11 Versatile Ways to Cook with Canned Beans and Lentils

Canned beans and lentils offer a convenient and nutritious way to add protein and fiber to your meals. They work well in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to hearty stews and flavorful dips. Using canned legumes can save time in the kitchen while still delivering satisfying flavors and textures. These versatile ingredients make it easy to prepare quick and wholesome meals any day of the week.

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Hearty Bean Chili

Hearty bean chili is a classic comfort food that makes excellent use of canned beans. The beans add a satisfying texture and protein that fills you up without much effort. Using canned beans saves time while allowing you to layer in spices, tomatoes, and vegetables for a rich, warming meal. This dish works well for gatherings or simple family dinners. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a thick and tasty chili that feels like home.

This recipe is also very flexible. You can include different types of canned beans, such as kidney, black, or pinto, to add variety. Lentils can also be included to thicken the chili and add earthiness. Preparing chili with canned beans offers a quick way to enjoy a nutritious meal without the need to soak or cook beans from scratch.

Lentil Soup with Vegetables

Lentil soup with vegetables is both nourishing and easy to prepare with canned lentils. The lentils provide a soft, creamy base that pairs nicely with fresh or frozen vegetables. Using canned lentils speeds up the cooking process since they are already tender. You can simmer the soup with herbs and broth for a comforting and wholesome bowl of goodness. This soup keeps well and often tastes better the next day.

This soup works as a light lunch or a starter for dinner. Adding spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic creates depth in the flavor profile. The soft texture of canned lentils makes the soup smooth without losing the slight bite that lentils offer. It is a warm, filling way to enjoy lentils that requires minimal preparation.

Bean and Lentil Salad

Bean and lentil salad is a fresh and satisfying way to enjoy canned legumes. Combining canned beans and lentils with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette creates a colorful and healthy dish. The beans add protein and fiber, while the dressing brings brightness and balance. This salad works well as a side or a light main course, especially during warmer months.

The convenience of canned beans makes this salad quick to assemble. You can mix varieties like chickpeas, black beans, and lentils for diverse textures and flavors. Adding ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions enhances freshness. This salad is both vibrant and filling, making it a popular choice for easy meals.

Spicy Bean Tacos

Spicy bean tacos use canned beans as a hearty and flavorful filling. The beans provide a creamy texture that contrasts well with crunchy taco shells and fresh toppings. You can season the beans with chili powder, cumin, and garlic to add a smoky kick. These tacos come together quickly and offer a satisfying vegetarian alternative to meat.

Canned beans make it simple to whip up the filling without long cooking times. Black beans or pinto beans work particularly well here. Toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce add layers of taste and texture. These tacos bring bold flavors with little effort and are great for casual meals or gatherings.

Lentil Curry

Lentil curry is a rich, flavorful dish that is easy to make using canned lentils. The lentils absorb the spices and coconut milk, creating a creamy and aromatic sauce. This dish is comforting and filling, making it ideal for dinner. The canned lentils reduce cooking time and allow the curry to come together quickly.

You can customize lentil curry with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or potatoes to add color and nutrition. Serving it with rice or flatbread makes a complete meal. The combination of spices, lentils, and creamy sauce results in a satisfying dish full of warmth and flavor.

Bean Burgers

Bean burgers turn canned beans into a tasty and nutritious patty. Mashing the beans and mixing them with spices, breadcrumbs, and vegetables forms a base that holds together well. These burgers offer a plant-based alternative that still satisfies cravings for a savory sandwich. Using canned beans saves time while keeping the flavor rich.

You can experiment with different beans, such as black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans, to vary the taste. The patties cook quickly on a stovetop or grill and pair nicely with typical burger toppings. Bean burgers are filling and provide fiber and protein in a handheld meal that is easy to enjoy.

Lentil Pasta Sauce

Lentil pasta sauce is a clever way to add protein and texture to a traditional tomato sauce. Canned lentils mix easily into simmering tomato sauce, thickening it naturally. This sauce is heartier and more satisfying than plain tomato sauce alone. It is a practical way to incorporate lentils into a family favorite.

Adding herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic enhances the flavor of the sauce. The softness of canned lentils complements pasta well and offers a gentle contrast to the acidity of the tomatoes. This sauce is quick to make and creates a balanced, wholesome pasta dish.

Bean and Lentil Stew

Bean and lentil stew is a filling and nutritious dish perfect for cooler days. Combining canned beans and lentils with root vegetables and broth creates a thick and warming meal. The beans and lentils add protein and fiber that help keep hunger away. This stew can be prepared quickly thanks to canned ingredients.

The stew benefits from slow simmering, which allows flavors to meld together. Adding herbs and spices enhances the taste and depth of the dish. This hearty stew is comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal meal to prepare in advance and enjoy over several days.

Hummus with Lentils

Hummus with lentils is a smooth, creamy dip that is a twist on the traditional recipe. Blending canned lentils with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic results in a tasty and nutritious spread. It is great as a snack or appetizer and works well with fresh vegetables or pita bread.

Lentils give the hummus a mild sweetness and extra protein. Using canned lentils reduces preparation time and keeps the texture perfect. This variation offers a fresh take on hummus that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Bean and Rice Burritos

Bean and rice burritos are a quick and filling meal using canned beans. The beans provide creaminess and protein, while the rice adds substance. Combining these in a tortilla with salsa and cheese makes a portable and tasty meal. Canned beans allow this dish to be ready in minutes.

The burritos can be customized with different beans, like black beans or pinto beans. Adding fresh toppings such as avocado or sour cream enhances the flavor and texture. This meal is popular for its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Lentil and Vegetable Patties

Lentil and vegetable patties use canned lentils as the main ingredient for a healthy and delicious dish. Mixing lentils with grated vegetables and herbs creates flavorful patties that hold together well. These can be pan-fried or baked for a tasty snack or meal.

Canned lentils save time while providing a soft but firm texture. The vegetables add freshness and variety to the patties. Lentil patties are versatile and make for a nutritious option that is easy to enjoy anytime.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.