5 healthy carbohydrate-rich foods

When it comes to choosing carbohydrate-rich foods, there are three key things to remember:

• Choose foods that have been minimally processed between the farm and you.
• Minimally processed foods don’t just offer carbohydrates. They offer fibre, vitamins, minerals and lots of other nutrients.
• Portion control is just as important as choosing whole/minimally processed foods. Aim to add enough carbohydrate-rich food to fill a quarter of your dinner plate.

With that in mind, here are five healthy carbohydrate-rich foods and how to include them in a heart-friendly diet.

Lentils are a healthy carbohydrate-rich food due to their high fibre content and because they’re also a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

How to cook them

Dried lentils can be boiled in a saucepan. For every 1 cup of lentils, use 3 cups of water. They are fully cooked after 20–25 minutes.

Canned lentils can be added to meals at the end of cooking to be heated through or microwaved in a bowl for 1–2 minutes.

How to eat them

• Dhal – a tasty Indian dish based on lentils with added garlic, herbs and spices.
• Add to bolognese – add 1–2 tins of lentils instead of extra mince. This will make the recipe go a little further and boost the fibre content while being an economical way to feed the whole family.
• Add to stews – whip out the slow cooker and add a tin of lentils to your next stew or casserole.

Both are healthy carbohydrate options if you keep the skin on and eat them minimally processed. Potato with the skin on is a great source of fibre, and both types of potato are very versatile.

How to cook them

The skin can be kept on in all these cooking methods:

• Bake – wrap in foil and bake in the oven for 40–45 minutes or until cooked through.
• Boil – cube and boil for about 12 minutes or until soft.
• Mash – cube and boil for about 12 minutes or until soft, then using a food processor or potato masher, add a dash of milk, a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of butter and mash until smooth.
• BBQ – cut into thin slices and cook with a small amount of olive oil on a hot BBQ plate.
• Roast – cube and boil for about 8 minutes. Drain well and toss in olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place into a roasting tray and roast in a hot oven for 30 minutes or until golden.

How to eat them

• Baked potato can be added to a roast dinner or topped with minced meat and vegetables.
• Boiled potatoes can be cooled and form the base of a salad.
• Mashed potato is delicious partnered with a hearty, vegetable-rich stew.
• Barbecued potato slices are a great side to a steak and salad at your next BBQ.
• Roasted potato can be a delicious side to some baked fish for a healthy version of fish and chips.

Like lentils, black beans are a fantastic source of high-fibre carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and minerals.

How to cook them

If you buy them canned, drain and rinse them well under cold water. Add to a small saucepan and cover with water to heat for 5–6 minutes, or microwave them in a bowl for 1–2 minutes.

How to eat them

• Make your own burrito bowl with black beans, brown rice, pulled pork and lots of vegetables: cubed tomato, shredded lettuce, corn kernels, coriander leaves and a fresh drizzle of lime juice.
• Canned black beans are a great way to boost the fibre and protein content of your next salad.

• Add them to your next winter casserole.