Description
This creamy and comforting butter beans recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and nutritious dish. Perfect as a main course or a hearty side, this butter bean stew is packed with protein, fiber, and delicious savory flavors. Learn how to make the best butter beans with our easy step-by-step guide!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried butter beans
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the dried butter beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the butter beans again. Transfer them to a large pot and cover with fresh water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the butter beans are tender but not mushy. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, cooked butter beans, reserved cooking liquid, vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Soaking the butter beans is crucial for reducing cooking time and making them more digestible.
- Use high-quality broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat.
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the butter beans before serving.
- Prep Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butter beans, lima beans, butter bean recipe, butter bean stew, vegetarian recipe, vegan recipe, healthy recipe, side dish, main course, creamy beans, easy recipe