Red bean recipes without rice

Red beans are a fantastic ingredient that can shine in countless recipes, especially when enjoyed without rice. These legumes, celebrated for their versatility and ease of preparation, can easily be transformed into hearty dishes that don't rely on traditional starches. From spicy stews to delightful salads, red beans prove to be a delightful addition to a variety of culinary experiences. 

Consider trying recipes such as: Red beans and quinoa  , Red Bean Brownies: A unique dessert option that swaps traditional ingredients for red beans. or  Red Bean Hummus: A creative twist on a classic dip. Today , we are going to prepare Red beans and quinoa . 

I’ve had a version of red beans and rice mix on my dinner menu for as long as I can remember, mostly because it’s always tasty and filling, and I can make it as easy or as complicated as I want it to be. 

This version is definitely on the easier side of the scale, as I’ve switched out the rice for delicious quinoa, a good stand-in for rice because it has nice texture, good grassy flavor, and, best of all, it can be cooked very quickly. This is an ideal weeknight meal or weekend brunch dish.

What is the nutritional value of eating beans?

Red beans are not only delicious but also packed with a wealth of nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of:Protein: Ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets.

• Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Including folate, iron, and potassium.
• For instance, a single cup of cooked red beans offers about 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber, making them a filling choice!

Whether sweet or savory, red beans easily elevate various recipes, making them a must-have in any culinary repertoire. For a healthy meals, you can try my recipes like vegetarian red beans and rice recipe , and Shrimp Red Beans and Rice Recipe, I highly recommend them all! 

Why You'll Like This Recipe?

A delicious main Red bean recipe with easy ingredients that's a complete meal in one pot.  This tasty recipe follows the principles of a plant-based diet using wholesome ingredients and no added olive oil.  It's easy! Fuss-free meal preparation and quick cooking. 

What are the active ingredients in beans?

Red Beans: I opted for regular red kidney beans instead of small red beans for convenience, as they're widely available. They also deliver great flavor in my popular red beans and rice with tofu sausage. Feel free to use any canned beans you have on hand for this recipe, pinto beans are a good choice too.

Quinoa: While white quinoa, rich in protein, is the most common, don’t hesitate to try black, red, or tricolor quinoa. The cooking time and liquid amount remain the same. For more quinoa ideas, check out my tricolor quinoa side dish recipe for an easy alternative.

Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds both heat and a smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with sweet paprika, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or a few teaspoons of my special chili powder blend, which includes a variety of spices.

Ingredients needeed for the Red bean recipe

Easy weeknight red beans and quinoa is a reliably delicious 30-minute one-pot, vegan recipe with simple ingredients, quick prep and satisfaction guaranteed. So , to prepare this recipe , you will need : 

• 1 medium onion - diced, 1 - 1 ½ cups
• 3 cups red kidney beans - or red beans, 2-15 ounce/400 gram cans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium green bell pepper - diced, about 1 cup
• 4 cups vegetable broth - or water plus vegan stock cubes

• 2 stalks celery - diced
• ½ -1 teaspoon Tabasco - or your favorite hot sauce
• 3 cloves garlic - minced or pressed
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ cup green onions - sliced, optional
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups quinoa - rinsed
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup parsley - chopped, optional

This quick and tasty weeknight recipe features red beans and quinoa in just 30 minutes. The recipe combines fast-cooking quinoa with red kidney beans, diced celery, and green bell pepper, all seasoned with smoked paprika, a dash of apple cider vinegar, and a kick of Tabasco hot sauce. A flavorful, one-pot vegan dinner you'll enjoy!

How to make Red bean recipes without rice?

Heat a Dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently, until the onions are slightly browned. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, mixing well.

Next, add the apple cider vinegar, Tabasco, vegetable broth, kidney beans, and quinoa. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. If cooking uncovered, add the lid afterward and let the quinoa sit for 2-3 minutes. Fluff the quinoa, taste, and season with salt, black pepper, or more Tabasco as desired. Finish with a garnish of sliced green onions and/or chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Cooking Quinoa

Rinse quinoa before cooking. Rinsing reduces the bitter flavor from the saponins on the outside of the grains. 

Most get washed away during packaging. Rinsing gets rid of the rest.  ​Cook quinoa with the lid off or on. But always place the lid and let it rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking.  Fluff quinoa after cooking and settling. Then, add other spices or ingredients (if called for in your recipe). 

Popular Red Bean Recipes Ideas

Red Bean Brownies : Who says brownies can't be healthy? Red beans can be a surprising yet delightful ingredient in brownie recipes. The creamy texture of red beans allows you to replace flour, creating a fudgy, protein-rich dessert that's both gluten-free and delicious. 

Simply blend cooked red beans with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a few eggs (or a banana for vegan options) to create a batter. Bake until set, and enjoy guilt-free indulgence! Benefits of Red Bean Brownies recipe : 

• High in protein and fiber.
• Lower in sugar than traditional recipes.
• Red Bean Salad with Vinaigrette

For a refreshing recipe , try a red bean salad! Combining rinsed red beans with diced bell peppers, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette brings a colorful and nutritious dish to your table. This light salad is perfect for warm days or as a side dish at barbecues.

Savory Red Bean Dishes : Red bean soup recipe  is a comforting classic that warms you from the inside out. This dish is both hearty and nutritious, making it perfect for chilly evenings. To prepare it, sauté onions, garlic, and spices, then add canned or soaked red beans and vegetable broth. Simmer until everything melds together, and you have a thick, flavorful soup.

 Frequently Asked Questions

How long do quinoa and red beans last? Store leftover quinoa and red beans in an airtight container for 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze it for 3 months.

What is the best way to reheat quinoa? One of the best ways to reheat cooked quinoa is in a basket steamer over boiling water. If you reheat in a pan, you'll need to add water or broth to keep it from sticking. The microwave is another good way to reheat individual servings.

Can I make Instant Pot quinoa and red beans? Quinoa can be tricky to cook perfectly in the Instant Pot, and it actually takes more time than the stovetop cooking method. For this reason, I recommend cooking it on the stove so you can keep an eye on the liquid to quinoa.

Is there a substitute for quinoa in this recipe? I recommend bulgur wheat as a good stand-in for quinoa for red beans and quinoa. Bulgur takes about the same time to cook with the same amount of liquid. If you use brown rice for this recipe, use 1 ½ cups with 3 ½ cups of vegetable broth. Allow 35 minutes to cook the rice.