Romesco Butter Beans
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered how a humble bean dish can turn into a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, this recipe is for you. My High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans bring together the creaminess of butter beans with a rich, smoky Romesco sauce that’s secretly packed with protein. This dish reminds me of those days in my mama’s kitchen when every simple ingredient transformed into something magical. The best part is, this meal comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for 15 minute healthy dinners, plant based recipes low carb, or food with a lot of protein, this one checks all the boxes.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 3 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Spanish-inspired, Plant-Based |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein: With the addition of tofu and butter beans, this dish is loaded with plant-based protein that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, you only need 15 minutes, making it one of the best weeknight healthy dinners with protein.
- Flavor-packed: Smoky paprika, roasted peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes create a deeply flavorful Romesco sauce that feels gourmet yet simple.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast on toast, a protein-rich lunch with greens, or a satisfying dinner alongside roasted veggies.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch and store it for later, perfect for packed food ideas and beans lunch ideas.
High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans bring together smoky, creamy, and vibrant Spanish-inspired flavors with a boost of plant-based protein. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for quick, healthy meals any time of day.
Ingredients
- 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.7 oz (20 g) sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 oz (150 g) extra firm tofu
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp roasted almonds
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups (550 g) cooked butter beans
- Toppings:
- 2 tbsp roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon zest, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the sauce: In a blender, add roasted peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tofu, smoked paprika, sea salt, chili flakes, 2 tbsp roasted almonds, lemon juice, and water. Blend until smooth, leaving some texture if desired.
2. Cook the tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, cover, and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
3. Combine beans and sauce: Stir in butter beans and the blended Romesco sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
4. Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped almonds, parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust salt if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust lemon, salt, or spice levels.
If your sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water until you reach a silky texture.
For extra richness, drizzle a touch more olive oil before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fresh greens to balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired, Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 17 g
- Protein: 26 g
Ingredients
- 2 jarred roasted red bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.7 oz (20 g) sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 oz (150 g) extra firm tofu
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp roasted almonds
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups (550 g) cooked butter beans
Toppings:
- 2 tbsp roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon zest, to taste
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Roasted Red Bell Peppers | Jarred peppers are convenient, but you can roast your own at 400F for 25 minutes. Peel skins for a smooth texture. |
| Garlic | Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but roasted garlic adds sweetness if you prefer a milder taste. |
| Tofu | Extra firm tofu works best, but silken tofu or a splash of soy milk can create a creamier sauce if needed. |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Use oil-packed for richer flavor or dry-packed for lower fat. Soak dry ones in hot water before blending. |
| Almonds | Roasting enhances their nutty flavor. You can also swap with cashews for a creamier result. |
| Butter Beans | Use canned for convenience, but freshly cooked beans give better texture and less sodium. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a blender, add roasted peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tofu, smoked paprika, sea salt, chili flakes, 2 tbsp roasted almonds, lemon juice, and water. Blend until smooth, leaving some texture if desired.
- Cook the tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, cover, and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Combine beans and sauce: Stir in butter beans and the blended Romesco sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped almonds, parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust salt if needed and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust lemon, salt, or spice levels.
- If your sauce feels too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water until you reach a silky texture.
- For extra richness, drizzle a touch more olive oil before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or fresh greens to balance flavors.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Blend in stages: Start with almonds and garlic to ensure a smoother Romesco sauce.
- Use ripe tomatoes: Juicy cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and balance the smoky sauce.
- Let it rest: Allow the beans to sit for 5 minutes off heat so flavors deepen.
- Meal prep smartly: Store sauce separately from beans if preparing ahead for a fresher taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Romesco: Add more chili flakes or a fresh chili for extra heat if you love spice-forward meals.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture and nutty taste.
- Green Boost: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking for added nutrients.
- Grain Bowl Style: Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a hearty plant-based dinner.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep. For freezing, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Romesco butter beans in a shallow bowl topped with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Add crusty bread on the side for dipping, or pair with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For breakfast, try spreading the beans on toasted sourdough.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted broccolini, sautéed spinach, or a crisp salad. For drinks, enjoy with a light Spanish red wine, sparkling water with lemon, or fresh iced tea. Add whole grains like quinoa or buckwheat bread for a complete balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For quick reheating, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between rounds until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned butter beans? Yes, canned butter beans work perfectly. Just rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
What if I don’t have tofu? You can use white beans or cashews to keep the sauce creamy and protein-rich.
Can I make this recipe oil-free? Absolutely. Skip the olive oil and sauté the tomatoes with a splash of water instead.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any bread you serve it with is gluten-free if needed.
Can I substitute another bean? Chickpeas, cannellini beans, or navy beans make great alternatives.
Does it taste good cold? Yes, it works well as a chilled salad when served with greens and grains.
Can I make it spicier? Definitely. Add cayenne or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 portion |
| Calories | 428 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 17 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans are a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that proves healthy eating can be exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking a speedy dinner, or looking for healthy food with protein, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try, and bring a little Spanish-inspired magic to your table.
