This Creamy Butter Beans dish is a comforting, protein-rich meal that is both nutritious and flavourful. Made with butter beans simmered in a fragrant, spiced coconut sauce, it delivers a rich, velvety texture with deep umami flavours from the nutritional yeast and warming spices.
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a fantastic plant-based source of protein and fibre, making them an excellent ingredient for a filling yet healthy meal. This dish is also vegan-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and can be made with minimal effort using just a handful of pantry staples.
What makes this recipe stand out is the blend of warming spices—cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric—combined with the creaminess of light coconut milk and a hint of acidity from apple cider vinegar. These ingredients come together to create a rich and wholesome dish that can be served as a main meal or as a delicious side.
Enjoy this Creamy Butter Beans recipe as a quick midweek meal, or make a big batch to meal prep for the week. It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread, making it a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Nutrient-Dense – Packed with plant-based protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free – A great option for all dietary preferences.
- Rich & Creamy – Without the need for dairy!
- Customisable – Add extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or serve in different ways.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 tsp olive oil – or cooking spray for lower fat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for rich flavour
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated – adds warmth and slight spice
- 1 tsp cumin – earthy, aromatic spice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – adds a deep, smoky flavour
- ½ tsp turmeric – gives colour and mild spice
- ½ tsp chilli flakes – optional, for a bit of heat
- 400g (14oz) cooked butter beans, drained and rinsed – creamy and protein-rich
- 240ml (1 cup) light coconut milk – adds a silky texture while keeping it light
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable broth – enhances flavour and keeps it saucy
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast – boosts umami and protein content
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – balances the richness with acidity
- ¼ tsp salt – adjust to taste
- A handful of spinach – adds freshness and nutrients
Method
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Spices
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and chilli flakes (if using).
- Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
3. Simmer the Butter Beans
- Add the butter beans, vegetable broth, and light coconut milk to the pan.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
4. Finish & Serve
- Stir in the nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
- Add the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- For a thicker consistency, mash a few of the butter beans with the back of a spoon.
- Serve warm with your favourite side!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~370 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~13g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fibre: ~12g
(Note: These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.)
Tips for Making This Creamy Butter Beans Recipe
- Use canned or dried beans – If using dried butter beans, soak overnight and cook until tender before using.
- Adjust the spice level – Add more chilli flakes for extra heat or omit them for a milder version.
- Mash some beans – For a creamier texture, mash some butter beans while cooking.
- Let it simmer longer – The longer it simmers, the richer the flavours will be.
- Substitutions – Swap butter beans for chickpeas or cannell
ini beans. - Make it richer – Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Add more greens – Stir in kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
How to Best Serve This Recipe
- With crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Over rice or quinoa – A hearty, balanced meal.
- As a side dish – Pairs well with grilled veggies or a protein of choice.
- With mashed potatoes – For extra creaminess and comfort.
- Topped with fresh herbs – Try parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.
- With a squeeze of lemon – Enhances the flavours with a zesty touch.
- Drizzled with tahini – Adds an extra layer of richness.
Customise This Recipe
- Make it spicy – Add fresh chopped chillies or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add protein – Stir in tofu, tempeh, or shredded chicken.
- Make it extra creamy – Blend half the beans before adding to the dish.
- Use different beans – Try cannellini beans or chickpeas instead.
- Add extra vegetables – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots work well.
- Make it tangy – Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Turn it into a soup – Add more broth for a creamy butter bean soup.
How to Store This Recipe
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Conclusion
These Creamy Butter Beans are a delicious and satisfying meal that proves plant-based eating can be rich, creamy, and full of flavour. With the perfect balance of warming spices, velvety coconut milk, and nutrient-packed butter beans, this dish is both nourishing and deeply comforting.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also budget-friendly and high in protein and fibre, making it a fantastic option for a healthy midweek meal. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, rice, or enjoy it as a soup, this dish is endlessly versatile.
Give this recipe a try today and enjoy a delicious, wholesome, and nourishing meal that you’ll want to make again and again!
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Creamy Butter Beans
This Creamy Butter Beans recipe is a warm, comforting dish full of plant-based protein and rich, spiced flavour. Butter beans are simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with onion, garlic, and warming spices, then finished with nutritional yeast for a deep umami kick. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a satisfying, nourishing meal that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil (or spray)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 400g (14 oz) cooked butter beans
- 240ml (1 cup) light coconut milk
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Handful of spinach
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil, sauté onion (3–4 min), add garlic and ginger (1 min).
- Spice It Up: Add cumin, paprika, turmeric, chilli flakes. Cook 30 sec.
- Simmer: Add beans, broth, and coconut milk. Simmer for 10–15 min.
- Finish: Stir in nutritional yeast, vinegar, salt, and spinach. Cook 2 more min.
- Serve: With rice, bread, or your favourite sides!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 370Carbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18g
