Better with Beans

Low in fat and packed with fibre, beans are a source of quality protein and are extremely
versatile. Whether baked into muffins, added to tacos, or mixed into any favourite dish, the mild,
complementary flavour helps everyday families make healthy choices easier and every meal
better—everything is Better with Beans.

Recipe:

Mexican Corn White Bean Dip

It’s August in Ontario so it’s just all about Ontario sweet corn. This always makes me crave Mexican street corn but I also want something a bit lighter and healthier without scarifying the taste. Instead of using crema, sour cream or cream cheese, I chose white beans as the base.
We get the creaminess, lots of protein, lose the fat but pump up the flavours. I use the chili lime Tajin but regular Tajin is also delicious.

Recipe:

Black Bean and Coffee Brownies with Peanut Butter Swirl

These are fudgy and delicious brownies, with a hint of coffee and a pretty peanut butter swirl. They’re gluten free, easily vegan, and contain no refined sugar, making them ideal for those who are diabetic. Black beans make a wonderful base for this brownie, not only adding terrific amounts of protein and fibre, but also ensuring a lovely, fudgy texture. Be sure to use a blender to create a smoothness to the batter – you want the black beans completely puréed. These are delicious at room temperature, but taste even better when refrigerated.

Recipe:

Vegetarian Taco Salad with Red Kidney Beans and Sweet Potatoes

Here is a lovely take on a Mexican favourite, slightly deconstructed. Lovely sauteed red kidney beans meet amazing roasted sweet potato, bathed in aromatic spices of cumin, turmeric, paprika and so much more. The mixture lays on a freshly dressed romaine with evo oil and lime juice and comes together with the addition of fresh ripe cherry tomatoes and Kalamata together with a bit of spice from tomato salsa, and sriracha mayo. You cannot have a taco of any kind without some shredded cheese and we put an Italian spin using slightly aged Asiago. Absolutely refreshing, healthy, and so delicious. So worth a try! Make it for taco Tuesday!

Recipe:

Orange Mango Smoothie

This refreshing vegan smoothie is perfect for warmer weather. It is creamy without having to add any dairy products, thanks to the addition of white kidney beans. The beans add fibre and protein to help keep you feeling full as well as vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium that contribute to good overall health. This smoothie is also high in Vitamin C from the orange juice and mango.

Recipe:

Black Bean Quinoa Open Faced Burger

Here is a great vegetarian/vegan burger version that packs flavor and texture all in one patty, from the crispy surface to that rich velvety interior. Nice zesty notes from the roasted red peppers, and loads of freshness coming from the lettuce and mango black bean salsa. Looking for a lighter, healthy alternative? This is your best bet! Absolutely scrumptious!

Types of Beans

Ontario grows nine types of beans. Learn more about each variety here.

Nutrition & Health

It’s commonly known that beans are good for you — but do you know how good?

Bean Basics

Learn how to properly store, select, soak and cook Ontario beans.

Better with Beans

Learn more about this amazing superfood
and why everything is better with beans!