Tomato Basil Butter Beans Recipe

Introduction

This Tomato Basil Butter Beans recipe is a simple, comforting dish bursting with fresh flavors. Creamy butter beans simmered with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic make it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy lunch. It’s both hearty and light, ideal for pairing with toasted bread.

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt (or regular salt, add more as desired)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (add more as desired)
• 1 medium shallot (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 15 ounce can butter beans (including the liquid)
• 2 Tablespoons vegan cream cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely dice the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the basil. Using a garlic press will make mincing easier.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook the tomatoes for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they burst and release their juices. Use a spatula to press them gently if needed.
4. Step 4: Add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes with the tomatoes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the entire can of butter beans, including the liquid. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to reduce some liquid and soften the beans.
6. Step 6: Stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully combined and creamy.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve warm alongside toasted bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular salt if you don’t have truffle salt; add a bit more to taste for depth of flavor.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving.
• Try substituting butter beans with cannellini or navy beans if preferred.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat boost.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help if the mixture thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beans instead of canned butter beans?

Yes, but fresh beans will need to be cooked thoroughly beforehand. Using canned butter beans with the liquid helps create a creamy texture quickly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe uses vegan cream cheese to keep it plant-based and dairy-free.

Tomato Basil Butter Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 273 reviews

A comforting and creamy Tomato Basil Butter Beans recipe that combines tender butter beans with juicy burst tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of vegan cream cheese. This quick stovetop dish is perfect for a warm, satisfying meal served alongside toasted bread.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pantry

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt (or regular salt, add more as desired)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (add more as desired)

Canned Goods

• 15 ounce can butter beans (include liquid from the can)

Dairy Alternatives

• 2 Tablespoons vegan cream cheese

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the fresh basil. Using a garlic press can make mincing the garlic easier and more aromatic.
2. Heat Oil & Cook Tomatoes: Add the olive oil to a pan and heat over medium heat. Add the cherry or grape tomatoes along with the truffle salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
3. Burst the Tomatoes: Cook the tomatoes over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until they burst open, releasing their juices. Use a spatula to gently press down on any intact tomatoes to help release more juice if needed.
4. Add Shallot & Garlic: Stir in the diced shallots and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes with the tomatoes, allowing the shallots to soften and the garlic to become fragrant.
5. Add Butter Beans with Liquid: Pour in the entire can of butter beans including the liquid. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly and heat the beans through, creating a creamy texture.
6. Incorporate Vegan Cream Cheese: Add the vegan cream cheese to the pot and stir until fully melted and mixed, enriching the sauce with creaminess.
7. Finish with Basil and Seasoning: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
8. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the tomato basil butter beans while warm. This dish is perfect accompanied by a big slice of toasted bread for dipping and enjoying all the flavors.

Notes

• Do not strain the canned butter beans; the liquid adds creaminess to the dish.
• Using truffle salt adds a unique flavor but regular salt works fine as well.
• For best results, use fresh basil rather than dried to maximize aroma and flavor.
• This recipe is vegan if you use vegan cream cheese and can be served as a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish.
• Serve with toasted bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: tomato butter beans, vegan butter beans, basil butter beans, creamy butter beans, vegan cream cheese recipe, quick stovetop dinner, Mediterranean vegan side dish