Breakfast and lunch are the growing segments for casual eateries. Beans and legumes are low cost proteins and easy to prepare. We just don’t immediately think about these gems when developing our menu. Featuring beans on your breakfast menu is a win-win-win. Low cost and non-perishable ingredients, high profit. Appeals to customer segment willing to pay premium prices. Extra win: trendy.
Here are some ideas you can add to your menu:
Various varieties of beans and legumes each come with their unique nutritional value and health benefits. There are lentils, chickpeas, split peas, black beans and kidney beans among the many others. In fact, there are hundreds – perhaps thousands – of varieties of legumes, and all of them have one thing in common. They’re superfoods!
Rich in proteins, fiber, Vitamin B, essential minerals and other body-friendly phytochemicals, beans and legumes can grace your menu and offer healthy options and amazing flavor. Combine them with a whole grain and you appeal to athletes, vegans, vegetarians, low-carb, low – fat, low-sugar and other special dietary needs.
Why Beans and Legumes?
All haricot varieties are high in protein. Protiens form the basis of the major building structures in the body, and offer a generous supply of fiber that helps combat bad cholesterol. Choosing beans and legumes helps stave off a host of diseases, notably type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. Your menu could feature symbols for “diabetes friendly” “heart friendly” “low-fat” “low cholesterol” “vegan” and others.
[add a taste description of what each is]
- 1. Easy, Navy Bean Bread
Up to six hours of preparation and cooking time and you will love what you will have. Don’t beat around the bush; follow this recipe: TreeHugger.
- 2. Apple and Spice Breakfast Lentils
There’s no better way to break the boring cycle of corn flakes and oatmeal in the morning than offering a taste of this delicacy. This nutrient dense meal. Can be prepared with this complete recipe Here .
- 3. Vegan Lentil, Pumpkin and Coconut Breakfast Bars
Epicurious is the simple name of the “chocolaty” bars and will offer what the rest of the morning dishes seldom offer – energy to push through the remainder of the day. And, by the way, it’s easy to prepare and delicious. Follow this Recipe Here.
- 4. Bean Salad with Walnuts and Cilantro
A vegan salad that’s deliciously satisfying is, Bean Salad with Walnuts and Cilantro. This salad brings a touch of creaminess, crunch and a nice texture. Use this recipe Here.
- 5. Hummus
Other menus idea’s with their respective recipes include:
- Mushroom and white bean soup – Recipe and directions
- Tuscan white bean soup – Recipe and directions
- Green lentil and swiss chard stew – Recipe and directions
- Chana Masala
- “White” chicken chili
Take the recipes and make them your own. We just want to provide ideas and inspiration.