Unlike with pan-frying or sauteing, air-frying tofu allows you to achieve a delicious crust on the outside with minimal fat. We use seasoned cornstarch to create a light, crisp coating that yields to a creamy texture within. Paired with brown rice, cucumber, avocado and a sweet-tart sauce, it’s an easy, impressive vegan meal.

This recipe is a perfect candidate to throw in any extra veggies or frozen veggies you have on hand. You can also bump up the protein content by adding shelled edamame, turning it into a high-protein, veggie-packed meal.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz./453g) package water-packed extra-firm tofu
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 2/3 cups (280g) frozen brown rice
• 1 cup (120g) English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 medium (150g) avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (25g) green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60g) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar

Directions

Cut the tofu into 1-inch slices and arrange on a double layer of paper towels. Top with another double layer of paper towels, place a plate on top, and weigh it down with a heavy skillet. Let stand for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture. 

Remove the weight and paper towels, then cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a medium bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt; toss gently to coat.

Preheat the air fryer, if necessary, to 400°F (200°C). Coat the air-fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the tofu in as even a layer as possible (cook in batches if needed). Air-fry for 15–20 minutes, or until browned and crisp, pausing every 5 minutes to shake the basket and toss the tofu.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package directions. Divide about 2/3 cup rice among 4 bowls and top each with cucumber, avocado, and green onions. Divide the tofu evenly among the bowls. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce and rice vinegar. Drizzle evenly over each bowl before serving.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 396; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 595mg; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 15g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 364mg; Iron: 7%; Vitamin C: 10%

Originally published October 15, 2020; Updated March 2026

The post Crispy Air-Fried Tofu Bowls appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Plant-based proteins make for a simple but hearty meal loaded with fiber and heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats (1). Sweet potatoes serve as a comforting base for this flavor-packed bowl, laced with rosemary and tangy balsamic vinegar. Roasting chickpeas makes them crunchy and irresistible — the perfect topper for a colorful bowl of goodness.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Sweet Potato and Roasted Chickpea Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz. can low sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped, divided
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups cubed sweet potato, from about 2 medium potatoes
• 4 cups chopped kale
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the drained chickpeas on a kitchen towel and fold the towel over to enclose them. Rub gently to loosen the skins, then discard the skins. Transfer the chickpeas to a sheet pan.

Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the chickpeas, add 2 tsp of the chopped rosemary, and toss to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, remaining 1 tsp rosemary, garlic, and salt to make the dressing.

Cube the sweet potatoes and place them in a steamer basket set over simmering water. Steam for about 5 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a paring knife. 

Meanwhile, place the chopped kale in a large bowl and pour the dressing over it. Massage the kale with your hands for about 1–2 minutes, until slightly softened and well coated. Divide the dressed kale evenly among 4 bowls, then top each bowl with sweet potatoes.

Top each bowl with one-quarter of the roasted chickpeas and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: About 2 1/2 cups per serving

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 371; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 493mg; Carbohydrate: 48g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 10g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 15%; Iron: 18%; Potassium: 723mg; Vitamin A: 377%; Vitamin C: 45%

Originally published August 25, 2018; Updated March 2026

The post Sweet Potato and Roasted Chickpea Bowl appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This fresh, yet homey, vegan rice bowl gets a hefty dose of flavor from an almond-basil pesto and fresh lemon slices. It’s a prime example of how healthy food can be tempting.

Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Asparagus Rice Bowl with Almond Pesto

Ingredients

Brown Rice:

• 2 cups (400g) cooked long-grain brown rice

Roasted Asparagus:

• 1 bunch asparagus (224g, about 14 stalks)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt 
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 5 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, cut into slices

Vegan Pesto:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2/3 cup (16g) fresh basil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup (35g) raw almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp salt 
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Toppings (optional):

• 1/3 cup (50g) sliced almonds, dry toasted in a pan
• Black pepper
• Additional fresh lemon slices

Directions

Roasted Asparagus:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

Prep the asparagus by washing and drying the stalks. On a baking sheet lined with tin foil or parchment paper, spread out the asparagus stalks. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the minced garlic. Using a spoon (or hands), mix the asparagus stalks so everything is evenly coated, and then reassemble in a neat row. Top asparagus with the lemon slices.

Bake asparagus in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly tender. Discard lemon slices.

Vegan Pesto:

While the asparagus is roasting, make the pesto. Add all pesto ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender and process on high until the pesto is smooth.

Putting it all Together:

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice with the pesto.

To assemble the bowls, add a cup of the pesto rice into each. Add in half the asparagus, and top with the dry-toasted almonds, black pepper, and additional fresh lemon slices, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving, without toppings): Calories: 575; Total Fat: 32g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 21g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 605mg; Carbohydrate: 64g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 703mg; Iron: 21%; Vitamin A: 21%; Vitamin C: 79%; Calcium: 14%

Originally published April 5, 2019; Updated June 2026

The post Asparagus Rice Bowl with Almond Pesto appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable, and it takes on the texture of ground meat in this easy taco filling. Chipotle adds a hint of smoky spice that makes it seem meaty, and the black beans lend a creamy, hearty texture.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Cauliflower Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

• 6 corn tortillas
• 4 cups (400g) cauliflower florets
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp chipotle powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 (15 oz.) can no-salt black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup (40g) green onions, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup (15g) cilantro, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC), and wrap the tortillas in foil. Heat the tortillas for 10 min.

Place the cauliflower in a food processor and pulse until chopped to the size of ground beef.

Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and place over medium-high heat; add the cauliflower. Cook, stirring frequently for about 5 min., until the cauliflower is tender and the pan is dry. Add the garlic, chipotle powder, salt and black beans and cook until hot.

Serve 1/2 cup of the cauliflower filling in each corn tortilla, top with green onions, tomatoes and cilantro.

Serves: 3 | Serving Size: 2 tacos

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 301; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 265mg; Carbohydrate: 55g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 659mg; Iron: 21%; Vitamin C: 149%; Calcium: 12%

Originally published December 17, 2019; Updated June 2026

The post Cauliflower Black Bean Tacos appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This vegan breakfast is packed with vegetables and plant-based protein. When tossed with yellow curry powder, crumbled tofu is a dead ringer for scrambled eggs. The spice blend adds heady fragrance and flavor but no heat; if you’d like a little spice, stir in a bit of cayenne pepper.

This dish is helpful for vegetarians who need to optimize their iron intake by providing 23% of your daily iron. Even though iron isn’t as easily absorbed from vegetarian sources, like spinach, as it is from meat, the acidity of the tomatoes helps convert the iron in the spinach to the form that’s in meat, making it more easily absorbed (1).

Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Curried Tofu-Spinach Scramble

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp plain soy milk
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 oz. extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (90g) grape tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups (100g) fresh spinach, lightly packed
• 2 slices whole grain bread, toasted

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the soy milk, nutritional yeast, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside.

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with olive oil, then add the crumbled tofu. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the soy milk mixture, stir to coat the tofu, and cook until the desired “scrambled egg” consistency is reached, 1-3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. 

Spray the same skillet with olive oil cooking spray and set to medium high heat. When hot, add the tomatoes and spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes are softened and the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Serve immediately with the tofu scramble and whole grain toast.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: Half of the tofu scramble + 1/2 cup sautéed vegetables + 1 slice whole grain toast

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 239; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 521mg; Carbohydrate: 25g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 4g; Protein 20g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 16%; Iron: 23%; Potassium: 735mg ;  Vitamin A: 378%;  Vitamin C: 41%

The post Curried Tofu-Spinach Scramble appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

It takes only six ingredients to make this dish (not including salt, pepper and oil, which we consider freebies). Frozen broccoli plays two starring roles here. A good amount of whole florets bulk up the bowl, while some is processed into an easy pesto sauce.

The white beans and broccoli in this dish are highly functional for your health. The fiber in the beans feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, while the broccoli contains a powerful antioxidant called glucosinolates (1, 2).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

White Bean Bowl With Broccoli Pesto

Ingredients

• 6 cups (936g) frozen broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup (56g) olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 1/2 cups precooked farro
• 2, 15.5 oz. cans reduced-sodium cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

Place broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 5–7 minutes, or until crisp-tender.

Transfer 1 1/2 cups of the broccoli to a food processor. Add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic, and process until nearly smooth. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan and pulse 2–3 times to combine. If needed, add water 1 tbsp at a time to thin the pesto to your desired consistency.

Add the beans, farro, and pesto to the remaining broccoli in the bowl and toss gently to combine. Divide the mixture evenly among four shallow bowls and top with the remaining cheese.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups bean mixture and 1 tbsp cheese

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 522; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 11g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 487mg; Carbohydrate: 67g; Dietary Fiber: 23g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 28g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1536mg; Iron: 35%; Vitamin C: 7%; Calcium: 21%

Originally published May 14, 2020; Updated March 2026

The post White Bean Bowl With Broccoli Pesto appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

The veggies in this composed salad provide a rainbow of antioxidants. They are arranged atop nutty black rice (sometimes called “forbidden rice”), which also contains antioxidants and is fiber-rich, helping to keep you satiated for longer (1, 2). Pair with a lean protein like salmon or chicken breast to make it a complete meal.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Black Rice and Mixed Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups pre-cooked forbidden (black) rice
• 2 medium tomatoes, cored and diced
• 1 large carrot, shaved into long strips with a peeler
• 1 cup canned, low-sodium garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 1/2 cups baby arugula or baby greens
• 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tahini 
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 medium garlic clove, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Heat the rice according to package directions and refrigerate until cooled, about 10 minutes. Spread the rice evenly on 4 dinner plates.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, hot water, turmeric, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add more water, if needed, to make dressing a pourable consistency. 

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, carrots, garbanzo beans, bell pepper, greens, and cabbage. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Divide the salad evenly among the plates, placing it on top of the rice and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1/2 cup rice, 1/4 of dressed mixed vegetables

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 336; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 393mg; Carbohydrate: 46g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 9g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 8%; Potassium: 571mg; Vitamin A: 208%; Vitamin C: 108%

Originally published May 2018; Updated April 2026

The post Black Rice and Mixed Vegetable Salad appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Robust spices toasted with canned chickpeas form the anchor of this quick lunch. The spiced chickpeas are piled onto a bed of lemony, salted yogurt, along with tomato, cucumber and avocado. The result is a filling vegetarian meal packed with fiber.

RD Tip: Chickpeas are a good source of fiber and protein. In fact, this recipe provides 48% of the daily fiber recommendations for women and 32% of daily fiber for men (1).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes

Shawarma-Spiced Chickpea Bowls

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 (16-oz./454g) can low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup tomato, diced
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 medium avocado, peeled, pitted and diced

Directions

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, paprika and turmeric and cook for 30 seconds. Add chickpeas to pan; cook until lightly toasted, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine tomato, cucumber and remaining 1/4 tsp salt.

Spread about 1/4 cup yogurt mixture onto the bottom of two shallow bowls. Arrange about 3/4 cup chickpeas, 1 cup tomato mixture and half of the avocado into each bowl.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 bowl

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 409; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Sodium: 416mg; Carbohydrate: 51g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 13g; Protein 24g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1127mg; Iron: 18%; Vitamin A: 26%; Vitamin C: 37%; Calcium: 18%

Originally published June 5, 2020; Updated February 2026

The post Shawarma-Spiced Chickpea Bowls appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This filling, Mexican-inspired breakfast is quick to put together and boasts plenty of protein (16g), healthy fats from avocado and olive oil and zesty pico de gallo for a dose of fresh veggies, too. Baking instead of frying the tortillas makes them sturdy enough to hold all the delicious toppings and cuts down on fat.

Steam 4 cups of spinach and layer it between the beans and the egg to add a serving of vegetables into this meal.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Black Bean and Avocado Breakfast Tostadas

Ingredients

• 1 15-oz. can no-salt added black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 (6-inch/15cm) corn tortillas
• 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil, divided
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
• 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (28g) crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the tortillas on both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, or until golden on one side. Flip and bake for about 3 more minutes, or until crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.

While the tortillas bake, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the black beans, taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup water. Mash the beans with a potato masher until mostly smooth and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until thickened and heated through. Transfer to a bowl and cover. Rinse the skillet.

Heat the remaining 1 tsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the whites are almost set.

Spread the beans evenly over the baked tortillas. Top each with a fried egg. Spoon about 2 tbsp pico de gallo over each tostada, then sprinkle with cheese and green onions. Finish with slices of avocado and serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 tostada

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 364; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 213mg; Sodium: 367mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 16g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 13%; Calcium: 15%; Iron: 17%; Potassium: 735mg; Vitamin A: 2%; Vitamin C: 13%

Originally published: April 16, 2020; Updated March 2026

The post Black Bean and Avocado Breakfast Tostadas appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Travel back in time to hear the origin story of Algenesis, which started as two companies in one, a biotechnology innovator and footwear maker. Today, the company is a leading maker of bio-based plastics. In 2023, Algenesis had just begun making a new, sustainable material and found a clever way to prove its utility to get big companies to embrace it. Join the conversation hear why a shoe company was the best a practical application to prove the value of a plant-based, compostable bioplastic foam. Stephen Mayfield, a professor of Biology at UC San Diego and director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology, invented Soleic, an algae-based rubbery foam material that can be used in footwear, surfboards, and other products in the place of petroleum-based polyurethane foam. He launched Algenesis, a biotechnology-based materials science company to commercialize Soleic.

Note: This article contains affiliate links that help fund our Recycling Directory, the most comprehensive in North America.

But shoe companies did not come running to use Soleic, which biodegrades completely in sea water and compost piles. Along with Algenisis president Tom Cooke, a footwear and apparel industry veteran who had worked for Reef and Vans, Steve launched Blueview Footwear, maker of the world’s first compostable shoe. Steve and Tom join me today to talk about the evolution of Algenesis and Blueview, as well as the many materials Soleic could replace across a variety of product categories. The companies have also developed compostable, plant-based fabrics and a bioplastic waterproofing technology that biodegrades into organic material in a home compost pile. You can learn more about Blueview Footwear at blueviewfootwear.com and its parent company Algenesis Materials at algenesismaterials.com.

• Subscribe to Sustainability in Your Ear on iTunes and Apple Podcasts.
• Follow Sustainability in Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube.

Editor’s Note: This podcast originally aired on February 20, 2023.

The post Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Algenesis & Blueview Launch the Algae-Based Polyurethane Industry appeared first on Earth911.

Oh, the simple joy of cozying up next to a bowl of hearty black bean soup! Ours is slow cooked and bold with onion, peppers, garlic, chile, a dash of cumin and served with creamy avocado for a delicious and nutritious meal.

RD Tip: Black beans are a protein-fiber powerhouse and deliver a host of micronutrients like folate, potassium and magnesium (1).

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454g) dried black beans, sorted and rinsed
• 1 large (150g) onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium (120g) green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (960g) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp light sour cream
• 1 small avocado, diced
• 6 fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place beans in a large bowl or stock pot, adding water to cover by 2 inches. Soak for 12 hours; drain and discard water.

TIME-SAVING TIP: Don’t have 12 hours? To quick-soak beans, place beans in a stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer briskly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and discard water.

Combine beans, onion, bell pepper and garlic in a 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in broth and cumin. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 5 hours until the beans are tender. Stir in chipotle, cilantro, lime juice and salt.

For a smooth, thick texture, blend mixture in slow cooker with an immersion blender for 30 seconds until desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender. Remove stopper from lid and cover with a kitchen towel (hot steam will cause the lid to pop off if not vented); blend until smooth.

Top each serving with 1 tsp sour cream, 2 tbsp chopped avocado and a sprig of cilantro.

Serves: 6 |  Serving Size: 1 ⅓  cups + 1 tsp sour cream + 2 tbsp diced avocados

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 344; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 2mg; Sodium: 511mg; Carbohydrate: 58g; Dietary Fiber: 15g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 19g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 1532mg; Iron: 30%; Vitamin A: 105%; Vitamin C: 47%; Calcium: 16% 

Originally published May 1, 2020; Updated April 2026

The post Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

A pressure cooker quickly transforms canned chickpeas, infusing them with Indian flavors and turning their texture from firm to irresistibly creamy. The vegan dinner gets the right amount of sauciness by draining one can of tomatoes and leaving one can undrained, plus tons of flavor from a finishing splash of canned full-fat coconut milk. To keep things quick and easy, pick up precooked rice — either frozen or in a shelf-stable pouch.

Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 14.5-oz. cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, one can drained of liquid
• 2 15-oz. cans low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups hot cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and allow it to preheat for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in the garam masala and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Drain the juice from one can of tomatoes. Stir both cans of tomatoes into the pot along with the chickpeas and salt.

Cover and lock the lid, setting the steam valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (the pot will take about 15–20 minutes to come to pressure).

When cooking is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the steam valve to venting. Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk.

Serve the chickpea mixture over the cooked quinoa and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1/2 cup quinoa and about 1 cup chickpea mixture

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 363; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 585mg; Carbohydrate: 52g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 771mg; Iron: 17%; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 5%; Calcium: 5%

Originally published: February 23, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.