Legume

Legumes are a type of plant that produces seed pods that contain multiple seeds, while beans are a type of legume that has been cultivated for food. Legumes are a much broader category that includes lentils, peas, peanuts, and soybeans, while beans are a specific type of legume.

Legumes: the most important dietary predictor of survival in older people of different ethnicities

Beans and legumes are great. High protein content & healthy. You can easily cook a big batch and then eat for a week or two. Having ~two dishes staggered can add more varieties.

The basic recipe is: heat aromatics and spices in oil -> bean + liquid (often tomatoes) + other ingredients and then heat -> freshen it with garnish (lemon, lime, cilantro, greens, …).

By varying the components, you can cook many versions of the dishes. For instance, with more Indian spices like cumin and coriander, you get Chana Masala. Incorporation of chili peppers makes … chili. Adding coconut milk makes it rich South Asian style curry, etc.

My current rotation: - Red lentil curry: see Lentil - Easy black bean: see Bean - Chana masala (Chickpea) - Bean Chili

Things to incorporate - White bean stew - tomato paste, added greens - Southern red bean - southern trinity, (vegan) sausage, crush some for texture.

Another way to incorporate legumes is cooking them first and then keep them frozen. For many dishes, you can throw some in it.