Green beans with wholegrain mustard

A versatile side dish that can be prepared at the last minute – simply mix your beans with crème fraîche, mustard, shallots and lemon

Salmon with celeriac gratin & green beans

A lean fish supper with an alternative dauphinoise made with mild celeriac. Wholegrain mustard makes a tangy glaze for the salmon.

Spicy beans on toast

Jazz up this all-day staple dish with some cumin, coriander and semi-dried tomatoes then serve on hot buttered wholemeal bread

Black bean chimichurri salad

This simple lunchbox-friendly salad of storecupboard pulses is dressed with chimichurri- a South American parsley, coriander and chilli sauce

Green beans with mustard, lemon & mint

Serve your beans with a light vinaigrette of citrus and herbs- they’ll match with vegetarian, fish and meat main courses alike

Tapenade chicken pasta with runner beans

Use up this plentiful legume in a robust pasta dish with anchovy and olive tapenade sauce, tomatoes, basil and chilli

Black Forest pudding

This spin on summer pudding is packed with cherries, blackberries, black grapes, blueberries, blackcurrants and a splash of Cassis liqueur

Green beans & spring onions with tarragon

A simple green side of trimmed beans, black olives and herbs to go with meat, fish and vegetarian mains alike

Lamb steaks with crispy potatoes & minted beans

A special meal just for one- marinade lamb leg steak with rosemary and balsamic and serve runner beans and new potatoes

Runner beans with rocket & Parmesan

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This light green salad with walnuts and Italian cheese makes a versatile side dish or starter. Add prosciutto for extra wow factor.

Baked aubergines with cannellini beans

A simple, low-calorie supper that uses storecupboard pulses and hearty aubergine topped with Parmesan cheese

Better-than-baked beans with spicy wedges

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Students' cuisine may be the butt of many a joke, but with these nutrient-packed, low-fat and cheap beans, they get the last laugh