You’ve probably heard of penne all’arrabbiata, the hugely popular – and often naturally vegan – spicy Italian tomato pasta dish. But have you ever thought of replacing pasta with beans for a more unusual and protein-packed dinner? Let us introduce to you: spicy arrabbiata butter beans.
Read more: 17 Protein-Packed Vegan Bean Recipes
This recipe comes from Romy London, and it’s a perfect warming dinner for the fall and winter months. It’s very easy to make and features just a few cupboard staple ingredients. Butter beans have been having a bit of a moment over the last year, with a growing number of people recognizing their taste, versatility, and other benefits.
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are popular for their creamy texture and mild flavor, making them highly versatile in vegan cooking. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to spreads and salads, easily absorbing flavors and adding richness to meals. Butter beans also offer health benefits; they are rich in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Read more: 11 Nostalgic Dinner Recipes Made Vegan
Arrabbiata butter beans
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tins of butter beans
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic (for garlic crisps)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and softens.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes (to taste) and dried oregano to the pan. Then stir in the tomato puree.
- Drain and rinse the butter beans. Add them to the pan along with the chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- While the beans are simmering, make the garlic crisps. Thinly sliced the 3 cloves of garlic. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a separate pan over a low-medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and fry until they become crispy and golden. Remove them from the pan and place on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
- Once the beans are done simmering, stir in a few leaves of fresh basil, leaving some for garnish.
- Serve the beans garnished with the garlic crisps and fresh basil, and enjoy them on their own or alongside freshly toasted bread.
Read more: Caramelized Onion Butter Beans