Spicy Tomato Butter Beans

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth or water, as needed
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp sugar or 1 tsp honey, optional
• 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 cups (about 60 g) baby spinach or chopped kale, optional
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Crusty Garlic Bread

• 1 small crusty baguette or Italian loaf (about 250–300 g)
• 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, optional

1. 1

   Prepare the beans: Heat the olive oil in a wide, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

2. 2

   Cook the onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

3. 3

   Add garlic and spice: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

4. 4

   Cook the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.

5. 5

   Build the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey if using. Stir well and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Add the butter beans: Stir in the drained butter beans. Add the vegetable broth or water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the beans are hot and tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. 7

   Add the greens: If using spinach or kale, stir it into the beans and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

8. 8

   Finish the beans: Stir in the lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sweetness if needed. Sprinkle with the chopped basil or parsley.

9. 9

   Prepare the garlic bread: While the beans cook, heat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Slice the baguette or loaf lengthwise or into thick slices.

10. 10

    Make the garlic butter: Mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan if using.

11. 11

    Bake the bread: Spread the garlic butter generously over the cut sides of the bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes, until crisp and golden. For extra browning, broil for 30–60 seconds, watching closely.

12. 12

    Serve: Spoon the spicy tomato butter beans into four bowls and serve immediately with the hot, crusty garlic bread for dipping.