One-Pot Butter Bean Veggie Dish

For this month's feature, I've whipped up a delightfully creamy butter bean dish infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. As a pescatarian, I frequently include fish in my meals, but I'm also keen on exploring plant-based proteins. This recipe is a breeze to prepare—just 20 minutes from start to finish! Plus, it's a one-pot wonder, making both cooking and cleanup exceptionally easy.

Perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to cook or need a quick lunch over the weekend, this dish is not only satisfying and comforting but also packed with nutrients. Butter beans are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, folate, iron, and zinc, and they also provide calcium and protein.

Serve this creamy dish with fresh or toasted bread or any carbohydrate of your choice. I personally love soaking up the leftover sauce with a piece of fresh bread. Enjoy this simple, nutritious meal that won’t break the bank!

Letty Spaghetti x

RECIPE

Serves: 2
Preparation time: 20 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 700g butter beans (I use Bold Bean Co Queen Butter Beans)

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

• A handful of fresh basil (save some for garnish)

• 1 tbsp dried basil

• 250g cherry tomatoes

• Cream cheese (I chose the lactose-free option)

• Lemon juice (from ½ lemon)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 slices of bread (or your choice of carbs to serve with!)

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METHOD

• Start by prepping all of your ingredients. First, wash your cherry tomatoes and set them on kitchen paper to dry for later use.

• Then remove 3 garlic cloves from the bulb, peel the skin off, and set them aside, ready to mince later.

• Roll out your lemon (this helps release the juice) and cut it in half (you’ll need this prepped to add to your one-pot dish).

• To get your one-pot dish started, heat up 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and add your 3 minced garlic cloves.

• Once the garlic softens slightly and releases its aromas, add your butter beans along with the liquid they are in (this also adds to the creamy texture).

• Add your cherry tomatoes (whole; you will press them down once they soften), 1 tbsp of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Next, add 2 tbsp of cream cheese, squeeze in the lemon juice, and give it a mix.

• Once the butter beans and tomatoes begin to soften and form a creamy texture, add in the handful of basil leaves (leaving a few for garnish).

• Keep simmering on medium heat until you’re happy with the texture of this creamy dish.

• Once you’re satisfied, plate up with a few slices of bread and enjoy!