A rich, velvety dish featuring buttery white beans simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato cream sauce. This comforting, protein-packed recipe is entirely plant-based and comes together quickly—perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or scooping with warm flatbread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Creamy Tomato Butter Beans are a comforting and wholesome dish that’s both hearty and nourishing. The buttery texture of the beans pairs beautifully with the rich, spiced tomato cream sauce, making each bite velvety and satisfying. With the warmth of smoked paprika and a touch of coconut milk, this plant-based dish is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. Whether served with flatbread, rice, or as a side to your favorite meal, it’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy plant-based protein!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (or plant-based cream)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Flatbread or rice, for serving
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the butter beans and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the beans are heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
- Serve with warm flatbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a chopped fresh chili for extra heat.
- Herb-packed: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Add greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an added burst of green.
- Creamier: Use full-fat coconut milk or add a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or vegetable broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can use other types of beans like cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas for a variation on the flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe without coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute the coconut milk with any plant-based cream, cashew cream, or even a bit of vegetable broth for a lighter version.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more chili flakes, fresh chili, or a splash of hot sauce for an added kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned, but you may need to cook them down a bit longer to achieve a similar saucy consistency.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as written, since it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free flatbread or rice.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
What should I serve with this dish?
This stew pairs wonderfully with warm flatbread, rice, or even quinoa. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How can I make this dish richer?
To make it richer, you can stir in a little more coconut milk, a few spoonfuls of tahini, or even a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Butter Beans recipe is a simple yet flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With tender beans, a creamy tomato sauce, and a hint of spice, it’s a comfort food that’s both healthy and satisfying. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with flatbread, rice, or veggies, it’s a nourishing meal that will warm you from the inside out!
Creamy Tomato Butter Beans
A rich, velvety dish featuring buttery white beans simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato cream sauce. This comforting, protein-packed recipe is entirely plant-based and comes together quickly—perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or scooping with warm flatbread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (or plant-based cream)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Flatbread or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the butter beans and simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with flatbread or over rice.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
- Feel free to use any plant-based cream if you prefer an alternative to coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg