animals

Big Bean Energy: A Delicious, Plant-Based Recipe from Jonathan Dillanes

Published on 18/08/2026 18:33 in animals • Anthony Brown

Jonathan Dillanes, aka Hrna Eatz, is a first-generation Mexican American sharing his love for food and culture through easy, elevated recipes. Today, he's spotlighting a traditional dish from his childhood that puts beans front and center.

In this recipe, pinto or black beans are transformed into a silky, slightly spicy sauce to cover tortillas, topped with a creamy silken tofu "crema." The result is a flavorful, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients:

  • 30 oz (4 cups) pinto or black beans, strained
  • 16 oz vegan/vegetable broth
  • 1 Roma tomato, rough-chopped
  • 5-6 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 small onion, rough-chopped
  • 1-2 serrano peppers
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • Silken Tofu crema:
    • 1/2 block silken tofu
    • 1 serrano pepper
    • Handful cilantro
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 an avocado (optional)
  • Toppings:
    • Lettuce
    • Tomatoes
    • Cilantro
    • Red onions

Instructions:

Instructions:

  1. Add 1 tbsp oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add in your serrano, tomatoes, and onions. Allow them to fry for a few minutes before adding in the garlic.
  2. Add in your strained beans and broth. Season with 1 tsp salt, oregano, and cumin. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until peppers are softened.
  3. While that cooks, blend together the ingredients for your crema.
  4. Once peppers and beans are soft, add them to a blender and blend until very smooth.
  5. Add a bit more oil to the same skillet, once hot add in your bean sauce.
  6. Adjust consistency by adding some water until it's slightly more watery than desired. It will cook a bit, so it will get thicker! I used about 2 cups.
  7. Adjust seasonings to taste and let it cook for 5 minutes on low.
  8. Warm some tortillas in a lightly oiled pan. Once ready, dip them into the beans.
  9. If desired, add any fillings and top with desired toppings and crema.

Join the movement and make the swap to big bean energy every Wednesday. Sign the pledge to swap meat for beans and get delicious plant-based recipes each week from celebrity chefs and the Humane World for Animals team.