.

Is it better to eat beans raw or cooked? ›

While some recipes call for raw green beans, eating them uncooked may lead to nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting due to their lectin content. As such, it's best to avoid raw green beans. Cooking not only neutralizes their lectins but also improves their taste, digestibility, and antioxidant content.

Are canned beans healthier? ›

The overall nutritional differences (between canned and dried beans) are often quite minimal, and it's more important to get the benefits of beans by preparing what's convenient for you,” Basbaum said. Hearty bean soup recipes are an affordable way to make a meal out of canned beans.

Are beans healthy to eat everyday? ›

Is it healthy to eat beans every day? Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

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