Beans are a powerhouse ingredient, bringing not only hearty flavor but also a wealth of nutrients to your meals. Combining beans with fresh, colorful vegetables creates a vibrant, wholesome dish that’s perfect for any season.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a light, nutritious lunch, this beans veg recipe hits all the marks. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, and customizable to your preferences.
This recipe balances the creamy texture of beans with the crispness of fresh vegetables, infused with aromatic spices that enliven every bite. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be whipped up in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into why this beans veg recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beans veg recipe is a delightful blend of nutrition, flavor, and convenience. Here’s why it stands out:
- Nutritious & Filling: Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and antioxidants.
- Easy to Customize: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand — bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or even spinach work beautifully.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for batch cooking.
- Flavorful & Aromatic: A blend of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic deepens the taste without overpowering the natural freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked beans (black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas work well)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl for serving
- Colander (if using canned beans)
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly in a colander under cold water and drain well. If cooking from dry, ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften but still retain some bite.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper over the veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly with spices.
- Add beans and broth: Mix in the cooked beans and pour the vegetable broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Finish with greens and lemon: Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the top for a fresh zing.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the beans and veg mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Tips & Variations
“Beans are incredibly versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite varieties or whatever veggies are in season for a new twist every time you make this dish.”
- For a smoky depth, add a splash of soy sauce or a smoked chipotle pepper while cooking.
- Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green experience.
- Add a handful of corn kernels or diced tomatoes for added sweetness and texture.
- For a creamy touch, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices before serving.
- Make it a one-pot meal by adding cooked quinoa or rice and mixing it in at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Vitamin A | 70% DV |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This beans veg recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
You can also enjoy it as a hearty filling for whole wheat wraps or pita pockets, topped with a dollop of tzatziki or your favorite sauce.
For extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds on top. It also complements dishes like Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes if you want to add a meat option on the side, or enjoy it alongside the light and flavorful Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a fresh contrast.
If you’re a fan of baked beans, don’t miss trying the Jack Stack Baked Beans Recipe for another delicious variation.
Conclusion
This beans veg recipe is a celebration of wholesome, simple ingredients coming together in a flavorful, nutritious dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their routine without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
The combination of tender beans, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a comforting meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. It’s adaptable to whatever you have in your pantry and can easily be scaled up for family dinners or meal prep.
Embrace the vibrant flavors, nourishing qualities, and ease of this dish — your taste buds and body will thank you!
📖 Recipe Card: Beans Veg Recipe
Description: A healthy and flavorful vegetable bean dish perfect for a quick meal. Packed with protein and fiber, it's both nutritious and delicious.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Drain soaked beans and rinse well.
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add carrot and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, spices, and salt; stir well.
- Add beans and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until beans are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g
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