Relish the fresh, vibrant flavours of this Green Goddess Butter Bean recipe—an easy, nourishing dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. Butter beans provide a rich, creamy base packed with plant-based protein, while fresh greens like spinach, broccoli, and zucchini add layers of texture and nutrition. Infused with aromatic herbs and a velvety sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of flavour and nourishment.
This recipe works beautifully as both a light meal and a hearty side, offering a delicious way to embrace wholesome, feel-good eating. The combination of protein-rich beans and nutrient-dense greens makes it both comforting and nourishing, perfect for any time of year. Simple to prepare yet full of depth, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favourite in your plant-based repertoire.
Let’s talk a bit more about butter beans:
Are butter beans and cannellini beans the same?
No, they’re not the same. Butter beans are larger and creamier, while cannellini beans are smaller, firmer, and have a nuttier flavour.
What’s the difference between fava beans and butter beans?
Fava beans (broad beans) are smoother and sweeter, while butter beans are starchier and milder. Even frozen broad beans have a more distinct and tasty flavour.
Are butter beans healthy?
Yes, butter beans are highly nutritious. They’re rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and key nutrients such as iron, folate, magnesium, and zinc.
Why are they called butter beans?
They’re named for their buttery flavour and creamy texture when cooked, which sets them apart from other legumes in both taste and feel.
Satisfy Creamy Butter Bean Cravings
This Green Goddess Butter Bean recipe is perfect for any occasion. It works wonderfully as a light lunch, a wholesome side dish for dinner, or even as a comforting mid-week meal. The nutrient-dense ingredients make it ideal for boosting your energy and supporting your health, especially during colder months when you need something warm and satisfying. It’s also so easy to prep. Learn how to make this deliciously healthy recipe here:
Step-by-Step Creamy Green Goddess Butter Beans Tutorial
A creamy, plant-based dish packed with protein-rich butter beans and vibrant greens, offering a wholesome and nourishing meal.
Green Goddess Butter Beans
Ingredients
For the Green Goddess Sauce
- 3-4 Garlic cloves
- 1 Leek sliced
- 2 Medium zucchinis sliced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Cups Spinach chopped
- 1 Cup Basil
- 1 Cup Coconut milk
For the Butter Beans
- 1 Cups cooked butter beans
- Salt & pepper to taste
To Garnish
- Drizzle of Coconut Milk
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Green Goddess Sauce
- Sauté garlic and leek. Heat olive oil in a large skillet overmedium-high heat, then add garlic and leek. Fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook zucchini and spinach. Add zucchini and spinach to the pan, fryingfor a few more minutes until it is tender.
- Blend the green goddess sauce. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender,adding basil and coconut milk, then blend until smooth.
Combine the Butter Beans
- Heat and combine with beans. Pour the vegetable mixture back intothe pan over medium-low heat and stir in the beans. Season with salt and pepperto taste.
- Garnish and serve. Drizzle with coconut milk, squeeze fresh lemon juice,and top with fresh basil.
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoy this delightful Green Goddess Butter Beans dish as a wholesome addition to your vegan recipe collection. Here’s a variety of ways for you to perfectly complement its creamy, nutrient-packed flavour and create a satisfying, well-rounded meal:- Crusty bread: Enjoy the creamy butter beans with a slice of toasted sourdough or any hearty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Rice: Serve the green goddess butter beans over fluffy rice for a more substantial meal.
- Top with roasted vegetables: A crisp, green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy beans.
- Grilled tofu or tempeh: For added protein, pair the beans with grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete plant-based meal.
Green Goddess Butter Bean Key Ingredients and Substitutes
Adjust the dish to your preferences or make it with what you have available with these simple substitutes:- Butter Beans: The star of the dish, these creamy beans provide protein and a smooth texture.
- Substitute: Use cannellini beans or chickpeas for a slightly different flavour and texture.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a mild sweetness to the sauce.
- Substitute: Almond milk or cashew cream can work as dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version.
- Basil: Fresh basil contributes a vibrant, herbal flavour to the dish.
- Substitute: You can swap basil for parsley, cilantro, or a mix of your favourite fresh herbs.
- Zucchini: A mild, tender vegetable that adds texture and moisture.
- Substitute: Yellow squash can be used as alternatives. However this will not yield to a rich green sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no gluten-based ingredients.
- Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Feel free to add more veggies, such as spinach, kale, or peas, to make the dish even more colourful and nutritious.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store in individual portions and enjoy throughout the week for a quick, healthy meal.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the beans and vegetables in a slow cooker, then blend the mixture with the coconut milk for a creamy, smooth consistency.
Best Vegan Butter Beans Recipe Made Healthy
I have made this for several occasions and it’s devoured by kids and adults alike. The rich combination of coconut milk and vibrant vegetables creates a healthy comforting, flavour-packed meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a versatile, plant-based option that pairs perfectly with rice or crusty bread, offering a delicious way to enjoy fresh herbs and wholesome ingredients discreetly especially for the fussy eaters. You’ll love the way it’s so simple to make yet so full of taste.
Using Butter Bean in Other Recipes
If you loved this creamy and healthy Green Goddess Butter Bean recipe, you will surely love other simple and vegan recipes with butter bean in my other recipes such as my Roasted Zucchini with Creamy Butter Bean Hummus and Tahini Roasted Butter Beans.
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