16 Hearty Bean Recipes, From Soup to Dip

If you have canned or dried beans in your pantry, you have the means to make a meal any night of the week.

Beans are humble and inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you can't make an impressive meal out of them. These 16 bean recipes take advantage of those pantry staples—both canned and dried—to make a simple soup or chili, or a more involved French cassoulet. Whether you need an impressive party dip or a quick snack, these bean recipes have your back.

Pasta with Beans and Greens

Creamy beans and hearty greens are the perfect pairing for this quick weeknight pasta.

Get Recipe: Pasta with Beans and Greens

New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice

Making red beans and rice from scratch is easy; all it takes is beans, vegetables, some cured pork and sausage, and patience.

Get Recipe: New Orleans-Style Red Beans and Rice

Perfect Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)

Use this master recipe to make perfect refried beans in any style: chunky or smooth; with black beans or pintos; and using your choice of cooking fat.

Get Recipe: Perfect Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)

Ham and Bean Soup

This rich, hearty, and undeniably satisfying soup is loaded with navy beans, smoky ham, and lots of vegetables.

Get Recipe: Ham and Bean Soup

Channa Masala

Here, plump canned chickpeas are bathed in a spicy and tangy tomato sauce to add lots of flavor.

Get Recipe: Channa Masala

Seven-Layer Salad with Chickpeas, Endive, and Yogurt Dressing

This party dip can be made ahead, starring canned chickpeas, yogurt, fresh herbs, and crunchy sunflower seeds.

Get Recipe: Seven-Layer Salad with Chickpeas, Endive, and Yogurt Dressing

Creamy White Beans with 'Nduja, Kale, and Gremolata Breadcrumbs

Fiery 'nduja spices up creamy white beans and earthy kale, for an easy, hearty weeknight meal.

Get Recipe: Creamy White Beans with 'Nduja, Kale, and Gremolata Breadcrumbs

Traditional French Cassoulet

This meaty stew of poultry, sausage, pork, and beans comes togehter all under a rich, dark brown crust.

Get Recipe: Traditional French Cassoulet

Colombian-Style Beans and Rice

This humble pot of red beans is not merely a side dish, but rather the focal point of a gigantic meal.

Get Recipe: Columbian-Style Beans and Rice

Slow-Cooked Boston Baked Beans

Beans, molasses, and salt pork cooked long and slow for ideal flavor.

Get Recipe: Slow-Cooked Boston Baked Beans

Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce

This simple pasta is coated in a creamy, dairy-free sauce made from puréed chickpeas.

Get Recipe: Pasta With Vegan Chickpea Sauce

The Best Vegetarian Bean Chili

Vegan chili with a deep, spicy flavor, textural contrast, and rib-sticking richness—you might not even miss the meat!

Get Recipe: The Best Vegetarian Ben Chili

Hummus Masabacha (Hummus With Whole Chickpeas)

Meet masabacha, the "deconstructed hummus" you can make your own. Starting with dried chickpeas is important for the best texture.

Get Recipe: Hummus Masabacha (Hummus With Whole Chickpeas)

Fried Plantains With Black Beans, Roasted Poblanos, Avocado, and Onion

Patacones are the Colombian equivalent of Caribbean tostones—double-fried green plantains. Top these flattened plantain disks with black beans (canned are fine), roasted poblano peppers, slices of creamy avocado, and a few pickled red onions.

Get Recipe: Fried Plantains with Black Beans, Roasted Poblanos, Avocado, and Onion

White Bean Spread with Za'atar

White bean spread is simple but it doesn't have to be boring. Garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the spice blend za'atar keep this dip balanced and flavorful.

Get Recipe: White Bean Spread With Za'atar

Black Bean Salad with Corn, Cilantro, and Zingy Vinaigrette

This easy Southwestern-style salad combines inky black beans, fresh jalapeños, and corn for a colorful and picnic-friendly dish. The dish gets its bold flavor from a dose of bright-but-basic chile-lime vinaigrette.

Get Recipe: Black Bean Salad with Corn, Cilantro, and Lime Vinaigrette

Read the original article on Serious Eats.