If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Ultimate Creamy Vegetarian Butter Bean Recipe is your answer. Packed with tender butter beans, fresh herbs, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that celebrates the humble butter bean in all its creamy glory.
Steps
- Mince four garlic cloves and heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Urfa pepper (optional), cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and stir until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds to a minute, making sure not to let the garlic brown.
- Add two cans of drained butter beans and one cup of vegetable broth to the skillet. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, allowing the beans to warm through and the broth to slightly thicken, which should take between 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and incorporate the juice from two lemons, along with chopped green onions, dill, and parsley. Serve the dish warm, accompanied by crusty bread, cooked rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Urfa pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped dill
Nutritional Values
Calories: 490.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 69.8g | Protein: 22.4g | Fat: 15.2g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10.4g | Sodium: 1929.8mg | Potassium: 1140.2mg | Fiber: 21.8g | Sugar: 1.6g | Vitamin A: 2243.4IU | Vitamin C: 24.2mg | Calcium: 147.6mg | Iron: 9.8mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute butter beans with another type of bean?
- Yes, you can substitute butter beans with other large white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans. While these swaps might not have the same creamy texture, they will still deliver a tasty dish.
- Is this butter beans recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
- Absolutely! This recipe is fully vegan, as it uses plant-based ingredients and does not include any animal products. It also fits well into a gluten-free and Mediterranean diet.
- What can I serve with these butter beans to make a complete meal?
- The lemony and slightly spicy broth pairs well with crusty bread, plain rice, or lemon-flavored rice. For a low-carb option, you can serve the beans as a soup with a lemon parmesan salad.
- How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
- If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or omit them altogether. You can also adjust the amount of Urfa pepper or leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance to save time. Ensure you have the broth, spices, and beans ready before you start cooking to prevent burning the spices or browning the garlic.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Since this recipe comes together quickly, have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. This includes draining the beans and chopping the garlic and herbs. This preparation will prevent overcooking the spices or garlic while you gather your ingredients.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: If you’re sensitive to heat, consider starting with just 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether to suit your preference.
- Enhance with Fresh Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice at the end of the cooking process. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter beans.
- Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve these flavorful butter beans with crusty bread, rice, or even toss with cooked pasta to soak up the delicious, slightly spicy broth. For a lighter option, enjoy them with a fresh lemon parmesan salad.
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet – If you don’t already have a large skillet, this is essential for toasting the seasonings and simmering the beans.
- Citrus Juicer – To efficiently juice the lemons for the recipe.
- Garlic Press – Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and easily, especially if you don’t want to do it manually with a knife.
