There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy butter beans dish. Originating from the heartland of American cuisine, this recipe elevates the humble butter beans into a rich and velvety delight. By blending the smoothness of heavy cream with the familiar flavors of onion, garlic, and herbs, this recipe creates a satisfying meal that’s both simple and elegant.
Creamy Butter Beans Recipe
4
servings10
minutes50
minutes311
kcal1
hourKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
500 g 2 2/3 cup butter beans
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons butter
1 1 onion
2 2 garlic cloves
240 ml 1 cup heavy cream
120 ml 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
50 g 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment
large pot- wooden spoon
- Cutting board et Knife
- spoon
- Cups (US measurement)
Directions
- Prepare the Beans: If you haven’t already soaked the butter beans overnight, do so by placing them in a large bowl with water to cover. Drain and rinse them before cooking.
- Cook the Beans: In a large pot, add the soaked butter beans and enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to create a creamy consistency. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked butter beans to the creamy tomato mixture and stir well to ensure the beans are fully coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the beans simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy butter beans with a slice of crusty bread or as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the creamy sauce.
Can I use canned butter beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute canned butter beans for dried ones to save time. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans, then proceed with the recipe as directed. You may need to reduce the simmering time as canned beans are already cooked.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, and substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese option.
Can I freeze creamy butter beans?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy butter beans. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed.
What can I serve with creamy butter beans?
Creamy butter beans pair well with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. They also complement roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad, making them a versatile choice for many meals.
How can I thicken the sauce further if needed?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider mashing some of the beans or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to the sauce. Simmer until the desired consistency is achieved.
