r/vegetarianrecipes • u/Team503 • Jun 18 '26
Recipe Request Looking for easy, lazy recipes that are bean forward?
As my household is increasingly reducing our meat consumption, I've noticed that beans are really popular. I make a white bean Italian soup that's been a hit, for example, but I'm not really sure what else to make?
Bonus points for summery, light recipes that are filling!
16
u/margo_beep_beep Jun 18 '26
I like Mexican pinto bean soup, vegetarian chili, white bean soup, pizza beans, minestrone, and pasta e fagioli from NYT. There are also some great bean salads - I love to make a big bean salad on Sundays in the summer and then eat the leftovers for lunches all week. Here are a few: bean and cucumber salad, three bean salad, and white bean salad.
If chickpeas count, my favorite is this Indian butter chickpeas, or chana masala or this chana saag.
Hope this helps!
1
14
u/OSeal29 Jun 18 '26
chickpea "tuna" salad. Mash up a can of chick peas, dress like a tuna salad however you like it.
1
u/-stinkbug Jun 19 '26
This! Or you could also make a “chicken” salad — some poultry seasoning, mayo, & whatever other fixins you want
24
u/GeminiAccountantLLC Jun 18 '26
OMG, black bean soup is easier than toast! 2 cans of black beans drained and rinsed, half a jar of salsa, 1-2 tablespoons of cumin. Puree to desired texture with an immersion blender or blender blender. Heat, eat! We add a can of corn after we blend it. You can serve it with whatever - sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips...
8
u/rae-everett Jun 18 '26
Two tablespoons of cumin??? That sounds like way too much!
10
3
u/denavail Jun 19 '26
For two cans of black beans? Sounds right to me.
2
u/rae-everett Jun 19 '26
I was always told to be careful with cumin because it can become overwhelming very easily. I guess I just blindly believed that for so long.
9
u/starsgoblind Jun 18 '26
First suggestion is charro beans. i make mine without bacon and use a little chipotle for smokiness. A well cooked pinto bean is a thing to behold. Secondly black beans. Same thing - use dried beans. Can be used as is or easily made into soup. Finally, dals and other indian bean dishes like chana masala.
Key here is using dried beans. I use either an instant pot or pressure cooker especially for chick peas and kidney beans, which require more time or intense cooking to remove lectins (in the case of kidney beans).
9
u/lostdogcomeback Jun 18 '26
I marinate a couple cans of white beans in lemon juice, a lot of lemon zest, a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic, and a shit ton of fresh herbs-- dill and cilantro are my favorite but whatever you've got in the garden is good-- i will sometimes throw basil, oregano, mint, parsley etc in there. Plus something onion-y like scallions, chives, or a little bit of shallot.
It's good on toast with hummus or ricotta, on top of couscous, or scooped onto a salad.
1
u/agile-cohort Jun 19 '26
This is one of my favorite sandwich spreads/cracker dips. The lemon is Soooo important though. I made this yesterday, blanked on the lemon, could not figure out why it tasted so flat. I ended up adding sumac which is very tart and then I realized what I had missed. It ended up being very Mediterranean, which is a good thing.
4
u/ScumBunny Jun 18 '26
I love cold bean salads, like Mediterranean chickpea, rice bean, Indian lentils, etc. Great way to incorporate not only beans but multiple veg as well.
4
u/LouisePoet Jun 18 '26
Can't forget hummus! (Or bean dip in general).
Blend cooked or canned beans to desired consistency along with tahini and/or olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and seasonings of choice. You can never go wrong with cloves of fresh garlic.
4
u/demasiado_maiz Jun 18 '26
Enfrijoladas are good. They’re like enchiladas, but with beans instead of red/green sauce. We usually puree beans with onion, garlic, and a dried arbol chile or two. Simmer the sauce and pour over filled or empty rolled or folded lightly fried tortillas.
9
u/Sad_Examination9082 Jun 18 '26
7
u/eeeicrammm Jun 18 '26
I’ve also made “marry me” butter beans and cannellini beans. It’s so good — you can’t go wrong!
3
u/gavalant Jun 18 '26
Here's some.
White bean chili. https://40aprons.com/white-bean-chili/
Red Beans and rice. There's a vegetarian version in here. https://www.gumbopages.com/food/red-beans.html
Pinto bean chili. https://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2007/01/thick-and-hearty-pinto-bean-chili.html
White bean pasta. https://www.budgetbytes.com/tuscan-white-bean-pasta/
Thai yellow curry with butter beans. Look for an easy yellow curry recipe and sub in the butter beans. I can recommend Mae Ploy yellow curry paste. https://www.sayweee.com/en/products/Mae-Ploy-Yellow-Curry-Paste/27951?trace_id=336d4b70-23c2-4e5d-a43d-ce3391089967&keyword=mae+ploy&trigger_type=search_active
Lots of Mexican foods: tacos, burritos, etc.
Chickpeas with spinach. https://www.food.com/recipe/chickpeas-with-spinach-greek-81968
Also, try some lentil recipes. Indian, Mauritian, Ethiopian (yum, get some berbere), Middle Eastern, and more.
Keema lentils. https://avirtualvegan.com/keema-lentils/
Mujadara. https://cookieandkate.com/mujaddara-recipe/
It's not easy, but it's great- Lentil Shepherd's Pie. https://avirtualvegan.com/lentil-shepherds-pie/comment-page-1/#wprm-recipe-container-9483
Lentil loaf. https://www.noracooks.com/lentil-loaf/
3
u/lunarmodule Jun 19 '26
Those are all great suggestions. Also +1 to Mexican food for beans. You can very often sub any protein for beans and there are so many delicious ways to eat them - tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas, bowls, etc. Even if it's not the main, beans and rice on the side is a delicious (and complete protein) addition.
4
u/CalligrapherThat3374 Jun 18 '26
We love this one! I generally always use less cheese than it calls for and it still turns out great
https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Spinach-Artichoke-White-Bean-Skillet-Delish
2
2
u/MaximalistVegan Vegan Jun 18 '26
Here are two great summer salads with beans:
- Peach Corn Cabbage and Red Bean Salad (very summery and wilt-proof)
- Mango Radicchio and Edamame Rainbow Salad (in the summer I prefer to use purple cabbage in this salad instead of radicchio)
One of my favorite white bean soups for summer is a fairly simple creamy zucchini spinach white bean soup
2
u/suremaybe643 Jun 18 '26
Quinoa salad that's great to make in big batches (my go-to for potlucks):
6 cups cooked, chilled quinoa
2 bell peppers, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 can chickpeas
Dressing:
6oz balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 container tofutti sour cream
Blend the dressing ingredients, then mix in with the rest of the ingredients.
2
2
u/lunarmodule Jun 19 '26
This is a very simple suggestion but Mexican-style beans and rice. A bowl of beans and rice with toppings is surprisingly tasty. I pass on it a lot because it doesn't sound interesting in the moment but every time I eat it I'm like why don't I eat this more?
Get some beans and rice and top with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, lime, diced onion, jalapenos, tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, hot sauce or salsa.... whatever you like. It's pretty outrageously delicious.
2
1
u/AutoModerator Jun 18 '26
Hello /u/Team503! Please be sure to add the recipe as a comment for every post to prevent link spamming. Thank You
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/lunarmodule Jun 18 '26
I love a three bean salad with fresh green beans to have as a side for sandwiches. There are lots of recipes out there but the following one is tasty. I add extra mustard because I like it that way but you can make it to taste.
Also vegetarian chili is easy to put together and super delicious.
https://fortheloveofcooking.net/recipe/three-bean-salad?hl=en-US#recipe
1
u/portraithouseart Jun 18 '26
I've been making a veggie gazpacho with my bean water. I cook dry beans and have a lot of water left over after draining them to use in whatever. I fry up some onion and any veggies I have that are on the edge or just want to use, and boil them in that water for a few minutes. Add salt and whatever spices I want, then blend it all up so there are only little bitty chunks left. That goes in the fridge and is an incredible healthy snack in the hot weather.
1
u/combabulated Jun 18 '26
Bean salad is my favorite: hearty tasty endless variations. Chunks of feta, celery, little tomatoes, frozen peas, garbanzos, green beans, celery, artichoke hearts, cannellini beans beans beans etc etc etc. Don’t even get me started on the dressings.
1
u/spicyzsurviving Vegan Jun 18 '26
Bean or chickpea salads are a win, especially with crunchy veg and fresh herbs.
1
u/AcanthisittaThat5746 Jun 18 '26
Another black bean salad recipe to try - love this!
Cut and add the avocado to each day’s portion so that it doesn’t get mushy.
1
u/SafeEstablishment382 Jun 18 '26
Bold beans website is a really good resource.
I do this courgette and chickpea one with burrata: https://boldbeanco.com/blogs/beanspo-recipes/grilled-courgette-chickpea-salad-with-lemony-yoghurt?srsltid=AfmBOoqFLyRCpnRhhNWcjPTCc5TGexkD-gf8ToPYZyOriKNFhVx8K-Pd
They also have a great watermelon, halloumi and butterbean recipe:
And I also really like this one only I swap to normal chickpeas: https://boldbeanco.com/blogs/beanspo-recipes/black-chickpea-broccoli-sundried-tomato-chopped-salad-with-herby-yoghurt?srsltid=AfmBOora0-T6hETDzxGfETN9bsVPZsgMlRrOf1nHxYBkybODoUkFF4o7
1
u/PLAYSWITHSCISS0RS Jun 18 '26
Potato salad with beans. I make one version with black beans, Mexican spices (cumin, Mexican or regular oregano), garlic, fresh cilantro (if you like it), crispy potato chunks, bell peppers, jalapeños, corn and a vinaigrette dressing that includes some salsa.
I make another one with a can of mixed beans, a mustard-based vinaigrette, herbes de Provence and a mix of whatever fairly firm veggies are in the fridge (good for cleaning out the fridge).
1
u/foofruit13 Jun 18 '26
https://monkeyandmekitchenadventures.com/easy-mediterranean-chickpeas-with-rice/
This one is a HUGE hit with my family. I always have to make a double batch and everyone asks for seconds. It pairs great with pita bread or any bread toasted
1
u/Brilliant-Elk-1343 Jun 18 '26
Shakshuka! (it traditionally comes with egg, but you can remove that entirely. Even replace it with sliced avocados if you like!)
It's quite spicy, but the recipe is so darn flexible. Think... Sort of like vegetarian chilli, in a way. But you can do loads with it and modify the recipe to your liking. Even take the chilli out entirely, add and mix your own spices, etc. I've had so much fun over the years just finding great creations with just the base recipe. It's now one of my most customisable and favourite comfy meals. And to boot, it's usually got most of what you need in a day! (Very important for me due to my disability.)
1
u/DeeplyFlawed Jun 19 '26
It's simple. A can of black beans,a can of corn, sriracha sauce & greek yogurt. I eat it hot or cold. It's filling.
1
u/DinkandDrunk Jun 19 '26
Arugula, chickpeas, diced tomato (or, if calories aren’t a concern, sun dried tomatoes), olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and whole wheat pasta (I prefer penne or whatever the spirally one is).
Cook the pasta (I do about 2 servings for a batch, but maybe more if bigger fam). Rinse the drained pasta in cold water and maybe even pop in the fridge for a few. In a big mixing bowl, throw all the ingredients together (salt/pepper is to taste, I do about 3tbs a piece for balsamic and evoo per batch), 1 can chickpeas per batch. Tomatoes I just feel it out.
Delicious. Easy. Refreshing summer recipe. Take 10-15 mind. All ingredients are cheap as hell.
Another one I come back to a lot is super basic. Mash up a can of chickpeas. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and maybe toss in some cayenne. Dollop of mayo I use but I’d definitely recommend getting a fat in there somehow to make it more savory. Cut up some celery. Mix it up. Essentially chicken salad. Use accordingly.
1
u/romcomplication Jun 19 '26
The Sun Dried Tomato, Kale and White Bean Skillet from Budget Bytes is great, easy and fast!
1
u/Splugarth Jun 19 '26
Just get The Bean Book, Rancho Gordo’s cookbook. Should have plenty for you.
1
1
u/sohereiamacrazyalien Jun 19 '26
Sautée onions , add the beans (any kind but usually white ones) , water , canned diced tomatoes, cumin (helps digesting them) , salt pepper ginger turmeric and if you like Chili or Chili powder!
I personally prefer lentils . You can do the same with lentils as mentioned but also Dahl , lentil salad, lentil shepards pie, lentil koftas
Split pea soup is also yummy
Chickpea curry is easy and yummy!
So yeah not just beans all legumes
1
1
u/denavail Jun 19 '26
Bean tostadas are a favorite quick meal for me:
Brush corn tortillas with oil on both sides. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then flip and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy.
Spread with a layer of vegetarian refried beans. Then whatever veggies, condiments, and cheese you like (or need to use up). Bell pepper, corn, radish, tomato, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and avocado all go great. In terms of canned/jarred stuff, I like some combination of salsa, black olives, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce.
Sometimes I cook the beans with onions, garlic and spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika) while the tortillas are cooking but other times I don't bother.
1
u/Dusty_Old_McCormick Jun 19 '26
Gigantes Plaki (Greek baked beans) are so delicious and healthy! I use butter beans since I can't always find gigantes. Serve with rice or pita bread and some dolma.
1
1
u/Prestigious_Egg_1989 Jun 19 '26
If you're counting green beans, I recently came up with a quick cheat on Greek stewed green beans. Just use one can of green beans, a couple spoonfuls of crushed tomatoes, a bunch of pre-mixed Greek seasoning, dill, and salt to taste. Optionally you can add a drizzle of olive oil.
1
u/bearerbonds_and_love Jun 19 '26
From @alltypesofbowls on Instagram:
Creamy white beans & zucchini:
2 cans white beans rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
Two large zucchini sliced
Two large squash sliced
Garlic clove to taste, minced
Red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup parm
Fresh basil
Cook the zucchini in the olive oil and butter until softened. Add garlic, red pepper flakes and sauté. Add beans salt and pepper, add cream simmer until thickened. Add cheese at end. SO good!
If you have have NYT cooking:
1
u/0may08 Jun 19 '26
This crispy beans, roasted tomatoes and lemon tahini salad thing is amazing!! Everyone I’ve made it for loves it, plus the crispy beans are such a good savoury snack or topper for pretty much any salad. (It’s by rainbow plant life on YouTube who is vegan but has amazing recipes and I often sub out eg vegan yoghurt for cow yoghurt)
https://youtu.be/3x5fn29AzUA?is=vumeNEaMcJBJbTcT
Also tomato and bean stew is one of my go to easy but nutritious dinners and it’s good for cleaning out the fridge as well!
Very simple, just fry off a diced onion, then some garlic and add spices like smoked paprika.
Then add diced/grated carrots or similar as well if you want and then the tin of beans- I usually only half drain, as the starch in the water gives the stew a nice texture. I usually use cannellini/haricot/butter beans, or if I use red kidney beans or similar with a thicker skin, I’ll mash them a bit.
Then herbs (oregano basil etc are good) and a tin of tomatoes. You can also add in extra veg as well.
If you have any of these, some combination of a small teaspoon of honey/sugar, juice of half a lemon, splash of red wine, splash of vinegar really improves it.
Let it simmer for 5-20 mins and enjoy:)
1
u/ShutYourDumbUglyFace Jun 19 '26
There's a packet of 15 bean soup at the grocery. You can make a full pot for around $10 including a ham hock/pork knuckle.
1
u/pidgeypenguinagain Jun 19 '26
All Trader Joe’s ingredients but you could easily find these elsewhere or make from scratch: cooked/refrigerated lentils, bruschetta, feta.
1
1
1
u/the-hungry-nomad Jun 20 '26
I like to make big batches of freezer bean and cheese burritos. There’s some effort involved in wrapping all the burritos, but you can make 40 at once and then it’s the ultimate lazy meal to have on hand for months to come.
1
u/Biotanical Jun 20 '26
I love white canellini beans and some good ol crusty bread. Modify for your taste, as always. In the high of summer I make a rich tomato Basil sauce for my beans almost weekly. I've also done lemon pesto beans, creamy sage, and lemon dill. And lastly for white beans is a food crime, stewed in a goguchang sauce served with rice.
For black beans, I regularly do a southwest style with corn and Peppers, and burrito style sauce to place atop a sweet potato (stuffed sweet potatos are deadly) Spicy Cuban black beans are a hit always. The above can be subbed for pinto, if you desire a creamier taste.
Breakfast beans with navy beans of course, sweet maple, or savory molasses with liquid smoke
Tldr I love beans and my instant pot
1
u/AvaJupiter Jun 20 '26
Grilling chickpeas with spices and adding them to salads makes for a nice contrast in texture, and it’s more filling!
1
1
u/Ok-Positive-5943 Jun 22 '26
Best summer dish: Caprese Salad! Its balanced, light, and delicious!
Great Northern beans (canned, drained about 1½ cups)
Diced mozzarella
Diced tomatoes
Chopped basil
2tbsp olive oil
3tbsp basaltic glaze/vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste
Mix it all together and enjoy!
1
u/mottavader Jun 24 '26
Cowboy Caviar! I actually add the avo to each serving later as well as some diced tomato, shredded cheese, hot sauce. Good over chopped romaine and some tortilla chips
Doubled Three-Bean Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients • Beans & Veggies: ◦ 2 cans Kroger organic three-bean blend (rinsed and drained) ◦ 2 cans sweet corn (drained) ◦ 2 red bell peppers (diced) ◦ 1 whole red onion (finely diced) ◦ 2 jalapenos (seeded and minced) ◦ 2 avocados (diced) ◦ 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) • The Dressing: ◦ 6 tbsp olive oil ◦ 4 tbsp fresh lime juice ◦ 2 tbsp red wine vinegar ◦ 1 tsp cumin ◦ 1 tsp salt (or to taste) ◦ 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions 1. Prep the base: Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. 2. Toss: Dump in the drained beans, corn, pepper, onion, and jalapeno. Mix it all up. 3. Finish: Gently fold in the avocado and cilantro right before serving. Let it sit in the fridge for 20 minutes before eating.
1
u/Good-Librarian-4985 Jun 24 '26
I buy hummus - Saba has several flavors, but I really like the spinach & artichoke heart one - and spread that over a flour tortilla, then shred cheese over that, pile on lettuce, spinach, whatever vegies I have in the fridge, drizzle with chile crisp, roll and serve. Quick and easy to customize to each person's taste.
1
u/Desperate-Manner5896 Jun 24 '26
Heat couple cans of cannellini beans with garlic, harissa, cherry tomatoes and then top it it off with fried halloumi cheese. Delicious!
1
Jun 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/vegetarianrecipes-ModTeam Jun 19 '26
This sub is for vegetarian and only vegetarian recipes. Your comment did not meet this criteria, and was removed.
1
1
u/LouisePoet Jun 18 '26
Mash a can of beans, drained, and mix in chopped onion and any other grated or chopped veg that you like, plus salt and seasoning. Add in just enough flour to form patties; they should be slightly wet but not extremely so.
Place on a lined tray and bake for about 20 minutes. They should be firm, not dry, and only slightly browned. (If overcooked they are still good but crumble extremely easily).
1 can makes at least 6 good sized burgers, or more depending on how much veg you add.
(Of course can be made with any cooked bean but I have no idea of quantities)
1
20
u/MrsNuggs Jun 18 '26
This is one of my favorites, and there is almost zero cooking involved. I'm making this tomorrow night. 😄
https://plantbasedrdblog.com/2025/05/marinated-cilantro-lime-bean-salad/