Creamy Sundried Tomato Butter Beans

Ingredients

• 0.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3.5 cloves garlic ( minced; use 3–4 cloves)
• 800 ml butter beans (from two 400 mL cans; drain and rinse)
• 400 ml light coconut milk (one can)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp Italian spice blend
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.75 cup sundried tomatoes (sliced)
• 1.5 cup spinach (chopped; use 1–2 cups)
• 0.5 cup cilantro (chopped)
• orzo or bread (for serving; optional and unquantified)

Steps

1. 1

   Drain and rinse the canned butter beans. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the sundried tomatoes, and chop the spinach and cilantro so everything is ready before cooking.

2. 2

   Warm the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic to the softened onion and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.

4. 4

   Add the tomato paste, light coconut milk, nutritional yeast, Italian spice blend, and salt. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

5. 5

   Add the drained butter beans and stir to coat them in the creamy tomato mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.

6. 6

   Stir in the sliced sundried tomatoes. Cook for about 1 minute so they soften and flavor the sauce.

7. 7

   Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and the greens just tender.

8. 8

   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

9. 9

   Serve the creamy sundried tomato beans hot with orzo or bread. Cannellini beans or chickpeas can be substituted for butter beans.

Notes

The creator says the dish comes together in about 20 minutes and suggests cannellini beans or chickpeas as alternatives if butter beans are unavailable. Serve with orzo or bread to make it a fuller meal.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• vegan
• dairy-free
• gluten-free without orzo or bread
• one-pan
• quick
• high-fiber