If you love the bright, zesty flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you simply have to try this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe. Pillowy butter beans are bathed in a luxurious sauce made from garlic, shallot, lemon zest, and just a touch of cream, making each spoonful irresistibly velvety and fresh. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a stand-alone vegetarian main, this dish offers comfort, vibrant citrus, and deep garlic richness—all with minimal effort and maximum reward. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a dish that tastes restaurant-quality. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring the right touch of creaminess, tang, and aromatic flavor, while maintaining that inviting homemade feel.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, fruity foundation and ensures nothing sticks to your pan.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides creamy depth and a little bit of indulgence to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Garlic is the heart of this dish, giving it wonderful aroma and warmth.
- Small shallot, finely chopped (1): Offers gentle sweetness and helps balance the punchy garlic.
- Butter beans or lima beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans, 15 oz each): The stars of the recipe—use canned for convenience!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to bring out every bit of flavor from your ingredients.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of spice and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A little kick if you like heat—totally up to you.
- Vegetable broth (½ cup): Helps meld all the flavors together and adds savory depth.
- Heavy cream or coconut cream (¼ cup): This is where the creaminess comes from, and coconut cream makes it vegan-friendly.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Brings zippy citrus character and a beautiful aroma that lifts the dish.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Balances the creaminess with bright, tangy freshness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): The perfect garnish for color and herby brightness.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil and Butter
Start by grabbing your favorite large skillet and placing it over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and drop in the butter. As the butter melts, swirl the pan a little so everything is nicely combined—this mix will set the stage for a sauce that’s full-bodied and silky. Once the butter is fully melted and just beginning to foam, you’re ready for the aromatics!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shallot
Add your minced garlic and finely chopped shallot straight into the skillet. Stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft and wonderfully fragrant. There’s nothing like that moment when garlic meets butter—the scent signals something delicious is on the way! Be sure the heat isn’t too high to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add the Butter Beans and Seasonings
Tip in your drained butter beans and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you love a little zip. Gently stir to coat the beans in all those garlicy, buttery flavors. Let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—just enough to heat through while keeping the beans intact and creamy inside.
Step 4: Simmer with Vegetable Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and give everything a gentle stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This brief simmer not only warms the beans all the way through, but also reduces the liquid just enough to concentrate all those layered flavors. The broth also prevents the beans from drying out and helps create the start of that creamy sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Lemon
Turn the heat down low and add your cream (or coconut cream if making vegan). Then stir in the lemon zest and juice to wake everything up. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and visibly coats the beans—this is where the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe really lives up to its name!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Remove from heat and shower the beans with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the beans warm, letting the creamy, citrusy sauce speak for itself! Every bite is a little celebration of bright and cozy flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped parsley is classic, but you could also sprinkle finely grated lemon zest or a dusting of cracked black pepper for extra flair. For a touch of richness, a drizzle of good olive oil or even some crumbled feta (if not vegan) makes these beans pop both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
The Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe plays well with so many sidekicks! Pile them onto crusty sourdough toast for a hearty meal, spoon them over fluffy rice or couscous, or serve alongside your favorite grilled vegetables. They are right at home next to a fresh salad or roasted potatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these beans as a warm bruschetta-style appetizer on crostini for parties, or nestled into grain bowls with wilted greens and roasted tomatoes. They’re also wonderful as a topper for baked sweet potatoes or tucked into wraps for a satisfying lunch. This Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is incredibly versatile, so let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and become even more delicious, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking back for an extra bowl!
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe for up to one month. Make sure the beans have fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—the sauce will regain its creaminess once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add the beans to a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until fully warmed through. For the creamiest texture, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it heats. The microwave also works, but use medium power and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use dried butter beans! Just be sure to soak and cook them according to package directions before substituting them in. The Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe shines with canned beans for speed, but dried beans offer a wonderful homemade touch if you have the time.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
This recipe is easily made vegan—simply use only olive oil (skip the butter) and swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. The result is just as rich, with a hint of coconut flavor that plays nicely with the lemon and garlic.
What can I use instead of butter beans?
If you can’t find butter beans, large lima beans or even cannellini beans will work well. The Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe is flexible, so use what you have on hand—you’re mainly seeking a creamy, mild bean that holds its shape.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, simply let the beans simmer uncovered for a couple of extra minutes after adding the cream and lemon. Stir gently to help the sauce reduce. You can also mash a few beans in the pan to naturally thicken the base.
Can I add greens to the recipe?
Absolutely! A few handfuls of spinach or chopped kale stirred in during the final minutes of cooking will wilt beautifully and add extra nutrition. It’s a wonderful way to turn Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe into a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that delivers comfort and elegance in just 25 minutes, give this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe a spot in your weekly line-up. The blend of creamy sauce, tangy lemon, and tender beans creates a cozy moment in every bite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite for you and your family!
Print
Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Beans recipe. Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavors, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the beans:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans or lima beans (drained and rinsed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable broth
For the creamy sauce:
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté garlic and shallot until soft. Add beans, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the beans: Stir in vegetable broth and simmer. Add cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook until creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil and coconut cream.
- Delicious as a side dish or over toast, rice, or pasta.
- Enhance with wilted greens like spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
