Name: Creamy Coconut Butter Beans with Lemon and Spices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil recommended); 1 red onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 13.4-ounce package or can pre-cooked butter beans, drained and rinsed; 1 13.5-ounce can full fat coconut milk; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled); 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red chili flakes; Hemp seeds

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Introduction

This comforting butter beans recipe is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make with pantry staples. The combination of coconut milk and warm spices creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender beans. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has one main layer of bright yellow-orange beans covered in a shiny, slightly thick sauce. The beans are plump and smooth, with a glistening texture. Scattered on top are small bits of reddish-brown flakes and tiny white seeds, adding texture and contrast. The sauce has a glossy finish with specks of seasoning visible throughout. A silver spoon is partially visible on the left, resting in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
1 red onion (finely chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 13.4-ounce package or can pre-cooked butter beans (drained and rinsed)
1 13.5-ounce can full fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional garnishes: red chili flakes, hemp seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and beginning to turn golden.
Step 2: Stir in the butter beans, coconut milk, lemon juice, turmeric, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy butter beans!

Tips & Variations

For added depth, try sautéing a diced bell pepper along with the onions.
Use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt to enhance the smoky flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your dish spicier.
Serve over steamed rice or with warm flatbread for a fuller meal.
Swap butter beans for cannellini or great northern beans if unavailable.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a single layer of bright yellow beans covered in a thick, glossy orange sauce. Small bits of red chili flakes and white seeds are sprinkled evenly over the top, adding a textured look with red and white specks across the surface. A silver spoon is partly submerged on the left side, resting on a white bowl filled with the beans. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak and cook dried butter beans until tender before using. This can take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the beans.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.