Top 7 Unique & Healthy Bean Recipes

Posted: April 19, 2022 1:00 pm

Cooking beans from scratch can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. There are so many different kinds of beans that you can use, and each one will give your dish a unique flavor.

If you are looking for new and unique ways to cook with beans, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will share twenty-five of our favorite bean recipes. From black beans to white beans, there is something for everyone here. So, break out your pots and pans and get cooking!

Spicy 3-Bean Chili Salad

This dish is a twist on the classic chili. It is perfect for a summer cookout or potluck. The three beans give it a unique flavor, and the spice will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

  • One can of black beans
  • One can of kidney beans
  • One can of corn
  • 1/2 diced red onion
  • One diced green bell pepper
  • One jalapeño pepper
  • Three tablespoons of olive oil
  • Three tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • One tablespoon of chili powder
  • One teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • 1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper.
  • 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir to combine.
  • 4. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Black Bean Brownies

Who says brownies have to be made with chocolate? These black bean brownies are rich, fudgy, delicious, and healthy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • Two eggs
  • One teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • 2. In a food processor, combine the black beans, sugar, cocoa powder, and vegetable oil.
  • 3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and process until well combined.
  • 4. Add the flour and process until the batter is smooth.
  • 5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 7. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Black Bean Soup

This black bean soup is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. It is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are in the mood for something cozy and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • Bacon
  • Two cans of black beans
  • One tablespoon of olive oil
  • One yellow onion, diced
  • Three cloves of minced garlic

Instructions:

  • 1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • 2. Add the olive oil to the pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft.
  • 3. Add the black beans and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • 4. Add enough water to cover the beans and bring to a boil.
  • 5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • 6. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • 7. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
  • 8. Serve with the bacon and enjoy!

White Bean Chicken Chili

This white bean chicken chili is a delicious and easy weeknight meal. It is packed with protein and fiber, and you can make it in just 30 minutes. It freezes well, so you can always have a quick and healthy meal on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • One jalapeno pepper
  • One teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans
  • 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • One onion
  • Four cloves of garlic
  • Two teaspoons of dried oregano
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  • 1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken, jalapeño pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through.
  • 2. Add the white beans, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • 3. Stir in the cheddar cheese and serve.

Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup

This soup can be enjoyed all year round, but it is especially comforting in the cooler months. It has flavor and nutrients, and you can make it quickly.

Ingredients:

  • Two tablespoons of butter
  • One tablespoon of olive oil
  • One tablespoon of garlic
  • 1 cup of onion
  • 1 cup of celery
  • 1 cup of carrots
  • 1 cup of collard greens
  • 2 cups of cannellini beans
  • 1 cup of cream
  • 4 cups of chicken stock
  • 16 ounces of potato gnocchi
  • One sprig of rosemary
  • add salt and pepper
  • add bread (optional)
  • add parmesan Reggiano (shaved, optional)

Instructions:

  • 1. In a large pot, sauté the garlic in the butter and olive oil over medium heat for one minute.
  • 2. Add the onion, celery, carrots, collard greens, and cannellini beans. Sauté for five minutes.
  • 3. Add the chicken stock and potato gnocchi. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • 4. Add the cream and rosemary. Simmer for five minutes.
  • 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 6. Serve with bread and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. It is packed with vegetables and beans, and it has a zesty flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of corn
  • One red bell pepper
  • One green bell pepper
  • One jalapeno pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • One tablespoon of olive oil
  • Three tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Whisk the oil, vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for your vinaigrette. Set it aside.
Mix black beans, corn, bell peppers, jalapeño, cilantro, and onion in a large bowl.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and stir to coat.
You can either serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Spicy Bean Tacos

Spicy bean tacos are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos. They have a zesty flavor that will leave you wanting another one.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of dried pinto beans
  • Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Three cloves of minced garlic
  • One diced onion
  • One red bell pepper
  • Two teaspoons of ground cumin
  • Two teaspoons of paprika
  • One dried guajillo chile
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • Two tablespoons of flour
  • Two tablespoons of butter
  • 1 cup of Cheddar
  • 1 cup of tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups cabbage
    1/4 cup of cilantro
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • Taco shells
    Two avocados
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 12 ounces of fresh masa

Instructions:

  • 1. In a large pot, soak the beans in water overnight.
  • 2. In the morning, drain the beans and add fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer for two hours.
  • 3. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, cumin, paprika, chile, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for five minutes.
  • 4. Add the flour and butter. Stir until the butter is melted.
  • 5. Add the beans and cook for 10 minutes.
  • 6. Add the cheese, tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper—Cook for five minutes.
  • 7. Serve in taco shells with avocados, sour cream, and masa.

Hope You Enjoyed Our Unique Bean Recipes

Beans are a versatile and affordable ingredient used in many different dishes. This guide provides some recipes to get you started cooking with beans. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know. We hope you enjoy these recipes!

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