Are you craving a comforting, healthy, and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean recipe! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for anyone looking for easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed and soaked overnight (or use 1 (15-ounce) can of red beans, rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the beans and broth: Add the soaked red beans (or canned beans), vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer until thickened: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. If using dried beans, this may take longer, potentially up to an hour and a half. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or rice vinegar for acidity.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Soaking the beans: Soaking the dried red beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility. If you're short on time, you can use canned red beans, but the flavor might be slightly different.
- Don't overcook the beans: Overcooked beans can become mushy. Aim for a tender but not falling-apart texture.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier stew, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter stew, add a little more brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to the stew.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Spice it up: Experiment with other spices like cumin, coriander, or curry powder.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size. A general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) would include approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes you can easily create at home. It’s a testament to the power of simple, healthy cooking, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal without compromising on nutrition. Enjoy!