As a new campaign is launched to get Brits to eat more beans, pulses and legumes, we’ve brought together some of our favourite recipes to help you incorporate them into your diet in tasty ways.
The Bang in Some Beans campaign, which has support from top chefs including Jamie Oliver and Tom Kerridge, and numerous retailers, aims to improve the nation’s health and finances, whilst also helping the environment, by doubling bean consumption by 2028.
Beans are a great source of fibre, but with just 4% of UK adults getting enough of it, they could be a secret weapon in the fight against chronic diseases.
We also need to diversify the beans we eat: the recent Bean Facts report by The Food Foundation found that two thirds (66%) of UK adults eat less than one portion of beans a week. What’s more, half (50%) of children’s and over a third (37%) of adults’ bean consumption is baked beans.
It’s not just the nation’s health that could be improved by eating more beans. They’re less environmentally damaging compared to the production of other proteins, and, according to the report, are roughly 4.5 times cheaper than other plant-based meat alternatives. A triple benefit, then.
With this in mind, here are some of our favourite recipes, for all skill levels, that will help you eat more beans, pulses and legumes. Some are healthier than others – we recommend that you always follow a balanced diet.
If you’re looking to vary the types of beans, pulses and legumes you eat, check out our guides to different types of beans and different types of lentils for inspiration.
