How to make beans taste GOOD

Plus a very special recipe 👀

I’ve been vegan for about 8 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that plant-based comfort food is totally possible.Back when I first went vegan, I thought I’d be living on salads and smoothies forever, and I seriously missed that hearty, cozy feeling you get from a good meal. But over time, I started experimenting with different ingredients, especially beans, and realized they’re actually perfect for building dishes that are as comforting as they are healthy.

Take this Chipotle Butterbeans with Smoky Roasted Tofu. It’s one of those dishes that fills you up without weighing you down, which is exactly what I want in comfort food these days. Creamy butterbeans bring this amazing richness to the dish, and the chipotle adds just the right amount of smoky heat. The roasted tofu gives you that satisfying bite—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. If you’re thinking plant-based food can’t hit those comfort-food cravings, this dish will prove you wrong. It’s got flavor, texture, and that cozy feeling we all need sometimes.

Let’s get into why beans are seriously worth having on your plate more often, and how this dish brings them to life.

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The most versatile, affordable protein

Beans are one of the best ingredients you can have in a plant-based kitchen. They’re affordable, easy to find, and can work in everything from soups and stews to salads and dips. Plus, each type of bean brings its own flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. They’re high in protein and fiber, making them filling and satisfying without any of the heaviness you’d expect from traditional comfort food.

If you’ve ever thought of beans as a side dish, think again—they can hold their own as the star of the meal, as they do in this Chipotle Butterbeans with Smoky Roasted Tofu. Butterbeans are creamy and mild, soaking up all the chipotle flavor, but they’re just one of many types of beans worth trying.

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Types of beans and their nutritional benefits

Each bean has a unique nutritional profile, making it easy to switch things up in your meals and still get tons of health benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular beans and what they bring to the table.

• Black Beans
  Black beans are high in protein and fiber, making them a solid choice for a filling meal. They’re also rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation. They work well in spicy dishes like tacos or black bean chili.

• Chickpeas
  Chickpeas are a versatile choice, packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like manganese and folate. They’re great for digestion and can support blood sugar regulation. Chickpeas hold up well in stews, roasted for salads, or blended into hummus.

• Lentils
  Lentils cook faster than most other beans, which is a bonus on busy days. They’re loaded with protein, fiber, and iron, making them ideal for energy and supporting immune health. Lentils work beautifully in soups, curries, and salads.

• Kidney Beans
  Known for their red color and slightly sweet taste, kidney beans are full of fiber and protein. They also contain significant amounts of vitamin B6, folate, and potassium, supporting heart and muscle health. They’re a classic choice in chili and stews.

• Butterbeans (Lima Beans)
  Butterbeans, the star of this recipe, have a creamy texture that works well in rich sauces. They’re a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium, which helps support healthy muscles and energy levels. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for absorbing spices like chipotle in this dish.

• Cannellini Beans
  Also known as white beans, cannellini beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a smooth texture. They’re high in protein, fiber, and folate, making them great for bone health and digestion. They work well in Mediterranean dishes, soups, and pasta.

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Things to keep in mind with beans

While beans are incredible for health, they can sometimes cause digestive discomfort if you’re not used to eating them. If that’s the case, start with smaller portions and increase your intake gradually. Soaking dried beans overnight and rinsing canned beans can help reduce gas and make them easier on your stomach.

Another thing to watch out for is added sodium if you’re using canned beans. Rinsing them under cold water helps reduce the sodium content, or you can look for no-salt-added varieties. If you have the time, cooking beans from scratch is a great way to control the salt and get the freshest flavor.

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Chipotle Butterbeans with Smoky Roasted Tofu

Ingredients:

Butterbeans

• 1 shallot, minced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 red chili, minced (adjust for heat preference)

• 1 large can butterbeans with liquid (about 700 g total)

• 3 tbsp chipotle sauce

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• Large handful fresh cilantro, chopped

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Smoky Roasted Tofu

• 400 g tofu, drained, pressed, and torn into chunks

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 2 tbsp chipotle sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) for the tofu.

2. Prepare the Tofu
   In a large mixing bowl, toss the tofu chunks with cornstarch, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground coriander, and mix well. Finally, add the chipotle sauce and toss again until the tofu is well coated with spices and sauce.

3. Roast the Tofu
   Spread the tofu chunks evenly on a lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

4. Cook the Butterbeans
   While the tofu roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of oil, then sauté the minced shallot, garlic, and red chili until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

5. Add Butterbeans and Sauce
   Add the butterbeans along with their liquid, chipotle sauce, and nutritional yeast. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

6. Finish the Butterbeans
   Once the beans have cooked down a bit, add the chopped cilantro and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Combine and Serve
   Remove the roasted tofu from the oven and gently fold it into the butterbean mixture, or serve it on top of the beans for added texture. Garnish with additional cilantro and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

Serve the Chipotle Butterbeans with Smoky Roasted Tofu warm, with your favorite side like crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.

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Other recipes to try if you love bold flavors

If you’re into the big, bold flavors of this Chipotle Butterbeans with Smoky Roasted Tofu, you’re in luck—I’ve got more recipes on my site that bring the same energy. Here are a few that are all about combining hearty, plant-based ingredients with rich, complex flavors:

• Chana Masala
  A classic Indian-inspired chickpea dish with layers of warm spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s cozy, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

• Marry Me Chickpeas
  This one’s a creamy, saucy dream with chickpeas simmered in a savory, garlic-infused sauce. It’s the kind of meal that’ll make you fall in love with chickpeas all over again.

• Roasted Courgette Butterbeans
  If you’re a fan of roasted veggies, this one’s for you. Courgettes and butterbeans come together with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon for a light yet filling dish.

• Gochujang Chili Beans
  These chili beans bring a bit of a kick, thanks to gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a unique depth and sweetness. Perfect for spicing things up on a weeknight.

• Creamy Miso Black Beans
  Black beans meet miso for an umami-packed, creamy dish that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s rich, savory, and works as a great base for any meal.

Each of these recipes has that same mix of comfort & flavor so you can keep exploring new dishes that fit your vibe. Check them out on the site, and let me know which one becomes your new favorite!

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Thanks for reading again! If you make this, tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see you create the recipes you love.

Much love,
Joris