Description
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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Ingredients
For the Butter Beans:
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2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 small shallot, finely diced
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1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
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1 cup vegetable broth
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired