Spanish Beans with Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: Packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
• Rich Mediterranean flavor: Smoky, savory, and perfectly spiced.
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free: Inclusive and allergy-friendly.
• One-pan simplicity: Quick to make and easy to clean up.
• Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully.
• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable, accessible ingredients.
• Customizable: Add greens, veggies, or grains for variety.
• Great alone or as a side: Serve as a main dish or alongside rice or bread.
• Comfort food made healthy: Nourishing and satisfying without heaviness.
• Full of pantry staples: No fancy ingredients required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Smoked paprika
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Canned white beans (such as cannellini or butter beans), drained and rinsed
• Vegetable broth or water
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: chili flakes, bay leaf, fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the white beans and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
7. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and beans are infused with flavor.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Adjust to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or fresh chili for heat.
• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes.
• Protein boost: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas.
• With rice or grains: Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Add bell peppers: Sauté diced peppers with the onions for sweetness.
• Herb finish: Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary for an herbal note.
• Creamier texture: Mash some beans into the sauce for thickness.
• Use fresh tomatoes: Substitute with chopped fresh tomatoes in season.
• Olive addition: Stir in sliced green or black olives for a briny kick.
• Top with vegan cheese: Sprinkle a bit before serving for richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

What type of beans work best?

Cannellini, butter beans, or any creamy white beans are ideal for this dish.

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, cook them in advance and use about 1½ cups of cooked beans per can called for.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili for heat.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, sauté onions and garlic in a splash of water or broth instead of oil.

How do I make this more filling?

Serve it over grains, with bread, or add extra beans or lentils.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best served warm but can be eaten cold or at room temperature as part of a salad or tapas spread.

Is this authentic Spanish cuisine?

It’s inspired by Spanish flavors, especially the use of smoked paprika, but it’s a simplified plant-based version.

Can I add meat if I’m not vegan?

Yes, you could add chorizo or cooked sausage, though it’s delicious and complete as-is.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, it holds up very well in the freezer. Just cool completely before freezing.

What can I serve with it?

Crusty bread, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Spanish Beans with Tomatoes is a wholesome, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. With bold spices, rich tomato sauce, and creamy beans, it brings warmth and comfort to the table—whether you’re serving it solo, with sides, or as part of a tapas spread. Give it a try and make it your new go-to plant-based favorite.

Spanish Beans with Tomatoes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Spanish Beans with Tomatoes is a rustic, plant-based dish featuring creamy white beans simmered in a smoky, garlicky tomato sauce. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s hearty, flavorful, and naturally vegan and gluten-free.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Spanish
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1. 2 tbsp olive oil
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 tsp smoked paprika
5. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6. 1 tbsp tomato paste
7. 2 cans (14 oz each) white beans (cannellini or butter beans), drained and rinsed
8. 1 cup vegetable broth or water
9. Salt and black pepper, to taste
10. Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes, 1 bay leaf, fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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

1. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add beans and vegetable broth; stir to combine.
6. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens and beans are infused with flavor.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
8. Remove bay leaf if used, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

1. For extra heat, add cayenne or fresh chili.
2. Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes for added greens.
3. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
4. For a creamier texture, mash some of the beans into the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg