Recipes

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about picnics, potlucks, and pasta salads! This recipe is loaded with tender pasta, fresh kale, creamy white beans, sun dried tomatoes, briny olives, and heaps of Parmesan and feta cheese. Tossed in a bright and garlicky basil dressing, the pasta salad tastes best after it rests in the fridge for an hour before serving, and given the sturdiness of the greens, it’s perfect for make-ahead meal planning too. Not only does the pasta salad taste delicious, it’s nutrient-dense thanks to the fibre and protein rich white beans and the superfood that is kale.

Most people think that Indian food uses mainly chickpeas and a ton of lentil varieties, but this Northern Indian dal uses red kidney beans simmered with tomato, onion and spices. Its quite hot, due to the Kashmiri red chili powder and tastes even better the next day. This is my quick, weeknight version using canned red kidney beans with a couple of shortcuts in method but no shortcuts in flavour.

The whole family will love these easy black bean quesadillas with bell peppers, onions, corn and garlic for a simple, vegetarian dinner where beans are the star. Bake in a sheet pan in the oven for easy, hands-free cooking.

Inspired by an English breakfast, try making you own quick stovetop baked beans and eggs! With white kidney beans, bacon, tomato sauce, spinach and eggs this easy one-pan meal is filling enough for a quick weeknight dinner, or a weekend brunch.