Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Butter Beans recipe combines tender beans with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce and a touch of vegan cream cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner served with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided (more to taste)
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth (low sodium if preferred)
• 2 16-ounce cans large butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Fresh-cracked pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 3-4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese (such as Miyoko’s)
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh-cut basil
• Crusty rustic-style bread (gluten-free or regular)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Add the diced shallot and sauté until translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 30-60 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Step 4: Add halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Gently simmer for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their liquid. Stir occasionally and gently mash tomatoes after 4 minutes to help thicken the sauce. Lower heat if needed to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Add vegetable broth, butter beans, white wine vinegar, fresh-cracked pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Increase heat briefly, then reduce to maintain a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces. Stir occasionally.
6. Step 6: Stir in chopped kale and simmer until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Lower heat and stir in vegan cream cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. If needed, simmer gently for 1-2 more minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Top with fresh basil and serve with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted cherry tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Replace kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
• For extra richness, swirl in a spoonful of coconut cream instead of vegan cream cheese.
• Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.
• Serve with gluten-free bread to keep it allergy-friendly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes if fresh cherry tomatoes are unavailable. Drain excess liquid and adjust simmering time to achieve a thick sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. This recipe uses vegan cream cheese and no animal products, making it fully vegan-friendly.

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Butter Beans recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender large butter beans simmered in a rich tomato and vegan cream cheese sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s perfect served warm alongside crusty rustic bread and fresh basil for a satisfying plant-based meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegetarian American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided (more to taste)
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth, low sodium if preferred
• 2 (16-ounce) cans large butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Fresh-cracked pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 3–4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese (such as Miyoko’s)
• 3–4 tablespoons fresh-cut basil
• Crusty rustic-style bread (gluten-free or regular)

Instructions

1. Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until translucent.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and spices: Mix in the tomato paste, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 30-60 seconds to release their flavors.
4. Simmer tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Gently simmer for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their liquids. Stir occasionally and gently mash tomatoes after about 4 minutes to thicken the sauce into a jammy consistency. Adjust heat to avoid burning.
5. Add beans and broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, drained butter beans, white wine vinegar, fresh-cracked pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Increase heat briefly, then reduce to maintain a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Stir occasionally.
6. Wilt kale: Add chopped kale and simmer until just wilted, approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Add creaminess and finish: Lower the heat and stir in vegan cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. If needed, simmer gently for 1-2 more minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh-cut basil and serve warm alongside crusty rustic bread.

Notes

• You can use fresh or canned butter beans – just ensure they are well-drained and rinsed if canned.
• Halving the cherry tomatoes helps release more flavor and liquid for the sauce.
• For a non-vegan version, regular cream cheese or mascarpone can be substituted instead of vegan cream cheese.
• Serve with gluten-free bread to make the dish gluten-free if desired.
• Adjust crushed red pepper quantity according to your heat preference.
• Make sure to stir gently to keep the beans intact while simmering.

Keywords: butter beans, creamy tomato sauce, vegan butter beans, plant-based dinner, easy stovetop recipe, tomato butter beans, vegan comfort food