Affordable Healthy Meals to Make with Lentils or Beans

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Affordable Healthy Meals to Make with Lentils or Beans

If you're looking to eat healthy on a budget, beans and lentils are your best mates in the kitchen. These humble pantry staples are packed with fibre, rich in B vitamins, and are a fantastic plant-based protein source—especially great for vegetarians and vegans.

In addition to being affordable and versatile, beans and lentils are the cornerstone of many delicious, wholesome meals from around the world. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, these ingredients will stretch your dollar without compromising on flavour.

👉 Want to know which beans and legumes are the healthiest? Check out this guide from Healthline.

Now, let’s take these budget-friendly ingredients to the next level with easy, healthy recipes from Otao Kitchen:

Affordable Healthy Meals to Make with Lentils or Beans

Red Lentil Salad

Vibrant, hearty and full of spice, this red lentil salad is a go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. Just simmer one cup of dried red lentils until tender, then toss with chopped fresh vegetables—think tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, red onion, or anything seasonal.

The magic happens when you add herbs and spices:

  • Black mustard seeds

  • Coriander seeds

  • Crushed cardamom

  • A touch of garam masala

A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar brings it all together. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a main or a side.

Black Bean Tacos

Need dinner on the table in under 10 minutes? Skip the instant noodles and try these nourishing black bean tacos instead. Simply warm canned or pre-cooked black beans with garlic, cumin, and paprika, then serve in tortillas with your favourite toppings—shredded lettuce, avocado, tomato salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese.

Want to elevate it? Try making your own tortillas from scratch using our chef’s easy recipe—fun to make and even better to eat.

Lentil Dal

Dal is the ultimate comfort food in Indian cuisine—and it’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Our go-to recipe uses split red lentils, simmered with turmeric, ginger, and garlic, then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chillies for a warm and fragrant finish.

Serve it with steamed rice or roti for a wholesome, budget-friendly meal.

Ready to explore more Indian flavours?
Join our Indian Cooking Class Master and learn the art of dal, curries, and spice blends from our expert chefs. Perfect for food lovers looking to cook with confidence and explore the heart of Indian cuisine.

Book your Indian cooking experience now →

Final Thoughts

Lentils and beans prove that delicious food doesn’t have to be expensive. With just a few spices and a little creativity, these ingredients can transform into satisfying meals for every day of the week.

At Otao Kitchen, we’re passionate about making healthy cooking fun and accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, our hands-on cooking classes are designed to teach, inspire, and bring people together through food.

👉 Explore all our cooking classes and events here
👉 Check out our range of chef-curated hampers for home cooks here

 

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Vegan Cooking Master Class

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Indian Cooking Masterclass

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