Skip to content
recipesvibrant

"pizza" Beans

I make this often for my son, who gave the dish it's name. He claims it tastes like pizza - I'm not so sure...

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by Lana_HerringtonEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
Vegan< 4 Hours
"pizza" Beans

Total time

110 min

Servings

1

Calories

87.2

Category

Beans

Pizza Beans transform humble pantry staples into a savory, umami-rich stew that mimics the comforting flavor profile of your favorite slice. This hearty, plant-based dish is perfect for solo home cooks seeking a cozy, high-fiber meal that feels both rustic and indulgent.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 500 bay leaves
  • 2 onion
  • 1 green peppers
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 6 chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tomato paste
  • 2 salt
  • 1/2 sugar

Method

  1. Soak the beans overnight.

  2. Drain beans, place in large saucepan, cover with water, add bay leaves and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for 1 hour, or until tender. Drain.

  3. Finely chop onion and peppers. Saute onion, peppers, garlic and spices until onion browns slightly.

  4. Add cooked beans. Stir to mix ingredients. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

  5. Add the tomato and tomato paste. Add salt and sugar to taste. Cook for a further 10-15 minutes on low to allow the flavours to develop.

  6. Serve over cooked white or brown rice.

Cook's notes

  • When adding the 500 bay leaves to the bean water, ensure you fish them out before combining with the tomato base to avoid an overpowering, medicinal bitterness.
  • Sauté your chopped onions and green peppers until the edges turn golden brown to provide a necessary sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato paste.
  • Stir the beans gently after adding the tomato mixture to prevent the softened legumes from breaking down into a mushy consistency.
  • If the sauce thickens too quickly during the final simmer, add a splash of reserved bean cooking water to achieve a perfect, velvety coating for your rice.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Green peppers, use Roasted red peppersProvides a deeper, smokier sweetness that enhances the 'pizza' flavor profile.
  • Instead of White/brown rice, use Crusty sourdough breadInstead of a grain base, serve in a bowl with toasted bread to capture every drop of tomato sauce.
  • Instead of Sugar, use Maple syrupOffers a more complex sweetness that cuts through the acidity of the canned tomatoes.
  • Instead of Tomato paste, use Sun-dried tomato pestoAdds a concentrated, herbaceous punch that elevates the depth of the tomato base.
  • Instead of Bay leaves, use Dried oreganoIf 500 bay leaves feel excessive, use two teaspoons of oregano for a more traditional Italian aroma.

Frequently asked

Is 500 bay leaves a literal requirement for this recipe?

While the recipe specifies 500 bay leaves for an intense aromatic infusion, most home cooks find that using 3-5 fresh leaves is sufficient to flavor the beans without overwhelming the palate.

Can I use canned beans instead of soaking them overnight?

Yes, you can substitute the dried beans for two 15-ounce cans of white beans. Simply drain and rinse them, then skip to step 3, adjusting the simmer time to ensure the beans are heated through.

Why is sugar included in a pizza-inspired bean dish?

The small amount of sugar acts as a flavor balancer to neutralize the high acidity of the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, resulting in a more rounded, savory profile.

What is the best way to prevent the garlic from burning?

Add the minced garlic to the pan only once the onions and peppers are mostly softened, cooking for only 30-60 seconds until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.

You might also like

More Beans →