High in protein, packed with nutrients and completely satisfying — what more could you ask from a weeknight meal? Take budget-friendly beans and lentils to the next level with our healthy and delicious recipe ideas.
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1/22
Vegan Lentil Burgers
Pulses, nuts and spinach are formed into juicy, texturally pleasing, drive-thru-worthy burgers that everyone at the table from vegans to meat-eaters will love to wrap their hands around. Serve on a bun with your go-to burger condiments, or keep things ultra-light by topping a mountain of lettuce with the protein-packed patties.
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2/22
Spiced Red Lentil Vegetable Stew
Red lentils turn into a creamy, balanced one-pot stew for a filling dinner option that can be packed up to-go for tomorrow’s lunch. Budget-friendly and wholesome, it’s healthy comfort food at its simplest.
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3/22
Easy Lentil Vegetable Curry
Don’t be turned off by the ingredient list, this curry really is easy, made completely in one pot. Without meat, the spices build rich, round flavour, so all diners are happy at the table. This meal can be served with your favourite curry toppings, like cucumber raita, mango chutney, and minced cilantro, along with a side of warmed, store-bought naan.
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4/22
Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs
Lentils and mushrooms combine in these dainty in size, robust in flavour, umami-bomb veggie balls. Serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a healthful comfort food feast.
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5/22
Giada De Laurentiis' Goat Cheese Lentil and Brown Rice Rolls
Instead of a nutritionally-stripped white rice and ground pork, Giada has created a vegetarian version of “cabbage” rolls with iron-rich lentils, mineral-packed brown rice and tangy goat cheese. Vibrant dark leafy green wrappers hold everything in place.
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6/22
Sausage, Kale and Lentil Soup
A hearty, filling soup that’s full of earthy lentils, healthy kale and hot sausage to keep you warm all day long.
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7/22
Instant Pot Black Bean Sou
If healthy dinners are leaving you hungry, it’s time to turn to beans. Fibre and protein are at the cornerstone of feeling full, and this soup, made quickly with dried black beans in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) has plenty of both. Avocado on top adds a pop of welcome colour and healthy fats to this one-pot magic meal.
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8/22
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in potassium (more than bananas!), helping to flush out excess sodium. A low-sodium stuffing of lean, fibre-rich black beans adds meatiness and satiating protein. Keep salt in this recipe to a minimum and serve it on the side, to taste.
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9/22
Anna Olson's Pasta with Rapini, Broad Beans, Rosemary & Walnuts
You can have your pasta and eat it, too. Anna Olson pairs gluten-free brown rice penne and pairs it with rapini, broad beans and rosemary for a new twist on a weeknight meal. Walnuts offer a textural contrast and bump up the omega-3s.
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10/22
Dressed to the Nines Sweet Potatoes
Give classic baked potatoes a run for their money with these sweet, dressed-up spuds. Beans, onions, garlic and greens turn taters into a filling family dinner.
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11/22
Guacamole Salad
With protein-packed black beans, creamy avocado, crunchy peppers and juicy tomatoes, this salad from Ina Garten is wholly satisfying on its own. Enjoy this as a packable, super-healthy, vegan lunch at work.
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12/22
Bean Burritos with Spanish Rice
Not only does produce help to hydrate the body, cooked grains and beans do as well. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will enjoy this picnic-perfect lunch.
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13/22
Tofu Black Bean Burger With Curry Mayo
A healthy, simple and delicious veggie burger packed with black beans, tofu, mushrooms and bold curry flavour is a great main dish any time of year. Just add your favourite fries or salad.
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14/22
Three Bean Salad with Sesame, Garlic and Lemon
Shake up your typical three-bean salad with this flavour-packed recipe from Anna Olson. Crisp, bright edamame, fresh green beans and black beans pair perfectly with a creamy, garlic-y tahini dressing.
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15/22
Spaghetti Squash with Chili Black Beans
Enjoy a scrumptious and flavourful spaghetti squash topped with chili black beans and fresh cilantro.
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16/22
Black Bean and Corn Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato ‘Bun’
Who needs buns when you can have a tender grilled superfood slices surrounding your bean and corn-filled burger. Look for large, fat sweet potatoes that will slice into thick rounds.
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17/22
White Bean Tuna Salad
A pantry-friendly salad that will feel fresh, yet filling. Canned tuna and beans help make a protein-packed salad that’s budget-friendly, too.
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18/22
Healthy Chili Bean and Bulgur Burgers
On the outside, these burgers may look like a fried chicken sandwich, but their wholesome interior holds bulgur, beans and a bit of Mexican cheese. With no deep-fryer or boxed, sawdust-tasting veggie burger in sight, this healthier alternative to a summertime favourite is OK to crave – and eat – all year long.
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19/22
25-Minute Cod with Lentils
The name says it all!Get a hearty, nutritious meal on the table in 25 minutes flat with this super simple cod and lentil recipe.
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20/22
Southwestern Black Beans
This tasty and healthy side can be made in just 15 minutes and is super versatile! Add any veggies and protein of your choosing to make it meal-worthy.
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21/22
Spinach-and-Garlic Lentils
Flavourful, nutritious and all-around tasty, this bright lentil and spinach dish is flavoured with garlic, turmeric, cumin,mustard seed and fresh ginger.
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22/22
Chili Bean-and-Bulgur Cakes
Add some Mexican flair to your healthy weeknight dinner rotation with these healthy chili bean and bulgur cakes. Top with sour cream and cheese, and serve on a bed of lettuce.
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