I made this very simple recipe for lunch today, it was so tasty that I felt the need to share it!
Butter Bean Salad
This great tasting recipe is packed full of goodness. The main ingredients are butter beans from the family of pulses. Pulses are a fantastic food that contain protein, lots of nutrients and natural fibre. If you are trying to manage your weight, this type of food is a great way to assist the process. Protein is used in the body in various ways. It is used as an energy source. It also helps with the manufacture of hormones, antibodies and enzymes.
Quick tip for weight management and fat loss… protein should make up around 15 – 20% of your calorific intake. If you combine protein with healthy carbohydrates, it will stabilise your blood sugar level and avoid a spike in insulin (a hormone that assists with fat storage!)
For this recipe you will need:
- 1 x 450g tin of butter beans in water (avoid the ones with added salt and or/sugar), washed & drained
- A small aubergine, diced
- A medium-sized onion (white or red), thinly sliced
- 4 x fresh tomatoes, chopped
- Olive oil
- Handful or fresh basil leaves and flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan to finish, if desired
Over a medium heat, add a good helping of olive oil to a saucepan and add the onion. Soften for a few minutes then add the chopped aubergine. Stir for a few minutes then add the tomatoes and butter beans. Cover for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to cook. Stir, then add the chopped herbs and season to taste (I sometimes add a pinch of Italian herb seasoning to enhance the great flavours). Cover for another 5 minutes, stir, then you are ready to serve. I add a little grated parmesan and extra olive oil to finish.
Why not try this with a slice of wholegrain rye bread and some salad? That’s a well-balanced, nutritional lunch that is packed with goodness! Highly recommended from a Surrey personal trainer. Bon appetito!
