We have a secret weapon that can add more veg and fibre to a meal, helping fill bellies and make dinners healthier (not to mention help the planet!), all while saving money!! That secret weapon: adding beans, pulses and veg to your family’s meals.
We have a secret weapon that can add more veg and fibre to a meal, helping fill bellies and make dinners healthier (not to mention help the planet!), all while saving money!! That secret weapon: adding beans, pulses and veg to your family’s meals.
Cooking a stew, curry, spag bol or chilli?
Swap a bit of the meat, fish or veggie alternative for beans, pulses or veg.
You’ll cut costs, boost nutrition and keep everyone happy – no big changes needed.
Nutritionist Zoe Griffiths RNtr explains how to make the most of beans, pulses and veg to make meals go further without overly changing the meals your family love.
Why beans?
Save money: Swap some meat for beans, pulses or veg – cheaper, protein-packed, and still delicious.
Fills hungry tummies: Fibre-rich beans and veg keep meals filling, even with less meat.
Healthier meals: Half meat, half beans = cheaper, more fibre, and 1 of your 5-a-day.
Better for the planet: Swapping some meat for beans is healthier for you and the planet. Win-win!
Getting started
Start small: Begin with sauce-based favourites like chilli, curry or spag bol.
Swap a little of the meat for beans or pulses – lentils, chickpeas or kidney beans all blend in beautifully.
Build slowly: Aim for around 50/50 meat (or veggie mince) and beans or pulses.
Try half mince, half lentils in a lasagne. It’s tasty, cheaper, and no one will notice the difference.
👇Try our step-by-step guide for small changes that work without waste or friction.
Get ideas for the best fits
Hearty sauces, stews, curries and casseroles are perfect for boosting with beans and veg, the flavours do all the hard work!
👇 Not sure whether chickpeas or kidney beans are the right match? Browse our family favourites collection for easy ideas and veg tips that fit every meal.
Zoe Griffiths RNutr
Zoe is a Registered Nutritionist with 30 years experience working in public health specialising in projects to increase fruit and veg consumption in children and adults. Zoe runs her own business, ZG Nutrition, where she is a recipe developer, nutrition writer, conducts research and runs nutrition courses.
Simply Veg
Healthy made simple
Our only goal is to help parents and carers serve up affordable, simple food their families will love. We know that takes more than a few recipes, so we've got all the hacks and advice you'll need. Join now. It's 100% free and 100% simple.
For exclusive new content