Our collection of The Best Bean and Legume Recipes feature many delicious options including main courses, easy appetisers and side dishes. These recipes are all simple to make, full of flavour and ideal to include in your meal preparation. If you love using beans and legumes, you will love these wonderful recipes.

Easy and Delicious Bean and Legume Recipes
There are some pantry items that are always good to have on hand. Canned crushed tomatoes and tuna as an example, as well as two of our favourites, canned beans and dried lentils.
There is such a variety of ways to use these pantry staples, such as, dips, appetisers and main courses. Reader favourite recipes include our Mediterranean Chickpea Patties and Italian Lentil Soup.
In this collection we will offer recipes that include:
- Those that are ideal for sharing with loved ones.
- Hearty main courses and delicious side dish recipes.
- Simple appetisers that are quick to prepare.
Author note: to view each individual recipe, click on the "check out this recipe" button.
1. Tuscan Stewed Beans
These Tuscan Stewed Beans (Fagioli all'Uccelletto) are so delicious and comforting. We use canned cannellini beans for this recipe. I first ate this dish in Tuscany when I was 17, and I have been making it on repeat ever since.


2. Black Bean Dip
This recipe comes together so quickly; you simple add your canned beans and flavourings to a small food processor and blend. Simple and so delicious.


3. Mediterranean Chickpea Soup
One of my favourite go-to soup recipes, this is comforting and flavoursome. I often make a big batch for my lunches. It is one of the recipes I love to make the most using canned chickpeas.


4. Butter Bean Stew
This stew is a great dinner option for when you're after a meat-free meal. It features delicious Mediterranean flavours and is so hearty. An ideal one-pot meal with some crusty bread served alongside.


5. Cannellini Bean Dip
This is probably my favourite dip recipe of all time! Inspired by my travels to Umbria, Italy, this dip is delicious served with crudités or can be enjoyed on Crostini with shavings of Parmesan cheese.


6. Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup
This recipe came about when I was looking for ways to use up leftover Marmalade Glazed Ham. It is hearty enough to be served for dinner and is packed full of delicious flavours.


7. Mediterranean Tuna and White Bean Dip
Combining two of my favourite pantry staples, this is another dip recipe that takes just minutes to prepare. I also love to serve this in lettuce cups; it makes for a delicious lunch when you are short on time.


8. Charred Corn and White Bean Salad
This is one of my go-to salad recipes, especially when corn is in season. However, even when it isn't, you can substitute frozen corn, and it will still char up nicely! This is a great salad to serve at your next barbecue or pot luck.


9. Marinated White Beans
This is a dish that is quick to prepare, but truly packs a huge flavour punch. Let's just say, it is bold in flavour. If you like Mediterranean flavours like garlic, anchovies and olives, you will love this recipe.


10. Mediterranean Bean Salad
This is a recipe you can truly make your own. We use three different types of canned beans, but you can use any combination you wish. I like to make this up at the start of the week for work lunches and snacks. It is delicious served with some Homemade Pita Chips.


11. Red Kidney Bean Dip
This is such a beautiful dip, both in colour and taste. It is faster to make this dip than it is to take a trip to the store to buy one!


12. Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A delicious one-pot dinner option for when you are craving a comforting, hearty meat-free meal. We use dried brown lentils for this recipe and they are accompanied with a selection of Mediterranean flavours.


13. Butter Bean Mash
This recipe is a great alternative to a classic mashed potato and is much quicker to prepare. It is the perfect dish to grilled or roasted meats and hearty meat stews.


14. Chicken and White Bean Soup
This is one of my all time favourite soup recipes. You can cook the chicken in the broth as per the recipe, or used leftover cooked chicken, such as roast chicken. Use any vegetables you like and have on hand.


15. Butter Bean Dip
Much like my Cannellini Bean Dip, this white bean dip is delicious served on your favourite crackers or toast. I like to top mine with some ground dried cayenne pepper for a little heat.


16. Mediterranean Sausage Casserole
Full of vegetables, beans and your favourite sausages, this is pure family friendly comfort food that is simple enough to be a weeknight meal.


17. Italian Lentil Soup
This is a very special recipe - one that my Dad used to make when I was growing up. It is still a favourite today, and I hope it will become one of yours also.


18. Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Fresh, light and delicious, this salad is hearty enough to be served as a main meal, but is also a delicious side dish served alongside grilled chicken, lamb chops or steak.


19. Chickpea and Vegetable Stew
A medley of vegetables and canned chickpeas form a tasty meat-free meal that won't have you spending hours in the kitchen.


20. Butter Bean Salad
This colourful salad requires little more effort than chopping some vegetables and combining with a simple dressing. We love to enjoy this alongside our Marinated Lamb Backstrap.


21. Mediterranean Baked Beans
Many of us grew up eating baked beans, and this is my homemade Mediterranean version. I hope you will love this recipe as much as we do!


22. Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup
I really enjoy using red lentils in soup. They cook quickly and have a softer texture, which can be really appetising in a hearty soup recipe. This is a recipe that has even been enjoyed by people who didn't think they liked lentils!


23. Mediterranean Chickpea Patties
Although I will be the first to admit that I am not the best when it comes to meal prep, this is one of my weekly "must make" recipes. The patties are delicious hot or cold, great on their own with a side salad or served in a burger bun or lettuce wrap.


24. Cannellini Bean and Kale Soup
Comforting and simple to prepare, this is a delicious soup recipe that truly smells as good as it tastes. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of oil and some of your favourite crusty bread.


For more delicious inspiration, you may like to check out our collection of Main Courses or Side Dishes.
This collection of The Best Bean and Legume Recipes has so many delicious options for you to try. I hope you will find many recipes to add to your collection!
Let me know what your favourite ways to use beans and legumes are in the comments below!
Alex xx
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