Here's a cool and casual sandwich that really satisfies. Pinto or pink beans are amply flavored with bell pepper, olives, and scallion. An excellent fresh bread is a must to make these sandwiches in minutes for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve with fruit for lunch and a simple potato salad or slaw for dinner. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky.
Serves: 4 to 6
- 1 (15-16 oz) can pinto or pink beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ medium green or red bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, finely chopped
- 1-2 scallions, green part only, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise, or more, as desired
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- thinly sliced tomatoes
- fresh, whole-grain wheat, rye, or sourdough bread
- sprouts or shredded lettuce
- In a shallow bowl, mash the beans with the tines of a fork or a potato masher.
- Finely chop the bell pepper, olives, and scallions. Combine them with the beans and stir in the mayo, lemon juice, cumin, and pepper.
- Let everyone assemble their own sandwiches as follows: Layer tomatoes on slices of bread, then dollop a generous amount of the bean mixture over them (you can do those steps in reverse order as well-bean spread first, then tomatoes). Top with a handful of sprouts or lettuce, then cover with another piece of bread, or serve open face.
- Here are lots more recipes for vegan sandwiches and wraps.
Kendra says
Absolutely delicious!! I forgot to strain my beans and my "food processor" was a single-service smoothie maker, so it was a littler runnier than I would have liked, but the taste is amazing. Also, this is perfect for a vegetarian college student like me to bring lunch to campus instead of spending money on french fries and such. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends!
Nava says
Glad you enjoyed it, Kendra! Beans are a great, inexpensive, and, in my opinion, underused food group!
Peter Cseszarik says
Fantastic looking. Definitely trying it. Thanks
Phyllis Weaving says
was only talking at lunch time about looking for some new sammie recipes thanks looks good.
Arnie says
This was so delicious. Easy to make and tasty. What's not to love! My wife even liked it. And, that is saying a lot.
2 thumbs way up.
Anna says
Do we need to use vegan mayonnaise? Is there something else we can use to substitute?
Nava says
Anna, you can use your favorite salad dressing. This just needs a little something for flavor and moistness.
Barbara says
Just made this and it's quite good. I didn't have any lemons, so when I tasted it, it definitely needed some tartness. I decided to add some dill pickle juice. I also added some mustard, garlic powder, and a little fresh chopped onion. I wanted to find a basic recipe for a bean sandwich spread that wasn't chick peas, and your recipe is just what I needed! Thank you!
Nava says
Thanks so much, Barbara — glad you enjoyed this. I love the idea of the pickle juice!