Spicy Tomato Beans with Hot Honey

It’s around this time where I hit the point in winter where I look at everything in season and just think….nothing is inspiring anymore? But that’s where these spicy tomato beans come in. Because they hit. every. time.

And they are so comforting, so warm and so healthy. It’s a combination of everything that I want when I’m simultaneously trying to heal from the cold, but also treat my body right y’know?

I originally wanted take a classic vodka sauce and use it as a base for brothy beans, but then I realized that even with omitting the pasta, the recipe just came out too heavy for what I needed on a weekday. Luckily the Italians know what they are doing, and with just a few tweaks this recipe turns into a delicious, easy play on penne a la vodka, but with its own hot honey twist.

I’ve recently been on the hunt for easy, delicious and nutritious dinners, and this one completely fits the bill. It’s simple to make, ready in minutes and it just makes me feel GOOD.

Plus…hot honey make everything infinitely better. I will die on this hill.

The three elements to this hot honey beans recipe

There are three elements to this recipe, and each of them provide something uniquely different. This recipe uses:

• Spicy tomato beans as the base – filled with rich tomato flavor and creaminess from plant-based milk, this the main staple of the recipe
• Lemony lacinato kale – kale is still in season, and this salad topping uses lemon juice and salt to break down the harsh fibers and become a soft, well-dressed topping.
• Hot honey breadcrumbs – you can’t be mad at carbs, sugar and heat. these crispy breadcrumbs break up the texture of the beans and provide some much needed sweetness and crunch.

The ingredients you will need for each component

Even though there are three elements, the ingredients are relatively simple:

For the spicy tomato beans

• 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2/3 cup milk of choice
• salt and pepper to taste

For the lemony lacinato kale

• 1 bunch lacinato kale
• 1 lemon for juicing
• salt & pepper to taste

For the hot honey bread crumbs

• 1/3 cup day-old bread chunks or croutons
• 1 tbsp hot honey, or 1 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tsp hot sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley, optional

Optional toppings:

• 1 tbsp hot honey, for drizzling
• salt & pepper to taste

How to make the hot honey bread crumbs

I start with the kale and breadcrumbs. Here is how I prefer to make the breadcrumb topping:

• To prepare the breadcrumbs, set your oven to 400F.
• Use a food processor to pulse the bread, hot honey and parsley together until breadcrumbs form.
• Sprinkle the crumbs on a parchment lined baking sheet and toast at 400F for 7-8 minutes or until they are a deep golden brown.
• Set aside.

How to prepare the lacinato kale

The kale is relatively simple, you just want to give it enough time to rest and break down after being mixed with the lemon juice.

So first cut the kale into shreds and add it to a large bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice over the kale and massage to break down the tough fibers. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set to the side. Let it rest at least 5-10 minutes.

How to make the spicy tomato beans

When you are ready to bring it all together, here’s a step-by-step on how to make the beans and plate dinner:

• Put a dutch oven or deep skillet on medium heat. Let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the olive oil.
• Add the olive oil, garlic, tomato paste and red pepper flakes and cook for a few minutes or until the tomato paste has darkened in color.
• Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to combine with the tomato paste mixture. Continue to cook on medium until all the milk is in the pot.
• Stir constantly and cook another 4-5 minutes on medium heat. You will see the sauce darken in color slightly and reduce, it will become a smooth red-orange color.
• When the sauce is thick enough that you can run a spatula across the bottom of the pot and see the bottom, add in the beans and stir until they are completely covered in the sauce.
• Plate with the beans first, then top with the kale and the bread crumbs. Add a drizzle of hot honey and serve!

Looking for other easy dinner recipes?

I have a few that take minutes to make, and are just as satisfying. Here are a few of my favorites:

And that’s it for this spicy tomato beans with hot honey dinner recipe!

If you make it, please tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see! It’s my favorite thing to scroll through stories and see what you all are making.

And of course feel free to leave any questions, comments or reviews! This is the best place to reach me, and I’d love to hear from you <3