Description
If you’re craving a cozy dish that’s both hearty and fresh, these Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans are exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder combines tender butter beans with a bright and zesty lemon garlic cream sauce, creating a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s rich, silky, and loaded with flavor—perfect on toast, as a side dish, or the star of a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
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Ingredients
For the Creamy Butter Beans:
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2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
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1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
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½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish & Serving:
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2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
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Extra lemon zest or slices
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Crusty sourdough or toasted baguette slices
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Butter Beans
Add the drained butter beans to the skillet. Stir gently to coat.
Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and thyme.
Simmer uncovered for 7–8 minutes, letting the beans absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream or coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for another 5–6 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beans.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve warm, spooned generously over crusty toast, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Optional: Finish with extra lemon zest or a drizzle of olive oil for a burst of freshness.
Notes
Let It Simmer – Simmer uncovered to reduce the broth and intensify flavor.
Balance the Lemon – Start with a little juice and add more to your taste.
Don’t Over-Stir – Butter beans are delicate and can break if stirred too aggressively.
Cream Substitutes – Coconut milk or a mix of cashew cream work great for dairy-free versions.
Make It a Meal – Add wilted spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for more body.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired