If you keep a variety of beans in your pantry, you’ll always have the makings of a delicious, healthful dinner. If you use canned beans, remember to rinse them first--they’re packed in a high-sodium liquid.

A few ways to get your hill of beans
• Keep instant bean soups on hand. In a national study of almost 10,000 people, eating beans, peas, or lentils four times a week cut heart disease by 22 percent. With instant bean soups, you have a heart-smart meal that’s ready in about 6 minutes--and no dishes to wash.

Good choices include Fantastic Foods Five Bean (240 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 12 grams fiber), Fantastic Foods Split Pea (220 calories, 1 gram fat, 9 grams fiber), and Knorr Hearty Lentil (220 calories, 2 grams fat, 8 grams fiber).

• Whip up a savory Southwestern omelet: Combine 1/4 cup of canned or cooked black beans; 2 tablespoons each of corn kernels, minced red or green pepper, diced tomato, and minced scallions; 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeño pepper; 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro; and 1/4 teaspoon of dried cumin. This is enough to stuff an omelet made with three eggs or 1 1/2 cups of egg substitute.

• Top a homemade pizza with 1/2 cup of cooked kidney or black beans, 1 cup of shredded spinach, and sliced mushrooms. If you miss the meat, add a few slices of turkey pepperoni.