Creamy Butter Beans is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table with its rich, savory flavors and velvety texture. This vegan and healthy recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Enhanced with white miso paste for an umami punch, this dish combines simplicity and depth, offering a hearty option that pairs well with bread, rice, or a side of greens.
What You Need
Creating this creamy dish requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients:
- Butter Beans: The star of the recipe, providing a creamy texture and a mild flavor.
- White Miso Paste: Adds a rich umami flavor and depth to the sauce.
- Plant-Based Milk: Creates the creamy base without the need for dairy.
- Onion and Garlic: The classic aromatic duo that forms the foundation of the dish.
- Spices and Herbs: Smoked paprika and thyme bring a smoky and earthy touch.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Make
Making Creamy Butter Beans is straightforward:
- Sauté Aromatics: Start by softening onions and garlic to release their flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in plant-based milk, miso paste, Dijon mustard, and spices to create the creamy, flavorful base.
- Simmer the Beans: Add butter beans and let them simmer in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken.
- Finish and Serve: Add a splash of lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tasty Facts: Butter Beans
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians. A serving of butter beans is high in dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They are also a great source of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate, which contribute to energy production and overall health. Butter beans are naturally low in fat and calories, making them a heart-healthy option that fits seamlessly into a balanced diet.
Creamy Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked butter beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (or vegetable broth for oil-free)
- 1 Small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- ¾ cup Unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat)
- 1 tablespoon White miso paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups Spinach
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil (or a splash of broth for oil-free) over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Base: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based milk, miso paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Beans: Gently fold in the cooked butter beans, ensuring they are coated in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beans are heated through.
- Add the Spinach: Take handfuls of spinach and incorporate well into the mix.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, steamed greens, or rice.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend half of the beans with the sauce before simmering.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- This dish can also double as a side or main course, depending on portion size.
