Butter Beans with Leeks (Printable Version)
Creamy butter beans and tender leeks simmered with herbs for a hearty vegetarian dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
02 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1 small carrot, diced
→ Beans
04 - 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans (lima beans), drained and rinsed
→ Liquids
05 - 1 cup vegetable broth
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
07 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
08 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
09 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - Zest of ½ lemon
11 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
# How to Make:
01 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
02 - Add sliced leeks and diced carrot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until leeks are soft and translucent but not browned.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add butter beans, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine without breaking the beans.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
06 - Uncover the skillet, add lemon zest, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms humble pantry ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant
- The creamy beans and sweet leeks create the kind of comfort food that makes people ask for seconds
02 -
- Leeks can hide dirt between their layers, so slice them lengthwise first and rinse thoroughly under cold water
- Mashing a few beans against the side of the pan creates a naturally creamy sauce without adding any cream
03 -
- Use dried thyme if you don't have fresh, but reduce to half teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated
- The carrot adds natural sweetness but you can skip it if you prefer a more savory profile