I first discovered this Curried Butter Beans recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. I wanted a dish that was simple enough to whip up after a long day but still felt special enough to serve to friends or family. As I stirred the fragrant spices into the simmering butter beans, the aroma filled my kitchen and instantly lifted my spirits. From that moment, this recipe became a staple in my home—it’s warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.
You will love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor while remaining light and healthy. The combination of spices gives the beans a rich, savory depth, while the butter beans themselves provide a creamy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy. It’s a dish that can stand alone as a comforting meal or act as a delicious side dish alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or freshly baked bread.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the level of spice to your preference, swap in different vegetables, or add protein to make it more filling. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual lunch with friends. Beyond that, it’s a budget-friendly option, making it easy to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals without breaking the bank.
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to find:
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2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon curry powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon turmeric
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1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
With just these few ingredients, you can create a vibrant, comforting dish that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and satisfies your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this Curried Butter Beans recipe is approachable, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a favorite.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Curried Butter Beans is simple, quick, and incredibly rewarding. The process brings together aromatic spices and creamy beans, creating a dish that is both flavorful and comforting. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is warm but not smoking, as this will help release the flavors of the spices.
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Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring frequently. This builds the base of flavor for your curry.
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Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. These ingredients add depth and a subtle warmth to the dish.
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Incorporate the spices: Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes if using. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices, which enhances their aroma and flavor.
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Add tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Add butter beans: Gently fold in the drained and rinsed butter beans, ensuring they are coated evenly with the spiced tomato mixture.
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Add liquid: Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth or water, stirring gently. This will create a saucy consistency that allows the flavors to infuse the beans.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the beans absorb the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the spices if you like a stronger curry flavor.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish. Most of the steps involve simple sautéing and simmering, which makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
Customizable
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots, for extra nutrients and color. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, making it mild, medium, or extra spicy.
Popular with Many People
Curried Butter Beans has become a favorite because it’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The creamy beans, fragrant spices, and easy preparation make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
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Creamy Curried Butter Beans | Vegan Comfort Food 🌱
This Curried Butter Beans recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. Creamy butter beans are simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and tomatoes, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional chili flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Fold in the drained butter beans, coating them evenly with the tomato-spice mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water and stir gently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or yogurt before serving.
Customize by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots.
Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can. However, dried beans need to be soaked overnight and boiled until tender before adding them to the curry. This will increase the overall cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan when using vegetable broth and olive oil. No animal products are required.
3. How spicy is this curry?
The spice level is mild by default. You can increase the chili flakes or add fresh chilies for more heat, or reduce them for a gentler flavor.
4. Can I freeze Curried Butter Beans?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
5. What can I serve with Curried Butter Beans?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, naan, or crusty bread. It can also be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Can I add other vegetables or protein?
Definitely. Spinach, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work well. You can also add cooked chicken or turkey bacon if you want to include protein.
7. How do I make the curry creamier?
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a small spoon of yogurt just before serving. This enhances the richness without overpowering the flavors.