Description
This Savory Curried Butter Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful vegan dish inspired by Indian cuisine. It features tender butter beans simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce with aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Perfect for a wholesome main course, it pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or crusty bread for an easy, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 (15 oz) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to build the curry base flavor.
- Bloom Spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to enhance the spices’ aromas and flavors.
- Add Main Ingredients: Incorporate the drained butter beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all components.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken while the flavors meld.
- Finish with Coconut Milk: Reduce heat to low and stir in full-fat coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to create a creamy texture.
- Add Lemon and Garnish: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with your choice of rice, naan bread, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker curry, mash some of the butter beans while cooking to release starch.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- To add greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
