Beans are low in fat and contain no cholesterol, and are a great source of protein (for those trying to go veg, isn’t it good to know you don’t have to settle for tofu?) Dried beans are cheaper, but for quick suppers for a small family, nothing beats the convenience of legumes from a can. Aside from removing the need for soaking (an essential step to avoid flatulence), canned beans also come cooked — dried beans require hours of cooking at times. Read the label as some come in salted liquid and may need to be rinsed with clean water before eating. Throw together a simple salad of lettuce, grilled chicken, chopped tomatoes, and drained red beans for a quick starter or snack.

Mozzarella chicks marinated in curry and cherry tomatoes on a stick. Oh, so cute!

Image source: Eyecandy | Nanakaze.net