Curried Butter Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Curried Butter Beans dish is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The butter beans are tender and rich, soaking up the spices in the curry sauce while maintaining their creamy texture. The blend of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala gives the dish a warm and aromatic flavor profile. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or enjoying as a light lunch. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly versatile – you can serve it with rice, flatbread, or even on its own for a nutritious and hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked butter beans)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and lightly golden.

2. Add the garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, and red chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices and let them cook for another minute to release their flavors.

4. Add the tomatoes and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to break down and thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.

5. Simmer the curry: Add the butter beans and coconut milk (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to absorb the curry sauce.

6. Season to taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed. If you want more creaminess, add additional coconut milk or a splash of water to thin out the curry.

7. Serve: Serve the curried butter beans over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

8. Enjoy your delicious, hearty, and flavorful Curried Butter Beans!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or cauliflower to the curry for added nutrition and flavor.

• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red chili powder, or add fresh chopped chilies to the curry for more heat.

• Use Other Beans: If you can’t find butter beans, you can substitute with other beans like chickpeas or kidney beans.

• Creamy Version: If you prefer a richer curry, add a few tablespoons of cashew cream or vegan yogurt in place of coconut milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This curry freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat the curry in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the curry is too thick when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Be sure to soak them overnight and cook them before adding them to the curry.

2. Can I make this dish without coconut milk?

Yes, you can make this dish without coconut milk. If you prefer, you can use vegetable broth or water for a lighter version, though coconut milk adds a rich creaminess to the curry.

3. Can I add other spices to this curry?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or fenugreek to customize the flavor of your curry.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned. Use about 3 medium tomatoes, chopped, and cook them down for 5-10 minutes until they release their juices and soften.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?

You can add protein such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas to make the curry even heartier.

6. Can I use any other beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute butter beans with other beans like chickpeas, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses only plant-based ingredients and no wheat.

8. Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes, this curry pairs well with naan, roti, or even quinoa or couscous for a different texture and flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped fresh green chilies to the curry. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this curry can be made ahead of time. The flavors will deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Conclusion

Curried Butter Beans is a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that is easy to make and packed with vibrant spices. The creamy butter beans soak up all the warm, aromatic flavors of the curry sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a delicious plant-based meal, this curry is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice, naan, or your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!