Not sure about you, but I always sense a certain level of unease and disdain whenever I recommend eating legumes to help shift towards a more plant-based diet. From my experience, I see people’s faces shrivel in disgust, their eyes roll and their lips tighten at any word starting with ”veg—”.

Throughout the years, I’ve been left to be convinced that it is simply a matter of proper exposure to them. That is, I get a feeling that most people have likely not experienced what a truly delicious and satisfying meal made with pulses taste like.

In ode to the FAO’s World Day of Pulses, it’s time we celebrate how fun it can be to cook with pulses!

I won’t lie to you, I’ve had my fair share of disappointing vegan/vegetarian creations, but it happens! Trial and error is part of the journey, and the element of surprise (i.e serving a meal without telling anyone that it’s made from plants) is always a phenomenon that I have found to be extra satisfying.

Here are a few of my favourite bean-based recipes up to date.

Legumes, also known as ‘pulses’, are a cheap & nutritious alternative that can help to add more fibre into your diet. Fibre can help to improve your overall digestion and better regulate your blood sugar & cholesterol levels. Moreover, integrating more pulses into your weekly meals can help to adopt a healthier & more sustainable eating lifestyle pattern.

1.Chickpeas

Chickpeas are by far the most well appreciated type of legume out there. They’re nutritious, crisp and can be enjoyed both hot, cold or ground.

Some of my favourite recipes include…

Creamy Roasted Garlic Hummus with a side of fresh veggies
Orzo Salad
Lemon Chickpea Salad (Balilah)
Garlicky Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas
Chickpea Brownies

2. Black Beans

Black beans are like the standard of what we think makes up a vegetarian meal. They are most often used in Mexican cuisine.

Though I’m not usually the biggest fan of black beans, here are a few of my past successful recipes:

3. Lentils

Lentils come in all shapes, colours and sizes — and can be left in your pantry for long periods of time. Getting the texture right through proper cooking time is crucial, but the results are totally worth it!

Enjoy plant-based dishes such as…

4. Edamame

Edamame are pods from the soybean plant that we often time see with meals like sushi, poke bowls or soup. They are most often sold frozen at the grocery store, and make for a great plant-based addition to many different meals!

Some great additions…

5. Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP)

Being a derivative of soy, texturized vegetable protein (TVP) is a great plant-based and protein-rich ingredient to help recreate the texture of ground meat and fool your family, guests & friends!