Wholesome eating

Go beyond typical fare to take advantage of everything beans have to offer. Our chef Alex recommends these menu ideas to incorporate beans into your menu.

• Aquafaba: This translates from Italian to “bean water.” Whip the water used to cook chickpeas into a protein-rich vegan soufflé with roasted carrot, porcini mushroom and sage
• Black-Eyed Peas: Try a black-eyed pea dip with coriander and cinnamon, avocado garnish, and fried plantain chips
• Lentils: Consider Thai basil coconut lentils with Thai eggplants and grilled pineapple

Ancient grains contain protein and make a delicious alternative to the traditional rice or pasta. There are plenty of gluten-free options to choose from, such as sorghum, amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat. But be sure to check with your supplier for gluten-free certification.

• Sorghum: This vegetarian dish is packed with unique flavors: crispy sorghum stir-fry with black garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce and mustard greens.
  
• Spelt: Create an instant breakfast classic by serving spelt and oat savoury oatmeal with crispy pork belly, braised leeks and topped with a poached egg.
• Amaranth: Use amaranth polenta with gorgonzola and mascarpone cheese and walnuts as a delicious base for garlicky sautéed greens.

Many consumers already add seeds and nuts to home-cooked meals to increase protein consumption - so don't miss this trend!

• Hemp Seeds: For a filling, unique dish, try barbecued sweet potato and hemp seed salad with kale.
• Chia Seeds: Create a delicious dessert guests have likely never had before by adding Earl Grey, rosewater and chia seeds to Greek yogurt.
• Flax Seeds: Already on consumers’ radar for a couple of years, showcase new toppings for flax seed crackers by pairing them with pumpkin-maple-mascarpone dip.