Easy Baked Butter Beans (with a Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce)

Baked Butter Beans in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce & Za’atar Crumbs

Baked Butter Beans in a creamy roasted pepper sauce and topped with crunchy za'atar breadcrumbs for a delicious and versatile dish.

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Seiran Sinjari - Legally Plantbased Author Photo - Title: Recipe Developer and BOV Contributor

In this Easy Baked Butter Beans recipe by columnist Seiran Sinjari, butter beans are baked in a creamy roasted pepper sauce and topped with crunchy za’atar breadcrumbs for a delicious and versatile dish with a creamy texture. While these baked beans can be enjoyed as a main dish, they also make a great side dish. Her recipe column All About the Veg! is all about highlighting the versatility of fruits and vegetables by shining a spotlight on a different one in each of her articles.

Baked Butter Beans in a Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce & Za’atar Crumbs

I’m excited to share a new recipe with you this week, starring the humble butter bean, that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures that work perfectly together: Baked Butter Beans in Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce & Za’atar Crumbs. If you love comfort foods, you’ll certainly love this recipe!

The butter beans and roasted pepper sauce are a match made in heaven. The creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the hearty and slightly nutty flavor of the butter beans. And the za’atar breadcrumbs add a crunch that ties everything so nicely together.

Now, let’s talk about butter beans. These legumes are so versatile and are used in many different cuisines around the world. Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and nutrients. They can be used in a variety of vegan recipes, including soups, stews, salads, and dips. What’s not to love?

I prefer soaking dry beans and cooking them myself but when using canned butter beans, just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove any excess sodium. It’s also a very important step if you have a sensitive tummy.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize. You can add more spices or herbs to the sauce, or switch up the type of breadcrumbs you use.

Now, let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Butter Beans & Roasted Pepper Sauce

Cooked butter beans
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, sliced (or garlic powder)
Small roasted peppers, jarred (you can also make your own by roasted a fresh red bell pepper)
Tahini
Lemon juice
Aleppo chili flakes or other mild chili flakes
Ground coriander
Sweet paprika powder
Dried parsley
Salt & black pepper
Water

For the Za’atar Crumbs

Bread crumbs (gluten-free if desired)
Za’atar spice blend
Olive oil

Remaining Ingredients

Crusty bread or gluten-free bread (to serve)

How to Make These Baked Butter Beans in a Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce & Za’atar Crumbs

Step one: Pre-heat oven

Pre-heat the oven to 200 C / 390 F.

Step two: Prepare the sauce

To prepare the sauce, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the garlic and fry until fragrant. Add the roasted peppers and all seasonings, fry for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and blend with tahini, lemon juice and water until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Mix the sauce with the cooked beans and place in an oven safe dish.

Step three: Make the Za’atar crumbs & bake the beans

Place the butter bean mix in a casserole dish. Next, mix together all ingredients for the Za’atar crumbs in a small bowl. Adjust with more olive oil if needed. Sprinkle the crumbs all over the butter beans and bake on the middle rack in the hot oven for 25 minutes or until a slightly golden brown crust has formed at the top.

Step four: Serve and enjoy

Serve with bread while warm and enjoy.

Instructions for soaking and cooking dried beans

Rinse the beans and then soak them in lots of water for 16-24 hours.
Drain and then cover with lots of water in a large pot.
Optional: add aromatics such as bay leaves, a carrot and a halved onion.
Bring to a boil and let cook 1 h 45 minutes to 2 hours or until tender over medium heat. Drain when cooked so they don’t get watery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are butter beans the same thing as lima beans?

They’re part of the same type of bean, but there are some nuances. Lima beans are usually green and smaller, whereas butter beans are cream-colored and larger (which is why they’re sometimes referred to as u0022large lima beansu0022. They also have a slightly softer, buttery texture.

What are the health benefits of butter beans?

Butter beans are rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well as high in plant protein and numerous vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Thanks to these properties, they’re a great staple food to help improve heart health and regulate blood sugar.

What can I use instead of butter beans?

Any other white beans would make a great alternative to butter beans, such as navy beans, or cannellini beans.

Where can I find the spices used in this recipe?

You’ll be able to find most ingredients at any regular grocery store, but for some of the spices, you might need to go to a Middle Eastern specialty store or you can order them online.

Can I meal prep these baked beans?

Yes! you could even make a double batch. You’ll just need to let it cool until it reaches room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.