Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Red beans have long been a staple in vegetarian cooking, celebrated for their rich flavor, hearty texture, and nutritional benefits. The Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans recipe is a delightful spin on this classic ingredient, offering a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It combines the creamy texture of red beans with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients—just a handful of common staples.

The Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans are perfect as a main course or a side dish, and they pair wonderfully with rice, cornbread, or even fresh salads. Plus, they’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them as nourishing as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for those craving a plant-based, protein-rich meal without compromising on taste.

The beans are slow-cooked to tender perfection, absorbing the vibrant blend of spices and herbs that bring out their natural sweetness.

Another reason to love this dish is its adaptability. You can customize the spice level to your preference or add in extra vegetables for more texture and nutrition.

It’s also a budget-friendly recipe, making it ideal for everyday cooking. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers with just as much flavor.

For those looking to explore similar recipes, be sure to check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or try the comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for more plant-based inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried Camellia red beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (if using dried beans)
• Bowl for soaking beans (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried Camellia red beans, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by at least two inches. This helps reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add beans and liquid: Add the soaked and drained beans to the pot. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then add the bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer the beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans absorb too much liquid, add a bit more water or broth to keep them submerged.
6. Check for doneness: After about an hour, check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, continue simmering until they reach your desired texture. Remove the bay leaf once cooking is complete.
7. Finish with parsley and vinegar: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and apple cider vinegar, if using. The vinegar adds a nice brightness that balances the richness of the beans.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

Soaking your beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also helps with digestion, making this recipe easier on your stomach.

For a smoky twist, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the pot. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash a portion of the beans with the back of a spoon during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Vegetable lovers can enhance this dish by adding diced carrots or tomatoes. For a spicy kick, include some chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If short on time, canned Camellia red beans can be used. Just reduce the cooking time to 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Try pairing this recipe with some fresh cornbread or a light salad. For more vegetarian bean dishes, visit our Lectin Free Soup Recipes or explore the hearty Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for non-vegetarian inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans dish shines when served hot over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The creamy beans complement the rice perfectly, creating a hearty and filling meal.

For a Southern-inspired touch, serve alongside cornbread or with a side of sautéed greens like kale or collard greens.

If you want to keep things light, try serving the beans as a topping for a crisp green salad or stuffed inside warm tortillas for a vegetarian taco variation. You can also mix the beans into cooked quinoa or couscous for a wholesome grain bowl.

To add a burst of flavor, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle chopped scallions before serving. For beverage pairings, check out our refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe or the bright and citrusy Grapefruit Gimlet Recipe.

Conclusion

The Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans recipe is a fantastic example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a delicious and nutritious meal. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based protein packed dish that is both comforting and easy to prepare.

Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a wonderful addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe offers flexibility and ease, allowing you to adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. Plus, it pairs well with many other dishes, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dining occasions.

For more inspiring recipes, don’t miss our Honey Raisin Challah Recipe or the vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Give this Camellia Vegetarian Red Beans recipe a try today and discover how easy and delicious vegetarian cooking can be!

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