{"id":7011,"date":"2026-01-08T16:55:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/?p=7011"},"modified":"2026-03-11T10:55:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T10:55:27","slug":"the-power-of-beans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/the-power-of-beans\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Beans: Why You Should Add More Pulses to Your Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bold<\/p>\n

Hearty, c<\/span>omforting and the perfect vehicle for big flavour \u2013 you can\u2019t beat the humble bean. From creamy cannellini beans, to plump butter beans and beyond, there\u2019s so many possibilities for deliciousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And beans don\u2019t just taste good, they do good, too. Beans are plant-based powerhouses, packed with fibre and each 80g portion counts towards one of your 5-a-day! But don\u2019t just take it from us \u2013 we spoke to our Head of Health and in-house bean champion Sasha Watkins to get the lowdown.
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Health benefits of beans<\/h2>\n

Why are beans good for gut health?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cBeans are one of the most nutritious \u2013 and overlooked \u2013 foods we can eat. They\u2019re naturally high in fibre, a rich source of plant protein, and provide key micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. They even count as one of your 5-a-day. It\u2019s no wonder they\u2019re a daily staple in the Blue Zones, where people live longer, healthier lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How many beans should we be eating per day?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cFood Foundation data shows that only 24% of Brits eat beans twice a week, when ideally we should be enjoying a portion every day. Each 80g portion counts towards one of your 5-a-day, so it couldn\u2019t be easier to get more beans into your diet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Are beans good for the planet?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cBeans are a win for the planet. With a low carbon footprint and nitrogen-fixing qualities that help restore soil health, beans offer a simple dietary shift with meaningful environmental benefits \u2013 and remain an affordable, accessible source of nourishment.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you have any easy ways to eat more beans?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cI love our Bold Bean Co recipes because they prove just how good beans can taste \u2013 and how simple they are to cook with. I hope they inspire you to add more beans to your week.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Easy bean recipes<\/b><\/h1>\n

This January, we’ve teamed up with the iconic Bold Bean Co to bring you a range of deliciously comforting bean bowls, all on your table in under 30 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

ON THE MENU W\/C 5 JANUARY\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bold Bean Co Porcini Mushroom Beanotto <\/b><\/a>with Pine Nuts & Grated Cheese<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Oozy, comforting and oh-so-delicious, this twist on a classic risotto stars creamy Organic White Beans. Backed up by sweet leeks, earthy chestnut mushrooms, toasted pine nuts and plenty of hard Italian cheese, this is comfort food at its finest. Plus, you can get it on the table in 20 minutes \u2013 the dream.
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Bold Bean Co Chicken Miso Soup <\/b><\/a>with Cheesy Butter Bean Croutons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Tender pulled chicken, fragrant garlic and a kick of chilli take this miso soup up a notch. Stir through leafy kale for a pop of green, then top with cheesy Queen Butter Bean croutons \u2013 yes, really! You <\/span>need<\/span><\/i> to try this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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ON THE MENU W\/C 12 JANUARY\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bold Bean Co White Bean & Mushroom Stew <\/b><\/a>with Cavolo Nero & Pink Kraut<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Queen White Beans get the royal treatment in this hearty stew \u2013 they\u2019re simmered to perfection with fragrant garlic and miso to add an incredible depth of flavour. Paired with earthy chestnut mushrooms, leafy cavolo nero, sweet courgette and smoky pink kraut, it’s a hug in a bowl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bold Bean Co Beef Meatballs <\/b><\/a>with Ve’duja Butter Beans & Pine Nuts<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Making your own meatballs is easier than you might think \u2013 and far more delicious and satisfying than shop-bought. Here, you\u2019ll whip up a batch of juicy beef meatballs using British mince, then simmer them in a hearty passata stew with creamy Queen Butter Beans and fiery vegan ‘ndujia. Speedy dinners don\u2019t get much better.<\/span><\/p>\n

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ON THE MENU W\/C 19 JANUARY\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bold Bean Co Curried Queen Chickpeas\u00a0<\/b><\/a>with Honey Glazed Carrots & Radish Pickle<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

We know that chickpeas are technically a pulse \u2013 not a bean \u2013 but they\u2019re too good not to include! Heroing plump Queen Chickpeas that are swirled through a creamy coconutty korma sauce, this curry packs a real flavour punch.<\/span> With curried<\/span> chantenay carrots that are roasted until tender, plus quick pickled radishes, it’s a thing of joy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bold Bean Co Roast Turmeric Chicken\u00a0<\/b><\/a>with Golden Goddess Chickpeas<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

As our Bold Bean Co recipes go, this is definitely up there. <\/span>Free-range British chicken is marinated in turmeric, pan-fried until golden, then drizzled with honey and roasted until tender. Paired with a goddess Queen Chickpea stew complete with fresh herbs, courgette and Tenderstem, we can\u2019t get enough of this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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ON THE MENU W\/C 26 JANUARY\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bold Bean Co Squash & Braised Beans <\/b><\/a>with Artichoke & Caper Dressing<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Seasonal butternut squash is roasted until sweet with nutty Tenderstem, then dished up with Queen Butter Beans cooked in a garlicky, zesty stock. Finished with a flavour-packed artichoke and caper dressing, this is something special. What\u2019s more, each portion contains 5 of your 5-a-day!
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Bold Bean Co Honey Roasted Trout <\/b><\/a>with Harissa Chickpeas & Lime Yoghurt<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Buttery, sustainably-sourced trout with heaps of vibrant veg (think delicate courgettes, juicy peppers and sweet onions) \u2013 this protein-packed dinner is a riot of colour and flavour. Paired with a harissa-spiked stew, starring our favourite Queen Chickpeas, then drizzled with a creamy lime yoghurt dressing \u2013 what\u2019s not to love?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Order now<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hearty, comforting and the perfect vehicle for big flavour \u2013 you can\u2019t beat the humble bean. From creamy cannellini beans, to plump butter beans and beyond, there\u2019s so many possibilities for deliciousness.\u00a0 And beans don\u2019t just taste good, they do good, too. Beans are plant-based powerhouses, packed with fibre and each 80g portion counts towards…<\/p>\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":7075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[286,27],"tags":[290,291],"class_list":{"0":"post-7011","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-healthy-lifestyle","8":"category-on-the-menu","9":"tag-beans","10":"tag-bold-beans","11":"entry"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop.png",800,510,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-300x191.png",300,191,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-768x490.png",720,459,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop.png",720,459,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop.png",800,510,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop.png",800,510,false],"horizontal-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-720x450.png",720,450,true],"horizontal-thumbnail-small":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-360x225.png",360,225,true],"vertical-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-720x510.png",720,510,true],"vertical-thumbnail-small":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-360x450.png",360,450,true],"square-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Bold-bean-crop-360x361.png",360,361,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Jade Melling","author_link":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/author\/jade-melling\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Hearty, comforting and the perfect vehicle for big flavour \u2013 you can\u2019t beat the humble bean. From creamy cannellini beans, to plump butter beans and beyond, there\u2019s so many possibilities for deliciousness.\u00a0 And beans don\u2019t just taste good, they do good, too. Beans are plant-based powerhouses, packed with fibre and each 80g portion counts towards...Read…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7011","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7011"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7452,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7011\/revisions\/7452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7075"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mindfulchef.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}