Bean there, cooked that

Beans are one of our favourite stars of the storecupboard: they are versatile, healthy and — best of all — cheap as chips! We like to use them to bulk out stews, soups, sauces or salads for both budget and nutritional reasons. Beans (and most legumes, in fact) are nutritional powerhouses: they’re loaded with fibre, rich in nutrients and are an excellent source of plant-based protein.

We’re breaking highlighting some of our favourite recipes using this humble pantry hero, perfect for when you’re after a nutrient-rich, budget-friendly meal to see you through the week.

Easy chicken and bean chilli

If you’re a fan of Mexican flavours, you’ll love this chilli. Serve with steamed rice (we recommend stirring in chopped coriander and lime juice while it’s still warm), grated cheese, sour cream and spring onions.

Homemade beans & greens on toast

This isn’t your everyday beans on toast: homemade, delicately spiced tomato sauce and nutrient-rich kale hit all the marks for nutrition, budget-friendliness and ease of preparation.

Cannellini bean dip

This dip is the reason we always have at least one tin of cannellini beans in the press! Serve with vegetables or tortilla chips for a quick party food, or pack for a handy lunchbox snack.

Bean and chorizo soup

Smokey, warming and full of flavour, this bean and chorizo soup makes the most of cupboard ingredients in the best way possible. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Baked sweet potatoes with spicy beans

This is one of our favourite recipes to whip up when we feel like don’t have anything in the house. Hearty baked sweet potatoes get a glow-up with this rich (but oh-so-cheap) spicy bean filling.

Marinated beans on garlic toast

Upgrade your beans on toast with these hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tuscan white bean and kale minestrone

Warming and wholesome, this soup would make an impressive starter for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Bean and veggie gratin

You can make this budget-friendly, belly-warming meal ahead of time and pop in the oven for a simple meat-free Monday dinner.

Check out some more handy (and healthy) ways with beans here!