Description
This Tuscan Butter Beans dish is rich, creamy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Tender butter beans simmer in a garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce with fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a touch of smoked paprika. It’s a quick and hearty meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar)
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 sun-dried or sun-blushed tomatoes, chopped
- 400g / 14 oz butter beans, drained (or substitute with cannellini beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 250ml / 1 cup vegetable stock
- 4 basil leaves, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 125ml / 1/2 cup light cream (single cream)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 30g / 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Add Beans & Spices
Stir in the drained butter beans, a pinch of salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the beans in the seasoning. -
Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and let it reduce for a few seconds. Then, add the vegetable stock and basil. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. -
Make It Creamy
Stir in the light cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts into the sauce. -
Add Spinach & Finish
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Cover with a lid to speed up the process. Adjust salt to taste, then remove from heat. -
Serve
Enjoy warm with crusty bread, over rice, or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish.
Notes
- Substitutions: Cannellini beans or great northern beans work well as a replacement for butter beans.
- Make It Vegan: Swap cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for toasted bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 310kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg