Your new go-to midweek meal
Well… I did say the weather wouldn’t last until the Bank Holiday, after that sudden glorious weather! We’ve now plunged right back into chilly temperatures – from 27°c down to 11°c, and even as low as 4°c overnight here! I hope you managed to enjoy a bit of sunshine while it lasted.
This week has felt especially busy – anyone else juggling work and life while also supporting kids through exams or last-minute coursework? It’s definitely that time of year again. With everything going on, I’ve found myself reaching for simple meals that suit the ‘in-between’ weather… not quite salads, but not hearty stews either. Think warm, veggie-packed comfort food that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen.
The Creation
Truth be told, this one came together after a long day of trying to think what I could throw into a pan with minimal effort! I had a tin of beans (several varieties to choose from), some carrots that needed using, and a half-empty tube of tomato purée… and voilà! The result was far tastier than I expected, and definitely one to share. It’s since become a go-to when I want something warm, nutritious, and hassle-free.
This dish is incredibly simple, cheap, full of flavour and definitely ideal for busy days. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and uses pantry staples. The grated carrot gives it a lovely texture and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bold Cajun spices.
The Spiced Bean One-Pot Recipe
As always, I’ve tried to keep the recipe and the ingredients as simple as possible, so you can make this without searching every supermarket or grocers! This one-pot dish comes together with just a tin of tomatoes, your choice of beans, grated carrots, tomato purée, a few spices, and boiling water – that’s it! It’s budget-friendly, filling, and packed with flavour. You can simmer it on the hob or pop it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Easy flavoursome dish with a handful of ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 1 pint boiling water
- 1x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1x 400g tin beans, lightly drained (pinto, borlotti, haricot, butter bean)
- 3 medium carrots grated
- 2 teaspoons Cajun spice
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
- *optional 2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- In a large saucepan or slow cooker, mix the tomato purée with the boiling water until smooth.
Add the chopped tomatoes and beans, then stir well.
- Allow to cook gently for 15–20 minutes (or longer if using a slow cooker – 1–2 hours on high is fine).
Once the mixture is bubbling and flavours are combining, stir in the grated carrots, Cajun spice, garlic granules, sea salt and black pepper (& nutritional yeast if using).
- Cook for another 10–15 minutes (or 30–60 minutes in a slow cooker) until the carrots are soft and the dish is fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
What do I need?
Hopefully you already have everything you need for this recipe, but in case you’re new to cooking or just want a refresh, here are a few items you might like. These links will take you straight to Amazon where you can then search as usual for anything you need. If you follow these links, Amazon might pay us a small commission, which goes towards paying the website hosting fees. We’d be very grateful if you do, thank you! Have a look at these: saucepans, graters, slow cookers, tinned beans, and other items which you might need. Much appreciated!
Serving
Serve your spiced bean one-pot with crusty bread, brown rice, quinoa, or even on a baked potato! It also works well with a side dish of grilled vegetables or mixed salad. This can also be eaten cold (if the weather suddenly warms up)!
Storing
The cooked dish will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days in a sealed container. It can also be frozen – remember to portion, label and date. Defrost in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Sharing
I hope you will enjoy this simple yet comforting dish as much as I do!
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon 💚
Laurena x
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