Lemon Garlic Butter Beans

This delightful recipe brings together the creamy texture of butter beans with the vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic. It's a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. The tangy lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist, while the garlic infuses a robust aroma that complements the beans beautifully. The process requires only a few ingredients, making it an economical choice without sacrificing taste. With just 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time, it's a convenient option for busy days. The result is a vibrant and satisfying plate of butter beans enriched with buttery goodness and zesty notes. Furthermore, this dish pairs well with various proteins, making it versatile for multiple meals. Serve it with a wedge of lemon and a handful of fresh greens for an appetizing presentation. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite stand-by when you need something tasty yet uncomplicated.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 g butter beans
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 lemon zest
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste

Preparation Time

Total time: 20 minutes (prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Wash the butter beans thoroughly if they are fresh. If using canned beans, rinse them to remove excess sodium.

2. Melt the Butter: Place a pan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt slowly and coat the bottom of the pan.

3. Add Zest and Garlic: Grate the lemon to get the zest, ensuring no white pith is included. Add the lemon zest to the melted butter. Peel and crush the garlic cloves, adding them to the pan next.

4. Infuse Flavors: Stir the garlic and lemon zest in the butter for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it will turn bitter.

5. Introduce the Butter Beans: Add the butter beans to the pan, ensuring they are evenly coated with the garlic-butter mixture.

6. Saute and Stir: Sauté the beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the beans absorb the flavors of the garlic and butter.

7. Add Lemon Juice and Salt: After about 5 minutes of cooking, pour in the lemon juice. Season with salt according to your taste.

8. Continue Cooking: Let the beans cook until they are tender but not mushy. This should take an additional 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

9. Check for Doneness: The beans should be soft and flavors well blended. If they need more time, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

10. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the beans onto a serving dish. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can substitute butter beans with green beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
• For extra zest: Add a pinch of chili flakes along with the lemon zest for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Experiment with herbs such as thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread.
• Additions: Include diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful variation.
• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh dill or mint to change the herb profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
• Main Course: Serve with crusty bread or over quinoa for a wholesome meal.
• Garnishes: Use lemon wedges, fresh parsley, or grated parmesan for extra flair.

Best Places

1. Bar Garchia - Famous for their butter beans with lemon twist. Location: Calle de la Luna, Seville, Spain.
2. Le Jardin - Offers a wonderful herb-infused version. Location: Rue de Savoia, Lyon, France.
3. Trattoria del Sole - Known for their Mediterranean flair. Location: Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
4. Café Artisan - Features a simple yet flavorful dish. Location: Baking Street, Paris, France.
5. The Green Spoon - Specializes in plant-based variations. Location: Market Lane, Toronto, Canada.
6. Urban Fork - Loved for their unique presentation. Location: Mason Road, Sydney, Australia.
7. Savory Seasons - Offers a comforting version with creamy textures. Location: Maple Avenue, Vancouver, Canada.
8. El Granario - Known for an earthy, spicy adaptation. Location: Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain.
9. Bistro Verde - Praised for adding fresh herbs to the dish. Location: Olive Drive, Wellington, New Zealand.
10. Culinary Hearth - Offers seasonal variations. Location: Union Street, London, UK.