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Close-up of creamy vegan carbonara butter beans topped with crispy golden tofu bacon bits, grated vegan parmesan, and fresh parsley.

Carbonara-Inspired Butter Beans

Ashley
These rich and decadent Carbonara-Inspired Butter Beans turns the humble bean into a meal that’s as luxurious as it is simple and easy to prepare!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch/Dinner, Main, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Tofu ‘Bacon’ Bits:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (16-ounce) block super firm tofu, finely diced

Beans and Sauce:

  • 1 16-ounce block silken tofu
  • 6 tablespoons melted vegan butter, separated
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • 2 teaspoons black salt (aka Kala Namak)
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup vegan parmesan, plus more for garnish, optional
  • 2 (15.5-ounce) cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • To make the tofu bacon bits, place the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, garlic powder and smoked paprika in a large bowl, whisking to combine.
  • Toss in the diced tofu, mixing gently to coat.
  • Place the tofu on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet and bake until crisp around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • While the tofu ‘bacon’ is in the oven, prepare the pasta and sauce.
  • For the sauce, place the silken tofu, 4 tablespoons of melted vegan butter, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, lemon juice, black salt, pepper, and turmeric in a blender and pulse until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and sauté until they’re light golden-brown, stirring often as not to burn, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Pour in the reserved sauce and simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens a bit and is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the beans, half of the tofu ‘bacon’ bits, and ½ cup parmesan, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth until you reached your desired consistency (I usually use about ¾ of a cup).

Video

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