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Creamy Mexican-Inspired Beans

These creamy and flavorful high protein beans are inspired by Mexican flavors and thickened with a secret ingredient! Serve with rice for a comforting and satiating plant-based meal.
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Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients

Spices

  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp pure chili powder* or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast*

Beans

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 medium red onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 celery diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro stems chopped, optional
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 cups cooked kidney beans
  • 1 cup vegetable broth1
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 vegan sausage2 sliced into half moons
  • 1 zucchini sliced into half moons, optional

Garnishes (optional)

  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • ½ lime juiced
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves
  • ¼ cup pickled red onions
  • ½ cup vegan sour cream or plain yogurt

Instructions

  • Mix spices together in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Heat half the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery and sauté until soft, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Add bell pepper and cilantro stems (if using) and cook 1 minute.
  • Add spices and tomato paste and stir for 1 minute.
  • Stir in peanut butter.
  • Deglaze the pot with a splash of vegetable broth and scrape the bottom for any stuck pieces.
  • Add all of the vegetable broth and beans. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the bottom doesn't burn. Add extra water or vegetable broth if needed.
  • Meanwhile, cook the zucchini and vegan sausages. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and sprinkle a pinch of salt over, then add the vegan sausages. Cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned.
  • Once the beans have simmered, stir in the zucchini and sausages. Cook for a minute or two to heat through.
  • Turn off heat and garnish as desired. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.

Notes

1) Vegetable Broth: I use water + 1/2 tsp of vegetable bouillon.
2) Vegan Sausage: If you don't have any vegan sausage, you can add extra beans (about 3 cups total).