Pulses

As the nights cool and the leaves turn, so wild mushrooms emerge from the mossy forest floor. Leanne Townsend found a beautiful patch of winter chanterelles and cooked them up with some British-grown carlin peas.

Piyaz is a traditional Turkish bean salad, but in Antalya it takes on a unique and beloved twist. More than just a simple side, it becomes a hearty, flavourful dish in its own right, rich with tahini, olive oil and cumin, layered with herbs, eggs and tomatoes. Creamy flageolet beans form the base, while the tang of lemon and vinegar keeps it bright and refreshing. Finished with fragrant dill, parsley, and a sprinkle of sumac, this is a salad that’s as satisfying as it is vibrant, perfect served alongside grilled dishes or enjoyed simply with good bread.

Caponata is a much-loved Sicilian dish of bold Mediterranean flavours, traditionally a rich, sweet-sour stew of aubergines, onions, tomatoes, capers and herbs. In this version, tender borlotti beans join the mix, adding extra substance, creamy texture and a satisfying protein boost, making it as perfect for a light main as it is for a side dish.

Taktouka is a savoury Moroccan side dish of chargrilled peppers, tomatoes, paprika and coriander. Here we break with the traditional recipe by adding borlotti beans for a more substantial dish.

Crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and full of nutty depth, fava bean farinata makes a beautiful centrepiece for a light meal. Paired with smoky, charred spring onions and a refreshing herb and cucumber salad, it's both fresh and comforting.

Heartier than gnocchi, and a great use for stale bread, these dumplings are inspired by Italian pisarei but are shaped more like a Polish pierogi leniwe (lazy dumplings!). The pea flour adds fibre and protein as well as a complex nuttiness and pleasingly chewy texture.

This simple sweet, sour and herby bean dish uses white coco beans to make the most of abundant seasonal courgettes in a perfect dish for summer. It's delicious served hot or cold.

Isabella Palmer's salad of beetroot, barley and peas is a real show-stopper: textured, zippy and vibrant. The beetroot and the black barley are both full of antioxidant anthocyanins, giving them such rich colour. This salad keeps well in the fridge for batch lunches (but if you’re making ahead, add the crispy topping just before serving).