Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these creamy butter beans! They’re like a warm hug on a plate—rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying. I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a side dish that would impress my friends at a dinner party, and boy, did it deliver! The combination of sautéed garlic and buttery goodness is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up. I love how they can be a star at a Mediterranean feast or a cozy addition to any meal. Trust me, once you try these creamy delights, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. They’re not just good; they’re a wholesome, vegetarian side that everyone will rave about. Seriously, you need these in your life!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups dried butter beans (soaked overnight)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking these creamy butter beans! I promise it’s a straightforward process that’ll leave your kitchen smelling divine.
Soaking the Butter Beans
First things first, you’ll want to soak those dried butter beans overnight. This step is super important because soaking helps to soften the beans and makes them easier to cook. Just put the beans in a bowl, cover them with plenty of water, and let them hang out on your countertop. No need to rush this part; the longer they soak, the creamier they’ll be when cooked. Just remember to rinse and drain them before we dive into the next steps!
Cooking the Beans
Now, let’s cook! In a lovely pot, heat up that extra virgin olive oil over medium heat—it should shimmer a bit. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Ooh, that smell! Then, add in your drained butter beans and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 to 40 minutes. You want those beans to be tender and creamy, so keep an eye on them. If you need to, add a splash more broth to keep things from drying out.
Final Touches
Once the beans are nice and tender, it’s time to season! Stir in the salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab an immersion blender and blend the mixture until it reaches your desired creaminess—it’s not necessary, but oh boy, it makes it even more luxurious! Serve these creamy butter beans warm as a delightful side dish. Trust me, they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the pot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
- A healthy vegetarian side that’s packed with protein and fiber.
- Versatile enough to dress up with herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep; they store well and reheat beautifully.
- Impresses guests without requiring a culinary degree—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
- Gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for many diets.
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy butter beans turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can really elevate your dish!
- Soaking is Key: Don’t skip the soaking step! It’s crucial for softening the beans and helps them cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for a few minutes and then letting them sit for an hour, but overnight is the best.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t hesitate to tweak the salt and pepper to your liking. I often find myself adding a pinch more salt after blending to really bring out that creamy flavor!
- Keep an Eye on the Cook Time: Cooking times can vary based on the age of your beans. Start checking for tenderness around the 30-minute mark. If they need a bit more time, just let them simmer until they reach that perfect creaminess.
- Blend to Your Liking: If you prefer a chunky texture, just give the beans a light mash with a fork instead of blending. It gives a lovely rustic feel to the dish!
- Fresh Herbs for Flair: Want to jazz it up? Add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. It adds a pop of color and flavor that really brightens the dish!
- Store Smart: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about three days, and the flavors will only get better as they sit!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most fabulous creamy butter beans ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional information for these creamy butter beans! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 7g
This dish is not just delicious but also a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a great addition to your healthy eating plan. Enjoy every creamy bite, knowing you’re treating your body right!
FAQ Section
Got questions about creamy butter beans? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I use canned butter beans?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned butter beans are a great option. Just rinse and drain them before using. They’ll cook faster, so you’ll want to skip the soaking step and just simmer them for about 10-15 minutes in the broth until heated through.
What can I serve with creamy butter beans?
These creamy beauties pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even a fresh salad. They make a lovely side for Mediterranean dishes like grilled chicken or fish. Honestly, they’re so versatile that they can complement just about any meal!
How do I store leftovers?
To store your creamy butter beans, let them cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a quick stir and a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back that creamy texture!
Can I freeze creamy butter beans?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a batch ahead of time, just let them cool down and then freeze in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove!
What if I want to make them spicier?
If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you’re seasoning the beans. It’s a fantastic way to bring in some extra flavor and heat!
Print
Creamy Butter Beans: 5 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dish made with butter beans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butter beans
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Soak the butter beans overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the butter beans and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes until beans are tender.
- Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Blend until creamy, if desired.
Notes
- Serve warm as a side dish.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pairs well with grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy butter beans, butter bean recipe, vegetarian side dish