Name: High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 jars roasted red bell peppers (or 2 fresh roasted red bell peppers); 3 garlic cloves, peeled; 20 g (0.7 oz) sun-dried tomatoes; 150 g (5 oz) extra firm tofu; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Pinch of 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; 2 tbsp roasted almonds, roughly chopped (for toppings); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for toppings); Lemon zest, to taste (for toppings)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings the classic Mediterranean flavors of Romesco sauce to life in a new way, making it hearty and plant-based. The creamy butter beans, combined with the smoky, tangy Romesco sauce, provide a rich, satisfying texture while delivering a good dose of protein. Plus, it’s quick to make and customizable—you can adjust the heat with chili flakes or even add more veggies for a burst of freshness. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a wholesome meal, this dish is an easy and flavorful option that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

2 jars roasted red bell peppers (or 2 fresh roasted red bell peppers)
3 garlic cloves, peeled
20 g (0.7 oz) sun-dried tomatoes
150 g (5 oz) extra firm tofu
1 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of 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

Directions

1. Make the Romesco Sauce

In a blender, combine the roasted red bell peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tofu, smoked paprika, salt, chili flakes, 2 tbsp roasted almonds, lemon juice, and water. Blend until smooth, leaving a bit of texture if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. Cook the Cherry Tomatoes

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, covered, for about 7 minutes, stirring regularly. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices.

3. Combine the Beans and Romesco Sauce

Add the cooked butter beans and the blended Romesco sauce to the pan with the tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for another few minutes to heat through.

4. Serve and Garnish

Serve the Romesco butter beans topped with the chopped almonds, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Adjust salt to taste and serve hot with a side of sautéed greens or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 428 kcal
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Sodium: 211 mg
Fiber: 17 g
Vitamin A: 174 IU
Vitamin C: 153 mg
Calcium: 287 mg
Iron: 4 mg

Variations and Substitutions

Add More Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to the pan for added nutrition and texture.
Spice Level: Adjust the chili flakes to your desired spice level. You can also add a fresh chili if you prefer more heat.
Protein Boost: For even more protein, add some cooked quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas to the dish.
Non-Vegan Version: If you’re not vegan, you can substitute tofu with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a creamy version of the Romesco sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

FAQs

Can I make the Romesco sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Romesco sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just combine the sauce with the beans and tomatoes when ready to serve.

Can I use canned butter beans instead of cooked fresh beans?

Yes, canned butter beans will work just fine! Just be sure to drain and rinse them before using them in the dish.

Can I substitute the tofu with something else?

Yes, you can substitute tofu with cooked chickpeas, white beans, or even silken tofu for a smoother texture in the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the sun-dried tomatoes and other ingredients are free from gluten if you’re highly sensitive.

Can I add more spice to this recipe?

If you prefer more heat, you can add more chili flakes or even a small chopped fresh chili to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes provide a sweeter flavor and tend to cook down nicely for this recipe. You can chop larger tomatoes into small pieces if using.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to make it richer, you can add a plant-based cream or coconut milk to the Romesco sauce for extra creaminess.

Conclusion

The High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans offer a healthy, flavorful, and quick meal that’s perfect for any time of the day. With a balance of protein, fiber, and Mediterranean flavors, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Easy to make in under 15 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Enjoy this versatile dish with your favorite side or as a standalone meal, and feel free to make it your own with additional veggies or protein!

High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe