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Tomato and Basil Butter Beans Recipe

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3.9 from 25 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tomato and Basil Butter Beans is a comforting one-pan vegetarian dish featuring creamy butter beans simmered in a rich tomato-garlic sauce and finished with fresh basil. This quick and easy recipe is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it perfect for a nutritious lunch, dinner, or a hearty side that pairs well with crusty bread or rice.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Tomato and Beans

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Greens and Finishing Touches

  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and soften onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the finely diced onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent and softened.
  2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant and aromatic.
  3. Add tomatoes and broth, simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add butter beans and season: Mix in the drained butter beans along with salt and black pepper. Continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens slightly and the beans are heated through.
  5. Wilt spinach and balance flavors: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste the sauce and add honey or maple syrup if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  6. Finish with basil and lemon juice: Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the torn fresh basil leaves and fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Serve and garnish: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve the dish warm alongside crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the butter beans directly in the skillet during cooking.
  • You can substitute cannellini or great northern beans for butter beans if preferred.
  • Add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for more variety and nutrition.
  • To make this dish vegan, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner, Vegetarian, One-Pan Meals
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/tomato-and-basil-butter-beans-recipe/