If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and comforting textures, you have to try this Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe. The creamy butter beans soak up a vibrant blend of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and warm spices, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and full of personality. Whether you want a quick weeknight side or a star ingredient for your next meal, this recipe is incredibly simple to make but rich in taste, guaranteed to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the warm spices that add depth to the fresh herbs that bring brightness, making every bite joyful and well-balanced.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a rich but light base to toast the spices and coat the beans.
- Red pepper flakes: Add a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Urfa pepper (optional): Offers a smoky, slightly fruity heat that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Cumin: Brings earthy warmth and a hint of nuttiness to the dish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a mild smokiness that complements the beans beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic richness that pairs perfectly with herbs.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste enhancement.
- Butter beans (canned): The creamy stars of the recipe, delivering hearty texture.
- Vegetable broth: Helps simmer the beans and infuse them with savory flavor.
- Juice of 2 lemons: Adds bright, zesty acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- Green onions, trimmed and chopped: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Parsley and dill, roughly chopped: Fresh herbs that give the dish a vibrant, garden-fresh finish.
How to Make Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Seasonings
Start by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Once you see it shimmer, carefully toss in the red pepper flakes, Urfa pepper if you’re using it, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir these together for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step unlocks the full aroma and flavor potential of the spices, creating a deeply flavorful foundation for your beans.
Step 2: Simmer the Beans
Next, add the drained and rinsed butter beans along with the vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. This allows the beans to warm through and soak up the flavorful broth while it thickens slightly. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes—this briefly simmering stage ensures every bean is tender and perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Once the beans are hot and the broth has thickened just a bit, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions, parsley, and dill. The citrus and herbs bring a bright, lively contrast to the warm, spiced beans. Give it a final gentle mix and it’s ready to serve while still warm. This simple but flavorful finishing touch truly elevates the dish, making it irresistible!
How to Serve Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
To truly impress your guests or family, consider topping your butter beans with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill after plating. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a small handful of toasted nuts can add welcome texture and richness. A few lemon wedges on the side allow everyone to adjust the tanginess to their liking, enhancing the freshness each time.
Side Dishes
This Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread to mop up the luscious juices, fluffy steamed rice that soaks in the herb-infused sauce, or simple cooked pasta for a hearty and wholesome meal. Roast some seasonal veggies alongside for a colorful, balanced plate that will satisfy any appetite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the beans over a bed of quinoa or creamy polenta for a twist on grain bowls. You can also use them as a vibrant topping for your favorite flatbread or pizza crust, or even mashed slightly for a zesty dip or spread, perfect for gatherings or snacks. The flavors lend themselves well to lots of culinary creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, during which the flavors continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the butter beans in a suitable freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To preserve the fresh herb flavor best, consider adding extra fresh herbs only when reheating, rather than before freezing. This helps maintain a bright, fresh finish after thawing.
Reheating
Warm your butter beans gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen them up. Reheating slowly helps keep the beans creamy and prevents the garlic and herbs from becoming bitter.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried butter beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before proceeding with the recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as freshly cooked beans will absorb flavors differently than canned ones.
What if I don’t have Urfa pepper?
Urfa pepper adds a unique smoky fruitiness, but if you can’t find it, feel free to omit it or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika or regular chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, the Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and olive oil—no animal products needed. It’s a plant-based delight that’s hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is this recipe?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes but isn’t overly spicy. Adjust the amount of chili flakes if you prefer more or less heat. The lemon and herbs help balance the spice beautifully.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
Parsley and dill are the stars here, adding fresh brightness and a touch of earthiness. You could also experiment with cilantro or basil for a different but equally delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re in the mood for a dish that’s simple, quick, and simply bursting with flavor, give this Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe a try. It’s one of those feel-good dishes you can rely on to brighten your table and your day. Once you taste the harmonious blend of lemony freshness, herbs, and spices with creamy butter beans, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
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Lemony Herb Butter Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemony Herb Butter Beans recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic butter beans by toasting aromatic spices and simmering them with fresh lemon juice and herbs. Perfect as a hearty side or a versatile main dish served with crusty bread, rice, or pasta, this dish balances warmth from spices with bright, fresh herbaceous notes for a comforting yet refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Urfa pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, trimmed and chopped (both white and green parts)
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped dill
Pantry and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Toast the seasonings: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the red pepper flakes, Urfa pepper (if using), cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Stir constantly until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the beans: Add the drained and rinsed butter beans along with the vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cook until the beans are heated through and the broth has slightly thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions, parsley, and dill. Mix well to combine all flavors. Serve the beans warm as a side dish or over crusty bread, alongside rice, or tossed with cooked plain pasta for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you cannot find Urfa pepper, you can omit it or substitute with a mild chili powder for a similar smoky heat.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a creamier texture, lightly mash some of the butter beans before simmering.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring the vegetable broth contains no animal products.
- Fresh herbs can be varied seasonally—try swapping dill for fresh thyme or basil for different nuances.
