Description
Unlock the secret to a creamy and flavorful dish with this juicy butter beans recipe! Learn how to cook butter beans to perfection, with tips for soaking, simmering, and seasoning for a hearty and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried butter beans
- 8 cups water (for soaking)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Butter Beans: Place the dried butter beans in a large bowl and cover with 8 cups of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked beans thoroughly before cooking.
- Simmer the Beans in Broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the soaked and rinsed butter beans with 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Check the beans periodically and add more broth if needed to keep them submerged.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the beans are simmering, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine and Finish: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the pot with the simmering butter beans. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Don’t skimp on the broth: Using a good quality broth adds a ton of flavor.
- Season generously: Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices.
- Low and slow: Simmering the beans gently is key to achieving a creamy texture.
- Acid is your friend: The tomatoes and tomato paste add acidity, which brightens the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the liquid: If the beans are getting too dry, add more broth or water. If they’re too soupy, simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Beans
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butter beans, lima beans, juicy butter beans recipe, how to cook butter beans, vegetarian recipe, healthy recipe, bean recipe, creamy butter beans