We’ve all been there: a recipe calls for half a jar of beans, and suddenly the other half ends up pushed to the back of the fridge. But that leftover portion is a tiny powerhouse – full of protein, fibre, and endless possibilities. With just a little creativity, half a jar of beans can become the star of its own dish and help reduce food waste at home.
Here are some nourishing, flavour-packed recipes to help you use up that half jar of beans:
1. Butter Beans
Free-range Pork Steaks with Apricot & Smoky Tomato Butter Beans
Flavourful free-range British pork steaks, sizzled with garlic and parsley until golden. Dished up with smoky paprika butter beans, juicy sweet apricots and black olives. Tenderstem broccoli on the side for extra greens, of course!
Creamy King Prawn & Butter Bean Coconut Curry
Plump, deliciously creamy butter beans simmer away in a rich coconut curry, infused with warm spices. Responsibly-sourced king prawns and a zesty lime coriander salsa complete the feast. Inspired by a recipe from Bold Bean Co’s new cookbook, ‘Full of Beans’.
Aubergine & Butter Bean Parmigiana
A beloved Italian classic with a Mindful Chef twist – you’ll assemble your Parmigiana with layers of vibrant aubergines, roasted until gooey, and creamy butter beans, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella and grill until golden and bubbling. On the side? Tender green beans, tossed with crunchy almonds. Buon appetito!
2. Chickpeas
Creamy Chickpea, Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Curry
You’ll simmer, giant velvety chickpeas in a decadent coconut curry, infused with fragrant spices. Add peanut butter to make it even creamier, then stir through vibrant roasted sweet potatoes for the perfect bite. Inspired by a recipe from Bold Bean Co’s new cookbook, ‘Full of Beans’.
Spiced Butternut & Chickpea Salad with Tahini Harissa Dressing
Fragrant cumin and nutty dukkah are two staples of Middle Eastern spicing. And you’ll find both in this squash and chickpea salad, stuffed with roasted veg, herbs and citrus. A fiery tahini harissa dressing is the final touch. A winter salad that provides all your 5 a day in a single serving!
Brazilian-style Beef Stew with Chickpeas & Coriander
Tender beef simmers in a delicious Brazilian-inspired stew. Think: gentle, warming spices. Crunchy green beans, vibrant spinach, tomatoes and fibre-rich chickpeas. Just swirl in creamy coconut and lashings of lime to make the flavours sing!
3. Cannellini Beans
Tuscan-style Chicken Stew with Roasted Squash & Cannellini Beans
A bowlful of comfort. You’ll simmer juicy chicken breasts in a ribollita-style tomato stew. Think fennel seeds, garlic and basil for Italian herb garden flavours. Creamy cannellini beans for even more fibre. And kale and butternut squash for colour. Finish with a dollop of pesto and dinner is served.
Crispy Chicken with Vegan ‘Nduja Bean Stew
Comfort food at its finest with this warming stew. Simmer creamy butter beans in a rich stew, flavoured with tangy vinegar and spicy vegan ‘nduja. Top with perfectly crispy chicken thighs. Tenderstem broccoli on the side for a hit of green!
Tuscan-style Squash & Cannellini Stew with Goat’s Cheese
You’ll simmer tangy goat’s cheese in this Tuscan-style tomato stew. Think fennel seeds, garlic and basil for Italian herb garden flavours. Creamy cannellini beans for even more fibre. And cavolo nero and butternut squash for colour. Finish with a dollop of pesto and dinner is served.
