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6 new ideas with beans and chickpeas

By Bianca Strydom, 19 October 2022

We know that you probably have tins of beans and chickpeas in your pantry right now. Budget-friendly, versatile and quick to make, they are definitely one of the pantry staple MVPs! Just when you thought you couldn’t invent anything new to do with a can of pulses or legumes, Bianca Strydom has created 6 game-changing recipes, including a flourless chocolate cake!

1. Baby cabbage parcels stuffed with beans

This is our new favourite way to eat cabbage! Baby cabbages are stuffed with lemony ricotta and red kidney beans and baked in a brown sauce until bubbling and warm. Bianca recommends making the parcels in advance and baking them the next day.

Find the recipe for steamed baby cabbage parcels here.

Fan of cabbage? Find more cabbage recipes here.

2. Pork rashers with beans

This dish is super-easy to make and can be easily modified to suit your tastes. Brothy beans get a flavour injection from pork rashers and crunchy croutons. Bulk it up by adding orzo or ravioli, or serve it over noodles. For extra greens, add frozen peas or fresh spinach or kale right at the end.

Find the recipe for pork with beans here.

3. Whole poached chicken

This is pure comfort! It features silky lasagne sheets, succulent chicken and freshly grated Parmesan, bulked up with chickpeas for a hearty spring feast. Leftover chicken can be used to make sandwiches and the broth can be served over wild rice or frozen for a future soup or stew.

Find the recipe for whole poached chicken here.

Looking for more. chicken recipes? Check out our chicken recipe guide.

4. Home-made baked beans

These are not your average baked beans! Butter beans are tossed through a home-made tomato sauce, topped with Gorgonzola and baked to perfection. You can enjoy these as is or serve them with a protein. Woolies’ pork-and-herb bangers, your favourite frikkadels garnished with fresh parsley, or plant-based Beyond Meatballs are all good options.

Find the recipe for home-made baked beans here.

5. Pickled bean salad

Meet your new favourite bean salad! You can whip it up in just 15 minutes and serve it alongside a roast or at your next braai.

Find the recipe for pickled bean salad here.

6. Dark chocolate chickpea cake

We did promise a flourless chocolate cake recipe and here it is! This cake is made using chickpeas, plus the brine is used to make this striking salted pistachio icing so nothing goes to waste!