Ingredients
For the Butter Bean Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cans (30 oz total) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for richness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative)
For Garnishing & Serving:
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for depth)
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Crusty bread, pasta, or rice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to coat in the aromatic mixture.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring well.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans
- Stir in the drained and rinsed butter beans.
- Reduce heat to low and let them simmer for 10 minutes, absorbing all the flavors.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Stir in grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative) for extra richness.
- Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil or parsley.
- Top with lemon zest and balsamic glaze for extra depth.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or grains.
Notes
Tips for the Best Tuscan Butter Beans
✔ Use High-Quality Butter Beans – Look for large, creamy butter beans for the best texture.
✔ Simmer for Extra Flavor – The longer the beans soak up the sauce, the richer they become.
✔ Balance the Creaminess – Adjust with extra broth or cream to get the consistency you prefer.
✔ Add Heat If You Like It Spicy – Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Make It Vegan – Use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan for a fully plant-based dish.