Spice up your breakfast: Homemade red bean spread that's taking sandwiches by storm

When we think of homemade sandwich spreads, egg salad often comes to mind. Though quite tasty, it can feel overdone. When I crave something different, I reach for a can of red beans from the cupboard. This is a combination that my entire family adores. Sandwiches with red bean spread are a welcome lunchtime addition for both school and work.

Homemade red bean spread is a delicious and healthy sandwich option that vegetarians and vegans might find appealing. Beans are a rich source of protein, which makes this spread a nutritious choice and a fantastic supplement to a plant-based diet.

The spice level of the spread can be tailored to taste, using chili peppers for heat or plums for sweetness. This versatility ensures that everyone can adjust the recipe to suit their palate.

Ingredients:

• 9 oz canned red beans,
• 1 teaspoon of sweet ground paprika,
• 1 teaspoon of smoky paprika powder,
• 1 clove of garlic,
• 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper,
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt,
• 3 tablespoons of tomato passata,
• 3 sun-dried tomatoes from a jar.

Preparation:

1. Drain and rinse the canned beans under running water.
2. Add the rinsed beans and spices: sweet and smoked paprika, pepper, and salt to a tall container. For those who like it spicy, feel free to add cayenne pepper or, for a sweet twist, include 2 dried plums that have been pre-soaked.
3. Peel the garlic and bring together with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Pour in the tomato passata, include the marinated tomatoes, and blend everything thoroughly.
5. Transfer the finished spread into a bowl and store it in the fridge.

I love to garnish sandwiches made with this spread, using chopped chives, parsley, or fresh cilantro. Additional vegetables like pickles, fresh cucumbers, or tomatoes add to the appeal. Here's a rule of thumb: the more colorful, the healthier and tastier it gets.

This versatile spread pairs well not just with slices of bread, but also with pancakes or tortilla wraps.