When the thought of cooking legumes or preparing a meal from scratch becomes overwhelming, it’s time to get creative with canned beans, lentils, and chickpeas. These versatile ingredients can be transformed into a variety of flavorful and easy-to-make vegan dishes that are perfect for busy days or when inspiration strikes.
With just a few simple tweaks and the right combinations, you can create mouthwatering meals that will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and refreshing, the possibilities are endless with canned legumes as the base.
Beans
Smoky Beans on Toast
Indulge in the quintessential English breakfast experience with ease! This vegan-friendly beans-on-toast creation requires mere minutes to prepare, providing a nutritious boost of protein to propel you through the morning. The simplicity of this dish belies its satisfying flavor and textural combination, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quick yet wholesome start to their day.
Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Imagine a vibrant and flavorful meal that brings together the rich flavors of Tuscany. This dish is a masterful blend of visually stunning vegetables such as spinach, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes, making it perfect for both lunch and dinner. The combination of colors and textures creates a feast for the eyes as much as the palate, transporting you to the rolling hills of Italy with each bite.
Three Bean Chili
When it comes to planning a cozy family dinner, look no further than pairing this hearty vegan chili recipe with a warm and comforting side of cornbread. This plant-based chili is packed with flavor and features not one, not two, but three different types of beans – making it a nutritious and filling option for a chilly evening in.
BBQ Black Bean Meatballs
Good BBQ is all about the harmonious balance of spices and that unmistakable smokiness – a quality that these BBQ black bean balls masterfully replicate, sans meat. The secret lies in perfectly capturing the essence of those iconic flavors, which is precisely what sets this plant-based twist apart from traditional BBQ. By combining the boldness of spices with the richness of that signature smokey sauce, these bite-sized treats deliver an authentic BBQ experience, minus the animal products.
White Bean Arugula Pasta
Comforting and flavorful, this pasta dish combines the zesty goodness of lemon and arugula with a hint of warmth from the rabbit and wolves-inspired photo. What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly speedy – you can have it ready to devour in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Mexican Bean Salad
Indulge in the flavors of the Southwest with a delightfully balanced meal that combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the creaminess of ripe avocado. This dish is perfect for everyday enjoyment, boasting a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Spanish Beans with Tomatoes
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain by crafting a delectable tapas menu for your next gathering. The one-pot wonder that is Patatas Bravas – smoky, bold, and best served alongside crispy toasted bread – is sure to delight. This classic Spanish dish is a masterclass in simplicity, with tender potatoes swimming in a rich, fiery sauce.
Taco Pizza
Indulge in a culinary fusion experience by baking a cornmeal crust pizza that harmoniously combines the flavors of two cultures. To create this mouth-watering dish, start with a crispy cornmeal crust as the base, then add an abundance of savory taco ingredients. The crunch of lettuce and the satisfying texture of crushed taco shells will delight your taste buds.
White Bean Spread (Paté)
Indulge in the rich flavors of this game-changing dip without compromising on health. This vegan pâté spread is a masterclass in combining onions, garlic, white beans, and sun-dried tomatoes to create an addictive, umami taste that will have your family and friends clamoring for more. The best part? It’s a healthier alternative to traditional dips, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
Smoky Bean Burger
Elevate your burger game without relying on traditional beef by introducing a mouth-watering BBQ patty that’s sure to delight both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The secret lies in the perfect blend of fresh vegetables, crunchy texture, and the unmistakable flavor of Jack Daniels’ signature BBQ sauce.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
When the familiar flavors of salsa start to lose their luster, it’s time to introduce some new excitement into your snacking routine. One way to do just that is by embracing the rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful world of Mediterranean-inspired dips. Specifically, a roasted garlic and white bean dip offers a thrilling departure from the usual suspects. With its velvety texture and abundance of flavor, this tasty treat can be devoured on crackers or even used as a sandwich spread.
Lentils
Lentil Loaf
When the evening hunger pangs strike, there’s nothing quite like a satisfying and warming dinner to hit the spot. For those moments, I highly recommend turning to a lentil loaf accompanied by a creamy side of vegan butter mashed potatoes. This plant-based loaf is an excellent substitute for traditional meatloaf, boasting a notable amount of protein that will keep you full and content.
Lentil Bolognese
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke warmth and satisfaction like a hearty serving of spaghetti. Yet, this beloved Italian staple is elevated to new heights when it’s reinvented with the nutritious and flavorful addition of lentils, trading in traditional ground beef for a plant-based twist.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Imagine a kitchen filled with whimsical unicorns, as vibrant and colorful as a Mediterranean salad. For those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their daily diet, but dread the thought of packing a monotonous salad for lunch, this lentil, cucumber, and tomato salad is an excellent place to start. With its bold flavors and textures, it’s sure to delight even the most skeptical palates.
Mujadara
For beginners in the kitchen, a delicious and accessible option lies in the humble Mujadara dish. This Middle Eastern staple requires minimal effort and capitalizes on pantry staples, making it an excellent choice for those just starting their culinary journey. The best part? It’s a great way to utilize ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Shwarama Wraps
Assembling a veggie wrap for lunch allows for ultimate customization, but in the case of this Shwarma wrap, its unique blend of rich and exciting flavors makes it an exception. The combination of vibrant ingredients and spices creates a culinary experience that’s hard to resist.
Lentil Tuna
For individuals newly embracing a plant-based diet, navigating the transition can be overwhelming. One recipe that has proven to be a game-changer is a faux-tuna alternative made with lentils, an incredibly versatile ingredient. This dish not only serves as a tasty and satisfying option during the initial adjustment period but also continues to impress long after the first bite.
Spicy Quinoa Lentil Wraps
Looking for a flavorful and textured addition to your meals? Consider incorporating this spicy quinoa wrap recipe into your culinary repertoire. With its bold heat from the chili paste and satisfying crunch provided by the crunchy cabbage, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Chickpeas
Chickpea Noodle Soup
As the old adage goes, noodle soup has the power to soothe the soul. Similarly, this chickpea chicken-less noodle soup is a culinary masterpiece that will delight anyone who savors the combination of pasta, vibrant vegetables and comforting broth.
Chickpea Meatloaf
As the holiday season approaches, nothing says comfort like a hearty, flavorful dish that brings people together. Chickpea ‘meat’loaf is an innovative twist on a classic recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. By using a rich maple glaze, this plant-based loaf becomes a festive centerpiece perfect for any occasion – whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
Spiced Butter Chickpeas
Indulge in the flavors of India without breaking the bank or compromising on your dietary preferences. A hearty and aromatic spiced butter chickpea dish served over fluffy rice is a perfect way to spend a night in, sans meat and takeout expenses.
Chickpea “Tuna” Pasta Salad
Indulge in the simplicity of a scrumptious chickpea pasta salad, perfect for a stress-free meal that caters to various dietary needs. This recipe is a cinch to prepare and can be savored at any time of day.
Firecracker Chickpea Meatballs
Indecisive about crafting the perfect opening dish? Consider whipping up these delectable firecracker balls crafted with chickpeas as a solution. Their versatility allows them to be enjoyed standalone, wrapped in a tortilla, or nestled within a sandwich – providing a satisfying start to any meal.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
The humble PB and J sandwich has had its time in the spotlight. Say goodbye to the same old tired recipes and hello to a more exciting, nutritious option: chickpea salad sandwiches featuring roasted carrots and creamy avocado.
Chickpea Spinach Curry
Harness the nutritional power of nature by incorporating wholesome plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, and bell peppers into your daily meals. This delectable and easy-to-make chickpea curry recipe perfectly blends these essential components for a satisfying dinner that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body at an affordable price.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Kickstarting your healthy eating journey requires more than just good intentions – it needs a solid foundation. A nutritious salad can be the perfect starting point. One such option is a bean and veggie-filled masterpiece that not only satisfies but also keeps hunger at bay for extended periods. This delectable creation, aptly captured in our featured photo from Simply Whisked, is the perfect blend of protein-rich beans and fiber-packed veggies, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a positive change in their dietary habits.
Buffalo Chickpea Sliders
Indulge in these delectable, bite-sized buffalo sandwiches, elevated by a creamy vegan basil aioli that’s sure to become your new culinary fixation – and one you’ll be obsessed with making again and again.
General Tso’s Chickpea Stir Fry
The idea of whipping up a quick and easy stir-fry can be very appealing. However, the texture of tofu is not everyone’s cup of tea. A simple yet effective solution to this problem is to substitute tofu with another protein-rich ingredient that offers a similar versatility – chickpeas! Their mild flavor and soft, slightly crunchy texture make them an excellent alternative in many recipes.
Moroccan Chickpea Salad Wraps
Indulge in the exotic flavors of Morocco with these mouthwatering wraps, featuring a tangy vegan harissa sauce as the star of the show. Crisp green olives, crunchy pistachios, and sweet apricots add depth and texture to this culinary delight, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes.
What are your favorite vegan canned food recipes?
Summary
When a culinary crisis strikes, don’t worry – you can whip up a satisfying vegan meal using just canned beans, lentils, and chickpeas along with pantry staples. These simple recipes are perfect for any situation where a delicious and plant-based solution is needed. Whether you’re in the midst of cooking chaos or simply running low on fresh ingredients, these easy-to-make dishes will keep your taste buds satisfied and your belly full.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.