Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Miso Butter Beans is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender butter beans with rich cream and the umami depth of miso paste. Perfect as a hearty side or a light main, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• ½ cup whole cream or coconut cream
• 3 cups packed baby spinach
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced shallots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to release its aroma.
3. Step 3: Pour in the drained butter beans, vegetable stock, and white miso paste. Stir well until the miso paste has dissolved completely.
4. Step 4: Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to blend flavors and create a creamy texture.
6. Step 6: Add the baby spinach, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Cook just until the spinach wilts, then remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Stir in the lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Step 8: Serve topped with optional fresh dill and accompany with slices of crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use coconut cream instead of whole cream to make the dish vegan and add a subtle coconut flavor.
• Fresh dill enhances the dish’s freshness, but you can substitute with parsley or basil if preferred.
• For extra protein, add cooked pancetta or smoked tofu as desired.
• If you like more texture, reserve some whole butter beans to stir in after mashing the rest.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans instead of butter beans?

Yes, cannellini or navy beans work well as substitutes and have a similar creamy texture.

What if I don’t have miso paste on hand?

Miso paste provides umami depth, but if unavailable, a splash of soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be less complex.

Creamy Miso Butter Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

A rich and creamy miso butter beans recipe combining tender butter beans with the umami flavor of white miso paste and the creaminess of whole or coconut cream, finished with fresh baby spinach and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal served with crusty bread.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese-inspired vegetarian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• ½ cup whole cream or coconut cream
• 3 cups packed baby spinach
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Optional – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Instructions

1. Heat the pan: In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until hot to create the base flavor.
2. Sauté shallots: Add the sliced shallots and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent, releasing their sweetness.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to bring out its aroma without burning.
4. Add beans and miso mixture: Pour in the rinsed butter beans, 1 ½ cups vegetable stock, and 1 tablespoon white miso paste. Stir well to dissolve the miso paste evenly.
5. Simmer to reduce: Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
6. Add cream and continue simmering: Stir in ½ cup whole cream or coconut cream and simmer for another 5 minutes to create a creamy texture.
7. Add spinach and season: Stir in 3 cups packed baby spinach, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Remove from heat once the spinach has wilted to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
8. Finish with lemon and dill: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness and add the optional 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill for herbal freshness.
9. Serve: Serve warm topped with dill if used and accompanied by slices of crusty bread for a hearty and comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute coconut cream for whole cream to make this dish dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• If you do not have fresh dill, parsley or chives make good alternatives.
• To increase protein content, consider adding cooked quinoa or tofu on the side.
• Ensure to rinse the canned butter beans well to reduce sodium content.
• Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the miso paste used, as some miso can be quite salty.

Keywords: miso butter beans, creamy butter beans, vegetarian main dish, miso cream sauce, spinach butter beans, easy vegetarian recipe