Black Bean Recipes Vegan UK: Easy & Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Black beans are a nutritional powerhouse and a staple ingredient in vegan cooking, especially popular in the UK for their versatility and rich, hearty flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, black beans offer an affordable, protein-packed option that can easily be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several vibrant and flavourful black bean recipes vegan UK style that are perfect for lunches, dinners, or even snacks. From comforting stews to fresh salads and spicy tacos, these recipes prove that eating vegan doesn’t mean compromising on taste.

Plus, black beans are not only delicious but also packed with fibre, iron, and antioxidants – making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat healthy and sustainably.

Ready to discover your new favourite black bean dishes? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black beans are incredibly versatile and nutritious, making them a perfect ingredient for vegan meals in the UK. You’ll love these recipes because:

  • Rich in protein and fibre: Ideal for maintaining balanced vegan diets while keeping you full and satisfied.
  • Budget-friendly: Black beans are affordable and widely available in UK supermarkets and health food stores.
  • Easy to prepare: Many of these dishes require simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Delicious and hearty: The recipes are packed with bold flavours using herbs, spices, and fresh veggies to delight your taste buds.
  • Perfect for meal prep: These dishes store well, making them great for batch cooking and saving time.

Ingredients

Here are the common ingredients you’ll need across the various black bean recipes featured:

  • 400g canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 400g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 100g cooked rice or quinoa (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh lime juice, to taste
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Vegan sour cream or yogurt, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Serving dishes or bowls

Instructions

Recipe 1: Classic UK-Style Vegan Black Bean Stew

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and tomato purée, stirring to combine.
  6. Add the drained black beans and mix thoroughly.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice to taste.
  9. Garnish with chopped coriander and avocado slices before serving.
  10. Serve hot with cooked rice or crusty vegan bread.

Recipe 2: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F.
  2. Dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into small cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika.
  3. Roast sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelised.
  4. Meanwhile, heat a pan on medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft.
  5. Add 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp chili powder, stir for 1 minute.
  6. Add 400g drained black beans and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
  7. Warm soft tortillas in a dry pan or oven.
  8. Assemble tacos with roasted sweet potatoes, black bean mixture, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime.
  9. Optional: Add salsa, guacamole, or vegan sour cream for extra flavour.

Recipe 3: Black Bean Salad with Mustard Dressing

  1. Rinse and drain 400g canned black beans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine: black beans, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced red bell pepper, 2 chopped spring onions, and a handful of chopped fresh coriander.
  3. Whisk together the dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving for best flavour.
  6. Serve on its own or with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

“Using canned black beans saves time, but if you prefer dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before using.”

  • Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or pumpkin in the taco recipe for a seasonal twist.
  • Add a dash of chipotle or smoked chilli powder for a smoky kick.
  • Include corn kernels or diced avocado in the salad for added texture.
  • Try adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the salad for a more filling meal.
  • For a creamier stew, blend a portion of the beans before adding them back to the pan.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Dietary Fibre 12 g
Fat 6 g
Sodium 350 mg
Iron 3.5 mg

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the black bean stew alongside a fresh green salad and warm crusty bread for a comforting meal.
  • Top black bean tacos with fresh salsa, pickled red onions, and vegan cheese for a fiesta vibe.
  • Enjoy the black bean salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled vegetables or vegan sausages.
  • Use leftover black beans to make [Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/chipotle-black-beans-and-rice-recipe/) for a smoky, satisfying dish.
  • For dessert after your meal, try this delightful [Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/cinnamon-pecan-ice-cream-recipe/), perfect for vegan and non-vegan alike.

More Delicious Vegan Black Bean Recipes from the UK

Black Bean and Spinach Curry

A warming, mildly spiced curry combining black beans with fresh spinach, coconut milk, and traditional Indian spices. This recipe pairs perfectly with basmati rice or vegan naan bread.

Vegan Black Bean Burgers

These homemade black bean burgers are packed with flavour and texture, made with mashed black beans, oats, and spices. Serve on a vegan bun with your favourite toppings for a perfect meat-free burger experience.

Black Bean and Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas

Filled with black beans and roasted Mediterranean vegetables, these enchiladas are topped with a rich tomato sauce and baked to perfection. A fantastic weekend treat or dinner party dish.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

A quick and simple soup recipe that’s full of smoky, spicy flavour. It’s perfect for chilly UK evenings and can be served with crusty bread or over rice.

Black Bean and Sweetcorn Salad with Lime Dressing

A refreshing and vibrant salad perfect for picnics or packed lunches. The lime dressing adds a zesty punch that complements the sweetness of the corn and the earthiness of the beans.

Conclusion

Exploring black bean recipes vegan UK style opens up a world of flavourful, nutritious, and satisfying meals that anyone can enjoy. From hearty stews and spicy tacos to fresh salads and curries, the humble black bean proves itself as a versatile star in vegan cooking.

Not only do these recipes offer excellent health benefits, but they are also easy to prepare and perfect for busy lifestyles.

Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, these dishes bring vibrant tastes and textures to your table. Plus, with options for meal prep and batch cooking, black beans make it convenient to maintain a healthy diet without stress.

Give these recipes a try and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists!

For more inspiration, check out our other delicious recipes like the [Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/classico-sun-dried-tomato-alfredo-sauce-recipe/) or the indulgent [Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe](https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/chocolate-heaven-cake-recipe/).

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Black Bean Chili

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan black bean chili perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with protein and spices, it's a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (400g each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 250ml vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and red bell pepper, cook for another 3 minutes.
  4. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; stir for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chopped tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable stock.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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