Beans are a powerhouse ingredient in vegan cooking, offering not only incredible nutrition but also versatile flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, bean recipes are a fantastic way to add protein, fiber, and rich taste to your dishes.
From hearty stews to refreshing salads and creamy dips, beans can transform everyday meals into satisfying, wholesome experiences. In this post, we’ll dive into some delicious vegan bean recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.
Get ready to elevate your vegan cooking with these simple yet scrumptious dishes that will delight your taste buds and keep you energized throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bean recipes are designed to be both nutritious and delicious, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based meals without sacrificing taste. Beans are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to a variety of cuisines and cooking styles.
Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or mild flavors, there’s a bean dish here for you.
Additionally, beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. These recipes are budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prepping.
Plus, they’re all vegan, meaning they align with a compassionate, health-conscious lifestyle. If you want to try more plant-based meals, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup kidney beans (canned or soaked dried)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced for extra spice
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander (for rinsing canned beans)
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternative cooking methods
Instructions
- If using dried beans: Soak black beans and chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Cook the beans: In a large pot, add the soaked black beans and chickpeas, cover with fresh water, and simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours until tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, use canned beans rinsed and drained for quicker preparation.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Season the base: Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine beans: Add the cooked black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the stew for brightness.
- Serve hot: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite sides like rice or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
To save time, canned beans are a fantastic shortcut without compromising flavor.
Try swapping black beans for pinto beans or navy beans for different textures and flavors. For a smoky twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the sauté step.
If you love spice, include cayenne or fresh hot peppers.
For added richness, stir in a dollop of vegan bechamel sauce before serving. Beans also make great bases for salads, dips, or even vegan burgers, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Sodium | 400 mg (varies with broth and canned beans) |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bean stew pairs wonderfully with steamed brown rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas for a complete meal. Add a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad for extra vitamins and color.
If you’re in the mood for a snack or appetizer, try our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite to accompany fresh-cut veggies.
Beans also work beautifully as a filling for burritos, tacos, or stuffed peppers. Leftovers can be repurposed into a smoky bean dip or blended into vegan hummus for snacking.
More Delicious Vegan Bean Recipes to Try
Vegan Three-Bean Chili
A spicy, comforting chili that combines kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans with tomatoes, peppers, and warming spices. Perfect for chilly evenings and packed with flavor.
- Ingredients: Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, vegetable broth.
- Highlights: Slow-cook for tender beans and rich flavor.
Check out our Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal for the full step-by-step guide.
Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A creamy, fragrant curry featuring chickpeas simmered with fresh spinach, coconut milk, and a blend of Indian spices. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying.
- Ingredients: Chickpeas, spinach, coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin.
- Highlights: Ideal for weeknight dinners, served with basmati rice.
For more flavorful vegan curries, explore our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
A fresh, zesty salad perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish. Black beans and sweet corn mix with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of chili for a vibrant flavor combo.
- Ingredients: Black beans, corn kernels, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder.
- Highlights: No cooking required, quick and refreshing.
Pair this salad with our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Beans are truly a vegan cook’s best friend—nutritious, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile. The recipes shared here showcase just a few of the many ways you can enjoy beans in your meals, whether you prefer warm stews, vibrant salads, or rich dips.
By incorporating beans into your diet, you not only boost your intake of essential nutrients but also embrace a sustainable and delicious way of eating.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of beans and seasonings to find your favorite flavor profiles. For more inspiration on wholesome vegan cooking, browse our collection of easy, tasty recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking and enjoy the wonderful world of beans!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Bean Chili
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan chili packed with protein-rich beans and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and red bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes.
- Add chili powder and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g
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