Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegan dinner option? Look no further! This creamy black bean curry is a fantastic recipe that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to impress. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Just 30 Minutes: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal.
- Uses Store Cupboard Ingredients: No need to make a trip to the grocery store – you probably have all the ingredients on hand.
- Customizable: Feel free to add any fresh vegetables you like or have available. You can also adjust the level of spiciness to your taste.
- Zesty and Fragrant: The addition of lime zest and juice adds a burst of freshness and tang to the dish.
Can You Make Curry with Black Beans?
Absolutely! Black beans are a great legume option for curries, just like chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans. This recipe specifically calls for black beans, but you can easily swap them out for your favorite type of canned beans. Black beans also work well in other dishes like soups, dips, and tacos.
Can You Use Dried Beans?
While canned black beans offer convenience, you can also use dried beans for this recipe. Simply soak and/or pre-cook the beans until they are soft before adding them to the curry. If you’re new to cooking with dried beans, a beginner’s guide to pulses can help you get started.
Making the Curry Creamy
This black bean curry gets its creamy texture from either homemade cashew cream or coconut milk. Cashew cream is simply soaked cashew nuts blended with water to create a smooth consistency. It’s a versatile ingredient in plant-based cooking and can be used in various dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful black bean curry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Black beans: The star of the show.
- Mixed spices: Cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, fenugreek, and garam masala for a burst of flavor.
- Homemade cashew cream: To bring the curry together and add creaminess.
- Lime juice and zest: For fragrance and zing.
For the full list of ingredients and measurements, refer to the recipe section below.
Step by Step Instructions
Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to make this creamy black bean curry:
- Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and sliced pepper until soft.
- Add ground spices and cook for a minute to release their flavors.
- Stir in tomatoes, black beans, and stock. Cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add spinach, cashew cream, garam masala, lime zest, and lime juice. Cook until the spinach wilts down.
- Adjust seasoning, serve, and enjoy!
For the detailed step-by-step instructions and photos, refer to the recipe section below.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy black bean curry pairs perfectly with basmati rice, pilau rice, or wholegrain rice. If you’re looking for alternatives, try quinoa, roasted cauliflower, spinach couscous, or sweet potato mash. Feel free to top the curry with fresh coriander, lime juice, sliced spring onions, fresh chili, or a dollop of vegan lime crema.
Recipe FAQ
- How long does it take to cook black bean curry? This curry can be prepared and cooked in just 30 minutes.
- Can I use other beans? Yes, you can swap out black beans for any other tinned beans of your choice.
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add your favorite veggies or use what you have on hand.
- Can I use pre-made curry paste? If you have a preferred curry paste, you can incorporate it into the recipe.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you use certified vegan stock or water.
- How long will it keep for? Store the curry in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze it for up to six months.
For more variations and tips on making this black bean curry, refer to the recipe section below.
Give It a Try!
This creamy black bean curry is a delightful vegan recipe that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With its quick cooking time and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty vegan recipes and receive a free download of “The Vegan Kitchen – My Top 10 Tips.” Enjoy!
