How To Cook Creamy Vegan Cranberry Beans {Recipe}

Well now, gather 'round, y'all, 'cause we're whippin up some downright goodness for y'all today! Today, we're about to embark on a flavorsome journey that's all 'bout takin' those humble cranberry beans and givin' 'em the soulful treatment they truly deserve.

We're talkin' 'bout a vegan cranberry beans recipe that'll have your taste buds dancin' a joyful jig. We're infusin' this dish with love and that good ol' Southern charm, mixin' up spices and herbs to create a symphony of flavors.

Vegan beans are tricky for meat-eaters. Beans are typically comforting aided by smoky chunks of meat like smoked pork or turkey. This cranberry beans recipe is meatless, but the beans are creamy and delicious.

I love to cook fresh cranberry beans so I’ve been growing my own cranberry beans lately and was motivated to cook them. Fresh beans offer a lot on the flavor side so I wanted to keep the flavor “clean” with a veggie-forward vibe.

Terms like “heirloom” add intrigue to the dish, but this beans recipe is super simple, yet highly flavorful as beans should be whether we’re talking about red beans, white beans, lima beans, or even lentils.

Some days my food intake involves my regular oatmeal morning fix followed by a big pot of beans for lunch and dinner. These beans are an example.

What Are Cranberry Beans?

Cranberry beans, also known as borlotti beans, are a variety of beans that gets their name due to their unique color. Prior to cooking the beans or light in color with pinkish-red stripes all of them, hence the name. Texture-wise these beans are soft relative to most beans which make them creamy when fully cooked. They are most comparable to pinto beans but flavor-wise have a more nutty flavor.

These beans are popular in Italian, Portuguese, and South American cuisines, and they have a slightly nutty, creamy flavor and a tender, starchy texture. When cooked, cranberry beans retain their attractive markings and offer a rich, earthy taste.

Cranberry beans are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, salads, and pasta dishes. They're often used in both traditional and modern recipes, providing a healthy source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Whether enjoyed as a main ingredient or a complement to other foods, cranberry beans are a delightful addition to many culinary creations.

Where To Buy Cranberry Beans

You can purchase dried cranberry beans from a variety of places, including:

1. Grocery Stores:
   • Many well-stocked grocery stores, supermarkets, or specialty food stores carry dried cranberry beans. Check the dried beans and grains section.
2. Health Food Stores:
   • Health food stores often offer a variety of dried beans, including cranberry beans, as part of their natural and organic product selections.
3. Local Markets and Co-ops:
   • You're likely be able to find fresh cranberry beans at local farmers' markets, farmers' co-ops, or community markets. They may also have vendors selling dried cranberry beans, especially during the harvest season.
4. Online Retailers:
   • Numerous online platforms and retailers specializing in pantry staples, gourmet foods, or organic products offer dried cranberry beans for purchase. Websites like Amazon, Thrive Market, or specialty food stores' online portals are good options.
5. Ethnic or International Markets:
   • Ethnic or international grocery stores may carry a variety of dried beans, including cranberry beans, as they are commonly used in various cuisines.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with cranberry beans)

Pairing Ready for the World's song "Can He Do It Like This" with a vegan cranberry beans dish creates a harmonious blend of smooth tunes and flavorful delights. As the rhythmic beats and soulful vocals fill the air, imagine savoring a comforting bowl of vegan cranberry beans.

The smooth melody and lively rhythm resonate with the creamy texture and nutty flavor of the beans, creating a delightful culinary experience.

The song's playful lyrics, much like the playful dance of cranberry beans in a savory vegan dish, complement the music's upbeat and energetic vibe. Just as the song keeps you groovin', the vegan cranberry beans keep your taste buds dancin' – a perfect fusion of soulful sounds and plant-based goodness that'll leave you craving an encore.

Ingredients Needed For This Cranberry Beans Recipe

• Cranberry Beans (dried or fresh if you can find them)
• Garlic Cloves
• Yellow Onion
• Bell Pepper
• Padron Peppers
• Celery
• Carrots
• Fresh Tomatoes
• Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Allspice
• Bay Leaves
• Culantro
• Swiss chard
• Vegetable Stock
• Water
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

How To Cook Cranberry Beans

Make spice mix

Combine paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

Make Sofrito

Dice garlic, bell peppers, and onions. Saute them in a pan with olive oil 1-2 minutes. Add a pinch or two of the dry seasoning mix.

Cook The Beans

Add the dried beans to the pot and mix them with the sofrito. Note: you should soak dried cranberry beans overnight. Add a bit more seasoning plus the peeled but uncut carrots, whole celery, tomatoes, vegetable stock, water, bay leaf, patron peppers, and half the remaining spice mix. Bring to a boil then cook dried cranberry beans to a simmer covered for 30-40 minutes.

Puree The Vegetables

Remove vegetables (carrots, celery, padron peppers, and tomatoes) from the pot of beans. Place veggies in a food processor along with a ¼ cup or more of the cooking liquid, and the culantro then puree to a thick paste.

Add pureed mix, last of the seasoning, and the Swiss chard. Cook another 15 minutes. Stir and serve. Stir and serve with cornbread or parmesan cheese.

What To Serve With Cranberry Beans

Cranberry beans are a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of dishes, allowing you to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside cranberry beans:

1. Grilled Vegetables:
   • Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant provide a delightful, colorful complement to the creamy texture of cranberry beans.
2. Green Salad:
   • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing and crisp element to balance the creamy beans.
3. Sautéed Spinach or Swiss Chard:
   • Sautéed leafy greens provide a nutritious and vibrant side dish that complements the beans.
4. Rice or Quinoa:
   • Serving cranberry beans over a bed of rice or quinoa can create a complete and satisfying plant-based meal.
5. Crusty Bread or Biscuit:
   • Serve with buttermilk biscuits or hot water cornbread to mop up the creamy sauce of the cranberry beans for a delightful finish.
6. Grain Salad:
   • A grain salad incorporating ingredients like couscous, quinoa, or farro, along with vegetables and herbs, complements the texture and flavors of cranberry beans.
7. Roasted Root Vegetables:
   • Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes provide a hearty and colorful side that pairs well with cranberry beans.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob:
   • Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lime adds a sweet and juicy element to balance the meal.

Cooking Tips and Considerations For Cranberry Beans

I used fresh beans for this recipe so soaking the beans was unnecessary. However, if you use dry beans you’ll definitely need to soak them prior to cooking.

Cranberry beans are heirloom, so you’ll likely find them at farmer’s markets or specialty grocery stores. Depending on the location you can find them in the bulk section with other dry beans.

Your sofrito can be as simple or complex as you prefer. I kept things very simple with your base ingredients (garlic, onions, and peppers). Sofrito is a Caribbean thing - using aromatic ingredients to add a layer of flavor to any dish.

Don’t skip the puree step. This is a major flavor bomb! First off the vegetables cooked whole infuse the beans with fresh flavor vegetables. The vegetables absorb the flavors from the beans as well.

Adding the culantro to the puree adds a fresh herbal and brightening element to the dish. All these flavors are married together by adding the puree back.

Culantro and cilantro are cousins. Culantro is primarily found in ethnic markets focused on Caribbean or Latin markets. Culantro has more intense flavor, but if it’s not available feel free to substitute cilantro.

This approach to cooking beans works for most beans. Feel free to substitute red, kidney, navy, lima, etc. as subs for cranberry beans.

For convenience these beans can be cooked in a pressure cooker (like an instant pot) or slow cooker crockpot.

Serve these beans with other sides like instant pot green beans, sweet potato salad, and coconut rice. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Cranberry Beans

How do I prepare dried cranberry beans for cooking?

• Start by rinsing the dried cranberry beans under cold water and removing any debris. Soak them in water for 8-12 hours or do a quick soak by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then letting them soak for an hour.

Can I cook cranberry beans without soaking them first?

• While soaking helps reduce cooking time and aids in digestion, you can cook cranberry beans without soaking. However, the cooking time will be longer.

Can I freeze cooked cranberry beans?

• Yes, you can freeze cooked cranberry beans for later use. Make sure to cool them down before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

How do I add flavor to cranberry beans?

• Enhance the flavor of cranberry beans by cooking them with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for added taste.

Similar Recipes

Vegan Red Beans and Rice

Butter Beans Salad

Vegan Blackeyed Peas

Instant Pot Black Beans

Vegan Collard Greens Curry

Southern Green Beans

making this recipe

This vegan cranberry beans recipe stands as a testament to the incredible flavors that can be achieved in plant-based cooking. The humble cranberry beans, with their creamy texture and subtle nuttiness, come alive with the infusion of aromatic herbs, a touch of olive oil, and the right seasoning.

This dish not only exemplifies the versatility of plant-based ingredients but also showcases how a simple, wholesome meal can be both nourishing and incredibly delicious.

If you make this cranberry beans recipe, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated monthly playlists.

Lastly, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when new weekly videos are uploaded.

Vegan Stewed Beans

Creamy and delicious beans recipe featuring cranberry beans with layers of flavor for a comforting vegan side dish.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 52kcal

Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb fresh beans if using dried you'll need to soak before cooking
• ▢ 4-5 garlic cloves diced,
• ▢ 1 yellow onion diced
• ▢ 1 medium bell pepper diced
• ▢ 5-6 padron peppers substitute other mild chili peppers or remove the seeds from any spicy ones like )serrano, jalapeno, fresno)
• ▢ 2-3 celery stems whole
• ▢ 2 medium carrots peeled
• ▢ 2-3 medium tomatoes core removed
• ▢ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon allspice
• ▢ 1-2 bay leaves
• ▢ 2-3 culantro leaves substitute fresh cilantro (¼ cup roughly chopped)
• ▢ 2-3 large swiss chard leaves cleaned, de-stemmed, and roughly chopped
• ▢ 1 ½ cups Vegetable Stock
• ▢ 1 cup Water or enough to cover the beans completely

Instructions

Make spice mix

• Combine paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.

Make Sofrito

• Dice garlic, bell peppers, and onions. Saute them in a pan with olive oil 1-2 minutes. Add a pinch or two of the dry seasoning mix.

Cook The Beans

• Add the beans to the pot and mix them with the sofrito. Add a bit more seasoning plus the peeled but uncut carrots, whole celery, tomatoes, vegetable stock, water, bay leaf, patron peppers, and half the remaining spice mix. Bring beans to a boil then reduce to a simmer covered for 30-40 minutes.

Puree The Vegetables

• Remove vegetables (carrots, celery, padron peppers, and tomatoes) from the pot of beans. Place veggies in a food processor along with a ¼ cup or more of the cooking liquid, and the culantro then puree to a thick paste.
• Add pureed mix, last of the seasoning, and the Swiss chard. Cook another 15 minutes. Stir and serve.

Video

Notes

I used fresh beans for this recipe so soaking the beans was unnecessary. However, if you use dry beans you’ll definitely need to soak them prior to cooking.

Cranberry beans are heirloom, so you’ll likely find them at farmer’s markets or specialty grocery stores. Depending on the location you can find them in the bulk section with other dry beans.

Your sofrito can be as simple or complex as you prefer. I kept things very simple with your base ingredients (garlic, onions, and peppers). Sofrito is a Caribbean thing - using aromatic ingredients to add a layer of flavor to any dish.

Don’t skip the puree step. This is a major flavor bomb! First off the vegetables cooked whole infuse the beans with fresh flavor vegetables. The vegetables absorb the flavors from the beans as well.

Adding the culantro to the puree adds a fresh herbal and brightening element to the dish. All these flavors are married together by adding the puree back.

Culantro and cilantro are cousins. Culantro is primarily found in ethnic markets focused on Caribbean or Latin markets. Culantro has more intense flavor, but if it’s not available feel free to substitute cilantro.

This approach to cooking beans works for most beans. Feel free to substitute red, kidney, navy, lima, etc. as subs for cranberry beans.

Serve these beans with other sides like instant pot green beans and coconut rice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 520mg | Potassium: 406mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4789IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

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