Butter Beans With Tomato Sauce And Parmesan
Creamy butter beans simmered in rich tomato sauce with fresh parsley and Parmesan, perfect for hearty, flavorful vegetarian meals or comforting sides.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat beans, vegetable stock, tomato sauce, and bay leaf in a large pot.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and add ground pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or longer to thicken.
- Discard bay leaf and serve in bowls.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing onion and garlic before adding the beans and liquids. If you don’t have butter beans, cannellini or great northern beans can be suitable substitutes. To add a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be included. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the dish, giving a nod to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Apple And Pear Salad, for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a simple green salad like Matterhorn Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to prevent dryness. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Beans With Tomato Sauce And Parmesan contains roughly 1497 calories, with 90g protein, 332g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (499% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (244% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1019mg per serving (44% 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 dried butter beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried butter beans. Soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the pot with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked before simmering with the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, to make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying without the cheese.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers are versatile! You can use them as a filling for wraps or blend them into a soup. They can also be reheated and served over rice or pasta for a quick meal, ensuring you enjoy every bite.
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).