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Beans are a great Meatless Monday option. Both inexpensive and nutritious they are an indispensable ingredient in bean recipes suited to a vegetarian diet.
Meat eaters should also consider the humble bean for its hidden depths and capacity to successfully substitute meat, as well as being a great way of increasing fibre and nutrients in the diet.
With over 40,000 beans held in the gene bank of beans we have scratched the surface with a few familiar favourites including kidney beans, chickpeas, green beans, soya beans and mung beans. In most cases you can choose canned or dried beans. If you choose a dried variety be sure to factor in the required soaking and cooking time.
Bean recipes are varied and plentiful stretching worldwide. We have chosen 10 irresistible bean recipes to show you just how versatile and tasty beans can be. From a Thai style curry to the classic veggie chilli there is just the dish to get your week off to a Meat Free start.
Happy Meatless Monday!
ORECCHIETTE WITH BEANS AND ROCKET PESTO
This hearty Italian pasta dish features kidney beans and will be enough to satisfy even the biggest of appetites.
THAI-STYLE PUMPKIN CURRY WITH SWEET POTATOES, CABBAGE AND BEANS
If you are craving Thai flavours this is just the dish, both vegan and vegetarian you get two doses of beans in one dish.
RED QUINOA SALAD WITH MANGO, ONIONS AND SOY BEANS
This is a great all in one dish using soya beans, perfect for a desktop lunch.
Dim Sum with Spinach and Mung Beans
Mung beans put in appearance in this delicious vegetarian starter.
Basmati Rice with Kydney Beans and Thyme
An extremely easy and quick recipe, this hearty fare is perfect for a storecupboard dinner when the fridge is bare.
Green Bean Casserole
Green beans are given luxury treatment in this decadent cheesey bake. Perfect as a side dish or a main served with some fresh crusty bread.
Chickpea Puree with Crackers and Herb Cream Cheese
This delicous dip is as simple as blending the ingredients together. A great healthy no fuss appetizer.
Chard and Ricotta Ravioli with Ceci and Black Garlic
This exotic ravioli recipe hails from chef Mario Batali with the unusual additions of black ceci and black garlic,
Chili Sin Carne, Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chilli is a winning dish thanks to the structure and depth added by beans, so much so you won't even miss the meat.
Grilled Chickpea Burger
A tasty chickpea burger with crunchy hazlenuts makes a great meat free burger alternative. Serve up with all the trimmings.
More: Hungry for more vegetarian recipes? Check out our entire collection of Meatless Monday dishes.
