Tomato Basil Butter Beans Recipe

I tried creating Tomato Basil Butter Beans using ripe diced tomatoes, hearty butter beans and fragrant basil. Infused with garlic, tomato paste and fresh vegetable broth, this dish surprises me with its rich flavor and satisfying texture. I love how its blend of ingredients makes dinner a delightful conversation starter.

I recently came across this fresh twist on a classic dish and couldn’t wait to share it with you. I was inspired by ideas from recipes for butter beans and even those with a slight Mediterranean touch, so I decided to put my own spin on it.

This Tomato Basil Butter Beans recipe packs a punch with ingredients like two cans of butter beans, one can of diced tomatoes, and a cup of vegetable broth, all simmered together with a chopped onion, minced garlic, and tomato paste. I add a drizzle of olive oil and a shower of salt and pepper to round things out before sprinkling in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves.

It takes me only 30 minutes to whip up this stew, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels a bit like a culinary adventure, blending comfort with a kick of bold, bright flavors.

Why I Like this Recipe

Reasons I like this recipe:
1. I love how the flavors blend so perfectly, making each bite taste fresh and hearty.
2. I like that it only uses 9 ingredients, so it’s really simple even on busy weeknights.
3. I enjoy that the recipe is both vegan and gluten free, which fits perfectly with my eating habits.

These creamy tomato basil butter beans are super quick and easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Its a healthy meal thats vegan, gluten free and perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners. With only 9 ingredients, I can make a really tasty and fresh stew that always satisfies me even when I dont have a lot of time. Its simple but full of flavor and makes me feel good knowing I crafted something nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• Creamy butter beans, rich in fiber and protein, deliver a hearty, satisfying texture.
• Juicy diced tomatoes add sweet-tart flavor, abundant vitamins and moisture to liven dishes.
• Fragrant basil leaves lend a fresh, peppery kick and boost nutrients in every bite.
• Thick tomato paste provides deep, concentrated flavor, enhancing color and richness of the sauce.
• Chopped onion imparts a mellow sweetness and aromatic depth that forms a flavorful base.
• Minced garlic delivers a robust, savory punch, boosting aroma and offering potent health benefits.
• Vegetable broth infuses a light, savory moisture while enhancing subtle, natural vegetable notes.
• Extra virgin olive oil smooths cooking, enriches flavor with its fruity richness and silky texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 4 minutes until they are soft and a bit translucent.

3. Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir it into the onions and garlic for around 1 minute.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth and mix everything together.

5. Stir in the drained butter beans, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes so the flavors blend well.

7. In the last couple minutes, mix in the roughly chopped basil leaves.

8. Give it another stir, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

9. Turn off the heat, let it sit for a minute to cool slightly, then serve warm.

10. Enjoy your tomato basil butter beans while it’s hot!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium pot for heating the oil and simmering all the ingredients on the stove
2. Stove burner to actually get the pot hot
3. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the onions, garlic and tomato paste together
4. Knife for chopping the onion and roughly chopping the basil leaves
5. Cutting board to safely chop your vegetables
6. Can opener to open the cans of butter beans and diced tomatoes
7. Measuring cup to accurately measure the vegetable broth and tomato paste
8. Colander or strainer for draining and rinsing the butter beans
9. Serving spoon or ladle to dish out the finished meal onto plates

FAQ

Tomato Basil Butter Beans Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find butter beans, try using cannellini beans or even chickpeas
• If you are out of vegetable broth, simply use water with a bouillon cube dissolved in it
• You can swap diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce
• If you dont have fresh basil, dried basil or even a bit of fresh parsley can work as good substitutes

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you cook the onions and garlic slowly till they turn soft and just a little bit golden so they flavor the dish really well, dont rush it!
2. Add your basil at the very end while the soup is still warm. If you cook it too long, it loses its punch and fresh flavor.
3. Always taste as you go along; sometimes a little more salt or pepper can really bring out the flavors.
4. If you like a little extra kick, try tossing in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the tomato paste. Enjoy experimenting!