Beans / Lentils

Legumes such as beans and lentils are an important stable in a vegetarian diet and no wonder as they provide fibre, protein, complex carbohydrates and lots of vitamins and minerals. They are also filling and quite cheap. Beans can be used in a variety of recipes such as mashed in fillings, whole in soups or baked in casseroles. They can also be used as a salad topping. Lentils are great in soups and casseroles.

Aduki Bean Sprouts

There are some tools available that are supposed to make your sprouting easier, however I have had fantastic results with just a glass jar and water.

Black Bean and Sweetcorn Soup

This is an easy mid-week soup, perfect for the left over vegetables found at the back of the fridge.

Burritos

If I ask my husband what he would like to have for dinner, without hesitating he always says "Burritos". He absolutely adores these burritos and no wonder because they are actually quite lovely.

Carrot Fritters

These fritters could be named carrot cakes (as they might be called in some countries). However I can't use the name 'cake' with anything savoury.

Chickpea Patties with Yoghurt Garlic Dressing

I usually make a whole lot of these patties and freeze. The patties are excellent when re-heated and can also be enjoyed cold as in a lunch box with a little yoghurt garlic dressing.

Chickpea Soup

I love Jamie Oliver's recipes and his whole philosophy on and approach to food, which is "use organic, local ingredients and avoid the junk". This is an adaptation of one of his recipes.

Chickpea Sprouts

I adore bean sprouts. They are so versatile and delicious. I often eat them as a snack, put them on my sandwich, in a salad or as a side dish with radishes, raisins and oranges.

Chickpeas and Tuna Patties with Yoghurt Dressing

These are quick and easy to make since most of the ingredients go into the food processor.

Dhal (Lentil Soup) with Pumpkin and Coconut Milk

I actually had to bake this soup in an oven proof baking dishes since the gas on my stove finished, just in the middle of my cooking!

Hummus

I love hummus, absolutely love it. Whenever I go to a Middle-Eastern restaurant (especially the Lebanese restaurants in London) I always order some hummus.

Kitheri - Kenyan Vegetable Stew

Just like the Italians have different Bruschetta for every region in Italy, so do the Kenyans have for Kitheri.

Lentil and Spinach Soup

If you are thinking of a recipe to serve on your first date, this is definitely not it! Lets just say that you will come under some "pressure" ha ha.

Mung Bean Sprouts

I love bean sprouts. They are so healthy and versatile. I often eat them on their own like a snack or I use them in salads, on sandwiches and even in casseroles.

Pinto Beans and Vegetables from Rwanda

In February 2008 I went gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It was absolutely magical.

Stuffed Peppers

These are my version of the stuffed pepper I learnt how to make on a veggie course here in Iceland.

Tofu and Chickpea Patties

These are probably the patties I make most often. Maybe they would be called nut burgers elsewhere but I call them patties. They are very filling yet nutritious with a lovely, mild taste.

Tomato Mini Nut Loafs

These are lovely little loafs/patties which are perfect on your Christmas table if you are a vegetarian. They also look quite festive if you team them with a nice, green salad.

Wraps with Spinach and Hummus

In my view wraps are the perfect lunch and the perfect light meal, they always go well down with dinner guests and each and every time I serve them I get asked for the recipe.

Zanzibar Beans with Sweet Potatoes in Coconut Sauce

We visited Zanzibar in September 2007 and it was an absolutely lovely visit.