If you have a bit of time to invest, this recipe is nutritionally packed, with the goodness of the protein and other benefits that this super bean offers.These beans are very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are also a good source of protein, and a very good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C and manganese.

Dried beans are cheap, and with a little foresight, can be transformed into a few versions of a meal, such as a soup, patties, pate, etc. They are soaked overnight, then the water with the toxins drained, covered with fresh water, and boiled for another good solid

2-3 hours until tender. Once cooked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for easy access for recipes. Be aware that a small packet will make quite a generous serving once soaked and cooked. I find it much easier to make a bigger batch and store it for later use.

These patties may need extra breadcrumbs if they are too soft to form balls.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked Lima beans(can be substituted with any other beans if required-preferably cooked at home to avoid extra additives which may have been added during production)
  • 1 large onion-chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove-crushed
  • 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
  • 2 free range organic eggs
  • 2 tbs of good quality breadcrumbs (use wholegrain only, these are made without white processed flour – easy to make at home)
  • 1 handful of chopped walnuts
  • 1 handful of fresh herbs in season
  • 1 tsp Himalayan salt
  • cracked pepper to taste
  • 2 tbs good quality, salt reduced soya sauce
  • extra wholemeal crumbs and virgin olive oil for frying
  • 100mls of Greek Yoghurt
  • 1 garlic clove-crushed
  • cracked sea salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Place the soaked and cooked, tender beans, skin and all, in a blender. Add all other ingredients and pulse to achieve the desired effect.
  2. Mixture must be sticky and thick to be able to form golf ball size balls. Roll in bread crumbs and fry on a very shallow layer of oil-best to use olive oil spray on a non stick fry pan to avoid sticking .
  3. Flatten the ball once in the fry pan using a spatula or the back of your hand.
  4. Let sizzle for a couple of minutes until nicely browned, then carefully turn over for another couple of minutes. Be careful not to burn them.

Lovely topped with a yoghurt topping

Yoghurt topping:

  1. Mix yoghurt, garlic and salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Serve on top of the patties for that extra zing !

Serve with a green salad and some brown steamed rice.