25 Creative and Simple Beans/Legumes Recipes

 

A lot us are working with food we can stock up. This includes beans and legumes. While beans and legumes is the cornerstone of my kitchen, it is not so for all. In fact, I am actually getting questions from people trying to work without canned beans for the first time. Well, honestly with a little planning and the instant pot in tow if needed you are in good shape. Beans are rich in fiber and minerals and a powerhouse of vegetarian protein. They are comforting and shine in their simplicity.

Here are 25 creative ways and simple ways to work with them, and if you look through Spice Chronicles you will probably find 25 more. But these are my favorites. And plenty of instant pot options.

All these recipes are gluten free and either vegan or vegetarian.

My seriously Big Bean story

I am beyond addicted to beans and lentils and do not need a pandemic or more to prove that. However, when leaning on pantry staples few things beat the magic of beans and legume. So there you have it, here are my top 25 recipes to keep you wholesome and so full of beans.

Let us count the ways!

Cayenne colored orange or red lentils, is probably my favorite. Starting I think about these Bengali Red Lentils with Tomato and Cilantro. Perfect as a soup and absolutely lovely with buttered toast or steaming white rice. Better yet, mix this with some rice and vegetables and throw this in the instant pot with some vegetables, you get nourishing khichuri, Red Lentil Risotto, Indian style. Mix up your flavors and simmer a little longer, you have this Moroccan Red Lentil and Chickpea Soup with Mint.

Speaking of chickpeas, while they take just a little longer to make, rich and luscious I could eat them everyday. Here is a comforting Pasta with Chickpeas, a bright and vivid Beetroot Hummus, sparkling crispy chickpeas, air fried or conventional. And then a last one for the road is this super flavorful and ridiculously simple chickpeas with mushrooms.

While chickpeas blend with their creamy rich taste, black beans bring to your table and dish a smoky addition to most food.  Here is a Cuban style black bean soup. A lovely take on Indian buttery Dal Makhani, make a double batch and transform them into Black Bean Nachos. 

To take a break from the stews, here are some lentil fritters or Daler Bora or Black Bean Burgers all work well.

If I have to pick another favorite, I love white beans. This simple puree is so rich tasting and healthy. A Greek style Fasolada is just what these restless times demand. A somewhat different vibe, is this Tuscan Bean Soup and then is a 3 bean chili.

And of there is so much more. A lovely Sri Lankan Style Lentils. A vegetarian Gallo Pinto, pairing rice and beans. And then there Black Eyed Peas, a lovely mess with pumpkin or just cooking it simply Punjabi Style. 

A creamy dreamy lentils with coconut and then there are these yellow lentils with cabbage.

Here is hoping everyone has a safe and healthy week ahead.

May these anxious times go their way, far and far away from us.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot  and Air Fryer Facebook group .

Pick up a copy of my Instant pot cookbook Instant Indian  here, along with The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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