Beans are versatile, culturally-responsive and delicious.
Beans (including peas, lentils and other pulses) have been a critical core commodity throughout time. Evidence of lentil cultivation has been found in the Egyptian pyramids and dry pea seeds have been discovered in a village in Switzerland dating back to the Stone Age. To this day, beans are an integral part of many cultures and diets around the world.
Beans are versatile, culturally-responsive and delicious. There are hundreds of varieties and they can be prepared or incorporated into a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, snacks and even beverages. They can be served as standalone dishes, or incorporated into sauces, spreads, desserts and as toppings. You can purchase them in numerous forms – such as dry, canned or jarred – and they are shelf-stable and store for long periods of time.
Recipes
With thanks to the many chefs who have donated their time and creativity to bring you the below recipes.
Be sure to share and tag #beansishow!
Bean Festival Toast
Inspired to combine flavors, color, taste and texture of beans, this is chickpeas, and lentil on top of wanton chips, finished with colorful micro- organic greens.
Caraotas de mi Madre(Mom’s Black Beans)
Black beans, also known as turtle beans, have lots of different names in different countries, and again, everyone has their own method. Soaking vs not soaking is the biggest debate. I used to swear by soaking, but a Mexican friend told me he never soaks and his beans are perfect, they just take a bit longer. So here is a non-soaking, gluten free recipe, with my mom’s flavours.
Lentil & bean casserole withbread hummus & carrot top pesto
Chef Conor’s lentil & bean casserole with bread hummus & carrot top pesto is delicious at any time of year! Combining chickpeas, green lentils, cannellini beans and black beans, it is packed full of nutritious, tasty fresh ingredients, that are readily available in many locations. Bringing together Chef Conor’s love of vegetables, together with his ‘zero waste’ cooking philosophy and his love of good food for all, this dish is sure to tempt the taste buds
Chickpea and Used Coffee Brownies
This is the ultimate gooey, chocolate brownie and it ticks all the boxes. Gluten free, high in protein, lower in calories, high in Iron and uses up coffee grounds... We always associate beans with savoury dishes and in this recipe, it’s great to be able to highlight how versatile they are in sweet dishes too. I’m using chickpeas in this recipe but you can also substitute them for other beans that are available to you and follow the same recipe..... enjoy.
Smoky baked beans
Is there anything more satisfying than having some flavour-packed baked beans to look forward to for breakfast? These fully loaded baked beans take advantage of paprika-laden chorizo sausage, as well as the piquancy of tomatoes, to offer a warming bowl of beans that are much grander than the sum of their parts (which, let’s face it, simply involves opening a few tins and stirring ). If you’d prefer to go chorizo-free, that’s totally cool – just up the olive oil, paprika and cumin factor and we’ll call it square
Baked Beans Cheela
A cool new way to use Baked beans (which are easily available) into a gluten free pancake. Chila or Cheela is a classic Indian eggless pancake made with chickpea flour but I’ve incorporated the beans to give it that extra boost of nutrition. It’s easy and delicious. Do give it a try!
Swahili red kidney beans & Black beans in coconut (Maharagwe & njahi ya nazi)
This is a delicious Swahili staple recipe using beans and coconut, usually red kidney beans and rose coco beans are used for this recipe but I decided to add in black beans in the mix to make the dish more delicious these black beans are known as Njahi they are also very popular, readily available and loved in Kenya.
White Bean Dark Chocolate Oat Bites
A bean bar that delivers both flavor and nutrition. This nutrient-rich white bean bar is packed with deep-rich dark chocolate flavors, crunchy pumpkin seeds and delicious ripe dates all brought together with hints of fresh orange zest and natural maple syrup. These bean bars are super easy to prepare and will satisfy all your taste buds in just a few bites.