Description
This Tuscan-Inspired Butter Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that features tender butter beans simmered with aromatic herbs, garlic, and tomatoes. Enhanced with fresh greens like spinach or kale and brightened with lemon zest, it makes a perfect main or side dish with Mediterranean flair. It’s quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, ideal for a healthy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another minute to deepen its flavor and allow it to meld with the aromatics.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce slightly and lets the flavors blend.
- Add Greens and Finish Cooking: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the butter beans in the pan before serving.
- Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the dish, if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
