Legumes and grains are usually high in protein and can be used in a lot of versatile ways to power you through your workout.
They are low in fat and often contain a host of antioxidants and vitamins like magnesium, iron and potassium that support your overall health.
On top of that, they’re easy to store and tend to be long-lasting, so are great to have in the kitchen cupboard.
Here, we’ve put together five high-protein recipes containing grains and legumes that are perfect if you’re vegan or just want to try out some meat-free meals.
White Bean Avocado On Toast
This one is an easy and high-protein breakfast or lunch. Saute three cloves of minced garlic in olive oil. Add cannellini beans, oregano, salt, and pepper and continue to cook for four minutes. Mash an avocado and spread on two slices of toast, then add the cannellini bean mix on top. Drizzle over some BBQ sauce to taste.
Pea & Leek Sausages
These veggie sausages are easy to make and can be served with pasta and green vegetables. Pan fry leeks, onions, and garlic in olive oil until they start to get brown before adding some mashed peas. Sprinkle flour on a chopping board and start to roll the mixture into sausage shapes. Then steam the sausages for 20 minutes.
Colombian Black Bean Stew
Fry off onions and garlic before adding chopped tomatoes and stirring the mixture together. Drain a can of black beans and add to the pan along with cumin, ground ginger, sugar, and oregano before bringing the heat down to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce a little more and serve.
Red Lentil Curry
Saute ginger, crushed garlic, chilli peppers, and turmeric. Add red lentils, chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, simmering for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked. Stir in coconut milk and almond butter and continue to cook for around five minutes to allow the curry to thicken.
Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Salad
Finely dice a sweet potato, drizzle with oil and roast for 15-20 minutes. When the potato chunks are cooked, add them to a bed of shredded kale and chickpeas. Add a garnish and feta if desired. You have a healthy salad with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates and antioxidants to fuel recovery.
