Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

Looking for a cozy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful plant-based dish? These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are just what your weeknight dinner menu needs. Simmered in a garlicky, lemon-infused cream sauce with tender butter beans, this dish is hearty, nourishing, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect served on toast, alongside grains, or as a standalone meal with crusty bread to soak up all that rich, velvety sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Plant-Based & Protein-Packed – A vegetarian dish that satisfies with creamy texture and natural plant protein.
Bright & Comforting – Rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon.
Quick & Easy – Comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Versatile – Serve it over toast, rice, quinoa, or with roasted veggies.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Butter Beans:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Microplane or zester
Can opener
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic and shallots, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add the Butter Beans
Add the drained butter beans to the skillet.
Stir to coat the beans in the garlic and herb mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the beans are tender and the broth reduces slightly.

Step 3: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the cream or coconut milk.
Simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper if desired.

Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with toasted sourdough, over rice, or as a side to grilled vegetables or proteins.

Tips for the Best Creamy Butter Beans
Use Quality Beans – Canned butter beans are convenient, but if you have time, freshly cooked dried beans offer the best texture.
Don’t Boil the Cream – Simmer gently to avoid curdling.
Balance the Lemon – Start with less juice and add more to taste—it should brighten but not overpower.
Add Greens – Stir in fresh spinach or kale toward the end for extra nutrition.
Top It Off – Finish with grated parmesan or a drizzle of chili oil for more depth.

Serving Suggestions
On Toast – Spoon over thick slices of toasted bread with a drizzle of olive oil.
With Grains – Serve over brown rice, couscous, or farro for a hearty bowl.
As a Side – Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
With Roasted Veggies – Complements roasted carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts beautifully.
In a Bowl – Add a poached egg on top for a protein-packed meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:

• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes! Cook 1 ½ cups of dried butter beans ahead of time and use in place of canned.

2. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes—if you use olive oil and coconut milk instead of butter and cream.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini all work well in this dish.

4. What can I use instead of butter beans?
Cannellini beans or great northern beans are good substitutes with a similar texture.

5. How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Final Thoughts
These Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are proof that simple ingredients can make a luxurious, soul-satisfying dish. With velvety texture, vibrant lemony flavor, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is as nourishing as it is comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy solo meal, this one will keep you coming back for more.

Give it a try, and let me know how you serve yours—on toast, in a bowl, or straight from the pan!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 7g | Sodium: 420mg

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