Creamy butter beans gently simmered in a rich, herbaceous sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil—this rustic Tuscan-inspired dish is a nourishing and deeply flavorful vegetarian meal. Ideal for cozy evenings or light entertaining, it’s best served with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying: Butter beans provide a creamy, protein-rich base.
- Packed with flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs give the sauce bold Mediterranean depth.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Serve as a main, side, or even as a plant-based topping for toast.
- Naturally vegetarian and optionally vegan: Easily adaptable to fit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- olive oil
- red onion
- garlic cloves
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- sun-dried tomatoes
- canned butter beans
- vegetable broth
- canned crushed tomatoes
- coconut cream or heavy cream
- salt and black pepper
- fresh basil
- fresh parsley
- sourdough or rustic bread (for serving)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the butter beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in the coconut cream or heavy cream. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and parsley just before serving.
- Serve hot with slices of crusty sourdough or rustic bread.
Servings and timing
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Make it vegan: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of simmering.
- Smoky flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes.
- Add cheese: Top with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra richness.
- Hearty upgrade: Serve over polenta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a fuller meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating is also effective in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
What are butter beans?
Butter beans are large, creamy white beans (also known as lima beans) with a soft texture and mild flavor, perfect for stews and sauces.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but they must be fully cooked before using. Soak overnight and cook until tender before adding to the recipe.
Is coconut cream noticeable in the flavor?
It blends subtly into the sauce. If you prefer, use heavy cream or a neutral plant-based cream alternative.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it stores well and reheats beautifully. Wait to add fresh herbs until just before serving for best flavor.
Can I use tomato paste instead of crushed tomatoes?
Tomato paste is too concentrated. If needed, thin it with water or broth to mimic the consistency of crushed tomatoes.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. If using dry-packed, soak them in warm water first.
How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I serve this cold as a salad?
This dish is best served warm, but you can enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature as a rustic bean salad.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and cream are certified gluten-free.
What can I substitute for butter beans?
Cannellini or great northern beans are good substitutes, though the texture may be slightly different.
Conclusion
Tuscan Butter Beans in Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce is a warming, comforting dish full of Mediterranean character. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, it delivers rich flavor and creamy texture in every spoonful. Serve it with crusty bread or over grains for a wholesome meal that’s both nourishing and elegant—ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dining.
Print
Tuscan Butter Beans in Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy butter beans are simmered in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato and basil sauce in this rustic Tuscan-inspired dish. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect served with crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup coconut cream or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty sourdough or rustic bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in butter beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in coconut cream or heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh basil and parsley just before serving.
- Serve hot with toasted sourdough or rustic bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Dish can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Try adding sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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