Description
Learn how to cook the perfect butter beans with this easy-to-follow recipe. Get creamy, flavorful results every time with our essential cooking tips. Perfect as a side dish or incorporated into various meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried butter beans
- 8 cups water (for soaking)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the butter beans in 8 cups of water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. Discard the soaking water.
- In a large pot, combine the soaked beans with 6 cups of vegetable broth (or water) and add the bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until tender. Add more liquid if needed to keep beans submerged.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Drain any excess liquid from cooked beans, reserving 1 cup. Add sautéed onion and garlic to the pot with beans.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved cooking liquid for desired consistency.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For creamier beans, mash some against the side of the pot.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky depth.
- Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a non-vegetarian version, cook diced ham or bacon with the onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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