Creamy Spanish Butter Beans Recipe

There’s something unbelievably comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of butter beans infused with smoked paprika and a hint of lemon—it’s my ultimate go-to for a cozy night in!

My Spanish Butter Beans recipe is not just delicious, it’s also a great source of protein and fiber. Smoked paprika and cumin give the creamy, comforting beans incredible flavor.

Olive oil, garlic, and bell pepper make the dish a real meal, and fresh parsley and lemon juice provide a delightful finish.

Ingredients

• Butter Beans: High in fiber and protein; creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness; rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system; adds depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and rich flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides heat; boosts metabolism.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C; adds acidity.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; source of calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups dried butter beans (or 4 cups canned butter beans, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this

1. For dried butter beans, do this:
1. Soak the beans overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. Cook the beans in a large pot with fresh water until tender, for 1 to
1.5 hours. For canned beans, do this:
1. Drain the liquid from the cans.
2. Rinse the beans. Then, for both types of beans, do this: For both dried and canned beans, add them to your recipe after completing the above steps. Both will work well.

2. In a big frying pan or a saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Combine the minced garlic and red bell pepper. Heat them for a further 2-3 minutes until the softened pepper and the aromatic garlic reach the completed cooking stage.

4. Introduce smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the heated skillet and stir well to coat the vegetables.

5. Add the vegetable broth and smashed tomatoes. Stir to combine, and then bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Add the sauce to the cooked or canned butter beans in the skillet. Stir gently to combine.

7. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens somewhat.

8. Lower the heat to the minimum and gently add the heavy cream, stirring in evenly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency and is heated through.

9. Check the seasoning and adjust it if necessary. If the mixture appears too thick, add some more broth to achieve the desired consistency.

10. The creamy butter beans should be served hot and garnished with fresh parsley. Chopped, the parsley makes a nice, colorful garnish. But you can also serve the beans with lemon wedges, which adds a lot of flavor.

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl (for soaking beans)
2. Colander (for draining and rinsing beans)
3. Large pot (for cooking dried beans)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large frying pan or saucepan
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Sharp knife
9. Cutting board
10. Can opener (if using canned beans)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned butter beans instead of dried?A: Yes, you can use 4 cups of canned butter beans—just be sure to drain and rinse them before using them in the recipe.
• Q: How can I make this dish vegan?A: Replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or a cream made from nuts.
• Q: Is the cayenne pepper necessary?A: A bit of heat comes from the cayenne pepper, but you can leave it out or change the amount to fit your liking.
• Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?A: Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. It can be reheated gently on the stove.
• Q: What can I serve with this dish?A: Present it with dense bread complying with the molecular gastronomy of steaming rice or quinoa for a dinner-party Stuart. Offer a glass of Chablis and this dining experience is a definite winner.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?A: You can substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika, but your results will taste different. They will be less smoky and more, well, paprika-ish.

Creamy Spanish Butter Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Butter Beans: Use cannellini beans or great northern beans if you want a similar texture.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use avocado or sunflower oil as an alternative.
Red Bell Pepper: Substitute with yellow bell pepper or with orange bell pepper for a different color and for a slight taste variation.
Smoked Paprika: Use regular paprika for a less intense flavor and add liquid smoke to get that signature smoky taste.
Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Flavor with Spices To enhance the smokiness, consider toasting the smoked paprika and cumin in a dry pan before adding the oil. This can help release their essential oils for a richer flavor.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients If accessible, fresh tomatoes can substitute for crushed tomatoes. Simply blanch, peel, and crush them to get a fresher taste in your sauce.

3. Enhance the Creaminess For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the finished dish and stir it back into the pot. This technique helps to create a velvety consistency.

4. Infuse with Fresh Herbs Consider adding fresh thyme or bay leaves to the simmering step of the sauce for an extra layer of depth. Just be sure to remove them before serving.

5. Customize Heat Levels If you enjoy more heat, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper or incorporate a dash of hot sauce during the final simmer. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.