Turn 1 Can of Beans into 27 Easy, Creative Meals
The best longevity supplement in the world is a simple cup of beans. Every culture has its own variety and method of preparation, and the longest-lived people in the world — from Japan to Costa Rica — eat about a cup per day. Beans are inexpensive, shelf-stable, and quick to prepare. Our recommendation: always have a can of beans in your pantry. That way you’ll have a healthy, fast meal at your fingertips if you’re in a pinch. Here are 13 creative ways to use a can of beans (and 27 delicious recipes!).
1. Add a can to a dairy-free soup to create a creamy, smooth texture without adding milk or cream. Plus, it increases the fiber and protein level of the meal.
Creamy Squash and Bean Soup
Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup
Balsamic Mushroom Soup
2. Make dessert. Beans don’t have to be reserved for savory dishes. Sneak additional nutrients into your treats.
Black Bean Chocolate Chunk Brownies
Chickpea Blondies
3. Blend into a pasta sauce.
White Bean Fettuccine Alfredo
Farfalle with a Creamy White Bean and Roasted Garlic Sauce
4. Roast for easy snacking.
Savory Roasted Chickpeas
Sweet Roasted Chickpeas
5. Blend into a smoothie. You’d be surprised that it doesn’t change the flavor, but adds a creamy factor similar to if you add banana or avocado.
Snickerdoodle Chickpea Smoothie
Creamy Chocolate, Cannellini Bean, and Cinnamon Smoothie
6. Make salsa.
Black Bean Salsa Dip with Cilantro and Lime
7. Bake chickpea bread.
Authentic Italian Chickpea Flat Bread
Chickpea Pizza with Asparagus and Pea Shoot Tangle
8. Add them to homemade energy bites or granola bars.
Chickpea Granola Bars
9. Blend into salad dressing.
Oil Free Caesar Dressing
Ranch Dressing
10. Create “no-cook” easy lunches.
Chickpea “Chuna” Salad Sandwich
Cowboy Caviar
11. Serve dessert hummus with fruit or crackers.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Hummus
Brownie Batter Dessert Hummus
Pumpkin Pie Hummus
12. Use them in no-recipe recipes.
Drain a can of white beans and combine with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté quickly with spinach or tomatoes on a stovetop and serve over warm polenta. Top with crushed red pepper.
Quick and Easy Taco Salad: Make a fast version of Adventist haystacks by mixing chopped lettuce, chopped tomato, chopped onion, black beans, and sweet corn kernels. Toss with olive oil, and salt and pepper. Then toss with tortilla chips and top with sliced avocado and scallions.