6 December 2024

Creamy Butter Beans

Do we all agree that one-pot recipes are the best invention, right? You can prepare them with what you have on hand, making the dish suitable for all tastes. This one is a creamy mushroom and spinach butter bean dish that, when combined with a side of bread, becomes a complete and nutritious meal. The balance of creamy texture, savory mushrooms, and healthy greens will make you want to cook this Creamy Butter Beans again and again.

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When the weather cools down and all you want to end your day is a cozy, hot meal, this Creamy Butter Beans dish is all you need. What’s better than cooking in just one pan without the need to dirty several ones that you’ll have to clean afterward? Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and once you combine all the ingredients, you just need to let them cook gently. The longer it stays on the heat, the better the flavors will develop.

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, originated in Central and South America. In the United States, this legume is a common ingredient in comfort meals, often cooked with some kind of meat and other hearty ingredients. The one-pot cooking method reflects traditional rural and home cuisine. What makes this meal unique is its versatility and the multiple ways it can be adapted to suit vegan and vegetarian diets.

You can store this Creamy Butter Beans in the refrigerator for three to four days, keeping it in an airtight container. To store it longer, freeze it, but make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Ingredients for vegan butter beans

Butter beans: they have a creamy and smooth texture that adds richness to the dish, helping create a satisfying consistency. Butter beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a great choice for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Their mild flavor make it easy for them to absorb all the other seasonings.

Garlic, onion, shallot: these three ingredients create an important base for the Creamy Butter Beans, releasing aromatic compounds that enhance the overall depth and flavor profile. The sautéing process brings out their natural sugars and creates a more caramelized and rich taste.

Leek and mushrooms: leeks provide an earthy flavor that balances the richness of the dish, and when cooked, they perfectly combine with the other ingredients. Mushrooms are a source of umami and offer a texture similar to that of meat, but without the need for animal products. They absorb the seasonings and flavors they’re cooked with. Finally, this vegetable is low in calories yet high in essential nutrients, making the dish even more wholesome.

Coconut milk: it adds a velvety texture, making the Creamy Butter Beans smoother. The natural sweetness of coconut milk balances the other savory and spicy ingredients, adding a tropical twist to the meal. It is a great alternative for those lactose intolerant, vegan, or following a dairy-free diet, and is also a great source of healthy fats.

Baby spinach: fresh spinach leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, which help boost the nutritional profile of the Creamy Butter Beans. Baby spinach adds both freshness and a vibrant green color to the dish, making it more appetizing. This vegetable is low in calories yet still a nutritious, healthy ingredient.

Soy sauce: this ingredient is rich in umami, adding complexity to the Creamy Butter Beans and balancing the sweetness of the coconut milk. Additionally, soy sauce provides a salty touch without the need for extra salt and imparts a caramelized aroma. Finally, it adds a dark color, making the dish more appealing.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare plant-based one-pot

Heat some olive oil in a pan and then add chopped garlic cloves, onion and shallot. Once soft, add the chopped baby spinach, leek, mushrooms and coconut milk.

Season with paprika, black pepper and soy sauce, then incorporate the cornstarch and butter beans.

Pour in the water and let it cook covered with the lid over medium heat for some minutes until it thickens.

My tips for delicious butter beans

Adjust the amount of cornstarch based on how liquid the sauce is. I suggest adding it little by little to see how the sauce thickens.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!