The High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans recipe is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish inspired by Catalan Romesco sauce. Made with butter beans, roasted red bell peppers, tofu, and almonds, this meal is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect option for a cozy meal with minimal effort. Serve it with sautéed greens, crusty bread, or over grains for a complete and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Romesco Sauce

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

Beans & Cooking

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

Prepare the sauce
- Blend the roasted red bell peppers, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tofu, smoked paprika, salt, chili flakes, almonds, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Leave some texture if desired.
Cook the tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook covered for 7 minutes, stirring regularly.
Combine and cook
- Add the cooked butter beans and blended Romesco sauce to the pan. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Serve
- Garnish with chopped almonds, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with sautéed greens, toasted bread, or over grains like quinoa or brown rice.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 17 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 250 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans dish is a nutrient-dense, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. Inspired by the classic Catalan Romesco sauce, it features a bold, smoky, and slightly tangy sauce blended with butter beans, roasted red bell peppers, almonds, and tofu, creating a dish that’s not only high in protein but also rich in fiber and healthy fats.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, served with crusty bread, sautéed greens, or over grains like quinoa or brown rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a nourishing post-workout meal, this dish is packed with plant-based goodness and will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Packed with Plant-Based Protein: Each serving contains 26 grams of protein, thanks to the butter beans, almonds, and tofu.
Rich in Fiber & Healthy Fats: With 17 grams of fiber per serving, this dish supports gut health and digestion, while almonds provide heart-healthy fats.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Flavorful & Satisfying: The smoky Romesco sauce is deeply flavorful, enhancing the mild, creamy texture of the butter beans.
Gluten-Free & Vegan: Completely plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

What is Romesco Sauce?

Romesco sauce is a traditional Spanish sauce originating from Catalonia, known for its rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor. Typically made with roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, almonds, olive oil, and garlic, it is commonly served with seafood, grilled vegetables, or meats. In this dish, Romesco sauce is transformed into a protein-rich, creamy blend by adding tofu, making it a nutritious and satisfying base for the butter beans.

Why Butter Beans?

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are the perfect base for this dish because they are:

Creamy & Mild: Their soft texture absorbs the bold flavors of the Romesco sauce beautifully.
High in Protein & Fiber: With plant-based protein and slow-digesting fiber, they keep you full for longer.
Nutrient-Dense: Rich in iron, potassium, and folate, butter beans provide essential nutrients for overall well-being.

How Tofu Enhances the Protein Content

Adding tofu to the Romesco sauce not only enhances the protein content but also:

Creates a Rich & Creamy Texture: The tofu blends seamlessly into the sauce, making it thick and velvety.
Boosts the Nutritional Value: Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, calcium, and iron.
Adds a Mild Flavor: It doesn’t overpower the dish but rather complements the smoky, tangy notes of the sauce.

The Role of Almonds in This Dish

Almonds play a crucial role in both the sauce and as a topping, adding:

Nutty Depth & Crunch: The roasted almonds add texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Healthy Fats & Protein: They contribute to the dish’s satiety factor while providing vitamin E and antioxidants.
Authenticity: Romesco sauce traditionally uses nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, making this version true to its origins.

How to Serve High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans

This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in multiple ways:

As a Main Dish

With Sautéed Greens: Pair with garlic sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for extra nutrients.
Over Quinoa or Brown Rice: Adds additional fiber and protein, making it a complete meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

As a Side Dish

Alongside Grilled Tofu or Tempeh: A great protein-packed pairing.
With a Fresh Green Salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors.
With a Side of Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Flavor Enhancements & Variations

This recipe is already packed with flavor, but you can customize it in different ways:

Spicy Version: Add extra red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Smokier Depth: Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, charred flavor.
Nut-Free Alternative: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Different Beans: Swap butter beans for chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even lentils.
Extra Citrus Punch: Add a splash of orange juice for a slightly sweeter contrast to the smoky sauce.

How to Store & Meal Prep This Dish

This High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored easily:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The Romesco sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Defrost before mixing with the beans.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This dish is not only flavorful but also highly nutritious, offering numerous health benefits:

Supports Muscle Growth & Repair: With 26g of plant-based protein per serving, this dish helps in muscle maintenance and recovery.
Great for Digestion: The 17g of fiber aids in gut health and digestion, keeping you full for longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Almonds and olive oil provide good fats that support cardiovascular health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Red bell peppers, garlic, and almonds contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

This quick, easy, and protein-packed meal works well for a variety of occasions:

Fast Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Impressive Brunch Dish: Serve it at a weekend brunch alongside fresh bread and greens.
Meal Prep for the Week: Stays fresh for several days and reheats well.
Post-Workout Recovery Meal: High in protein and fiber, perfect for refueling after exercise.
Vegan Dinner Party Option: A great plant-based centerpiece for a dinner gathering.

Conclusion

This High-Protein Romesco Butter Beans recipe is a delicious, wholesome, and nutrient-packed dish that showcases the magic of simple, plant-based ingredients. The smoky, tangy Romesco sauce pairs beautifully with creamy butter beans, protein-rich tofu, and crunchy almonds, creating a meal that is as satisfying as it is healthy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick, nutritious dinner, a meal-prep option, or a flavorful plant-based dish to share, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again.

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