Tuscan Butter Beans
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Tuscany with these incredibly creamy and flavorful butter beans. This dish masterfully combines tender beans with a rich, savory tomato and Parmesan sauce, brightened by fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. It's a comforting yet elegant vegetarian meal or a superb side dish that comes together remarkably quickly.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Offers a rich, creamy texture with savory depth and a touch of spice.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile enough to be served as a hearty side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
- Packed with wholesome, plant-based protein and fiber from the butter beans.
- Delivers authentic Tuscan-inspired flavors with minimal effort and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 x 400g (14 ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 1 medium onion (about 150g), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g)
- 150g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) crushed red pepper flakes
- 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 50g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5g (1 tablespoon) fresh basil, chopped
- 5g (1 tablespoon) fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, which typically takes about 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the dish.
- Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter; you're looking for a fragrant aroma to develop.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, pressing lightly on the tomatoes with the back of your spoon to help them soften and release their vibrant, sweet juices into the pan.
- Incorporate the drained and rinsed butter beans into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure they are well-coated with the aromatic tomato and onion mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully and for the beans to absorb some of the savory liquid.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the dish for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Taste the dish and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick for your preference, you can thin it out with a small amount of additional vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The fresh herbs and citrus add a bright, finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve the Tuscan Butter Beans warm as a hearty side dish or a light main course. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Lemon zester and juicer
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcook the garlic; it can quickly turn bitter. Cook just until fragrant.
- Always use good quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the broth and cream.
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley) are crucial for the dish's bright, fresh finish; add them right at the end after removing from heat.
- Rinse canned butter beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid, which can affect the final taste.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To deepen the flavor and infuse a gentle heat from the start, bloom the red pepper flakes in the olive oil for about 30 seconds before adding the onions. This brings out their essential oils.
- For an even richer and more complex sauce, deglaze the pan with 60ml (1/4 cup) of dry white wine after the tomatoes have softened, allowing it to reduce by half before adding the vegetable broth.
- Consider stirring in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato paste along with the fresh tomatoes to intensify the umami depth and Mediterranean character of the dish.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- For a delightful vegan variation, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cooking cream (such as oat or cashew cream) and use a high-quality vegan Parmesan substitute.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty artisanal bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, or it can be served alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a vibrant green salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! If using dried butter beans, you will need to soak them overnight and then cook them according to package directions until tender before incorporating them into the skillet in the Fourth Step. This will significantly increase the overall preparation and cooking time.
What other cheeses can I use if I don't have Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier, and more piquant flavor profile that would work wonderfully in this dish. Grana Padano is another excellent alternative, providing a slightly milder, nutty taste similar to Parmesan.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Baby spinach or finely chopped kale would be excellent additions. Stir them into the skillet during the last few minutes of simmering, allowing them to wilt gently into the creamy sauce. Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts would also complement the Tuscan flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 380, Protein: 18g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 30g, Fiber: 10g (Estimated per serving based on ingredients)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan cheese). For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. Naturally gluten-free.
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