Spicy Persian Kidney Bean Delight
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Persian cuisine with this satisfying vegetarian entree. Our Spicy Persian Kidney Bean Delight combines kidney beans with a medley of spices, fresh onions, garlic, and a zesty orange-lime sauce. Perfectly seasoned with cumin and cinnamon for a warm undertone, this dish comes with a kick from jalapeño peppers, which you can adjust to suit your spice preference. Served in warm pita bread, it’s not only nutritious and hearty but also an exciting way to enjoy plant-based protein. This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Molly Katzen, is perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onions
2 (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
orange juice
1 cup (none)
lime
1 (juiced)
tomato paste
1 can (none)
kidney beans
4 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
jalapeno
1 (chopped)
pita bread
as needed (split)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender and translucent.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
Sprinkle in the salt, cumin, and cinnamon, mixing everything well and allowing the spices to toast for 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
4
Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
5
Add the tomato paste, mixing until fully integrated, then raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Rinse and drain the kidney beans, then incorporate them along with the chopped jalapeño peppers into the pot.
8
Continue to cook for another 20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors have blended beautifully.
9
To serve, spoon the flavorful kidney bean mixture into split warm pita rounds, creating a delightful and hearty sandwich.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Persian Kidney Bean Delight?
It is a flavorful vegetarian entree featuring kidney beans, aromatic spices, and a zesty orange-lime sauce served in pita bread.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The dish includes kidney beans, onions, garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, tomato paste, jalapeo, and a blend of cumin and cinnamon.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is a vegetarian entree that provides a hearty source of plant-based protein.
How is the spice level achieved?
The heat in this recipe comes from fresh chopped jalapeo peppers.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the beans?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of jalapeo peppers used to suit your personal spice preference.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe calls for four 15.5-ounce cans of kidney beans.
Do I need to rinse the kidney beans?
Yes, the kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Which spices give the dish its Persian flair?
Cumin and cinnamon are used to provide the warm, aromatic undertones characteristic of Persian cuisine.
What is used for the liquid base of the sauce?
The sauce is made using one cup of orange juice and the juice of one fresh lime.
How long should I cook the onions?
The chopped onions should be sauted for about 5 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
When is the garlic added during cooking?
The minced garlic is added after the onions have sauted for 5 minutes, then cooked for one additional minute.
Should the spices be toasted?
Yes, the salt, cumin, and cinnamon are stirred into the aromatics and toasted for 5 minutes.
Is tomato paste used in this recipe?
Yes, one can of tomato paste is integrated into the sauce mixture.
How long does the sauce need to simmer initially?
After bringing the citrus and tomato mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
How long do the beans cook in the sauce?
The kidney beans and jalapeos are simmered in the sauce for a final 20 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
The bean mixture is best served spooned into warm, split pita bread rounds.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep as it holds up well and serves several people.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the work of Molly Katzen.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sauting the aromatics.
How many onions are needed?
You will need two chopped onions for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, which should be chopped or minced.
How much cumin is added?
One teaspoon of cumin is used to season the dish.
How much cinnamon is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to provide a warm undertone.
Is the dish healthy?
Yes, the recipe is described as nutritious, hearty, and an exciting way to enjoy plant-based protein.
What should I do with the pita bread?
The pita bread should be split and warmed before being filled with the bean mixture.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe suggests using the juice of one fresh lime, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How many cans of kidney beans are used?
A total of four 15.5-ounce cans are required for a full batch.
What type of heat is used for the final simmering?
The final 20-minute simmer should be done on low heat to allow flavors to blend.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as the pita bread used is vegan, the entire recipe is plant-based.
What is the flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is zesty and aromatic, combining the sweetness of orange with the tartness of lime and savory tomato.