Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Creamy Stewed Butter Beans

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stewed butter beans with cherry tomatoes and herbs

stewed butter beans are the perfect cozy dish for any time of the year.

this recipe is bursting with flavor, featuring creamy butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and coconut milk sauce, brightened up with fresh parsley and a blend of mediterranean-inspired spices.

it’s hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

taste and texture

this dish is a beautiful combination of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.

the butter beans are tender and creamy, while the cherry tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy pop. the coconut milk adds a subtle richness, and the herbs provide a fresh, vibrant finish.

every bite feels perfectly balanced, with the smooth and creamy sauce complementing the soft, melt-in-your-mouth butter beans.

why it’s healthy

every ingredient in this dish brings something nourishing to the table.

butter beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which help keep you full and support digestion.

tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, and the coconut milk offers healthy fats.

the fresh parsley adds additional vitamins and minerals while enhancing the overall flavor.

this dish is gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely plant-based, making it accessible to a variety of diets.

all about butter beans

butter beans, also known as lima beans, are known for their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor.

they’re incredibly versatile and soak up the flavors of whatever they’re cooked with, making them the star of this dish.

if you’ve never cooked with butter beans before, this recipe is the perfect way to try them out.

budget friendly meal

one of the best things about this stewed butter beans recipe is how affordable it is to make!

canned butter beans and tomato sauce are pantry staples that come at a low cost, making them the foundation of this budget-friendly meal.

cherry tomatoes, especially when purchased in season, are both economical and flavorful.

using coconut milk adds creaminess without the expense of specialty cream alternatives, and fresh parsley is an inexpensive way to brighten the dish.

plus, with simple, widely available ingredients, this recipe avoids the need for pricey or hard-to-find items, proving that delicious, hearty meals don’t have to break the bank.

estimated costs breakdown: $10.25 ÷ 4 servings = $2.56 per serving

1. Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tbsp): ~$0.40
2. Garlic (3 cloves): ~$0.15
3. Small onion (1): ~$0.50
4. Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): ~$3.00
5. Mediterranean seasoning (1/2 tbsp): ~$0.20
6. Butter beans (2 cans, 15 oz each): ~$3.00
7. Tomato sauce (15 oz can): ~$1.50
8. Coconut milk (1/2 cup): ~$0.80 (from a $2.00 can)
9. Garlic powder (1 tsp): ~$0.05
10. Onion powder (1 tsp): ~$0.05
11. Fresh parsley (1/3 cup): ~$0.50
12. Sea salt and black pepper: ~$0.10

substitutions

this recipe is super flexible and can be adapted to your taste or what you have on hand:

• if you don’t have butter beans, you can use cannellini beans or chickpeas instead.
• swap the parsley for fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• if you prefer a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• for a nuttier flavor, replace the coconut milk with almond cream or cashew cream.
• if necessary, you can make your own mediterranean seasoning with the following: Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Sea Salt, Dill Weed, Parsley, Onion Powder, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Thyme, Marjoram.

what you need

• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 tbsp mediterranean seasoning (substitute with 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp dried rosemary)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• one 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (use full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• sea salt and black pepper, to taste

how to make it

1. heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. add the halved cherry tomatoes and seasonings, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. stir in the butter beans and sauté until they are well-coated in the seasoning and tomato mixture.
4. pour in the tomato sauce and coconut milk, stirring to combine. bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium heat and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. be sure to stir frequently.
5. once cooked, stir in the fresh parsley and season with more sea salt and black pepper to taste. enjoy warm.

what to serve it with

the stewed butter beans are incredibly delicious on their own and also pair well with many plant-based sides:

• serve with crusty bread or pita to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• spoon over a bed of fluffy quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
• enjoy alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for added texture and freshness.

storage

to store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

to reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

this dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy meal prep. thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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