Sweet and Spicy Kidney Beans

Dive into the rich, bold flavors of Sweet and Spicy Kidney Beans, a mouthwatering plant-based dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. This one-pan recipe combines tender kidney beans with a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. A dash of cayenne pepper adds an optional kick, making it easily customizable to your spice preferences. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce. With gluten-free and vegan adjustments available, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked kidney beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup water or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato sauce, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the water or vegetable broth to thin the sauce slightly, then mix thoroughly.

Step 6

Add the cooked kidney beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1157.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1391.7

Total Fat 36.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3706.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 217.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.2g	0%
Total Sugars 63.8g
Protein 58.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 273.2mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 2936.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.8%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 60.8%