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Tomato Basil Butter Beans Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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