Creamy butter beans simmered in a spicy tomato-garlic sauce, finished with lemon and fresh herbs and served with crisp, buttery garlic bread for an easy, satisfying meal.
Estimated nutrition
Per serving
Based on 4 servings
- Calories
- 520 kcal
- Protein
- 17 g
- Carbs
- 73 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 15 g
Actual values can vary with brands, amounts, and preparation.
Ingredients
Loading serving controls…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
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth or water, as needed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp sugar or 1 tsp honey, optional
- 0.5 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 0.3 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
Need a broader change?
Adjust this recipe around your kitchen and preferences.
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beans: Heat the olive oil in a wide, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- 2
Cook the onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
- 3
Add garlic and spice: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
- 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
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
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
Add the greens: If using spinach or kale, stir it into the beans and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- 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
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
Make the garlic butter: Mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, parsley, and Parmesan if using.
- 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
Serve: Spoon the spicy tomato butter beans into four bowls and serve immediately with the hot, crusty garlic bread for dipping.
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