This is something delicious I make when I’m in a hurry and need some good quality protein.  It works well with a simple mixed salad on the side to make a balanced meal.  You could also substitute it for potatoes alongside meat or white fish.  I usually make lots so we can use the leftovers for packed lunches.

Serves 4 (or 2 with leftovers)

1 heaped dsp sun-dried tomato pesto
One of the following fresh herbs if you have them, chopped:
Rosemary leaves: 1 tsp/oregano 1 tbs/parsley 1 tbs
2 dsp lemon juice
2 tins or mugs of cooked butter beans, drained
1 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
Black pepper

1. Mix the lemon juice, pesto, garlic, and herbs together in a bowl.
2. Add butterbeans, a few good grinds of black pepper, and mix well.  Taste and if you feel like it, add more lemon juice, pesto, or pepper.
3. Eat with a large mixed salad such as my “basic mixed salad”.

Why this recipe is good for you:
Beans and pulses are rich in soluble fibre, a type of fibre that feeds friendly bacteria in your gut.  Friendly bacteria are important for your immune system, helping regulate it and prevent allergies such as eczema and inflammatory diseases such as colitis.  These good bacteria also help your body clear toxins.  Toxins we are commonly exposed to include used-up hormones (eg estrogens, testosterone), old medications, and chemicals (eg toxic nitrites from processed meat, petrochemicals from toiletries, and petrol fumes).  So if you want to have good detoxification, clear skin, and tune up your digestion, fostering your good gut bacteria is one of the keys.  Rosemary, oregano, lemon juice, and garlic are also great helpers for the liver, also promoting fast efficient clearance of toxins.