Butter Beans, Bacon And Tomatoes
A hearty, flavorful bean and bacon stew with tomatoes and spices, perfect for comforting meals and pairs well with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 4 cups fresh or frozen butter beans ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute bacon, onion, green pepper, garlic, and bay leaf until fragrant and bacon is browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and butter beans, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove lid and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes.
- Stir in minced parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper, then cook for 5 more minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using smoked bacon for a deeper taste. If you don't have fresh butter beans, frozen ones work well and save prep time. Feel free to substitute the green pepper with a red or yellow pepper for a sweeter touch. A splash of vinegar can brighten the dish if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the butter beans, bacon, and tomatoes warm, garnished with extra parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. It also makes a great filling for burritos or wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Beans, Bacon And Tomatoes contains roughly 799 calories, with 82g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (410% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (284% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2701mg per serving (117% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned butter beans instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can substitute canned butter beans, but be sure to drain and rinse them before adding. Reduce the cooking time since they're already cooked; add them in the last 10 minutes of simmering to heat through without becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of bacon for a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian alternative, try using smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor. You can also add a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the dish's depth without using meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add chopped fresh chili peppers along with the other vegetables. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).