These 19 legume recipes are easy, delicious, and healthy. From chickpeas to beans to lentils, legumes are a nutritious staple in the vegetarian diet. Get inspired with this collection of legume recipes!
What are legumes?
When I was studying nutrition, legumes were always praised as being a superstar ingredient. But I was always a little unclear on…what legumes actually are. So let’s break it all down.
Legumes (pronounces leh-gyoomz) broadly describe a wide variety of ingredients. Legumes are defined as a plant in the Fabaceae family, or the fruit or seed of such a plant. Some common legumes in this family include:
- Beans (like black beans, kidney beans, soybeans and butter beans)
- Peas
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Peanuts (Yes, peanuts are legumes! This makes them different from most other types of nuts, which are not legumes.)
What are the health benefits of eating legumes?
In addition to being delicious in a wide range of vegetarian recipes, legumes are healthy! Just one serving of legumes (about half a cup) provides 9 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber – while being fat-free and packed with vitamins.
Love Legumes?
P.S. Are you more of a chickpea fanatic? Here are all of our delicious vegetarian chickpea recipes. The health benefits of chickpeas are similar to the rest of the legume family. Or check out all of our versatile bean recipes. Dig in!
Dried vs Canned legumes
Is it better to buy dried legumes? It depends! While dried legumes are often more affordable, canned legumes are quicker to prepare (and both have the same nutritional benefits).
Needless to say, they’re a staple in the vegetarian diet, along with diets all around the world. You’ll commonly find legumes in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Italian cuisines. So if you’re looking for some easy ways to incorporate legumes in your diet, I’ve rounded up a few of our favorite easy healthy legume recipes here!
Mama’s Famous Bean Salad
This easy Bean Salad recipe is famous in our house, and for good reason! Quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for bringing to potlucks!
Roasted Chickpea Gyros
This Roasted Chickpea Gyros recipe is an easy vegetarian dinner for feeding everyone on busy weeknights!
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
With caramelized potatoes, spiced black beans, and a creamy chipotle sauce, these sweet potato black bean tacos are the ultimate vegetarian taco!
Easy Chickpea Pot Pie
Easy, one pan Chickpea Pot Pie is a fantastic vegetarian-friendly rendition on classic chicken pot pie. It’s creamy and veggie-filled with a buttery, flaky crust that’s sure to satisfy cravings. It’s the perfect warm and hearty dish!
How to Sprout Legumes
Sprouting beans at home is an affordable way to pack in delicious plant-based protein and nutrients, while also making the legumes more digestible (and delicious). Here’s our quick start guide to sprouting virtually any legume!
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are my go-to snack. They’re tasty, crunchy, filling, and totally delicious. To make this recipe, you’ll need just 15 minutes.
Easy Chana Dal Recipe
Ready to enjoy the cozy flavor and filling nutritional benefits of this easy chana dal recipe? Learn how to make this tasty, delicious Indian/Pakistani-inspired recipe.
Easy Black Bean Dip
For when you need a tasty tortilla chip dip recipe but don’t have more than 5 minutes to spare, this Easy Black Bean Dip recipe is coming to the rescue.
Huevos Rancheros
This authentic Huevos Rancheros recipe is an easy, healthy Mexican dish made with black beans, Pico de Gallo, and more!
Mediterranean Layered Hummus Dip
Ready to level up your hummus? Enjoy the refreshing flavors of the the Mediterranean with this Layered Hummus Dip. The perfect party snack for dunking pita chips and crackers!
20 Minute Taco Soup
I am about to impart on you the recipe to my favorite comfort food. My Mama’s own, award-winning, super-fast, one of a kind…TACO SOUP!
Chickpea Tikka Masala
This Chickpea Tikka Masala recipe is an easy dinner to whip up when the Indian food cravings hit (plus, it’s vegan!)
Pumpkin Soup with Smoky Roasted Chickpeas
This pumpkin soup is topped with smoky roasted chickpeas and fresh thyme, making it the ultimate cozy autumn recipe for busy weeknights!
Spanish Rice and Beans
This easy Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is quick to whip up and is a great source of complete proteins!
Coconut Kidney Bean Curry
This Coconut Kidney Bean Curry is an easy, flavorful dinner to whip up on busy weeknights (we’re talking ready in under 15 minutes!)
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe is a healthy, simple take on elote, the delicious Mexican street vendor version of corn on the cob!
How to Make Hummus: 8 Ways
How to make homemade hummus in eight delicious flavors! In just 5 minutes and with minimal ingredients, you can have smooth and creamy hummus ready for the snacking.
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
These Fudgy Black Bean Brownies are a decadent gluten-free dessert (and no one will ever guess that they’re packed with fiber-filled black beans!)
Chickpea Blondies
This Chickpea Blondies recipe is a gluten-free dessert that’s full of creamy white chocolate and protein-packed chickpeas!
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup white vinegar 120 mL
- ¼ cup vegetable oil 60 mL
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Salad
- 2 15-oz cans cans pinto or kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can corn drained
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- ½ medium red onion seeded and diced
- 2 jalapenos seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Dressing: Whisk together the Dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Salad: Toss together the Salad ingredients.
- Combine: Mix the dressing into the salad mixture. Cover and refrigerate for an hour to allow flavors to mix (can skip this step if necessary). Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Nancy webb says
I want to know how to air fry chick peas with some sort of flavoring
Sarah says
Here’s our guide to air fried chickpeas (with flavor options!)