6 Fast Recipes for That Can of Beans in Your Pantry
— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Many of us have had it happen—you buy a can of beans that you think you will use eventually, but alas, it has been in the pantry for months. It’s easy for me to say use your can of beans to make your own hummus, but something tells me that if you have a can of beans not used, this will be too much effort compared to buying a store-bought hummus – confession, I hardly ever make homemade hummus, it’s just too much work for me. Here are 6 quick, low-effort recipes you can make with those pantry beans right now.
Two-Bite Black Bean Brownies
If you have black beans, this is a recipe to try. I know combining chocolate and beans sounds odd, but trust me on this one, it’s delicious. If you don’t believe me, we made these for an event on the UMaine campus, and the college students who tried the brownies really liked them! They are also flexible for people with food allergies.
Bean Banana Bread
If you have white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans, make this banana bread recipe. If you purée the beans well, the beans in this recipe go unnoticed with taste and texture, but have the added benefit of increasing the protein and fiber.
Black Bean Burgers
If you have black or pinto beans and want a delicious dinner idea, this is a must-try burger recipe, whether you eat meat or not. Add all your favorite toppings and pair it with this Baked Potato Strips recipe, you’re welcome.
Chickpea Pot Pie
If you have chickpeas or white beans, and lingering canned or frozen vegetables that need to be used, this is the recipe to make. This Chickpea Pot Pie recipe is the easiest out of all the recipes listed, unless you struggle with closing a pie crust like me, then it might be a little tricky. Don’t want the pie crust? Just make the filling and eat it with biscuits, or top with leftover mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, or enjoy it on its own. Pro tip: make extra filling to freeze for a later meal!
Vegetarian Chili
Have kidney beans? Make any type of chili. I recommend this Vegetarian Chili recipe! The recipe calls for frozen tomatoes, but you can replace them with canned tomatoes. Pair this with cheese and crackers, a Supreme Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or top on a baked potato.
Make-Ahead Mexican Roll Ups
I’ve made this recipe as a freezer meal so many times. You can use any bean for this recipe, which makes it a great option. If you don’t like wraps, you can serve this on a salad or use it as a dip. If you prefer a more protein-packed meal, you can add cooked meat like lean ground beef or turkey, or shredded chicken to the mixture along with the beans.
Now be brave and use that can of beans so they don’t go to waste.